tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15783174125796524722024-02-07T20:28:37.589-08:00Holy Lands Pilgrimage 2019100 members of the Mountain Sky Conference of The United Methodist Church are making a pilgrimage together to the Holy Lands, January 28-February 5. You can follow their reflections below.Mountain Sky Conference Travelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01600984955776990681noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1578317412579652472.post-17427274450605391022019-02-05T13:53:00.001-08:002019-02-05T13:54:12.156-08:00 We Will Remember <div><img id="id_10e5_23c5_7623_4173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvnnZ3JX3iT2zGlD19kHxMbLfG6rkRg2P9XQLBX1Ux0koHr3RIMOXILb_QE_GjMk6QD7z3CjnYFl76mSofdbcbyCJol1N69JQIbnSSLmJjTn3yZCG9KRiBZMIhTOQaSHe7uWiYZMtB1B6_/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><br></div><div><br></div><div>Our Mountain Sky pilgrims visited the house of Caiphas, where it is believed Jesus spent the night in a pit following his arrest, The Church of St. Peter, where Peter denied Christ. We then went to Yad Vashem (Holocaust Memorial Museum), then to visit the Garden of the Tomb where we shared communion and concluded our pilgrimage.</div><div><br></div>Bishop Karen:<div><br></div><div><br><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/97Z7QmNn_8Q" width="500" height="281" id="y_id_9e9_5da3_42e2_3f7e" frameborder="0"></iframe><br></div><div><br></div><div>MSC Pilgrims reflect on their trip:</div><div><br></div><div><br><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XldvZRW0g-8" width="500" height="281" id="y_id_4045_2cc0_cd66_8de7" frameborder="0"></iframe><br></div><div><br></div><div>Scenes from our day:</div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_481f_95d2_3659_e4a2" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYhaU5ojUNIj7ZrKsRZWahBLHpFCDhQQE-qxjxk4a2Fs_YRKBoHa9x-DrOg5TZv9bUCUuOVD3W4YE4dL8EHbmnSSXTeX4wPN8TRuJs_RM8yP0ANidNwjMoDRhViEVFMBTnsul2esmuvE6K/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>Church of St. Peter<br><br><img id="id_3957_9b8e_8328_6c62" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOaEr6qxECC3Xh4aQhGQRsCdoxg3dYkO-af-LtsMT-C1p9qe1PUfR1KR6BxPh_yY3P-BmuRtiuwOspgUxvPnq-0FZkQ4OlD0BignEiFdIXGgpCqgruYHQYs8mXo1bnJXXzWIJJggIzrEOQ/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Church of St. Peter</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span><img id="id_aef0_995d_f74e_b17b" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDyM3bUTlXA22ij4xbWqsl55QiPjEiNMZZxw5N31JHvesfqoOYMvFzOPJEMlD2l5APNvBM4x9rqO4hj8S240lilZlXuF9wcrFz1slzgrdkD5b4Fjq6eM78AXIuU4pGGoQGlFbVnv0BuVxq/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Church of St. Peter</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span><img id="id_8a2_f6d5_3000_a61a" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfLFU7oQMZGcXDReTOCkUS09Tco3ec02XpRjaeb3JPFjCCF83zSZLq3JFLeAnSofdlz3hGxS8rLYsE27Gfs4geNCysyG45yf8Wjfakp3yMB7h5GHl_VxDDUJmVBR7uo6rKjhoIvrdBtOEL/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Church of St. Peter</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span><img id="id_8045_69bf_bc9d_3ac9" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvFM7kl4e-3r3-k1DdGiZLAYyaWR0X1gGRWBNFMwU8_IzZICLk0IfYfDZXHuzDmEg89ItChJxRXIuQqPu_BPpBN4-xbpiloEFOdmrFI9WMrxjnUjeH78G6M-OxKymjNaLdL5kp6T4Dkihh/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>Holocaust Museum</div><div><br><img id="id_186d_1acf_2381_9a70" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtjD0c0OnFnXGXOJxQ9CMWjjhmAkg5gGjirS7HCiqGUhyphenhyphenWaiJ3M1zkZqRK1NuG39u5wCYUxSlFsZI0qWyZvqypCXN2_gD_hZ3qJdOAt3ycdOPYQ_kK8zdrMYDNHrE9433SvsFYUqtzHqp-/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>The Garden Tomb</div><div><br><img id="id_b1f4_867a_bf83_b125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAgb5R397zuEEcmrGKNzdQo0mH0MLyjxEttMhyphenhyphenxIJhQQ_tsE8WO27nhOWZFo-QMdCVlMcnJAQdplvonmmte-35jSsf7PtLWE2yh6CCj04BWJttGSLS1zxqTVLHRUG0xw-RIufjMaBw3Fyv/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>In <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The Garden Tomb</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span><img id="id_4f4a_2ef7_b6a9_4dc0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQsKL4F8PYxfYpxqoIZgECVtMLopoKU1nbI5isiBAQCzkJDPfOTzdlltRf4uU5cLB1eQJaGzu60LR42G99FJvC4t3tRcuJlDolg9KiU_uxuj8MWYOAMg9HNFDo1EtOJZYAZM4-x-Xnd760/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The Garden Tomb</span><br><br></div><div><br></div>Mountain Sky Conference Travelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01600984955776990681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1578317412579652472.post-69462577403679759752019-02-04T12:12:00.001-08:002019-02-04T12:12:07.063-08:00The Lowest of the LowToday, our Mountain Sky Conference pilgrims traveled to the lowest point on earth. We floated in the Dead Sea and also visited Masada, a fortress built by King Herod. Some of us went to a light show depicting the history of Jerusalem. We ended our night with a talk by our United Methodist missionary in Palestine Rev. Kristen Brown. <div><br></div><div><div><div dir="auto" style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Mary Gilland, 1st UMC Colorado Springs, CO:</span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">A Quick Synopsis of my Israel Trip</span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">In Bethlehem where Christ was born,</span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We saw where shepherds quaked.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Where our Lord Jesus gave his life,</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">And Mary’s heart would ache.</span></div></div><div dir="auto" style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The garden where disciples prayed,</span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Where they shared the bread and wine</span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">That Jesus blessed and told them</span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">To repeat time after time.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We walked the steps that Jesus walked</span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">While carrying his tree.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Where he fell and got back up again</span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">To truly set us free.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We saw the steps where Jesus taught...</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Prayed at the wailing wall.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Saw Herod’s thrones and Jesus tomb</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I can’t describe it all.</span></div></div><div dir="auto" style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We walked a hundred miles a day,</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Or it seemed that way at least.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Three times a day we fed ourselves </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">cuisine of the Middle East.</span></div></div><div dir="auto" style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I’m glad we took this journey,</span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">With the new friends that we met.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">So much to learn about our faith, </span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">A trip I’ll not forget.