Dear St. Lukers,
It’s hard to believe we are past the midpoint of our journey with Jesus into the woods of Lent. We have learned that to Love on Purpose means we follow, speak, and rumble. So far, this purposeful love has challenged me in those places of my life where I would much rather seek comfort, safety, and silence. But with every opportunity to point us toward his suffering, death, and resurrection, Jesus is showing me how to love in those places in my life instead of keeping them “ under wraps.”
Many of you have leaned into the idea of love speaking truth and rumbling, and as your clergy, we have had great conversations with you about what’s going on in our community, nation, and around the world, especially in Gaza. I find myself sometimes not feeling as confident in my knowledge about the history of the conflict between Israel and Palestine, and many of you have said that as well. Working with some of our St. Lukers, we are hosting a virtual webinar on March 21 at 6:30 p.m. entitled "Faith In Action: Christian Perspectives on Peacebuilding in Israel/Palestine." Click here to learn more about the event and to get the Zoom link to join.
During this webinar event, we will be hearing from Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon, Executive Director of Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP), highlighting the historic and contemporary Christian presence in the Holy Land. We will hear an overview of the Israel/Palestine conflict and the Holy Land, discuss some challenges and opportunities for coexistence, and Dr. Cannon and her staff will share their expertise on Christian engagement in the contemporary contexts of the conflict. Special attention will be paid to the date of October 7, and how Christian communities around the world have mobilized in support of peace in the face of such devastation in Gaza, Israel, and the West Bank. We will offer an opportunity to...
