Journey to the Holy Land:
April 24 - May 6, 2002

On Wednesday, April 24, 2002, three members of the New England Synod will leave Boston on a 12-day, re-scheduled visit with our companion synod, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan/Palestine. They will return home on Monday, May 6th.

Leading the delegation will be the Rev. Hans R. Arnesen, Associate to Bishop Margaret Payne. Pastor Arnesen will be accompanied by Pam Engberg (Trinity in Worcester, MA), and Maureen Andrew (Grace in Auburn, ME). According to Pastor Arnesen, "The purpose of the trip is to be in solidarity with our brothers and sisters of the ELCJ during a particularly difficult time, and to honor our companion synod relationship with the ELCJ. Many people have been cancelling their trips. One of the results is that people in that country, particularly Palestinian Christians, feel forgotten." Click the thumbnail image above to view a photo of the delegation...

Here you will find Pastor Arnesen's daily journal entries, images from their journey, and other information direct from the Holy Land. Check this page often as it will be updated on a daily basis...

A Companion Synod relationship exists between the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the ELCA New England Synod.