The Nazarene Village

Wednesday, June 22, 2011
by Patty Kerr

Gabriel, our tour company's founder

After a terrific lunch in the Old City at a cafe owned by the son of our tour guide, Raymond, we headed to the Church of the Holy Sepluchure, the site of Jesus's tomb.  The square surrounding the Church was crowded with Pilgrims of many nationalities.  The Church itself is representative of 4 nationalities reflected in the artwork.   The dome over the tomb is open allowing beautiful rays of sunlight to shine on the tomb area. Also contained in this place is the location of Mount Calvary. At one place Pilgims are able to touch the top. What is so unusual about this church is that instead of being a place of peace and hope, it is often a place of conflict.  Each of the nationalities claims worship areas for certain parts of the day and no one dare cross those lines!

Volunteers demonstrate the threshing floor

After a period of much needed rest, we headed to the St. Andrew's Church of Scotland for our evening's concert. As we boarded the bus and prepared to leave the hotel, we were greeted by Gabriel, the owner of our travel company.  He first thanked us for coming to the Holy Land.  He then presented us with beautiful crosses that he himself designed, depicting the loaves and fishes inside the cross.  He also made a very passionate request that we pray for his land.  Especially moving was his concern that soon there would be no Christians left in the Holy Land to protect our heritage.  Can you imagine that?  I hope that each of you will add this to your prayer list.

Bill, the goat shepherd

The church of St Andrews was a beautiful building.  The rounded shape of the chapel provided beautiful reflections of our music and the attendants were blessed by our offering. We were pleased to see many friends who attended previous concerts return to hear us again.

Kerry and Joanne dance on the grape-stomping pit

Tim works the olive press

Today, Wednesday, we headed to Nazareth.  Our first stop was the Nazarine Village.  The village was created as a replica of Nazareth during the time of Joseph and Mary,similar to what Williamsburg is to us.  An American family was there dressed in native costume threshing wheat and tending flocks of goats and sheep. Our guide mentioned that each summer many American families take advantage of this opportunity and information can be found on their website.  During our tour of the village we were able to see replicas that helped define many expressions found in the New Testatment, such as the camel going through the eye of a needle easier than a rich man.  The eye of the needle is represented by the poor man's gate and the rich man's gates in the city.

At the Nazarene Village, the choir spared a moment to sing. It can be viewed here:
The early Nazarene Village

Tonight will be our final concert at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Family in Raineh, Israel.We are looking forward to this last opportunity to share our music with God's people.