On Tuesday, April 20th, we held our first monthly gathering at Paul and Kay Nichols home. It was a big success. We had over 15 of our pilgrims attend! Everyone brought a delicious cover dish so there was plenty of food; appetizers, salad, main course, and desert. The evening was beautiful so there was the option to eat outside or in.
After dinner we gathered in the den to take care of business! First order was to review the travel plans. Several had not yet registered so we reviewed the registration form. Then we discussed tips for traveling overnight, packing bags, and dealing with foreign currency. We also discussed Passports. If you don't have one its time to get one. Check closely to be sure that your passport date is good for at least three months after we are due to return.
Knowing that we would probably need to spend more time on travel tips at this meeting than most we prepared for a discussion of touring Jehrico only. Mike and Russell had some great information. Mike started by sharing about how important this part of the world, the Crossroads of Cultures, has been throughout history. He showed us a very interesting website tracing the major empires in history. Click here to take a look!
Then Russell shared about his trip to the ancient city of Jehrico when he went before. He suggested that we all get a notebook and put information that is shared during these meetings. Then he handed out some maps, pictures, and information to put in the first entry. If you couldn't be there, or didn't get a copy, just let us know and we can get it to you.
Before closing in prayer we talked about our May meeting. We've decided that the best time and place to meet could change from month to month so we won't set a regular plan. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, May 11th, 5:30 PM, at Mark and Carol Fosters home. Watch the e-mail to get the address. We will be discussing the other places that we will visit on the first tour day along with Jehrico.
Did you notice the new feature on the Blog? Pictures!! I got several good shots that I've added as a slideshow. We'll be collecting these at each of the meetings, and then on the trip. Feel free to share the Blog site with your friends and family so that they can keep up with our trip.
Till next time... Rejoice Always!
Friday, April 23, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
April Gathering is tomorrow night!
Good morning! One more day until our first gathering. Kay and I are excited to have this first dinner and discussion group at our house. It's going to be warm and hopefully the possibility of rain will remain further west so that we can take advantage of space in the yard as well as the house for dinner. We've heard from several of you, but not all, that you are coming. We hope everyone can make it. Remember, this is very casual. We'll be dining with paper plates and plastic forks and spoons. We want to set the precedent for convenience so that no one will hesitate to participate in these in the future. So plan to bring a simple cover dish meal or desert. We'll furnish drinks, ice, etc.
This first gathering will primarily focus on travel tips because the first two days of the trip will be involved in traveling from Raleigh-Durham Airport to Tel-Aviv. Several of us have not flown out of the country before so this will be a good time for those that have to give recommendations for traveling. Bring your passport if you have it because there have been some questions about what information from it is needed on ACTS registration form. We will also have other forms, like the Travel Insurance form, and discuss these.
ACTS has sent a second video for us to review. This one is from the Tourism Department of Israel. In order to get a sense of the study we will have for the future we will take a look at Jericho, one of the places we will tour on our first tour day. We have a plan for these studies now. I will review the places from their significance in the Old Testament. Jim Leudtke will teach us about them from the New Testament and Jesus day. Russell, who has taken this trip before, will give us a cultural and geographic perspective. And Mike Koch will talk about the places from a historic perspective. Tomorrow night Mike has a special website that shows the significance of the Middle East in all of the world powers of western culture. We're going to be very enlightened! In April we will be ready to really begin our study of the other places we'll visit on our first tour day.
We will also review the Blog that I'm using to keep folks up to date. I'm not sure how many of us have visited the Blog but only very few have registered as "friends." My goal is to use it as a repository for all of our journey, including the studies, so that our families, friends, Sunday-school classmates, and church may follow and participate in the experience if they want too. As we complete this pilgrimage we will then have a repository of stories, pictures, and even video to refer to. You may not have ever participated in a Blog before so we'll review how it works and you can then sign up with confidence if you want too!
Looking forward to tomorrow night. Please, I'll remind you once more, send me a response by e-mail or phone call to let us know if you are coming. We will have a better idea of how many to prepare for!
This first gathering will primarily focus on travel tips because the first two days of the trip will be involved in traveling from Raleigh-Durham Airport to Tel-Aviv. Several of us have not flown out of the country before so this will be a good time for those that have to give recommendations for traveling. Bring your passport if you have it because there have been some questions about what information from it is needed on ACTS registration form. We will also have other forms, like the Travel Insurance form, and discuss these.
