E-NEWS

International Friends of Sabeel Monthly Updates

Issue 6, for November 2002

IFOS Updates

Friends of Sabeel-UK reports that Many rallies are being held against the war on Iraq which includes peace for the Palestinian people. Another major demonstration will be held in London on February 15. FOS-UK will host an open house on Monday, March 17 at their office at the Friends Meeting House, Liverpool. Rev. Don Wagner a recent Parliamentary Lobby to which many people attended, John Austin, MP, announced, "Water Turned off is a weapon of Destruction" whereby bringing the Palestinian issue to the forefront. There are many events happening across Britain in support of the Palestinian people including letters and articles in newspapers; carol events are highlighting the fact that the Israeli forces have made the Church of the Nativity a military zone - people across Britain are just horrified by such action, and cannot believe that Jews would stoop so low. "They behave as animals", said a group of women. Action to speak bluntly to both Tony Blair (Prime Minister) and Jack Straw (Foreign Secretary), is being planned - their double standard in relation to Israel and Iraq - yes, Iraq is in violation of UN Resolutions, but so is Israel, and they both neither say or do anything with regard to Israel, and people are now realizing this. We are also awaiting a voice from the Church - all Denominations, totally condemning what the Israeli Army has done to the Church of the Nativity. Not in our name, is the slogan. We shall be welcoming Don Wagner from the US on Wednesday, 11th of December, and he will be giving a major lecture on Monday, l6th of December at St. Mary's University, Strawberry Hill on Christian Zionism. Plans are now being made for Deir Yassin Commemorations April 9th 2003, throughout Britain; details of the International Solidarity Visit are now going out in the Sabeel mailing; Vigils of Prayer and Fasting are in hand.

Rev Naim Ateek’s Upcoming Travel

- January 23-31, 2003 Dublin, Ireland

- February 12-15 Cyprus

Email Janet (friends@sabeel.org) for details if you would like to attend or promote his lectures.

Volunteers Needed

Sabeel is always willing to receive sponsored volunteers to work on specific projects or on long-term status. We are looking for people to help us in the following areas:

-Librarian

-Database management and maintenance

-Special Projects

Announcements

- Since Janet will be in the US for vacation and itineration from mid-December through mid-January, the December and January issues of IFOS E-News will come as one issue in early February.

- International Friends of Sabeel will hold its annual coordinating meeting March 27-29, 2003, just prior to the Solidarity Visit. We hope all heads of our international chapters will be able to attend. If not we would appreciate it if you would send a representative in your place who can take notes and make a report to your chapter.

Dates to Remember

Photo of the Month

Church of the Nativity: awaiting the arrival of the Prince of Peace.

 

Prayers and Reflections

A Christmas Prayer

by Robert Louis Stevenson

Loving Father, 
Help us remember the birth of Jesus,
that we may share in the song of the angels,
the gladness of the shepherds,
and worship of the wise men.

Close the door of hate
and open the door of love all over the world. 
Let kindness come with every gift
and good desires with every greeting.
Deliver us from evil by the blessing 
which Christ brings,
and teach us to be merry with clear hearts. 

May the Christmas morning 
make us happy to be thy children,
and Christmas evening bring us to our beds
with grateful thoughts,
forgiving and forgiven, 
for Jesus' sake.

Amen. 

 

Sabeel-Jerusalem wishes you all a very healthy and happy holiday season. And may the new year bring peace, love, and reconciliation throughout the world.