</span></div></div><div><div><div dir="auto" style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><img id="id_6328_7ed2_92d3_177f" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNBMEETiydFzsVvljCQXtbHzSCAlLTSmevUL_SOweYSvwTvaJpSin6eT-S-eLEeNFxdx1uTYEkkKY5YJFTYvA2s-vKnyfHCvhsgwas9yqcxH8n9Hz64JciuBrIfFAfx9D3WpA1-kbWWRGG/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br>CathyBell:</div><div dir="auto" style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div dir="auto" style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">At the Dead Sea</div><div dir="auto" style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><img id="id_99ca_e104_593d_c3ca" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWr-aEKpkkl0Ffn4K-6SxPEIojSXmbcDyVS_lj-ryUldSFZ-IRTGx97rPLFcPeoaLKECti1OMLao7tiUG9zOhasoykbNZCdeWjZhAyMlw5qbNXr8EEhpN0plCAhuhfog6ccqVscB_0LYmn/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_3a50_4537_15ba_5683" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcxeh75xPZkUgJ4Rkvo6J9jttTsEgqhOZY4b8G2mDOi9svGbmfzhyjWFnj_kWSiiyU7w2L-BNq6ocKyIvDi8U4dJUTttMzqLVeykxDtY-EPfVIsCHmr-pChVRmk4PY4RQgI-Ijm6-NKe6k/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_72f4_483_f746_fc1d" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgMu2mq9icSVTOZHzaNkWaNPKUHwWjix4H0I_GLIlfbKJatGVfUeSxSZxg0L-APnCV1K1K18PFbTXaqXmKsHOuXJVEAnfo82rDWlElHJeVTkf0PHz0pJ40KrqhKda48Yg8lWh0tEHO5Wj7/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br>Marv Baber, Colorado Springs, reflects on his time here:</div><div dir="auto" style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div dir="auto" style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eFO5v5vJ2GA" width="500" height="281" id="y_id_dc64_9000_58ba_c77b" frameborder="0"></iframe><br><br></div><div dir="auto" style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Rev. Dr. Youngsook Kang:</div><div dir="auto" style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div dir="auto" style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="text-decoration: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Wanted to walk the “Via Dolorosa” one more time. After we came back to the hotel, JinHo and I quickly walked back to the Old City of Jerusalem through Damascus Gate, which is located near the Arab local market place. “Via Dolorosa” is just a few minutes from the Gate. </span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="text-decoration: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><img id="id_a5f7_9b71_1299_822c" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizAqwAXFdpWyh3tl1FLIQV_0GDHPlE4_oo_nJm0R9AAAjk4ZnWu3kXMHVKDzlWC7mdZD4EJe0FnwL-OvdDhx_QABkGst19nisfXG1EiU-VSOPZ_r-BGA_PJzLS1Fym5Kf_XE4gryZjrheG/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><br>United Methodist Missionary in Palestine, Rev. Kristen Brown, met with our pilgrims and shared with us more about the Israeli-Palestinian history and her ministry here. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div dir="auto" style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><img id="id_fe9e_4bbc_3e9a_d5b9" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyIC1u6Vv8-F44EgLSYF92Dwz2YZZl-pGccNdmLF1nQC84dZZp0qL4hK9EdHVpqHSYFQdbA-_fFyBkUkngmuiF-iLwUVq_ofLM_UQaG0esDjbr4EUGRweCB1AEiX2dPGAITy_w4ceuhN4J/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_1ece_d6fd_cb0e_a5e5" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhREDfIay76gpejAWBgg6gSzpf0F37no7gzRhA2fQJ2ZuMRHnyLmKlB5zgsjreQ611IKDfRHwVp21Q-eATaByYJ7BEcdtMgJ0LxDZM5rs70fCy3BHP33dIFXOQ-I7p1JxLF40cRQxVo98B-/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_9fb6_7689_bb_112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRSuSb21oAjB0ZC3XBed9JTgo-UKJ4uW-m9aOquo4yemcyPwmcT2T80orcQOqjPM0XEbtLPzC7EBXfAl-smz5jRcrM_mnViRn329nFc3pud_mipAed1Ut1-1ZRFbsRKph4mGBcmpFFkTcf/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><br><span style="text-decoration: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></div></div></div>Mountain Sky Conference Travelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01600984955776990681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1578317412579652472.post-62981853802835293112019-02-03T11:48:00.001-08:002019-02-03T11:48:55.112-08:00Jesus Walked—And So Did We <div>Today our Mountain Sky pilgrims were in the old city of Jerusalem, walking the stations of the cross that marked Jesus’ journey to his crucifixion. They visited St. Ann’s Church, the pools of Bethesda, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Wailing Wall, and the Temple Mount. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Rev. Dr. Youngsook Kang:</div><div><br></div><div><font class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Via Dolorosa:</font><div class=""><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br class=""></span></div><div class=""><font class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Walking the stations of the cross is an important spiritual practice for me. So, walking the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem is one of the most special parts of the pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Thanks be to God for the opportunity that we had today - WALKING THE PATH THAT JESUS WALKED ON THE WAY TO THE CROSS! </font></div></div><div class=""><font class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img id="id_7e3a_c269_ec05_f3d1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNgBgHPflLm7VDcrkPt2b9bALEHStlgAuawhPmg_XohUZ5nwgTU_QHxkmrIgtB2tRTxBfHvUJFVqy8b4nDWwNb3_M8JX44H0wm1hrnqvT6lNMNtFUyoXSGh-_rLmsbV_54X0GfFdnR0mQW/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_752f_443a_72fe_833b" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_X3ci7BptIDwCs7XzNS4tKrcJ5zma3JC6XDPbcpSURowH_F8ru4DSg7QnSSpEnV0zSMZ7f9QE0Tu4xVlxRgE4scfD4OAfFph9IyTVZ0TbHcRenikZ3LAyrd_bPpjwdYfD89bgOUi4CVme/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br>Our MSC pilgrims sing by the pools of Bethesda </font></div><div class=""><font class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></font></div><div class=""><font class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nnygVfvHUjQ" width="500" height="281" id="y_id_3e24_818d_e00_4940" frameborder="0"></iframe><br></font></div><div><font color="#ff2600" class=""><br></font></div><div><font class="">Rev. AJ Bush</font><font color="#ff2600" class="">:</font></div><div><font color="#ff2600" class=""><br></font></div><div><font class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Today we spent the day walking around the old city of Jerusalem, visiting places such as the Church of the Holy Seplicure and the Western Wall. After our “official” day of touring was over, a small group of us decided to walk along the top of the old city wall. As we rounded a corner overlooking the Mt. Of Olives, we decided to have an impromptu communion service. Someone pulled out a half a bagel from their bag. Another person pulled out a water bottle. And there on the top of the wall we shared in Holy Communion. (How cool is that?!) </font></div><div><font class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img id="id_46b8_e465_4265_4a25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQlP_YDt1YiXMLU4cuMHNvAmrz5ye4zRy5iKO-aK2_EQFP9elXgwQFHb3umlCjFaitC6jdgGpFXWznmN9zCOotCCELU2jnEKfiVORDuIZBRNCTYGkVMlBwjiTizNw6PK0DScJRQ44jd32C/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><br></font></div><div><font class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div dir="auto">As we were sharing in this sacrament, I was reminded of how important it is to retell the stories of Jesus. To retell the stories of love and grace and justice made