ACTS has sent a second video for us to review. This one is from the Tourism Department of Israel. In order to get a sense of the study we will have for the future we will take a look at Jericho, one of the places we will tour on our first tour day. We have a plan for these studies now. I will review the places from their significance in the Old Testament. Jim Leudtke will teach us about them from the New Testament and Jesus day. Russell, who has taken this trip before, will give us a cultural and geographic perspective. And Mike Koch will talk about the places from a historic perspective. Tomorrow night Mike has a special website that shows the significance of the Middle East in all of the world powers of western culture. We're going to be very enlightened! In April we will be ready to really begin our study of the other places we'll visit on our first tour day.
We will also review the Blog that I'm using to keep folks up to date. I'm not sure how many of us have visited the Blog but only very few have registered as "friends." My goal is to use it as a repository for all of our journey, including the studies, so that our families, friends, Sunday-school classmates, and church may follow and participate in the experience if they want too. As we complete this pilgrimage we will then have a repository of stories, pictures, and even video to refer to. You may not have ever participated in a Blog before so we'll review how it works and you can then sign up with confidence if you want too!
Looking forward to tomorrow night. Please, I'll remind you once more, send me a response by e-mail or phone call to let us know if you are coming. We will have a better idea of how many to prepare for!
Friday, April 9, 2010
Dear Fellow Holy Land Travelers,
I trust that everyone had a great Easter. The time has now come to begin our preparations for the Holy Land Pilgrimage in earnest. In a couple of weeks we will begin our monthly gathering to study the places we are touring. This message will focus on details for the first gathering but I do have a reminder that requires some immediate attention.
People are beginning to register with ACTS for the trip. It is not required that you register this early but there is an “Early Registration Discount” of $100.00 if you register by May 1st. There is a registration deposit of $350.00 required. A copy of the brochure is available at church or I’ll send you one via e-mail if you let me know. Registration should be sent directly to ACTS and the information is on the flyer. ACTS sends me a copy of those who have registered each week.
Let me make a couple of notes about the registration application. First, if you haven’t yet determined who your roommate will be, and are not planning to pay extra for a single room, then put TBD in the blank for roommate name and check Assign me a Roommate. We will work with you to determine who this will be rather than have someone randomly assigned. When you get to the second column you should list 1st Pres. SoBo as your Travel Host, Feb. 10th, 2011 as your Departure Date, and Raleigh, NC as your Departure City. Check the Basic Program blank and add the other options if you want them. You can make this decision later. Remember, you do not pay for these now, you only send a check for the deposit at this time. Check your Passport now to be sure that it the dates will not expire until several months after our trip. If you don’t have a passport then you need to apply as soon as possible. ACTS can help with this. If you have questions then don’t hesitate to contact ACTS. They are very helpful. I will be happy to answer questions too if I can.
Now to the 1st Gathering! Kay and I are hosting the first gathering at our home. I’ve sent out an email with directions. Contact me if you didn’t get one. We will meet Tuesday, April 20th at 5:30pm and have fellowship, dinner, and the study of the first day’s tour. We’re hoping for a beautiful day so that we can eat both indoors and out on the porch. Everyone come casual and bring a cover dish. We’ll have coffee, tea, and a variety of soft-drinks. I’ve never yet been part of a cover dish where everyone wasn’t full with plenty left over. It’s like when Jesus fed the five thousand with loaves of bread and a few fish and they took up more than they started with when it was over. We can discuss where the June meeting will be and how to prepare for it during this fellowship.
After we eat we will gather in our den for the study of the first tour. I imagine that there will be quite a few travel details to review that may take some time but this is good for it will help us really get to know each other. That’s another reason we’re having these meetings. My experience is that traveling together on a tour like this creates very strong friendships and lasting memories. We will begin to build these early!
Some of us are already gathering resources for the study of our tours. We’ll be covering Old Testament references, New Testament references, interesting geographical issues, a historic review, cultural perspectives, and the contemporary significance of each place. (at least we’ll be trying to cover each of these. Looks like a tall order!) Finally, we want to begin praying for God’s blessing of the trip, and that His Will be done within each of us as we travel.
Meeting on the third Tuesday may not work for everyone. We will discuss other times for future gatherings. You may not be able to make every month’s gathering but hopefully we can find the right time to suit most of the group. I will keep a summary of our monthly study on the Blog.
Kay and I look forward to hosting this first gathering. We are excited about sharing this trip with each of you. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have questions.
I trust that everyone had a great Easter. The time has now come to begin our preparations for the Holy Land Pilgrimage in earnest. In a couple of weeks we will begin our monthly gathering to study the places we are touring. This message will focus on details for the first gathering but I do have a reminder that requires some immediate attention.
