Category Archives: International Center of Bethlehem

Come to the Holy Land with The Presbytery of Ohio Valley

March 8-17, 2017

Marietta Macy, Director of Children and Youth Ministry at First Presbyterian Church, Columbus, will lead the group. Marietta notes, “I hope you will join us on this once in a lifetime experience that is sure to enrich and expand your faith as you encounter God in the people and places of the Holy Land.”

The Partnership we share with the International Center of Bethlehem includes travel and seeing Bethlehem first hand removes the mystery of the important work being done there. The trip includes Jerusalem, Galilee, the Jordan River, the Mount of Olives, Shepherds’ Field, Church of All Nations, conversation with the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions and a trip to the Deheishe Refugee Camp. Dar al-Kalima, which is the name of the work in Bethlehem, includes a health and wellness program, an Academy, a University, a Guesthouse, classes for young and old, serving all the people of Bethlehem.

The cost is $2895.00, including all tips, transfers, accommodations (dbl), many meals, guides and airfare. See a full description and Sign up on line at WWW.GTD.ORG G#170305
or with Marietta 812-821-2581, mvmacy@gmail.com
or with Jo Lucas 812-343-1847 or jolucas41@att.net.

Unpack once! Accommodations are at the Guesthouse of the International Center of Bethlehem

2014 travelers to the Bethlehem region

Leading the Way: Education, Culture and Community Outreach in Bethlehem Palestine

rana_khoury Rana Khoury, Vice President of DAK University College/Diyar, shares the challenges and history of the work in Bethlehem. In its 21st year, it is the third largest private employer, touching the lives of 60,000 in the Bethlehem Region, which is under Israeli occupation.

The conversation will include:

Civic Engagement – a program for young adults
Publishing
Awards
Building
Womens’ Soccer in Palestine
Dar al-Kalima (DAK) University College/Diyar
Life Long Learning
Artistic Expressions

The Partnership the Presbytery of Ohio Valley shares with this work in Bethlehem includes education. Rana is here as part of that partnership. Find a location and come. Hope is what they do in Bethlehem.

Saturday, March 12, 3:00-4:00, Womens’ Retreat, Henryville
Saturday, March 12, 5:00 pm, Jeffersonville First, Saturday Worship
Sunday, March 13, 11:00-noon, First Presbyterian Columbus, 512 Seventh St.
Sunday, March 13, 3:30-5:00 pm, Corydon Presbyterian Church
Monday, March 14, 2:00-4:00 pm, Franklin College Classes
Monday, March 14, 6:30-8:00 pm, Bartholomew Library Red Room, Columbus
Tuesday, March 15, 3:00-5:00 pm, Hanover College, 137 Science Center, Hanover

Information: email Jo Lucas or call 812-342-4850.

Rana Khoury to Visit POV in November

Rana Khoury will be in the Presbytery of Ohio Valley
from November 6-10, 2015.

Speaking Times Available!

Rana Khoury, vice President of the work in Bethlehem and the first person hired as this work began in 1995, will be here to speak about the work in Bethlehem. The ICB is committed to education, health care,intercultural dialog and promoting the building of civil society. The work is directed by Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb, Pastor of Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem.

The Presbytery of Ohio Valley(POV) Partnership with the International Center of Bethlehem (ICB) has been a work of the POV since August 2006. One of the works of the Partnership is education.

To have Rana come to your location email Jo Lucas or call 812-343-1847.

Gifts: Bright Stars, PO Box 185, Mount Morris, Illinois 61054-0185

2014 Trip to Bethlehem

Travel to Bethlehem and stay at the Guesthouse of the International Center of Bethlehem October 21 – 30, 2014

Trip Itinerary:

Tue Oct 21: Depart USA Overnight flight to Tel Aviv.
Wed Oct 22: (TelAviv/Bethlehem) Upon arrival in Tel Aviv, meet your guide and transfer to Lutheran Guesthouse at the International Center of Bethlehem (ICB)All overnights will be at the Guesthouse.(meals in flight,D)
Thur Oct 23: (Bethlehem) Visit Dar al-Kalima Academy and Health and Wellness Center, an outgrowth of ICB, for the health and development of Bethlehem-area people, Christians and Muslims alike. Visit Deheishe Refugee Camp and Shepherds? Field. (B,D)
Fri Oct 24: (Jerusalem/ Bethlehem) Green Oive Tours will take you to a settlement and the Separation Wall, helping in understanding the impact of this action. Savor the Mt. of Olives, the Garden of Gesemane, the church of all Nations. Dinner and overnight in Bethlehem.(B,D)
Sat Oct 25: (Galilee/ Bethlehem) Travel to Galilee and enjoy a boatride on the Sea of Galilee. Visit the ancient Synagogue and St. Peter?s house at Capernaum. Stop at the Jordan River enroute back to Bethlehem.(B,D)
Sun Oct 26: (Bethlehem) Start the day with worship (in Arabic) at Christmas Lutheran Church, and join Rev.Dr. Mitri Raheb and the congregation for fellowship following the service. Walking tour of Bethlehem and Church of the Nativity, built over the cave-stable where tradition says Jesus was born. (B,D)
Mon Oct 27: (Jerusalem/Bethlehem) Tour the Old City, starting at the Western Wall; followed by the Temple Mount and the Golden Dome of the Rock. Walk the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Visit the Garden Tomb. Enjoy free time. Return to Bethlehem (B,D)
Tues Oct 28: (Bethlehem) A volunteer work project at Dar al Kalima Academy or College. (B,D)
Wed Oct 29: (Bethlehem) The day is for your leisure in exploring Bethlehem and the work of the International Center of Bethlehem. No guide or motorcoach today. Farewell dinner at the Guesthouse B,D)
Thur Oct 30: Return to USA Early morning transfer for flight to USA. (B,Meals in-flight)

code: B-breakfast D-dinner

Travel dates October 21-30, 2014
Trip cost includes airfare from Indianapolis (other cities available), luggage handling, housing, meals, transfers, guides $3499.00
The Partnership of the Presbytery of Ohio Valley (POV) and the International Center of Bethlehem (ICB) includes travel opportunities.
Local Host: Brad Napier, Pastor at pastorbrad@btownpres.org or 812-528-0977 Full Brochure available from kpeer@gtd.org
Trip arrangements are with Group Travel Directors- Kate Peer
Sign up today Group G#141006 800-747-2255 e-mail: kpeer@gtd.org

The Presbytery of Ohio Valley(POV) Partnership with the International Center of Bethlehem (ICB) has been a work of the POV since August 2006. The Partnership provides scholarship dollars for students, funds for Dar al-Kalima College, used hearing aids to serve the 3000 audiology patients seen annually at the ICB Health and Wellness Center, travel and education, daily prayer and support for the Churches for Middle East Peace. The ICB is committed to education, health care,intercultural dialog and promoting the building of civil
society. The work is directed by Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb.

Individuals, 12 congregations two foundations and the Presbytery have given dollars and have sent 10 shipments of used hearing aids for the ICB Health and Wellness Center. The POV has hosted three staff members of the ICB and made 92 formal presentations. Travel to Bethlehem and see this partnership at work. The place where Jesus was born blesses the world today.

This partnership is a work of Peacemaking. The ICB is an Extra Commitment Opportunity (ECO) of the Presbyterian Church USA. What a gift, when we hear news of Israel/Palestine, to know the good work being done and that we are part of that work. As Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb says, “We are not called to be spectators, but actors in shaping a new identity that
includes all peoples in this land and in God’s lands.”

Bright Stars of Bethlehem Presentation in Columbus, IN

Rev. Scott Hill and Beth Nelson Chase talk.

On Sunday, July 14th, Beth Nelson Chase, VP of Bright Stars of Bethlehem, brought greetings and thanks from the Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb, to First Presbyterian Church, Columbus, Indiana. The Presbytery of Ohio Valley has a Partnership with the International Center of Bethlehem. Beth reports that this Partnership, which is now seven years old, is a model for other denominations, and she expressed gratitude for all that the Partnership means in Bethlehem.

Beth reports that the Presbyterian Church (USA) Foundation recently announced investments in the work the POV has been partnered with for these seven years. The Foundation has researched work being done in Palestine, and have agreed to oversite of investments of the work under the direction of Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb. This is an opportunity to work with the people of Bethlehem, who are touching the lives of 60,000 a year in the city and surrounding villages with the services for elders, young families, children, young adults, students and in health and wellness.

In addition, Beth reports that the Dar al-Kalima College is now accredited as a four-year institution of higher education. This accreditation opens possibilities for exchange and the sharing of resources with institutions around the globe. The Dean of the college, Dr. Nuha Khoury declares, “This is a work of life for young people in Palestine.”

