Greetings and Shalom,
A hasty post to let our loved ones and friends know that we are here in Israel and doing well. The flights were smooth, on time and no bags were lost. We are off to a good start. The rainy weather will not discourage us. I am currently listening to the waves of the Mediterranean Sea right outside my room in our hotel in Netanya. It is stormy and windy and the noisy gusts are a reminder that for the ancients this sea was considered the Great Sea.
It has been said that travel not only stirs the blood, it also gives strength to the Spirit. This is that kind of trip to be sure. Even after a long day of travel, our senses are heightened and our awareness sharpened. We are in a land of remarkable history that has shaped all of our lives. We are being taught and led by the most remarkable teacher, Jim Fleming. No seminary class taught me as much as he has. In so many ways he has shaped both my ministry and my preaching.
Travel indeed is more than the seeing of sights, it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent in the ideas of living. We will see many sights as we begin tomorrow, but what we see and feel will affect us more deeply
It is the sabbath here. Sabbath begins at sundown on Friday. The greeting for today is
"Shabbat Shalom!" It is a wish for peace and wholeness on the sabbath. We wish you that this day as well.
SHABBAT SHALOM
Mary