flesh in our Lord Jesus Christ, and to share those stories with one another. Because these stories remind us who we are, and whose we are. </div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">Perhaps that is why Jesus took bread that night and broke it. Perhaps that’s why he took every day items (that a group of weary travels would have in their backpacks) and gave them to his disciples. Perhaps that is why he gathered with his friends one last time in the upper room, so that WE would have a story to share over and over and over again, whether we are gathered in an upper room, or in a beautiful church, or simply with group of friends on top of a wall. </div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto"><img id="id_f4a6_9ecb_66a4_a21c" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge3EqqEkHexOowCuzHA1pzTGZh2i-yNEUyDCKaeQ7WBOH3vDnIqu9LnjADYtvzbjE6QrCSVK94jCncONlLAo2SXhuMtCm1VmIABnpdpqp2G86uF_nP1eAocuL3U1rv8so-ba3L9joq3SUL/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br>MSC Pilgrims share their reflections after visiting The Tomb Of Jesus:</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto"><br><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/h6cjxS6UGVM" width="500" height="281" id="y_id_901_da0e_562f_473f" frameborder="0"></iframe><br><br></div></font></div><div><font class="">The Wailing Wall, where prayers were offered</font><font color="#ff2600" class="">. </font></div><div><font color="#ff2600" class=""><img id="id_56c5_5c48_eb2a_e872" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYCt193Zm5EkqJxw8ywYSsgQRKQ5H-_awe8r6nOPoBpK3jM6JEestbImNju4v6FZIsfoaJNeu9Wrr79M7LfCJTD54z7wtMqznTHurIcaq0s6eIhVyNp8Yl3IbmACR2BLfpso1ZBKXfidb3/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><br></font></div>Mountain Sky Conference Travelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01600984955776990681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1578317412579652472.post-23668658862639608732019-02-02T10:29:00.001-08:002019-02-02T10:29:55.235-08:00From Walls That Divide to Bridges of CompassionToday the group spent most of the day in Bethlehem, crossing the Israeli checkpoint and visiting the Church of the Nativity, Shepherds Field, and Wi’Am Center, which seeks to improve the quality of relationships and to promote peace, justice, a culture of acceptance, and reconciliation in the community. We also visited the Upper Room, which sits above the Tomb of David. <div><br></div><div>Reflections on our day, with Sam and Elaine Gould, Mountain View UMC in Woodland Park, CO, Susanne Hicks, Payson, AZ, Antonia Craighill, 1st UMC Billings, MT, and EO staffers Leah and Heather</div><div><br></div><div><br><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WKyoCIw9WaQ" width="500" height="281" id="y_id_3d73_a1e9_4090_61e8" frameborder="0"></iframe><br></div><div><br></div><div>Rev. Tiffany Keith:</div><div><br></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Art<br><br><br>I’ve often heard that religious art was used to teach people the biblical story before the common man, woman, and child could read. That was probably even more true when mass was in Latin, a language most people couldn’t understand. With the story of a faith hidden behind ignorance, lack of education, and systems in power holding close the depths of faith, art became the vehicle by which truth made its way past hardened hearts and shattered the powers holding truth tight. <br><br>Truth is unveiled in the ancient art. In the “swaddled” baby laying in a manger lying with open arms, ready to embrace all of humanity. Truth is unveiled in the sanctuary designed to remind us of the tears of Jesus. Art was used to unveil truth. <br><br></span><img id="id_21cb_830_20b4_fbab" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHE_5gVPhfivXxBUWQj4lw5VDVEnn6mKC1xBL87D9bTSsB0W3WW55zL-uGo2qf4qgixvNRGcgDw5t162KUqqPwCJi3-iDwOM_3HlGij73MxZSXswvJMCuMe2krTd8CbiCyBQOegfjrM4nD/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Today I discovered how true that is, even today. Well, I think I can say it better than that, my heart experienced it in a powerful way today. We went to a shop with olive wood carvings. Almost immediately I was captivated by the unveiled truth of one of them. Jesus with pain and sadness, holes in his hands and feet, holds upright a man with a hammer and nail. Hammer. And. Nail. The hands holding the power to stop the beating heart of the Son of God. A small plaque at the bottom with one simple word, “forgiveness.”<br><br>Is it true? <br><br>Could the man that crucified Christ be forgiven? <br><br>Could I be forgiven for the times I crucified Christ? <br><br>Can my enemies be forgiven for crucifying Christ? <br><br>Can the people I’ve decided are<br>Christ’s enemies be forgiven for crucifying Him?<br><br>Art has the power to teach, to draw us into truth that we can only know through experience. <br><br>Today truth is still hidden behind ignorance, lack of education, and systems of power hiding the truth. Only now it’s hidden behind partial education, wrong education, false connection, group think via social media... well, you get the idea.<br><br>Today, truth continues to be unveiled in new art. Art on The Wall. Art in the flowers planted in Bethlehem. Art in an Olive Wood shop. </span></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Bishop Karen:</div><div><br></div><div><br><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IMuo2OHaP8Q" width="500" height="281" id="y_id_8758_cf38_97fd_50a4" frameborder="0"></iframe><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>At the Church of the Nativity:</div><div><br></div><div><br><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yy1D7J1wI0k" width="500" height="281" id="y_id_ca3f_d94b_938c_23e3" frameborder="0"></iframe><br></div><div><br></div><div>Scenes from our day:</div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_e709_cba7_77c8_c293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ok_kRvr2U8aYbcFxVyhLukJ2EWfKpS8_d9Es8oaL2OisfJljje0nWW5hpZzvueLv-P7xOagueOWS2kDs-lY84WpRJZ9T58TGEoDJVmVVNKsNuhuvZsIfrpKbPQejsUHN0SgOlaxxtgvQ/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br>Wi’Am Center: United Methodist Missionary Kristen Brown welcoming us<br><br><img id="id_6c66_a0d4_563c_bb1a" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb6d2X2If31v2qGDhrC0Txlsl-JqwG3FIgkP8pST3meaY2V_BqWcWyUAazWAZAWMjwcdWnlPJEVNvYa0bN0Nn12wxV3A0wutTGgGNhauwGRcgB2GpNzHgOkg_A6ulzUMk32k1ToAiVnv1U/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Wi’Am Center hospitality</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span><img id="id_eb15_adfc_423f_59" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKQRzC4zgOWE1pqo5EifwGrS33K4g0M317ZYgiNL3CL9_oFynYdxg5G_tAIAl-2JVhhmBK9_NKBDyuiJoyq9BQmGnl8Z68q12TUR3NfPoE-M0Lou4sGgT2ArN6JMgd_0pqlVb9ChPT8nwF/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Wi’Am Center</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span><img id="id_8215_8d6a_f057_404e" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGIBq43W_p5nBl0Zbsl1yaS_v3dtCztJ2q8WI1b5DD24_ec6u4WvHeELpG6DpVkAGAHOc8kx3cYcaKPP2UpN7S-259qEVnDWcok489SCUpE4lDDcFh-Qe_g34HdOguM7sRRt_RAUfCIbpN/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Wi’Am Center</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span><img id="id_ba63_1187_72ef_5a49" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO7KwzYxBupPd8QZZQa3wAMcGJspx0BPXvtsaFSPghYqRBgCcDixd3lHI9DsOgukMgw2CQLPWTQve_HDHq7uzXczpcr0jRL7xZvLq3KZ1mJ-KeNTU2ZePUlehVc_rMbv3fKIjiF5FtMEXP/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_ee0b_be09_eaec_8662" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg865nVW5MLDn2Oa2W8gNSuS4eGjjuAV6LSePOKJXkIAztIgb6O4g2i495q8sLPcgP3XtviQDu9y7FDLXH8lFrmc5FtAQW8fCBLG-kep786tIBM7T2p90s2GBQ7XiMkNbSc07hAq98R8RLj/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Wi’Am