Southminster-Steinhauer United Church
Blesses My Journey
Photo Credit: Randy
On the same day that 100+ international peace activists enroute to Bethlehem were denied entry (Sunday, August 26), my community at Southminster-Steinhauer United Church celebrated my EAPPI appointment and sent me off to Bethlehem with their blessing. Nancy Steeves and Chris New, ministry team at SMSUC, were joined by Lynn Maki, executive secretary of Alberta Northwest Conference for this special gathering.
The theme of the morning was accompaniment. What does it mean to accompany another ~ to be with ~ to give the gift of presence? To companion … to be with another … a beautiful word that speaks of the deep and profound spiritual reality of presence. What are those places in each of our lives where we are nudged to engage in the act of accompaniment ~ to be with, to walk with, to stand with? How will we respond? …
It gives me pause… Isn’t this the work in which those 100+ international peace activists were engaged as they made their way from Jordan to Bethlehem with their bags of school supplies for Palestinian children?
4justpeace 
Yes. The message on Sunday was wonderful. What a message of hope. Blessings on your journey.
I’ve been thinking of you this week and hoping that all of your preparations are going well. I don’t imagine in the midst of this that you wanted to hear that other international visitors for peace were stopped at the border last Sunday. As you know, passing through borders to and from Israel is not easy at any time, even if you are allowed to enter. I’ll be sending positive thoughts and energy to you and others in the EA group while you make your way into Israel and to your various destinations. Peace, Salaam, Shalom, Pat
Blessings on your journey. Holding you in prayer, as you begin this journey of presence.
Mary Faith
Blessings to you from Canada. I am the communications team leader for the United Network for Justice and Peace in Palestine and Israel (or UNJPPI). Thanks for inviting us to follow you as you accompany the people in Palestine. I will share the link to your blog on our web site (www.unjppi.org) so that we can accompany you. Go with God’s blessing of peace.
Curtis