Sunday, Dec. 8 | 10:00 am | Parish Hall / Zoom -
On December 8, St. John’s will host a presentation introducing the Bearing Witness curriculum, a unique educational program that shares the stories of people living in Palestine and Israel and the remarkable ministries of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem that bring hope and healing in this volatile part of the world. This powerful resource, developed by the American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem (AFEDJ), invites us to enter into a relationship with the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem through prayer, education and financial support.
What is Bearing Witness?
Bearing Witness is a five-session curriculum designed to deepen the participant's understanding of those living in the Holy Land—people of all faiths who face adversity daily, yet continue to live with hope, dignity, and resilience through a blend of historical context, Gospel-centered reflections, and interfaith insights. It highlights the inspiring work of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem’s humanitarian institutions, its hospitals, schools, and centers for children with disabilities across Palestine, Israel, Jordan, and Lebanon.
Why Attend?
The presentation on December 8 will introduce you to the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, AFEDJ's mission, and provide an opportunity to ask questions and engage directly with the content. Our guest speaker will be Eileen Spencer, Executive Director of AFEDJ.
What You Will Learn
Through this program, we are invited to engage with the real-life stories of those living in the Holy Land, as well as the transformative ministries of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem. Spencer will guide us through the curriculum's structure, its educational and spiritual focus, and the important role we can play in supporting the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem’s humanitarian work in the region. The Bearing Witness curriculum is designed to help participants understand the complexities of life in the Holy Land and take meaningful steps toward solidarity, action, and support for those in need.
In addition to gaining valuable insights about the humanitarian work of the Diocese of Jerusalem, you’ll also hear about St. John’s Norwood's own connection to the Diocese, and how our congregation is already engaged in building lasting relationships that make a real difference.
A Call to Action
Bearing Witness is more than an educational program, it is a call to action. Bearing Witness encourages us to reflect on the challenges facing our brothers and sisters in the Holy Land and consider how we can make a tangible difference by helping build bridges of understanding, justice, and peace. By participating in this program, you will not only gain a deeper understanding of the region's complexities, but you will also have an opportunity to support crucial humanitarian efforts that provide essential services to those in need. This is an opportunity to engage with the Episcopal Church's mission of racial justice, reconciliation, and peacebuilding in a profound way.
A Transformative Lenten Journey
You will have the opportunity to participate in the full five-week Bearing Witness journey, beginning in Lent 2025. By participating in this curriculum, you’ll have the chance to walk alongside the people of the Holy Land through prayer, education, and direct support for the Diocese's ministries.
Save the Date: Please join us at the 10 am forum on December 8, 2024 to learn more about the Bearing Witness curriculum and discover how you can be part of a larger movement of faith, hope, and action.
For more details on the presentation or to sign up for the upcoming curriculum, please use the form below to contact the Rev. Anne Derse or parishioner Penny Winder.
Questions?
Complete this form to connect with the Rev. Anne Derse or parishioner Penny Winder.