We arrived from 5 time zones, together in Bethlehem at last despite a couple flight delays (and miraculously with all of our luggage). This morning’s sunrise over the Bethlehem hills invites us to be fully present to the geography, the people, the stories, the deep roots of our faith tradition. Today will ease us into this Living Stones experience:  first, in worship with the congregation of Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem, then a walk through the old city and lunch in Manger Square. We’ll drive down to Qumran, float in the Dead Sea, and take a sundown walk to see St. George’s Monastery and the road from Jerusalem down to Jericho from Wadi Qelt. 

First blog posts from the group members will begin tonight! — Joan Deming, for the group