Center</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span><img id="id_add0_f67e_c32c_711d" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSdFSYvPB6AHK6v02i7kH0XkeCXYpqWAx3BzCapRzZeEYoYsxPYepBiEZ91_J8H2mYE7z_M_IHSdYSbTOCrrKY2K_DiUaWPnnrMJ2akSbTlvkb7o_aV1Ye2kgfbYcYYa1U8lHxgXarygVi/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>At <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Wi’Am Center, next to the separation wall and Israeli watchtower </span><br><img id="id_d6be_68f6_dc9d_7d02" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYW0FyXBv77Fly3jnfZWUvJaHtbm5Qrnf-qNe66sdQzVN289_uyPiyAf6gNDNv8VS4jm9N-Lqzucl5Lq_fLxzzkDCacPrVuqCk3rRgcnhpAiyD9glJo0eG2fZW7zoO4ykmioO5F4e2BEv9/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Wi’Am Center director Zoughbi Alzoughbi</span><br><img id="id_22f2_ad72_5a23_c172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCFm-GPSODso1r5hSOWgrIO3vL5yZG7hFzBOWSDmBrnnQGNObTid5czbDFCyb1Yu4ecTOkEWmmFPrJpD5r_EyuLQny3m60Nh8MMndbkaq4z-MmR14jJ8YJ1izX5pynRXainsSNxlmkL6w8/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>The Vice President of the British Methodist Church came by to greet us</div><div><br><img id="id_85df_fdfb_7b15_c205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXAtRvX-2SOAPiRFA2LSgTBn3MwzF33N-0AnH42xoKxfbLjeTXhT3nx0V9ENj1Di5AukXItJaf2VN2nwUh1Lz-2RN9ppP3JTCFIbzg-Br1JlbBBVSugP84FBU4PRQDOeG-y_aKS-ch_e2c/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>UM Missionary Kristen Brown with trip pilgrim deaconesses Cindy Johnson, Megan Hale, and Robin Ridenour with Bishop Karen</div><div><br><img id="id_552d_a9ef_a3e_9ffb" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7CQprvvtriwOlmia_uT2AkH7jVB63tqW9lDjvLOGS5wuA3LaTu2RlM2njKz6dbDuEjiia4mz2_xfkQZEAvnu5lotdsJje10nVHqyM2FCAxs1GkjPlgR1peldSqQEf4gUelQ-ksPD3IruB/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>By the wall in Bethlehem </div><div><br><img id="id_5189_73ec_18d3_f6a4" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk88v9kEexS7aTNa5HYcsNdcwSEVw7XWgs0u1xMHZVWV2F6woF_eN5DAZbroTZzKZOaUnH4ZHxB5jKsZxw3V_0G8oivxeuCSgPgP2SGeklyQkoNKUykWh_esodzeIIXLWqXfVxbxh3n8Gd/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>Touching the place of Jesus’ birth at the church of the nativity</div><div><br><img id="id_8896_4e79_3517_1f13" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaJtZQWqtEZl7-zQmvvMdTAMNE-cpFOUxnzuqvmPjaujES75Ng6aQHbFWmTyazp99QHM5m3yqRSx9W96UXcC-35ueIlXlyoMmCA62j6iAZDfLHuC4C4vFuyQzak3x23oBJwk7iq2Eol6YG/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>The manger at The Church of the Nativity</div><div><br><img id="id_873_9ca1_7484_84ad" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbeeHnf29V1G7uEBSAAqOtW0jh1kyYPhBKI3pdSptOGXWDnN67vaaT3JXY1QxAi7sjarAoi02frc2wtWgyWrUN1qVWfkzaybnQG670jz9DOloMOrNxQj7Mq0n6YBRF26fVf9JikbDRL2vn/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>At The Church of the Nativity</div><div><br><img id="id_4ff1_f4d5_ec80_a70e" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0J7aiy827cMwIuLN-kiV-rKQ0Dxo9Ln4SDoCMLvhWpEeK6gjhLWgKpRPyw1HhQVt4c3H_OvHslWzD6wtUEj_XSmyZ4sF5ISl3UTh8q5likt2ZyXAcbDvoz5CVuy13mQoFb8hl_iZA_k1c/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>In a cave in the Shepherds Field<br><img id="id_ed7d_f76_280b_1241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx1hSJK9GM9rHcDKOkI-l3uyY0NrodFoKAx7c_-hMN4i2oqQvZ6ar9Xs-Vckr4Z_510vAzL6Ou1kX5nGsBV2vb4k4jgh6RXXaR98Q7w4hO5k8n6U3MkXbn3HlIFu1QtIwMmn4j0jufoo4t/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>The Shepherds Field Chapel</div><div><br><img id="id_33bd_e9f4_6a7b_7d11" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq9dvutMhhxWcc4nKg6YOKb-HgdYhVjfPmEXAUf1lRkdXDn3gfncSI04vyI6Mwzh-FsBjA6S3UeTSd9mFdBeaBXE1bf7bx0YE9XS9p2nSoPAWd3cyOHxw-9Ta0B8tS4qcHg5sYZTuO2uwy/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>Leaving the Upper Room<br><br></div>Mountain Sky Conference Travelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01600984955776990681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1578317412579652472.post-7457726263622927962019-02-01T12:10:00.001-08:002019-02-01T13:18:42.691-08:00From The Jordan River To Jerusalem <div><img id="id_c173_40f2_dbb3_3c58" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmpv0kNFcfYkqVhp546eMRHWnltLVUeYfTauPos1iSEYdL6tKTJRLIZyTB0k5Up8enxZWUmtnHYkyJaTIhCBMoGWfclQrpiqQ4nZdzWvt5DMCxSTIms2TDNmiOyJ982uYD5BtkAhr5-sV3/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><br></div><div><br></div>Today, our mountain sky pilgrims reaffirmed their baptisms in the Jordan River, then went to Jericho to the place where Jesus was tempted before heading to Jerusalem where they paused for prayer at the Mount of Olives and Gethsemane. <div><br></div><div>Rev. Tiffany Keith, Colorado Springs, CO:</div><div><br></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Touch<br><br>How many hands does it take to polish a rock? No machines. No sand paper. No water. No tools. Just a simple touch. <br><br>Last year when we were here we couldn’t get to the rock that church tradition says Jesus prayed for God to take the cross from him. (Found in Luke 22). So, this time was my first time to bend down, reach my hand over the metal thorns guarding the rock...<br><br>And it was smooth. <br><br><br>Not the entire rock. Just the edges where people can reach. <br><br>How many touches does it take to polish a rock? <br><br>How many years?<br><br>Bend. Touch. Pray. Bend. Touch. Pray. Bend. Touch. Pray. Day after day. Year after year. Decade after decade. Century after century. Millennium after millennium. Hand after hand. <br><br>I thought of all of those hands. All of the prayers they represent. <br><br>And then I thought of all the other smooth stones I’ve seen this trip. The feet and hands that have smoothed them out. <br><br>And I wonder how much smoother they will get. The prayers that will touch them. And I experience a glimpse of paradox of time. The touches that were. That are. That will be. <br><br>And of course the power of touch to polish the hardest of stone. </span><br><div><br></div><div><img id="id_795_d952_ea99_d722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT1985XhhDTiq4oIioCe9nC2BaESZ7UYwyqfSnMLU3nKaXVluzB6uTgjxA2aoBHVob5eWXlYKpbIV_Qp_jceT91Arh2bqlLXMol-ShYwjxNwR5Zs5yj0JN74cBYgLyMCHEop-HDFKgs2aM/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br>Reflections on our day, from Calvin Mukarakate, Green Mountain UMC, Liz Smith, Boulder, CO, and Marco López and Rev. Tracy Hausman, Park City UMC, Utah:</div><div><br></div><div><br><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ivh9Qi_S7xw" width="500" height="281" id="y_id_8a53_a233_647d_9c59" frameborder="0"></iframe><br></div><div><br></div></div><div>Tom Kremer, Gillette UMC, Wyoming:</div><div><br></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus prayed before being betrayed. </span></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_e7f3_1d6e_9c95_beb6" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEj8INQVxBJBb3_3rSqvZ71928LluMEVmrqAef2whESC6fUz9-aMoMk7C59Gc9kLo14vwY6JNi2pwTxVL3GDlQ5Ou-btfpPwJNo5lEkYnwZbirr3YPf5xpJUhCVkCtl9norpXTg1_iQedN/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_5ecd_4af8_ef3f_342a" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDKhLZhJzhWnq4D6LfoadkjN53C7DrpzUMt8ZXfxxwZEaFsBNK0-dhB47gfs3Ba4NIuO6G-83Aj6WkIaEf5sNKRi_Cdyzjf9CCKZ8XNxVEJ0h2gqwMTQlDB9yuO0CGUqnsvT0B10QpZr-H/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><br></div><div>Rev. Dr. Youngsook