October 14, 2001

Marthame shares in worship leadership at the Anglican Church of Shefa’amer.

We joined our friends from The Harbour as we headed up north to Shefa'amer for worship. The last time we were there was an evening worship in March, and this was another wonderful chance to be with their community. Marthame assisted in the multi-lingual worship service. Work continues on their fellowship hall - in the meantime, the fellowship ritual means that everyone exits to greet the clergy then re-enters the sanctuary together after a few minutes, moves the pews into a square, and drinks coffee and eats sweets together. The spirit of the congregation is wonderful, and their singing is wonderful - the choir was spread among the congregation today.

We rendezvoused with friends from the Arab-American University to head back to Zababdeh. At the Jalame border, we were told by the soldiers that no way would be be allowed to enter Area A, as that was strictly forbidden. After one of us promised we wouldn't enter (fingers may have been crossed), we left. When we reached the Israeli tank along the road, we were stopped again and held for a few minutes while our passports were scrutinized. Finally, we made it back. At times, it seems to be getting harder and harder to enter this area, for no clearly-defined reason. It all just adds to the frustration that even we foreigners feel here.

After some technological smoothing over, we chatted with the First Presbyterian Church of Maitland's youth group. It was an interesting experience (if a bit late Zababdeh-time), and it's something we hope to do again.