|
July 2009
|
..
25 Old King's Highway North, Suite 13, Darien CT 06820
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dear
Friends of AFEDJ
|
|
Recently,
there have been signs that Bp Suheil Dawani's hope for reconciliation and
peace may have a chance to take root. The combination of a visit
by Pope Benedict XVI to Jerusalem and Bethlehem, President Obama's
speech in Cairo and former President Jimmy Carter's trip to the West
Bank puts the issue of peace in the region back at the top of the
agenda.
Bp Suheil and Mr. Carter have met several times, and they are pictured
above talking during his visit to Jerusalem three weeks ago. The
Carter Center in Atlanta hosted a conference earlier in the spring
which Bp Suheil attended. They addressed opportunities for
interdenominational cooperation in the region.
Christian residents of the region are emigrating because of economic
necessity and fear. Their numbers are small and there is the real
risk that in the coming decades, there may be no Christian community
left in the Holy Land. Unthinkable but true.
This is a time when investment and prayer can make a real
difference. By preparing families and children to become
productive participants, providing civic leadership, Christian
communities will be strengthened to grow and thrive. We can help
turn the tide. Please keep Bp Suheil's efforts toward peace in your
personal and parish prayers and help AFEDJ invest in education,
healthcare and job training so that future generations of Christians
can welcome us all to the Holy Land.
|
|
|
|
Special
thank yous!
|
|
Many
parishes ordered and used mite boxes to provide desperately needed resources for Diocesan
schools, hospitals and institutes for the disabled. Your gifts
bring the Easter message of hope. A belated thank you to each of
you, especially The Church of the Redeemer in Bethesda MD which sent donations from both children
and adults.
Through the generosity of parishioners at St. George's in Newburgh NY, kids
in Zebabdeh, West Bank will
be going to summer camp. St.
George's provided scholarships for a number of children who will
have fun and many learning experiences to look forward to.
On behalf of those in the Holy Land -- thank you!!
|
|
|
|
Save the Date for St. Nicholas
|
|
 Sunday,December 6 is St. Nicholas Day! St.
Nicholas, a bishop in what is now Turkey, provided for needy children with
gifts of money, food and safe haven. Not unlike needs in the Holy
Land today.
Help celebrate this beloved symbol of generosity and love with
AFEDJ. Resources for parish celebrations will be ready in the
fall to help you tell the story, sing, pray and gather gifts for
children needing homes, healthcare, therapy, education, and much more.
Contact Rev. Deborah Dresser at deborahdresser@gmail.com for more
information or to find out how you can contribute your creative
talent. We look forward to a nation-wide outpouring of support
for the work of the Diocese. Approach Advent with the Nicholas
point of view!
|
|
Events and Ideas
|
|
TRIPS AND
PILGRIMAGES TO THE HOLY LAND
Maurine and Bob Tobin, AFEDJ Missioners in Maine,
are planning another Sabeel Witness Visit this October 29
through November 6. Contact them for costs and itinerary at mmtobin38@gmail.com.
Rev. Deborah Dresser, AFEDJ Trustee and Missioner, will lead a
pilgrimage next Easter, April 6 through the 18. Canon
John Peterson, also an AFEDJ Trustee, is the principle teacher and Iyad
Qumri, well known to many pilgrims will guide the group. Contact deborahdresser@gmail.com for more
information.
GENERAL
CONVENTION EVENTS
Please join us for lunch with Bp Suheil Dawani, Bishop in Jerusalem, on
Friday, July 10 at 1:00 at the Anaheim Hilton Hotel.
Bp Suheil will also join Rev. Wilfredo Benitiz at St. Anselms in Garden
Grove CA for the dedication of the "Three Olive Trees for Peace
Garden" on Saturday, July 11 at 3:30. All are invited.
BOSTON AREA EVENTS
Blame the Wolf is an original play for all ages which looks at
lessons and experiences from Palestinian life. It will be
performed on Friday, July 17 at the Central Square Theater in Cambridge at
7:30. Tickets are $10. Information about this and several
other performances around New England can be found at bethlehemcambridge@gmail.com.
|
|
|
Thinking
about estate planning? Everyone should be. And what better
legacy to leave than a gift that can change a life. Request the
new AFEDJ Jerusalem Saints Legacy Society brochure and learn how easy it is to make a planned
gift of any size. The 2008 Annual Report is also available from aklynn@afedj.org.
|
 The AFEDJ is a nonprofit, non-political 501c3 which
helps sustain the institutions of the Episcopal Diocese of
Jerusalem. These include 13 schools, 3 hospitals, 5 institutes
for the disabled and 4 affiliates spread over Israel, Palestine,
Jordan, Syria and Lebanon. All provide for those in need
regardless of religious background. All foster mutual respect and
tolerance in a land torn by turmoil and poverty. Learn more about
the work of the AFEDJ or the Diocese of Jerusalem. Visit www.afedj.org to contribute to any of
the important work done in the region. Or visit www.j-diocese.org for a direct
link to the Diocese of Jerusalem. Anne Lynn
American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem
|
|
