What are the Things that Make for Peace? Building Peace in the Midst of the Palestinian/Israeli Conflict

First Church is privileged to host a public address by Archbishop Elias Chacour, Leader of the Melkite Catholic Church of Akko, Haifa, Nazareth, and Galilee, on Wednesday, May 14 at 7:00 p.m. in the First Church sanctuary. Invite your friends!

A Palestinian Christian who is a citizen of Israel, Archbishop Chacour grew up walking the hillsides where Jesus lived, and where he taught "Blessed are the Peacemakers."

He has worked for reconciliation and peace in the Middle East, especially by building high-quality schools in the Galileean village of Ibillin, where the students and faculty include Christians, Muslims, Jews, and Druze. More than 50% of the students are girls.

Archbishop Chacour is a three-time nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize. He is the author of Blood Brothers and We Belong to the Land: the Story of a Palestinian Israeli who Lives for Peace and Reconciliation (both books will be available for signing at the event).

For more information about this event or Archbishop Chacour, contact Rev. Joan Deming, 608-241-9281, jdeming7@gmail.com, or visit www.pilgrimsofibillin.org.

On Sunday, May 18, at both 9:30 and 11:00 a.m., Steven Schooler, Executive Director of Porchlight (the operator of the men’s Drop-In Shelter at Grace Episcopal, and the overflow shelter at First United Methodist Church), will provide information and lead a discussion about homelessness. Come and learn the facts, as distinguished from the myths, about the homeless population, and what we as a caring faith community can do about homelessness.

A gathering for newcomers and those interested in church membership will be held on Wednesday, May 28^th at 6:30 p.m. Join us to learn more about the ministries of First Church. If you are interested in attending, please email Mary Hasheider at mhasheider@fumc.org or call her at 608-256-9061 ext. 34. We welcome your participation!