April 28 – May 10, 2014

INFORMATION

This is a kairos moment for the church, a time of urgency and opportunity to hear and heed the call for peace coming from the Holy Land.  In faithful and hope-filled response, the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program’s Mosaic of Peace conference invites Presbyterians to experience this remarkable and troubled region, encounter its diverse people, explore its rich history and complex current situation, and engage with those who seek its peace.

As participants in the conference, individuals will be:

INSPIRED by the stories of Christian peacemakers in the Holy Land, walk in the footsteps of the Prince of Peace and encounter contemporary Palestinians and Israelis;

EQUIPPED by engagement with Christian, Muslim and Jewish leaders, experience contextual theology and study peacemaking practices within the framework of PCUSA policy;

CONNECTED with global and local partners to take meaningful action for a just and lasting peace in the region.

Application Process

Applications may be completed in two ways, either using an online form or by downloading and returning the completed form.  Applications will be accepted through October 1, 2013.  When applying online, please be sure to complete the entire application at one time.  Please note, applications cannot be saved and returned to at a later time.

Notification and Deposits

Notification and commitment packets will be made available by November 1, 2013.   Priority will be given to applicants who are first-time visitors to the Holy Land.  All applicants must be 18 years or older at time of travel.  A deposit of $250 will be due by December 1, 2013.

Regional Teams and Recent Seminary Graduate Team

Conference participants will be placed into regional teams.  There will also be one non-geographic team of young adults and recent seminary graduates. All teams will engage in preparation before the conference, meet as a group during the conference, and discuss what they have learned upon returning home.

Orientation

Participants will meet at a U.S. airport hub for an overnight orientation prior to departure for Tel Aviv.  We are currently working on identifying the best option for this orientation overnight.

Cost

The double-occupancy rate for the conference is $2,400.   This includes all conference expenses (including all meals, accommodations, programs, tips, tours, and on the ground transportation)  Airline travel is not included.  There are single occupancy spaces available for an additional charge.

Scholarships

Applicants are encouraged to contact their congregations and mid-councils (presbyteries and synods) for financial assistance through the Peacemaking Offering, which is shared at the local and regional level.  Congregations and mid-councils are being encouraged to utilize their Peacemaking Offering funds this year to support participants in the 2014 Mosaic of Peace Conference.

Accommodations

The current conference hotels include:

JERUSALEM – Gloria Hotel of Old Jerusalem

BETHLEHEM – Manager Square Hotel

THE GALILEE – Golden Crown Hotel in Nazareth

Airfare

Participants are responsible for domestic and international travel.  A choice of 2 or 3 possible airlines and itineraries will be made available to participants so that preferred airlines and mileage awards may be used.   Participants may use the airline of their choice to get to and from home from the U.S. airport hub.

For more information

http://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/peacemaking/mosaic-peace/

Contact the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program at (800) 728-7228 x8700 or call directly to Carl Horton at (502) 569-5200 or Dayna Oliver at (502) 569-8700.