Kang, Director of Connectional Ministries and Superintendent of Leadership Development:</div><div><br></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Radical hospitality by a local restaurant in Jericho:</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><img id="id_8d2e_a64b_8629_808f" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR3q0RNPPyyMQ-5SAOjlL330ueKMtJFLQ4kcsHXcEao4JwIX2Ls6U3HVHy16EwZaC5p_Lp7BTs1irAae6-GK5oRTS6xWxHw8O-tj0Oq5xVaehvKpiJEojN7iFPjaBaM7bC73wdpH8HUvPR/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_8225_fcd4_7d59_7b4c" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdlikJiSXWzC5NaxJhKwDIEgYnGz_G1d2THUu1F55V3ow9A6mN9cLOu6v6LkNqnGFXE2MyphtOvYpjNcTUR_7bfnwr2pZco0ev2nYsV_HFLC3TPQUMXfjw-CICxe79rLb9mEszjbmZpBJs/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Rev. AJ Bush, Gillette UMC, Wyoming:</div><div><br></div><div><div dir="auto"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Last year I had the opportunity to travel to Jerusalem as part of a group of newly ordained clergy. When I left for that trip last February, I had no idea I would be coming back to Jerusalem just a year later. In fact, it almost seemed excessive to come again so soon. However, my experience this year has been completely different than last year. Yes, we are going to the same sites. Yes, we are doing mostly the same things. However, I am experiencing them differently. I am a different person than I was a year ago. I have different things on my heart. My life is in a different space, my heart is in a difference space, and so I am experiening each place differently. For example, places last year that were unmemorable have been deeply moving, while other places that were moving last year have been less so this year. Each day I encounter God’s presence in new and different ways, and God is speaking to me in different places and different spaces this time around. </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">While I hadn’t expected this, it’s the same with scripture, you know. Even though some of the scripture stories might be familiar to us, each time we read them we experience them afresh. One story that didn’t mean much in your life last year, might mean a lot this year, and another story might be exactly what you needed to hear in that moment, even though you’ve read it 100 times. God has the ability to speak to us anew each time we encounter God, each time we read scripture, each time we come to pray. So now, I hope I can come back to Jerusalem every year! But if not, I know I can always open the scriptures and find God afresh in my life. </span></div></div><div dir="auto"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div dir="auto"><img id="id_3dce_622_f6a0_8174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8rz2bavz76THJvWkmSVmZEA1kdbb3DdVdml7Pha83XxoT6OSZN2GuC8KqEZGVXibXRtWYjYtLDgM5pEQQkgyVHKF_ZWornYPEO5glu_JxJUkg_P5mkQRx19_dugcuQUVgeKN7iwXBoTNh/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><br>Bishop Karen:</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto"><br><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Y70lZCaLDcM" width="500" height="281" id="y_id_78bf_a289_5e41_95b2" frameborder="0"></iframe><br><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Deanna Hanna, Green Mountain UMC, CO:</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Pictures from The Jordan River where we reaffirmed our baptisms:</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div dir="auto"><img id="id_8e8b_45ac_d82c_92d6" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWh_LvZYXoukswvKZk4UE9qXzZ44s284bzuEirwCSr2Cftj656bCBrnQaND9bvfw96DkABY_d61NIU8Slz7btV5e_GZbVKgYg1J4VpbIm-92yOy3HS1tmg7JfDsd4_gtUdq6NVx0M5f3x3/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_2b82_b995_24dd_c7c9" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBVpGcL9OUf8xAq1Kz-YARnP6tAaIBFglNs81UcjpjE6s8OzRtdzoiwK8KzlK5MsI4q216ZK8i1wqGCe6ZVb_muWzro41rVzNh5yo0swICGhP_tgR15Pdlj1gxcD4LGCeL6ODrtaGBhezY/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_5d6_d501_c508_476e" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRZrB7TsknWEdCucVcg_i-AAHN9UL_dbT0snCP0IWgDxVZMNDqlIq_EE4Cuwd-SgwYBUE55kSHxyY77McQwHYihOJsae7BS7yiVbA9i7HUP_BTvAP1UmaDLMeIjMFekmLiWaEgm08XA8oW/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><br><br><img id="id_fdbe_e7a2_972d_5a0c" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCLS7ilfLxeHkBikwPE2GclMNtTOO8NeBmLexYj7WKgtn9Z2FNED0f1v4hlOJ0oo_Yodfc2TupJhdtaXgjW94le1wu62vcD9qLjrAFK-blDHXFOlWV_bvjE1ZZYQBw5tnpr23MZ2Wrp93j/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 349px; height: auto;"><br><br><br><img id="id_17d1_9e57_7b4a_d827" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlCg9wt4iErwpYmDH3ge6uqq15Qh6uVlxcTSrFrS16w_9HCVPfOSRGs8ldo5wB6UCpTx2reNjXZOfJZFRVPkknsPScvIRuLnS2xEKfjjDkwRF19uO9UyTY3pH2p7xaOEeDSrwp15KJ7WmB/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><img id="id_30a0_25f0_c4af_d6c3" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgceO0OVUA6kz3TtVY_2MrWGa7xm6d9ffmS39tn2l3PiUW9F9N-eZA-JC1Ma0a7Wp7149-SEPu6_X665AX_TVtTolBaEAzClmBtEaM1xDWpNi2Llc-dpGBettrERKFtwMozO2knM0Fk_Icu/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_aec4_ee69_7faf_a49f" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy9ZxsyMcPOOGBt_WBENan8DryGNBBdGkLiwf3W7P-_bl6s_eatiTz2BWROpfvKGZVhacmRICdBJ27YLhOBWMOVc4IJRX239wJa5gnf4NJGyayXFZGypTYbKCdKy5MHX1tNH-jSOHrRxJm/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_f465_df7d_e8f1_e1fb" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivJLF0LaqGrp9_eMEF1LTR4NOZt8J1AuACIp8hgXI7gI4xIPDMWtdxEPXdLheVb_nVM4z1R-3dyZL7Rbh-5fo6Gbx5eH-biK9wImUNN7cULya27yUH9TjycmxoV2wT86OaDgYsBQ1D7EqN/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_3a87_44fd_52e1_3d6d" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggtxx8DuyyXJ1Xj7zkIZtEMK6aumenmciETjRyulqhXtxbxMP28AavTmf3BZOZ_QW8E9TER-8O4XxqjGrtPHDtYr78SGGVhtPnV8Qbmvy4aGAH5DUAPLThw9AUIqV8Si6PXYuYUecGcvIq/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_7b04_dc2_85fb_bc58" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRuWlvPJdVgYw2BfLZSxDJea22EemNk9-MS2ahoK_g8KVwX8n_gXLnRuZkyICuFfnLAusQbAei8Sxfu-6k9MmV_OjtuuFjCiaRMn_G9CdsNF1T7fgL8-Ueui2dG6ShqIh9FSm-JXUceiI8/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Other scenes from our day:</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div dir="auto"><img id="id_f490_3573_e43c_b345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiR2FNlODKWhAptPMLcP1nyNN9-tg7i7VvPvYcqelmbWV_hLJAM0EXUm-MguqVXreM-a3efKrN2n67vkTgBbTHhpqeWvc4XFzWYZ-sD1fsz8fIDjLJweGmP3PErl-3UWYYFVY5F292dWH3/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_2f50_7d78_3ee7_1d19" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj2Dza3kvxlXQd6_WEs8ppg3UVwkh2tXTfXEARiOXVX7Jud_7JFVv_X2jvG1cS6toqzvf0CAkzaD0sFzhy9bya9zL8yC6Bfa2iJVgtENuqbb6CFNkG6gM7K4DJta1M-7F3XOVgkNQqHATa/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_18cc_e710_a83b_7fae" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghvoe-GlcSJqQBPlzfsAAJ2LUKPBl2HG8BeJkpt1NCqBmU29RwXZvKGuPlBoM4FOcaRgkp5A6tsfu42NDZRwdVZyh525IiTIiGTi8ArqeCJHcXE32819GWpJWyAepQtDr446BPq0QzR79T/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_c1e7_5940_db5f_cafa" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0gt0sEKPGVPskL5m1TGVdVu3AzkO9DkZpwlTTkNOLgUdMOtk9Ef9QiooKBhQvsAICNjT4AP7PDMVdoIuM6m_Lj4tGfnmL6nmCmyYeWuSY44h6ztxlRP8yEdXc0AdyJxd0kC43KUYWI8sw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_bb28_185a_1369_3b8a" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZX8dvzyvYa0aVddT7ovfoMVCbw40wIUQUiqKA6toyDaYJG73ME83gBnCxRRbRwW33owCl_n9ZintIKMrSgSrhmC0bSoD1fMuiVVKmpuVW3miOF-tn1sNoq2q4BDI32EdL-JXlLGuOc-hL/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_222f_e5e5_3280_6a63" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI_Ar7MRagU09fvfNd-kRwYXygE-MdkqHsUIKQkSkKZHoi3_g3_WJsnobnxeaRtQr2KJZZr0snI7LWaIGygdequssApMPBwz36v4gBC8C-vfiwVsMSfeqcQ5tHELYnkiIrgnq7MejZ7HuB/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div>Mountain Sky Conference Travelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01600984955776990681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1578317412579652472.post-47210275636488555892019-01-31T11:26:00.002-08:002019-02-01T04:45:38.568-08:00From Conquest to CommunityToday, the Mountain Sky Conference Pilgrims began the day in Caesarea, Herod's palace, port city, and the residence of Pontius Pilate. We then travelled to Megiddo, Nazareth, and ended our day in Cana.<br>
