Crisis in the Holy Land
Coming in 2024
Additional opportunities for learning and discussion are coming during Lent 2024.
Sacred Conversation
Wednesday, December 13 at 6:30 p.m.
Led by the Rev. Cate Anthony
This month, following the final Wednesday supper of 2023, come to Palmer Hall for a time of holy conversation as we reflect on the ongoing suffering and violence in the Holy Land. In this Advent season of hope and expectation, it is difficult to process such heartache in the land of Jesus’ birth, and this evening will give us a chance to share and give voice to that juxtaposition. We will end with an opportunity for quiet prayer and candle-lighting as together we keep vigil for the promise of peace.
“Sacred Conversations” are discrete sessions during which a community gathers to have open and vulnerable conversation about a particular topic.
Previous offerings and resources
- A message from our rector, the Rev. John D. Rohrs (October 13, 2023); John's sermon focused on the war on Sunday, October 15, and videos are linked below)
- A presentation by the Rev. William L. Sachs (October 18, 2023) (Video recording is embedded at the bottom of this page)
- Resources for families with children
- Episcopal Church news and resources
- We will continue to include the people of the Holy Land in our prayers during Sunday services.
From the rector
On October 13, 2023, the Rev. John D. Rohrs, rector, sent a message to our email subscribers, which included the following words:
Like you, I have watched the news from the Holy Land with increasing levels of sorrow. Our hearts ache for the families of those who were kidnapped or who died in the horrific series of attacks last weekend. As war unfolds this week, our prayers are with all of the innocent people of that land who live in fear.
There are no easy answers and no simple prayers in the face of such suffering and in the context of a centuries-old conflict. St. Paul writes in his letter to the Romans that when prayer seems impossible or ineffectual, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us in sighs too deep for words. We pray for God’s reconciling Spirit to move swiftly in these harrowing days....
As always, we stand ready to talk with you if you would like to schedule a pastoral visit with a member of the clergy or staff.
May God’s peace which passes all understanding bless us and keep us, and may that same peace settle upon the hearts of the leaders and people of Israel, Gaza, and the surrounding region.
John's sermon at the 8, 9, and 11:15 a.m. services addressed the crisis. You can watch it here.
Presentation by the Rev. William L. Sachs
Wednesday, October 18, 6:30 p.m. in the church
During this evening of learning, conversation, and prayer, Bill Sachs shared some personal remarks and framed an evening of conversation and reflection that concluded with prayers for peace. Bill's focus was on living with compassion and understanding for innocent people of all faiths who find themselves mired in the legacy of conflict in the land of Jesus’ birth. As you may know, Bill was the founding director of the Center for Interfaith Reconciliation at St. Stephen's and has visited the Middle East many times. (A video recording is at the bottom of this page.)
Our parish supper on October 18 was planned by Claire Hackley, our chef, with Middle Eastern influences.
Resources for children
The Rev. Abby Kocher, our Director of Children’s Ministry, has shared some resources for children, youth, and families. They are linked below. Note that they are not specific to this particular situation but are relevant for various contexts of violent suffering or war.
- How to talk to your children about conflict and war | UNICEF Parenting
- Terrorism and War: How to Talk to Children (aacap.org)
- Helping Kids Cope With Frightening News - Child Mind Institute
- Explaining the News to Our Kids | Common Sense Media
The work of the Episcopal Church
An ongoing list on Episcopal Church resources relating to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. It will be updated as further information and resources become available.
Response by Episcopal Relief and Development
Link to the website of the American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem
O God of all justice and peace, we cry out to you in the midst of the pain and trauma of violence and fear which prevails in the Holy Land. Be with those who need you in these days of suffering; we pray for people of all faiths--Jews, Muslims and Christians, and for all people of the land. While we pray to you, O Lord, for an end to violence and the establishment of peace, we also call for you to bring justice and equity to the peoples. Guide us into your kingdom where all people are treated with dignity and honor as your children, for, to all of us, you are our Heavenly Father. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
written by Archbishop Hosam Naoum of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem