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Holy Land Pilgrimage
August 20-31, 2018 Background: This opportunity built upon our relationship with the American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem (AFEDJ). Earlier in the year, we had a forum hour presentation by John Lent, Deputy Director of AFEDJ, on the current plight of Palestinian Christians in Israel. Following that visit, John encouraged us to see the Holy Land for ourselves. He got us in touch with Iyad Qumri, a tour guide with over 20 years of experience, operating as Qumri Pilgrimages. The Tour: We reserved a pilgrimage for August 20-31, 2018, led by Mr. Qumri and the Rev. Randy Alexander. Joining us were 22 persons from Christ Church in Pelham, New York, which is John Lent’s home parish (and Father Randy’s previous parish). Goals and Organizer: The tour provided a sense of history and connection with the world Jesus inhabited. It also allowed us to connect with Palestinian Christian congregations. Qumri Pilgrimages is highly regarded. They led the recent pilgrimage sponsored by the Washington National Cathedral. Their website is at https://www.iyadqumripilgrimages.com/. See below for additional information. 
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A PRAYER FOR OUR PILGRIMAGE Lord God, who called our father Abraham to journey into the unknown, and guarded him and blessed him on his way: protect our Immanuel pilgrimage team and bless their journey through the Holy Land. May your confidence support them as they set out, your Spirit be with them on their way, and lead them back to their homes in peace. Those they love we commend to your care; you are with them, they shall not fear. So Lord be their companion on their journey, and let it draw them closer to you, as they seek to follow in the steps of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. | ||