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Rev. AJ Bush led us in devotions in Megiddo:<br>
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="281" id="y_id_a884_65e_2319_89aa" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fZzK_3KPr7c" width="500"></iframe><br>
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Tom Kremer, Gillette UMC, Gillette, Wyoming:<br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgPjroPtWQRbR3DVOejKGO6HPfoNicVLUxuytUlNAfixTZAEv4ZRO9C8OqSJs3EnbRJZ3opSxIkKk4y3FJSLl3MrSLGZu25Q3ANSmAdGEdIaUY64NIYXfY0Tcj3mQHicCZszUK-Uh3yRFS/s1600/3.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="640" height="240" id="id_13fe_f758_aab_71c8" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgPjroPtWQRbR3DVOejKGO6HPfoNicVLUxuytUlNAfixTZAEv4ZRO9C8OqSJs3EnbRJZ3opSxIkKk4y3FJSLl3MrSLGZu25Q3ANSmAdGEdIaUY64NIYXfY0Tcj3mQHicCZszUK-Uh3yRFS/s320/3.1.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 320px;" width="320"></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.33px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19.99px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Tom & Penny standing in front of the 2000 year old theater in the ancient city of Caesarea. </span><div><font color="#222222" face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" size="2"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><br></span></font></div><div><font color="#222222" face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" size="2"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Evergreen UMC (Evergreen, CO) pilgrims Marlene and Jim Waltz, along with other couples, renewed their love at the Church at Cana:</span></font></div><div><font color="#222222" face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" size="2"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><br></span></font></div><div><br><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Lesyhiacxd4" width="500" height="281" id="y_id_ecf3_1a2f_35b9_c1eb" frameborder="0"></iframe><font color="#222222" face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" size="2"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><br></span></font>
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Bishop Karen in Cana:<br>
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Scenes from our day:</div>
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<img alt="" id="id_a033_3d44_714d_17b2" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3EQvisz_DIGnMJfkmminQfB7Oo3SOF_YJ5Y3n8HsHsFT7kHtejQe7tdbCwqwpm80z1VuDui0lxgOHXrBpcErrxEGPmX2NeMJCdGp15gxIvGohjS0eCBu64QdXuhHs4G1eLzkKfKVyfe8x/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip=""><br>
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At a 2000 year old aqueduct, Michael Dunlap, Belong, Denver, CO<br>
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<img alt="" id="id_948e_f92a_5f09_90af" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjSK3o-ai3ZbCIbLDwvO8O2wGkocK9e0VREK2c828A0V_isWCQjIj8RisWeFT6W5_0Ayycz-2lhIWLry29mn5U4VFtIiRx5x3VppOAxgUiQqOGt-k8O2Q4AEP-CktA11PRExHWNNMi9_jY/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip=""><br>
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Caesarea<br>
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<img alt="" id="id_2418_fb19_4ae2_5a26" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_CXF2e6GRAZO-0Kir7h32qPxe5OAvqt78T0ceto0HF3_abuizRk5shMVTD-96sRapNeRV09hu4EXIHTvq2uohQhEsSFss6sRdMXEVd-tFHEqBzwWMZnn9h3JBiELtpjZRlvzP_Y7e4jkL/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip=""><br>
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Caesarea<br>
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<img alt="" id="id_82aa_ae38_3a38_511e" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIdd3_Lk2f1w_iPNPgGLw-_KR_pdlV6JO65J-2aVbE6uGezkK7qOjzpqjKs4OnYmehj7un76DWGhhaA_10T7ut14N5xENA5ynoslQvP4j3kgthl7TKLWRs50q6fD4Jljecwc2gzLyz21o6/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip=""><br>
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Devotions at the base of Megiddo<br>
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<img alt="" id="id_e1dc_4c64_667d_2855" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhARxdE8ZT2YUkkCSMO_jVJDMXPzsenQVNJI7oLxmI7jo6DTrQrPylCo8U0udXfjU-rZN63O-60KaJ5w2nR_n-n9mRriy-dqXvpfS2dJUDEyRZLTDCW-g5wo6Sedho75CD2uROvpEYMKDsU/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip=""><br>
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Rula, one of our tour guides<br>
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<img alt="" id="id_b88e_3466_4ea2_70a5" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZKAKGR3qXOXYQPvlU1ihoyT1QafbUCP6nxSaLs4IXopwGIXQZPfXGSXK7gVqXZFqwxsr69-3mQ_2OPon44oCPssS0tjETRgNwbcOhlxHg5tjhv9ELYmfT-JWnnjq1tLODOcHCIEmz46Gn/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip=""><br>
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Mary's childhood home, Church of the Annunciation, Nazareth<br>
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<img alt="" id="id_f74f_5b21_c53e_7132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXecFLgLF1v-HjZZRwRAkXELITxMktbEH3VFej6dAAhBUWb2OaQNyyBHkd1Fk3Na7CKNGpUjBe9gfZVEHtppyIMUJC7FSfp2UILopRQ77BAi5dbHKEl5d_oPASshTTDgJJ357JXXzLpHLR/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip=""><br>
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<img alt="" id="id_16fd_523c_fecf_9602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Aq5-aD3oNPxHlYHCopDP_Dh5HxXtNgQRrEkhFAESiZG4VfqEf7fgaNxrkABY304M-grwTWm9z-XA5NRlm0VqYac6_P03jWHX7rGe2BMLqdnX1AY9XlceRSWVVwak07dJxW_o_XUjY_1E/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip=""><br>
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A water jar at the site where Jesus turned water into wine<br>
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<img alt="" id="id_f2e7_e853_1b2d_b83c" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgeGqFLzhKX8gYnTwKEBpLq0JHUjyA7q0X1S1OhtEdPJ7FyctXownldiSek1sA9jhOuuXZyKeuATlQFwkSOBX2Nkf6ZzRR8-1O-mj9ZgnR4xiiA4CFleQ-n_SuUjtPsU5EWmcfmE41u1hs/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip=""><br>
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Church at Cana<br>
