March 28, 2002

It's Western Maundy Thursday. There's nothing like waking up in a Jerusalem hostel to remind you of the sea of humanity - a backpacking Inuit Zionist Christian, a freelance Portuguese journalist living in Gaza's Jabaliya refugee camp, a German fruitarian Jewish convert trying to "open minds" by getting her book published, a French Palestinian Solidarity group. Ah, the bubbling cauldron of al-Quds...

The meetings in Bethlehem were all cancelled, as the checkpoint is sealed as tight as a drum - even internationals are not allowed to walk across. Some people are going through Tantur, but it just doesn't seem like a good time to check the porousness of an Israeli closure right now. Marthame and our friend managed to set up some meetings in Jerusalem to talk about joint projects for the School and the University as well as to explore some growing possibilities for youth ministry in the Northern West Bank. It was rather encouraging. However, word came that the internationals in Ramallah had been told by the Israeli army to evacuate. The French group immediately headed up to Ramallah to intervene. Meanwhile, about 300 others are being deported at Ben Gurion Airport because they are peace activists. Things don't look good for Elizabeth's planned travel to Jerusalem tomorrow - not many Palestinian taxis will be getting down to Ramallah it seems.

Footwashing at Jerusalem’s Lutheran Church of the Redeemer.

Marthame headed off to Jerusalem's Lutheran Church of the Redeemer for a service of footwashing and communion. The footwashing service was small and held in the chapel - a simple service of music. The larger service was held with Redeemer's English, German, and Arabic-speaking congregations. As the sanctuary was stripped of its ornamentation, a traditional practice at the conclusion of Maundy Thursday services, Psalm 118 was read in all three languages - it's thought to be the hymn which Jesus and his disciples sang at the end of their meal. It's refrain of "God's steadfast love endures forever" are words of hope now that fill an echoing void.

Communion at Jerusalem’s Lutheran Church of the Redeemer.

Bulletin artwork of the Last Supper.

The congregation gathered outside to walk to the Garden of Gethsemane, but Marthame had to meet some friends for dinner. They are Americans who live between Jerusalem and Ramallah. Until a week ago, they lived on the Jerusalem side of the checkpoint. Then the checkpoint moved - going to and from work is now an ordeal. Recently it has meant getting "warning shots" fired at their car. They wondered if they'd be able to get home tonight.

Things really don't look good around here.