United Methodists across Minnesota and the Dakotas are invited to join Bishop Bruce R. Ough and his wife Char on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. This unique experience provides an opportunity to grow as a church community and on your own personal faith journey.
Dates: Jan. 7-16, 2015
Standard registration deadline: Sept. 24, 2014
Stops on the journey:
West Bank territories: Herodion, Shepherd’s Field, Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem Bible College, Aida Refugee Camp
The wilderness experience: Hope School, Jericho, Jordan River baptismal site at Qasr el Yehud, Qumran, Dead Sea
Jesus’ ministry in the Galilee: Church of the Fish & Loaves in Tabgha, ruins of Capernaum, Sea of Galilee, Mt. of Beatitudes
Cana, Nazareth, Ibillin, Haifa
The week that shook the world (part 1): Princess Basma’s Center for Disabled Children, Mount of Olives, Garden of Gethsemane, Church of all Nations, Southern Steps, Western Wall
Jerusalem and Mt. Zion: Peace House, Mt. Zion, Upper Room, Caiaphas’ House, Yad Vashem
The week that shook the world (part 2): Garden Tomb, Bethesda, Via Dolorosa, Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Safety: In light of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, there are several things that those thinking about the trip should know:
1. Travelers are scheduled to visit sites that are a safe distance away from fighting and protests.
2. Trip guides are in constant communication with each other and with staff on the ground in various places to keep abreast of any safety issues or potentially problematic situations.
3. The itinerary would be modified if a particular area became dangerous.
Click here to watch a video about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as it relates to the safety of the pilgrimage participants.