Page Through the Family Album

Young Iraqi Presbyterians: our sisters and brothers in Iraq. Photo by Victor Makari

On Sunday, April 29, the congregation of Swarthmore Presbyterian Church in Swarthmore, Pa., was invited to page through the family album of the Christian Church and learn about the followers of Jesus in the Middle East.

Founded in 1895, Swarthmore is a relatively new member of the Christian family, particularly when compared with our sisters and brothers in the Middle East who followed Jesus during his earthly ministry and have continued to follow him ever since.

The 217th General Assembly (2006) invited PC(USA) congregations to observe a week of Prayer and Witness with Christians in the Middle East during these troubled days. In response, Swarthmore’s Peacemaking Committee arranged a series of educational and inspirational events during the week of April 29 – May 5. The week began with worship with the Rev. Mark Koenig of the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program serving as the guest preacher. The liturgy used the worship materials produced for the Week of Prayer and Witness.

During the service, the Rev. Richard Wohlshlaeger announced an upcoming trip to Israel and Palestine for members of the congregation that will be led by the Rev. Fahed Abu-Akel. A workshop that evening focused on “Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Mission and Witness in the Middle East.”

Morning Prayers throughout the week included prayers for Christians in the Middle East. On May 2, a forum was held looking at “Life in the Middle East: An Evening of Shared Experiences.” Panel members reflected on their experiences living in the Middle East.

A film festival on May 5 included segments from Salt of the Earth: Palestinian Christians in the Northern West Bank by former PC(USA) mission co-workers Marthame and Elizabeth Sanders; Beyond the Mirage: The Face of the Occupation, Peace, Propaganda, and the Promised Land and The Iron Wall.

In the days ahead, the Peacemaking Committee will help Swarthmore Presbyterian Church learn more about our sisters and brothers in the Middle East and discern ways to be in prayer, witness and ministry together.