The Church's One Foundation
Trip Start
Jan 08, 2008
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22
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Trip End
Mar 18, 2008
Jerusalem,
Israel
Sunday, February 17, 2008
On this Sunday, we have been thinking not only about the church where we have chosen to worship but also about all the churches that we have seen. This morning Michael and I had the privelege and joy to assist in the service at Resurrection Lutheran Church. He assisted with the prayers and communion - I sang the Kyrie and "On Eagle's Wings". We have certainly been welcomed as part of the community of this church.
There have been so many churches that we have entered, felt a sense of awe, marveled at the mosaics and artwork, and tried to comprehend the history. (In past blogs, we have posted some of the pictures of these and, today, we will have a little review of the past and show some new.) There have been churches that have been built through the years over places that carried strong oral and written tradition of holy sights. The names of these you may recall - Church of the Nativity, Pater Noster Church, Dominus Flevit, Church of All Nations, St. Peter in Gallicantu, and the Holy Sepulchre. These churches have been visited by Christian pilgrims from throughout the world for many years. We have observed that just being in the places where Jesus had been has powerfully moved people in a variety of ways. Praying, kneeling, sitting on floors with open Bibles, singing, chanting, reading Scripture aloud, and kissing stones - different languages, different attire, varieties of skin color and ages - it has all been interesting to see and hear.
Church of the Nativity
For Michael, St. Peter in Gallicantu has moved him with a strong sense of holiness. For me, kneeling at the rock in The Church of All Nations has filled me with awe.Then, we have walked through the doors of churches that are actively being used by the community for worship or prayer services. The names of these we will remember because we know that people week after week are being fed through the reading of Scripture, the preaching and teaching of the Word, singing of hymns, and being in fellowship with one another. The Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, the Lutheran Church of the Ascension, Hope Church in Ramallah, St. Joseph's Church, St. Andrew's, and The Dormition have held special meanings and memories for us.
Each foundation in each church here is stone. In fact, stones are found in the walls, floors and ceilings. There is little wood and of course, no dry wall. But one looks beyond the stones and sees and understands that "the church's one foundation is Jesus Christ our Lord." Michael and I fondly think about the churches that have been home to our family throughout the years. Each church has held that "one foundation" that has filled us, inspired us, and comforted us. Bless you all!
In Christ,
Jolene and Michael
There were a few "winners" of the "What Is This!?" for this past week. It is indeed a coffee press. It is embarrassing to admit that it took us awhile to realize what it was and exactly HOW to use it.
Comments
Hezekiah's Tunnel?
Or some such tunnel to bring water across the city?
Dave Wilson
Hezekiah's Tunnel
Hey Dave;
I guessed Hezekiah's Tunnel too...my guess is on another page.
Cindy D.