December 7th Update From Israel
7 December, 2005
Dear Friends:
This is the 74 th of our ongoing “Updates” for those who have applied for Tantur’s Program: the Scholars Program and the Winter/Spring Continuing Education. So, on their behalf, I want to thank you all for continuing to commit yourselves to coming to Tantur. (We Send an “update” about every three or four weeks both to let you know that we eagerly look forward to you arrival and to allay misgivings some may have in face of media reports about the Middle East or concerns worried friends and relatives might have). Your coming to Tantur is a sign of life and Faith and a support to others who have made the same decision. (Some of this update repeats thoughts both from previous and from the “generic Safety Letter” on our website
< www.come.to/tantur>
After three months of learning about, and exploring, the Holy land, our Three-Month (September - December) Continuing Education Participants have mostly left this last weekend. Some have jokingly said that I must enjoy the quiet after a group leaves. On the contrary. With few exceptions, one guest used to, and enjoys, the presence of wonderful people at the different meals and in our home. When they leave, there is certain emptiness. One can hardly sit across the table from someone for a number of months and than not miss when they go home!
But we eagerly look forward to the small group that will be joining us for the Christmas Laity Enrichment Program which begins on the 15th of this month. To be sure, it is a special blessing to be within walking distance of Bethlehem and a little farther – from the bustle of the Old City Jerusalem t the Christmas season. The Weather has been unusually warm and so we are grateful as cold days are in the offing. Our Christmas program includes many of the field trips which you will experience around the birth of Jesus. Right after Christmas, we will travel up to the Galilee for four days, always a blessing.
Over the last few months, our participants have had a wonderful time. At the same time, our participants’ presence has been an important support to the local Christian community. Support for the local communities means being with them in difficult times. While these are indeed not easy times, we feel that it is safe here provided that one is prudent and takes the advice of our experienced staff.
You are welcome at Tantur!
Fr. Michael McGarry, C.S.P
Rector, Tantur Ecumenical Institute, Jerusalem
Dear Friends:
This is the 74 th of our ongoing “Updates” for those who have applied for Tantur’s Program: the Scholars Program and the Winter/Spring Continuing Education. So, on their behalf, I want to thank you all for continuing to commit yourselves to coming to Tantur. (We Send an “update” about every three or four weeks both to let you know that we eagerly look forward to you arrival and to allay misgivings some may have in face of media reports about the Middle East or concerns worried friends and relatives might have). Your coming to Tantur is a sign of life and Faith and a support to others who have made the same decision. (Some of this update repeats thoughts both from previous and from the “generic Safety Letter” on our website
< www.come.to/tantur>
After three months of learning about, and exploring, the Holy land, our Three-Month (September - December) Continuing Education Participants have mostly left this last weekend. Some have jokingly said that I must enjoy the quiet after a group leaves. On the contrary. With few exceptions, one guest used to, and enjoys, the presence of wonderful people at the different meals and in our home. When they leave, there is certain emptiness. One can hardly sit across the table from someone for a number of months and than not miss when they go home!
But we eagerly look forward to the small group that will be joining us for the Christmas Laity Enrichment Program which begins on the 15th of this month. To be sure, it is a special blessing to be within walking distance of Bethlehem and a little farther – from the bustle of the Old City Jerusalem t the Christmas season. The Weather has been unusually warm and so we are grateful as cold days are in the offing. Our Christmas program includes many of the field trips which you will experience around the birth of Jesus. Right after Christmas, we will travel up to the Galilee for four days, always a blessing.
Over the last few months, our participants have had a wonderful time. At the same time, our participants’ presence has been an important support to the local Christian community. Support for the local communities means being with them in difficult times. While these are indeed not easy times, we feel that it is safe here provided that one is prudent and takes the advice of our experienced staff.
You are welcome at Tantur!
Fr. Michael McGarry, C.S.P
Rector, Tantur Ecumenical Institute, Jerusalem
posted by Philip | 3:27 p.m.
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