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A special ELCA campaign calling for efforts toward a viable, contiguous Palestinian state, a secure Israeli state at peace with its Arab neighbors, and a shared Jerusalem with equal access and rights for Jews, Christians, and Muslims.
Please read about the ways in which Rocky Mountain Synod congregations are supporting the ELCA Peace Not Walls Campaign.
Augustana Lutheran Supports Bright Stars of Bethlehem
Augustana Lutheran Church in Denver has contributed to the support of Christmas Lutheran Church and it's several ministries in a couple of ways this fall. In August, the Augustana Lutheran Foundation approved a request for $2,000 to support the scholarship program at the new Dar al-Kalima Christian College.It is hoped that this grant can be an annual commitment.
On the first Sunday in November the Bright Stars Christmas Market, featuring both glass and olive wood Christmas ornaments, opened for business - and SOLD OUT. The second Sunday market was cancelled! Eight members of Augustana Lutheran Church visited Bethlehem and stayed at the International Center Guest House in April of 2008. They returned with the commitment to "tell the story." Retired Pastor Paul Gilbertson, a member of Augustana and a Local Representative of Bright Stars, led the 2008 trip with his wife Phyllis and continues to increase awareness at Augustana and other congregations. He is available to visit your congregation. Contact: paul.r.gilbertson@gmail.com.
Our Savior’s, Denver - Supporting Palestinian Businesses and Learning About Life in the Holy Land
On Sunday, December 13, 2009 Our Savior's Lutheran Church hosted a Christmas market place in support of Bright Stars Lutheran ministry in Bethlehem and in support of Palestinian Christian artists who work with olive wood and glass. Beginning in January 2010, Our Savior's has had available each Sunday bottles of fair trade fine olive oil from Palestine, sold at $20 for a bottle.
On Sunday, March 21 the 8:45 a.m. adult forum at Our Savior's will hear reflections and experiences from three members of the Friends of Sabeel - Colorado group that traveled to Israel and Palestine in May 2009. In addition to touring important Biblical religious sites in the Holy Land, the group spent significant time meeting with and listening to modern Jewish, Christian and Muslim people to learn first-hand how they are living with the occupation and with the dividing walls and check points.
To learn more about Sabeel fact-finding trips to Israel and Palestine, see: www.sabeelcolorado.org. And a Holy Land pilgrimage: www.pilgrimageholyland.blogspot.com.
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