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</div>Mountain Sky Conference Travelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01600984955776990681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1578317412579652472.post-49658187363346035362019-01-30T11:50:00.000-08:002019-01-30T19:20:26.891-08:00A Day Around the Sea of Galilee<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizyHc-kfqrYk-7OyMSQ1FWcucqyKn-6YFBMZ0NfT1xly5a1MoSj1WpYvazsfkMB_UwVXVG0ryHMwHrJ47YYta356NTegKFsNUyXAgEX60etQ14aKD8NgiYQGys9ave4Fav2gkWhcidWS83/s1600/2.4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="666" data-original-width="960" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizyHc-kfqrYk-7OyMSQ1FWcucqyKn-6YFBMZ0NfT1xly5a1MoSj1WpYvazsfkMB_UwVXVG0ryHMwHrJ47YYta356NTegKFsNUyXAgEX60etQ14aKD8NgiYQGys9ave4Fav2gkWhcidWS83/s400/2.4.jpg" width="400" id="id_b2cf_6032_95d0_b91" style="width: 400px; height: auto;"></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some MSC Pilgrims reflect on the day's highlights for them:</span><br>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Lorene Branson, Cece Huffnagle, Alda Schnase, all from Green Mountain UMC in Lakewood, CO, and Rev. Emily Flemming, Windsor, CO)</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bob Stowe, Gillette, Wyoming:</span><br>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #222222; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 20px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My take from yesterday's initial experiences in The Holy Lands. DINNER WITH YOLI.
Last night, Ruth (Stowe) and I ate dinner with a remarkable woman at our hotel, Leonardo Club. Yoli, short for Yolanda, was sitting alone at a table for 4, next to the table where the three other Pilgrims from Gillette, WY were eating. Soon after giving us permission to join her for dinner, she engaged us in conversation: "Is this your first time in Israel?" YES. "Where are you from?" UNITED STATES, the state of Wyoming. Not unlike many East Coast residents of USA, she had never heard of WY. Then she queried "Are you here on a tour vacation, or to learn?" Ruth and I still had our EO badges on. We answered her somewhat broken English "Yes, we are on a Pilgrimage, learning more about the cultural setting where Jesus lived, taught and performed the miracles." " She nodded and said, "Yes!" </span></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #222222; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 20px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">W</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #222222; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 20px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">e learned that Yoli cam here in 1949, 70 years ago, when she moved to Israel, the homeland of her religion, Judaism. I asked her if she was but a baby when she immigrated. She replied, "Oh, no! I was in my 20's." Somewhat taken back, I said you must be ninety-something!" She quickly and proudly replied, "I am mil, one hundred years old!" I was astonished by her age. From her face and hands, I was thinking she might be in her early 80's, but not 100! I asked Yoli where she immigrated from. She replied "Poland." That gave me pause, knowing that after Hitler had occupied Poland in the late 1930's, and that after he put Political Opponents, Scientists and Jehovah's Witnesses into concentration camps, he then ferreted out Polish Jews, sending them to the concentration camps. Most of them died from the heavy labor, being poorly clothed for Northern European winters, from poor
nutrition, rampant diseases and later, from gas chambers. </span></span><br>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #222222; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 20px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yoli read my mind and said, "I lost all my family in Auschwitz. I had to make a new family in Israel with a husband, 2 daughters, 8 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. She then said she worked for Leonardos for 40 years. A retirement perk she receives is a week's stay at the Leonardo Club each year. She now lives in Haifa, about 60-70 km to the west of Tiberius, on the Eastern Mediterranean coast.
I know this was a "God-incident" dinner meeting when she stated that she and Jewish people share the One God with Christians. And in a surprise she stated that we share God with Muslims, from the lineage of Abraham.
One never knows what a dinnertime conversation might yield! </span></span><br>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #222222; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 20px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bishop Karen:</span></span><br>
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Tom Kramer, Gillette, Wyoming:<br>
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Penny standing in the synagogue that Jesus healed many in Capernum. </span><br>
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Rev Tiffany Keith, Colorado Springs, CO<div><br></div><div><div dir="auto"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Full Circle</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I started my devotional today by explaining to the pilgrims that if they told me a decade ago I would be in the middle of the Sea of Galilee giving a devotional, I would’ve thought they were crazy...</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">A decade ago, I was just getting small hints of my call into ordained ministry. I literally told Alan he was crazy when he said something about me being a pastor. Being in front of people was an “absolutely not.” Talking in front of people? Laughable!</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">But there was this video. “Dust,” a video by Rob Bell. He talked about the disciples and their education. He talked abouy Peter walking on water. That moment a decade ago I knew I was going into ministry, and I knew I was my biggest obstacle. I should say, “my faith in myself was my stumbling block.”</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">So, today when I began my devotional by acknowledging the craziness of the moment, I was acknowledging the distance Jesus’ call has taken me. I was reminding myself that it isn’t Jesus faith in me that I had to overcome. (He’s always known!) It was my faith in myself that I had to face, head on. </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">And wow... I am so glad I did. </span></div></div><div><br></div><div><br>
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Rev. AJ Bush, Gillette, Wyoming<br>
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Today we traveled all around the Sea of Galilee stopping at places such as the Mt. Of Beatitues (where Jesus gave the sermon on the mount), Capernaum (Jesus’ second home town), Magdala (the home of Mary Magdalen) and a boat ride on the sea itself! For many hours we were immersed in the life of Jesus’ public ministry - walking where he walked, eating what he ate, praying where he prayed. </div>
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One of the things I love about the Sea of Galilee is that it reminds me of the familiarity Jesus had with these places and these communities. Jesus wasn’t some outsider, but Jesus lived among them, healed among them, and taught among them. This was Jesus’ home and his community. It was where he lived and what he was intimately familiar with. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyM0U3spYZvZoybs2Qt-bGd9neTGVmZf2Cod4gnrxK6o_8RncnR4NCdobEI5nxBCwXGPl_F6GngmufEYoULi6JBVJGxjxoWFSE4PtMpyYEFLaFCxH_5xS2gp2HRvXuRQV_PdrMIBuExX5S/s1600/2.3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyM0U3spYZvZoybs2Qt-bGd9neTGVmZf2Cod4gnrxK6o_8RncnR4NCdobEI5nxBCwXGPl_F6GngmufEYoULi6JBVJGxjxoWFSE4PtMpyYEFLaFCxH_5xS2gp2HRvXuRQV_PdrMIBuExX5S/s1600/2.3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: left; color: #0066cc; float: left; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyM0U3spYZvZoybs2Qt-bGd9neTGVmZf2Cod4gnrxK6o_8RncnR4NCdobEI5nxBCwXGPl_F6GngmufEYoULi6JBVJGxjxoWFSE4PtMpyYEFLaFCxH_5xS2gp2HRvXuRQV_PdrMIBuExX5S/s320/2.3.jpg" width="240" id="id_3c60_686_5ea8_d370" style="width: 240px; height: auto;"></a>I love this image because it reminds me that Jesus isn’t some outsider in our lives, but that Jesus is just as familiar with us as he was the disciples and the Sea of Galilee. For example, when Jesus called the disciples from their boats, they weren’t just strangers on the seashore, he knew them. When Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law, she wasn’t just some sick woman, she was like family. And the same is true for us. When God calls us or heals us today, God knows us too and tells us we are family. You see, Jesus isn’t some outsider in our lives, but Jesus is intimately familiar with us.</div>