People are beginning to register with ACTS for the trip. It is not required that you register this early but there is an “Early Registration Discount” of $100.00 if you register by May 1st. There is a registration deposit of $350.00 required. A copy of the brochure is available at church or I’ll send you one via e-mail if you let me know. Registration should be sent directly to ACTS and the information is on the flyer. ACTS sends me a copy of those who have registered each week.
Let me make a couple of notes about the registration application. First, if you haven’t yet determined who your roommate will be, and are not planning to pay extra for a single room, then put TBD in the blank for roommate name and check Assign me a Roommate. We will work with you to determine who this will be rather than have someone randomly assigned. When you get to the second column you should list 1st Pres. SoBo as your Travel Host, Feb. 10th, 2011 as your Departure Date, and Raleigh, NC as your Departure City. Check the Basic Program blank and add the other options if you want them. You can make this decision later. Remember, you do not pay for these now, you only send a check for the deposit at this time. Check your Passport now to be sure that it the dates will not expire until several months after our trip. If you don’t have a passport then you need to apply as soon as possible. ACTS can help with this. If you have questions then don’t hesitate to contact ACTS. They are very helpful. I will be happy to answer questions too if I can.
Now to the 1st Gathering! Kay and I are hosting the first gathering at our home. I’ve sent out an email with directions. Contact me if you didn’t get one. We will meet Tuesday, April 20th at 5:30pm and have fellowship, dinner, and the study of the first day’s tour. We’re hoping for a beautiful day so that we can eat both indoors and out on the porch. Everyone come casual and bring a cover dish. We’ll have coffee, tea, and a variety of soft-drinks. I’ve never yet been part of a cover dish where everyone wasn’t full with plenty left over. It’s like when Jesus fed the five thousand with loaves of bread and a few fish and they took up more than they started with when it was over. We can discuss where the June meeting will be and how to prepare for it during this fellowship.
After we eat we will gather in our den for the study of the first tour. I imagine that there will be quite a few travel details to review that may take some time but this is good for it will help us really get to know each other. That’s another reason we’re having these meetings. My experience is that traveling together on a tour like this creates very strong friendships and lasting memories. We will begin to build these early!
Some of us are already gathering resources for the study of our tours. We’ll be covering Old Testament references, New Testament references, interesting geographical issues, a historic review, cultural perspectives, and the contemporary significance of each place. (at least we’ll be trying to cover each of these. Looks like a tall order!) Finally, we want to begin praying for God’s blessing of the trip, and that His Will be done within each of us as we travel.
Meeting on the third Tuesday may not work for everyone. We will discuss other times for future gatherings. You may not be able to make every month’s gathering but hopefully we can find the right time to suit most of the group. I will keep a summary of our monthly study on the Blog.
Kay and I look forward to hosting this first gathering. We are excited about sharing this trip with each of you. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have questions.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Travel Information from ACTS Presentation
Betty Ann from ACTS (Alpha Christian TourS, our Holy Land Pilgrimage Tour Group) met last night with a large number of persons that are interested in taking the Holy Land tour. She gave a wonderful presentation. We now have final cost information, a definite itinerary, and lots of questions answered about the trip. She gave us a brochure with details that is now available at church. I will have a digital copy available to download from the Blog soon. For now let me try to review some of the information:
• The trip will be held February 10 – 19th, 2011 and follow the schedule listed earlier in the blog. The good news is that the final cost is less than advertised earlier. Instead of $2,500.00 it is $2,375.00. We are flying out of Raleigh Durham Airport, to New York, and then overseas to Tel-Aviv. This price includes:
o Round Trip Airfare
o Deluxe Motor-Coach Transportation for each days tour
o Daily Breakfast and Dinner (Lunch and Snacks are on our own)
o Guided Sightseeing and Entrance Fees
o First Class Hotels
o Study Aids and Maps for our Gatherings
o Continuous Tour Services of ACTS
The price does not include several fees that are required by other agencies:
o Trip Gratuities - $69.00
o Taxes, visa fees, Handling fees, Immigration and border fees - $479.00
o A non-refundable administrative fee - $75.00
So the total basic price of the trip is known to be $2,998.00. Of course there are other expenses related to souvenirs, tips, etc. But these are up to you. The total basic price should be paid by October, 130 days before the trip.
• A $350.00 deposit is required for each person to be registered. All travelers who register by May 1, 2010 will receive a $100.00 Early Registration Discount. (That knocks the total down to $2,898.00!)
• These rates are for those planning to share a room at the hotel. Single rooms are available but there is an additional cost, listed in the registration form.