The morning event included a Brunch such as is served at the Guesthouse in Bethlehem. The tables were full of flowers and photos taken by the people from the Presbytery of Ohio Valley who have traveled to Bethlehem as part of the Partnership work.

Mission Partnership News

From Jo Lucas of Mission Partnership:

We are blest to be partnered with work in Bethlehem. We can celebrate this award, with all those around the world who support this work. To date the Presbytery of Ohio Valley congregations, individuals, foundations and the POV have provided nine scholarships, 23 people have traveled there, seven batches of used hearing aids have been sent, 87 formal presentations have been made, $125,000.00 has been sent for the work there, and prayer is offered daily for the work in Bethlehem and in Indiana.

The Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb of Bethlehem is announced as a winner of the International Award “Deutscher Medienpreis” for 2011.

The official announcement of Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb as recipient of the 2011 prestigious international award “Deutscher Medienpreis” was made in Germany today Friday, January 13, 2012. Launched in 1992, the award was mainly granted to Heads of States, including …the German Chancellor Angela Merkel (2009), the Dali Lama (2008), King Juan Carlos of Spain (2006), Kofi Anan (2003), Queen Rania of Jordan (2002), , Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder (2000), Bill Clinton (1999), Nelson Mandela (1998), King Hussein of Jordan (1997), Boris Yeltsin (1996), President Arafat (1995), Yitshak Rabin (1995), Francois Mitterrand (1994), Chancellor Helmut Cole (1993), in addition to few and selected personalities such as Sir Richard Branson (2010), Steffi Graf (2007), Bono (2005) and Rudolph Giuliani (2002).

Aside from Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb, the award is given to the Russian Stanislaw Petrow, who prevented a potential third world nuclear war in 1983; the Afghani Dr. Sakena Yacoobi who worked diligently on empowering women in Afghanistan; and to Dr. Denis Mukwege from Congo, who assisted thousands of rape victims in the Congo war.

The decision of the jury to give the award to Rev. Dr. Raheb was based on his tireless work in creating room for hope for his people, who are living under Israeli Occupation, through founding and building institutions of excellence in education, culture and health. He was also recognized due to his strong position and stance on the Culture of Life and Dialogue.

The official ceremony will be held in the city of Baden-Baden in Germany on February 14, 2012. The keynote speaker during the celebration will be the previous German Chancellor Professor Roman Herzog.

Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb expressed his delight to receive this prestigious award, since it is indicative of the international appreciation and recognition of his efforts that are made on the local, regional and international levels. He is pastor of Christmas Lutheran Church, Bethlehem, and founder and director of the Diyar Consortium, a group of educational, healing, and cultural ministries.
For more information, go to:
www.diyar.ps
www.deutscher-medienpreis.de
www.brightstarsbethlehem.org

2012 Trip to Bethlehem

Update: 11/21/2011

The Trip to Bethlehem has been cancelled for February 2012.

February 16-25 2012

Travel to Bethlehem and stay at the guest house of the International Center of Bethlehem.

Walk the streets where Jesus was born, see Jerusalem and Galilee.

The trip cost ($3330.00) includes airfare from Indianapolis (other cities available), luggage handling, housing, meals, transfers, and guides.

This trip is being offered through Mission Partnerships of POV.
Trip arrangements are with Group Travel Directors. (Group G#120202)
Full brochure available from GTD.

For more information, contact David Dietrich by phone (812.294.7010)/email or Kate Peer at Group Travel Directors (800.747.2255)/email.

Rev. Peggy Casteel with children at Christmas Lutheran Church during the 2009 trip.

The Presbytery of Ohio Valley partnership with the International Center of Bethlehem (ICB) has been a work of the POV since August 2006. The Partnership provides scholarship dollars for students, funds for the Dar al-Kalima College, used hearing aids to serve the 4000 audiology patients seen annually at the ICB Health and Wellness Center, travel and education, support for the Churches for Middle East Peace. The ICB is committed to education, health care, intercultural dialog and promoting the building of civil society. The work is directed by Dr. Mitri Raheb.

Individuals, congregations and foundations of the Presbytery have given, to date, over $105,000 and have sent seven shipments of used hearing aids for the ICB Health and Wellness Center. The POV has hosted two staff members of the ICB and made 83 formal presentations. Travel to Bethlehem and see this partnership at work!

Rana Khoury will be in the Presbytery of Ohio Valley from November 6-10, 2015.