Reflections on Israel this Evening

                                                                             Ruth at Ein Gedi

                            Tuesday May 16, 7 PM, Trenton United Church (today!)

I'm not above shameless self-promotion so I'll mention that this evening Ruth and I will offer a visual reflection, with commentary on our recent trip to Israel. We've been able to include three video vignette's of places we visited, taken with our brother-in-law's drone. Honestly, the drone footage offers a perspective which has helped us appreciate what we were experiencing at the time which has been really helpful. 

I mentioned in an earlier post that I'm reluctant to use the term "pilgrimage" to describe trips to Israel, or the term "Holy Land" -- Israel is not a theme park. It seems to me that there is an element of risk in being a pilgrim, or at least an experience which pushes the limits of the traveller in a spiritual quest. This was a meaningful, embodied trip with some true revelations for us, just the same. We did work up a sweat on numerous occasions. 

                                                             Magdala Church on the Sea of Galilee 

Trenton UC music leader and social media coordinator, Dianne Goyetche, has done a great job of summing up what this evening will entail in a congregational mail-out. Carol Koomans created the visual presentation from the photos and videos we passed on to her, bless her heart.

Here is a portion of the email: 

In April, Ruth and David Mundy visited Israel for 16 days, including Easter, despite these being turbulent times in this country, which is vital for Judaism, Christianity and Islam. While this wasn't their first trip it was unique in the "roads less travelled" experiences of their time there, facilitated by Ruth's sister and brother-in-law, who have lived in Israel for decades.

Join them in the TUC Sanctuary for a visual presentation, reflections on their experience, and an opportunity for you to ask questions.  Feel free to share this with you friends and family.

Even if only a handful of people show up this evening we'll be happy to see them and it has been good for us to revisit the images and experiences of a wonderful trip. 

                                                             The Mediterranean at Caesarea