• Travel insurance is recommended. An information package about insurance is available at church. I can send you a copy if requested.
• The first question that was asked dealt with safety. Betty Ann stated that she has been traveling to Israel almost every year since she was five. She said that there are some very remote areas that have the clashes we see between Israelis and Palestinians on TV but we will not come close to these places. Where tourist visit are very safe. Both sides recognize that tourism is the biggest business they have and they are “not going to kill the golden goose.” Israel is internationally recognized as the most secure state in the world and they do a very good job of protecting tourist, particularly Americans. She said that ACTS takes tours there almost year-round and constantly watches for danger. If there is any risk they will cancel with a full refund of our money, or postpone the trip till the danger is gone. They have only had to cancel one trip in 2000. She feels safer there than in Washington DC or New York.
• Another question asked was about health services. She suggested that we check to see if our current health policy covers overseas trips. If not we should consider the travel insurance. She also noted that Israel has a wonderful health system that takes care of issues at very reasonable prices, and the doctors make house calls! (or hotel calls in our case!)
• Every traveler will need a passport. If you don’t have one then ACTS will help you get one. If you do have one you need to make sure that its expiration date is several months after we are due to return. I’m not sure why this is, but you need to check!
• We don’t need to worry about exchanging our money. Everyone there accepts American dollars. She did suggest however that we take some small denominations for the vendors might return change in Shekels (Israeli money.)
• There were questions about weather. We are traveling in their winter season but Israel is more like Florida than Virginia, usually pretty warm during the day but cool at night. A bigger issue is the terrain. We will be visiting the Dead Sea, the lowest place on earth, which is very warm. In the same day we will travel to Jerusalem up on a mountain where it will be much cooler. So we plan to dress in layers. She also said that there are no places requiring that we dress up. Casual is the order of the day. The holy sites only require that shoulders and knees be covered for men and women. Winter in Israel is the wet season. However, this is a desert so little rain is expected. This past trip Betty Ann was in Israel from January through March 18th and there were only two rainy days.
• One specific recommendation for dress was given; take a swim suit. There will be an opportunity for baptism or “renewing our baptism” in the Jordan River. We will also be taking a boat trip on the Sea of Galilee and some may think they need to try “walking on water.”
• During our trip we will only be staying in three hotels so we won’t usually be “living out of our suitcase.” All of the hotels are very nice. Internet access is available but may be costly at the hotel. Internet Café’s are close by.
• Many tourists use their cell phones there. ATT and Verizon are both available. However, you are advised to call your phone company to determine what extra charges you will incur if you use yours.
• Each day’s tour will begin early. Typically we rise at 6:00, breakfast around 7:00, and begin the tour by 8:00 AM. Usually we will be back at the hotel by 3:00 to 4:00. Dinner is planned for 7:00 to 7:30 PM. We travel by tour bus and are let off as close to the place we visit as possible so there is minimum walking. Our ACTS guide will accompany us at all times and will notify us of expected distances to be walked. One can stay on the tour bus if the activities are determined to be too strenuous.
Doesn’t this all sound wonderful? At the end of the presentation Betty Ann showed a 15 minute video describing this tour with wonderful pictures of the places we will visit. I have a copy that we can share as desired. Russell also asked her specifically what impact these trips had on her life. She responded, “Wow, no one has ever asked me that question!” and then after a pause she said, “I can honestly tell you that though I go every year I always come away with a sense of new discovery and wonder. I always come back to the United States longing for my next trip. It really is what you hear from others who have gone, a life changing experience.”
You may have other questions. Please e-mail me if you do and I will find an answer. Everyone who attended the session should have received a registration form. There are copies at church if you could not attend or have misplaced one. Again, ACTS is going to send me a digital copy and I will post it on the Blog or send a copy in e-mail if you request one. Our goal is to have thirty pilgrims in our group. So far we have about 20 that have said they plan to go so there is room for you to contact a friend and say, “C’mon with us, we’re going on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to the Holy Land.” Then you can hand them a brochure or give them the URL for our Blog, http://sobopilgrim.blogspot.com/.
Finally, let me invite you to our first monthly gathering. To prepare for the journey we are planning to get together once a month for dinner, fellowship, study of the places we will be touring (one tour day each month), travel tips, and prayer. The first one will be held on Tuesday, April 20th at 5:30 PM at the home of Paul and Kay Nichols. More details to come but plan now to attend.
Rejoice Always!
