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Greetings
from Bishop Zeiser
January 2: Showing Support in the Middle East
This Monday, January 5, I will leave to join at least 39 other bishops
of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America for a visit to the Middle
East January 6-13. Five bishops of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church
in Canada will be part of the mission.
The trip was scheduled months ago as part of the 2009 bishop's academy, an
annual event in which leaders from both churches (ELCA and ELCIC) engage
in theological reflection and study.
 Our
visit is intended to show support for the
Evangelical Lutheran
Church in Jordan and Holy Land (ELCJHL), led by its bishop, the Rev.
Munib A. Younan, and the
Lutheran World
Federation (LWF). In a news release this week, Bishop Younan said that
"this is a tragic yet opportune time for North American Lutherans to visit
their partners in Palestine. They will have a unique opportunity to
witness the challenges of living in this disputed land."
The ELCA and the ELCIC are monitoring events as we prepare for our visit.
This week bishops and staff of both churches met several times by
conference call. In a pastoral letter issued on December 31, Bishop Hanson
noted that both churches "are united in their assessment that the trip is
timelier than ever and should proceed."
 Through
the ELCA’s companion relationship with the ELCJHL, the ELCA stands in
solidarity with all the people of the region. In particular we give voice
to the concerns and aspirations of Palestinian Christians as they strive
for reconciliation and independence.
I am honored to join such a significant undertaking with sister and
brother bishops. It is important, I think, that the people of the
Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod be represented in this mission designed to
give expression to the faith of our church. While new to such endeavors, I
commit my best efforts of discernment and discovery to this trip.
On this page, I will write about my experiences in the Middle East and
send pictures as I am able. Be sure to check back regularly.
Samuel Top of page
Bishop's Calendar
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Monday, January 5,
through Friday, January 16, 2009 Travelling to Jerusalem with the
Conference of Bishops
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Wednesday, January 21,
2009 Week of Prayer Gathering, St. Peter Roman Catholic Church,
Scranton
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Saturday, January 24,
2009 Workshop at Learning Ministries Day
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Sunday, January 25, 2009
Installation of the Rev. Anthony Pagotto as pastor of
Dinkey Memorial
Lutheran Church, Ashfield, 3:00 p.m.
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Wednesday, January 28,
2009 Synod Council meeting,
Friedens, Oley
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Thursday, January 29
(dinner), through Saturday, January 31 (lunch), Muhlenberg College
board.
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Monday, February 2
Bishops meeting with Diakon, Hershey
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Sunday, February 8
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Tuesday, February 10, to
Thursday, February 12
Bishop's Conference at Skytop
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Sunday, February 15
Installation of the Rev. Marilyn Hasemann as pastor of New Jerusalem
Lutheran Church, New Jerusalem, 3 p.m.
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Thursday, February 26,
1:30-3:00 p.m. Staff and deans meeting
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Sunday, March 1
Installation of the Rev. Brett Jenkins as pastor of Christ Hamilton
United Lutheran Church, Hamilton Square, 5 p.m.
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Sunday, March 22
Installation of the Rev. Paulette Obrecht as pastor of St. John Lutheran
Church, Pen Argyl, 3:00 p.m.
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Last edited January 02, 2009
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