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So the next time you read the stories about Jesus’ ministry around the Sea of Galilee, imagine that they are talking place somewhere familiar to you - Like in your own community - or read them as if they are taking place to people you know - or perhaps even in your own life. Because Jesus is intimately familiar with us, and Jesus continues to walk with us, just as he walked the shores of the Galilee. </div>
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The MSC Pilgrims sing in a chapel in Magdala. Note the mural at the end, depicting the woman who touched the hem of Jesus' garment:</div>
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/1mJSy1QXvuE/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1mJSy1QXvuE?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" id="id_180e_a14b_e94d_33f1"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;">Scenes from the day:</div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;"><img id="id_fb7b_8ff_b7f_d850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk75Q1Z4wacWdkBV9X-Tn1CAwbWmNG5oMJtaBbb95wucERApwx6AfVeE5ZRCmbr037aMPWpECXyKC6vLie6ZF5UMTMZWYDEPMlv3pw2p1xRupyxXZ3Re01qlxGx8bBq-nLH0m1njI0brZh/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br>One of our tour guides, Abraham, talks with the group<br><br><img id="id_b5b5_b3ab_fd4f_953e" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5pcmpw0oWBiPjBYVWlpJTlfZDTQtGzLQ7v2-5MpEdSdUd-hjbSgUhMx5grejUhlvn2abe9Fn1VHvcTUYnR_i36gYUYDe0nEXYOq1r-knVdlwJWuS-nBnWcDTadQYh2a_8JD-_kPP2itiB/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br>Learning a little about the apostle Peter<br><br><img id="id_99d9_26a0_d6c0_5498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglkehygP3FBZQIHDDadPDn4D7BQR8UrmW4sHWGELljEroWLLQzRJOcWfEQoW8OFdgfdP7mNKt_rkE30IKJKMiKh0bXRvZ03JRdxDJzcQtYEwV7X9SJqViF1d0wyXbhmtGcZnUvYlz4dqNF/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br>The place where the risen Christ shared a meal with his disciples <br><br><img id="id_b016_c302_c955_7a8d" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3APuOoaO9W7xViaQJ_bdJt-4GhZrORkMg3YVh5VGjANK-OoZzTqABnWcJWRnfxi1J7urjjei1WjjTxE5dlsr6VHdqIutcqCxafeigNPVpWbpbUXt8B_AZx1unYZ2w5agonDECAssJljTO/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br>On the Sea of Galilee <br><br><img id="id_3f2e_15e9_db2b_4c57" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2zJN1wGgX-e2zm334-qrMB4YosoiKSCJYSdMGbsOkHW7tSRkClM6IjCSAf3lsJzo2yXloBeYtsKwPcTLVhQGqvKzpglD8a9bIdCE3GOx0m1tZxLsScSb6cZuaYjIjairjq3KMzA71NLW3/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br>Rev. Tiffany Keith leads a devotion on the Sea of Galilee <br><br><img id="id_df2a_bcb6_80f2_8492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWtr_eMkL2nLeBrUlr9ab0mJOj7jOUSsOXP4cyomjX3qBXx7C_1vx780zdtU6BamNh4m67jDe8w5RIYK0CeZr4NdLWtlHiy0x_owDbCY31cb-lmq-GHuT6ZSzlgggFOp84wHeg2QWW3i0M/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br>Learning about the town of Magdala<br><br><img id="id_1c35_db7b_9443_65ed" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqLHkK1eds1fcQqH5Tfci_e9BAgq7Bu5F8aokP_VXIPYE8KDfn518PZoRgNNMG5Tf8ENGUGYaUNW57noNTy6Af1LAJYfbkXUVVFBowckFfunAPX43GFuughEcSiop5sYvLiTyDsXcCjrTc/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br>Homeless Jesus</div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br></div></div>Mountain Sky Conference Travelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01600984955776990681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1578317412579652472.post-91116295111415103242019-01-29T12:20:00.001-08:002019-01-30T12:07:28.223-08:00We've Arrived!Bishop Karen:<br>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">One hundred pilgrims from the Mountain Sky Conference (as well as several more from other conferences) left their respective cities on Monday and arrived in Tel Aviv on Tuesday, late afternoon. We all converged at almost the same time and were led to our buses, to be driven to Tiberius on the Sea of Galilee. We were greeted at the hotel with fresh juices and dates, and then ushered into the dining area, where we feasted on all sorts of Mediterranean delights!</span><br>
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Because of the size of our group, we are on two buses. One bus has last year's tour guide, Rula. The other bus has Abraham as tour guide. Like Rula, Abraham is a Palestinian Christian. Abraham has quite the sense of humor: "Just remember when we visit places, to come with Papa."<br>
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I was very moved by how Abraham talked about our trip as we make our way to Tiberius. We are not tourists. We are here as pilgrims. And then he led us in saying the Lord's Prayer. It was a beautiful reminder of the oneness we experience in Christ. We might come from many places, but we are united as Christ's body.<br>
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Tonight we all plan on getting a good night's rest: tomorrow will be a full day!<div><br></div><div>Rev. Tiffany Keith, The Edge and 1st UMC, Colorado Springs, CO and Congregational Resource Minister for Peaks/Pikes Peak District:</div><div><br></div><div><div lang="EN-US" link="blue" vlink="purple"><div class="m_3656496469963115872WordSection1"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The Paradox of Time <br><br>We just landed. The journey across the US, across an ocean, and across Europe happened so fast and yet every moment seemed to drag on forever and ever. <br><br>The Paradox of Time <br><br>We just landed. We just landed in this place that is the past. This place that is the present. This place that is the future. <br><br>This place is the past. It’s Canaanite. And Roman. And Palestinian. And Israeli. And Christian. It’s the place that connect Europe, Africa, and Asia. All the people of the past have left their mark on the land and on the people. You walk here and feel the deep, long history of the land. <br><br>This place is the present. We are in a bus with air conditioning, USB plugs, and Wifi we just got the password for. We’re passing gas stations, cities, walls, deep division, oppression, and dehumanizing. You can’t help but experience the presence. <br><br>This place is the future. It is here I can see all peoples flowing into the tree of life. Knowing the absolute love of God. <u></u><u></u></span></p></div></div><div lang="EN-US" link="blue" vlink="purple"><div class="m_3656496469963115872WordSection1"><div id="m_3656496469963115872BIOS-SIGNATURE"></div></div></div></div><div><br></div><div><br>
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Here's a look at tonight's dinner buffet:<br>
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<br></div>Mountain Sky Conference Travelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01600984955776990681noreply@blogger.com0