Archbishop Elias Chacour will visit First Pres on January 26 at 7:30 p.m. to discuss some of the problems facing the Mar Elias Educational Institutions, the importance of academic studies, and "how to love all neighbors as yourself."  Following his presentation in the nave, all are invited for coffee, tea and cookies in the Social Hall.

The Pilgrims of Ibillin will be baking all day Saturday and their delicious rolls will be available for pick up Sunday, May 3, from 8:45 to 9:30 a.m., 10:30 to 11:00 a.m., and noon to 12:30 p.m., in the Social Hall. All profits go to support the schools of the Mar Elias Educational Institution founded by Archbishop Elias Chacour in Ibillin, Israel.

On April 19 and 26, the Pilgrims of Ibillin will take orders for delicious, homemade sweet rolls between services, from 8:45 to 9:30 a.m. and between 10:30 and 11:00 a.m. in the Social Hall.  The cost is $8 per pan and all profits support the schools of the Mar Elias Educational Institution founded by Archbishop Elias Chacour in Ibillin, Israel.

Twenty-four individuals from our congregation left February 23 for a 12-day visit to Jordan and Israel, sponsored by the Pilgrims of Ibillin. While in Israel, they visited the Mar Elias schools in Ibillin and worshipped in Haifa with Archbishop Elias Chacour. Hear stories of this trip and learn more about the Mar Elias schools at the Adult Education class on Sunday, March 22, 11:00 a.m. in the Lewis Room.

Unseasonably cold temperatures and torrential downpours have inundated our group for the past couple of days, but the weather hasn’t dampened our spirits. Here are a couple of the latest highlights from the Galilee: a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee; singing together on the Mount of Beatitudes; gazing upon beautiful iconography at the schools founded by Abuna Elias Chacour; conversation with an Israeli sociologist; a visit to Nazareth, the hometown of Jesus; and exploring an ancient water shaft at Tel Megiddo, one of the most important cities in the Ancient Near Eastern world.

Twenty-four individuals from our congregation left February 23 for a 12-day visit to Jordan and Israel, sponsored by the Pilgrims of Ibillin. While in Israel, they will visit the Mar Elias schools in Ibillin and will worship in Haifa with Archbishop Elias Chacour. Rev. Deborah Knott will be sending us regular reports on their journey. This is her first post; check back often for more news of the travelers.

The Pilgrims of Ibillin will host Fr. Chacour, founder of the Mar Elias Educational Institutions, at First Presbyterian on Tuesday, November 11. Join us at 7:30 p.m. for coffee, tea and light desserts. At 8:00 p.m., Rev. Dr. Robert Sawyer, Executive Director of the national Pilgrims organization, will give an update on the schools' recent development, and the Pilgrims' upcoming plans for expanding and renovating the high school. Fr. Chacour will also speak.

Orders for Pilgrims of Ibillin Cinnamon Rolls will be taken during coffee hour on Sundays, November 2 and November 9. The rolls are $7.00 a tin, minimum donation, payable at the time of your order. They may be picked up in the Social Hall on Sunday, November 23, before and after services. They can be frozen and heated for your holiday breakfasts or enjoyed right away.