Friday, March 19, 2010
Time Change For 2nd Info. Session
There has been a change in the time for the second information meeting about the Holy Land Trip. It seems that there are many things going on at 1st Presbyterian church next Wednesday evening to prepare for Easter Sunday, and folks involved in these activities don't want to miss the presentation from Betty Ann at Alpha Christian TourS.
So we have asked her to come earlier, to the Wednesday night dinner at 5:30 PM, and give her presentation. This will give her adequate time before most of the music practice sessions and Bible Study begin that night. So plan to join us at the church at 5:30 pm on Wednesday, March 24th, for our Wednesday night dinner and Holy Land presentation. Directions to the church are listed on the Announcement Block on this Blog. Contact me if you have questions.
Please remember to contact the church office to make reservations if you plan to eat dinner. The menu includes grilled chicken parmesan, pasta, salad, dessert and drink, and the cost is $6.00 per person. . Reservations need to be made by Monday, March 22nd at 12 noon.
So we have asked her to come earlier, to the Wednesday night dinner at 5:30 PM, and give her presentation. This will give her adequate time before most of the music practice sessions and Bible Study begin that night. So plan to join us at the church at 5:30 pm on Wednesday, March 24th, for our Wednesday night dinner and Holy Land presentation. Directions to the church are listed on the Announcement Block on this Blog. Contact me if you have questions.
Please remember to contact the church office to make reservations if you plan to eat dinner. The menu includes grilled chicken parmesan, pasta, salad, dessert and drink, and the cost is $6.00 per person. . Reservations need to be made by Monday, March 22nd at 12 noon.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Update on Information Session and Plan for Gatherings
The second information session for the Holy Land Tour will be presented at First Presbyterian Church in South Boston on Wednesday March 24th at 7:30 PM. Mrs. Betty Ann Buckley from Alpha Christian TourS (ACTS) will review the plans for the tour, share pictures and videos from the trip from which she is just returning, discuss financial issues, and answer questions. We will also discuss the opportunity for travelers to meet each month to prepare for the journey, and review options to stay connected through the online Blog.
I am very excited to report that we already have over twenty persons that have expressed interest in this trip. Among us are singles and couples, young and mature, persons who attend 1st Presbyterian and many who do not. All of this is important because we want a diverse group that will recognize that this is a great opportunity for a “once-in-a-lifetime experience.” I encourage you to talk to your friends and co-workers and encourage them to come with us. Send me their name, address, and e-mail, and I will put them on the information list so that they will get all the materials even if they cannot attend sessions.
Speaking of sessions, we now have initial plans for monthly gatherings to prepare for the trip. On the third Tuesday evening of each month through January 2011 we will gather at 6:00 PM for fellowship, dinner, information, and trip preparation. The information session will include a review of the place(s) we will visit during one day of our trip from Old Testament, Jesus’ day, New Testament, and geographic or historic importance. We feel that these sessions will not only help us develop a true appreciation of the places we are going to visit, but also help us get to know each other, and share travel tips. We will be surveying the group to determine who is interested in participating in these gatherings. Depending on the size of the group we will determine whether to meet in homes with a cover dish format for dinner, the church, or at a local restaurant with private dining options. Again, we will welcome folks who cannot travel with us but want to share the journey through these get-togethers. Mark your calendar now for the first gathering, Tuesday April 20th at 6:00 PM. We will announce the first gathering place at the 2nd Information Session.
I am very excited to report that we already have over twenty persons that have expressed interest in this trip. Among us are singles and couples, young and mature, persons who attend 1st Presbyterian and many who do not. All of this is important because we want a diverse group that will recognize that this is a great opportunity for a “once-in-a-lifetime experience.” I encourage you to talk to your friends and co-workers and encourage them to come with us. Send me their name, address, and e-mail, and I will put them on the information list so that they will get all the materials even if they cannot attend sessions.
Speaking of sessions, we now have initial plans for monthly gatherings to prepare for the trip. On the third Tuesday evening of each month through January 2011 we will gather at 6:00 PM for fellowship, dinner, information, and trip preparation. The information session will include a review of the place(s) we will visit during one day of our trip from Old Testament, Jesus’ day, New Testament, and geographic or historic importance. We feel that these sessions will not only help us develop a true appreciation of the places we are going to visit, but also help us get to know each other, and share travel tips. We will be surveying the group to determine who is interested in participating in these gatherings. Depending on the size of the group we will determine whether to meet in homes with a cover dish format for dinner, the church, or at a local restaurant with private dining options. Again, we will welcome folks who cannot travel with us but want to share the journey through these get-togethers. Mark your calendar now for the first gathering, Tuesday April 20th at 6:00 PM. We will announce the first gathering place at the 2nd Information Session.
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