The Roots of Faith. A Shoresh Study Tour. March 13 30, Led by: Bill & Nina Bugg

Transcription

1 The Roots of Faith A Shoresh Study Tour March 13 30, 2015 Led by: Bill & Nina Bugg In the steps of the ancient people of Israel and Jesus the Messiah, travel up the Mediterranean Coast, around the Sea of Galilee and Northern Israel, into Jordan and ancient Petra, along the Dead Sea, and finally to Jerusalem, the City of the Great King. The whole of the Land becomes our spiritual classroom as we seek to understand God s message to His people, both in those ancient days and our own. Top: Sea of Galilee from Mt. of Beatitudes Bottom: Church of the Beatitudes Top: Synagogue at Capernaum Bottom: Cave #4, Qumran Western Wall & Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem 116 Lake Street Ephrata, PA (717) (800)

2 Fri., March 13 Depart U.S. Departure from the U.S. to arrive in Tel Aviv Saturday, March 14th. Sat., March 14 Arrival in the Land of Promise Arrive in Tel Aviv and meet the guide and bus driver for the tour. Travel to Mt. Gerazim, the Mount of Blessing referred to in Deuteronomy and Joshua to recount the Israelites entry into the Land of Promise. Pass through a Samaritan village to an overlook of Biblical Shechem. After dinner at the hotel, there is a brief meeting for introductions, some orientation, and prayer. Overnight accommodation are at Eshel HaShomron Hotel in Ariel. Sun., March 15 Ancient Paths From the Israelite Kingdom to the Gentile World See ancient Shiloh, where the Ark of the Covenant rested and the Israelites gathered for Biblical feasts. Stop at the Shiloh Winery for the opportunity to purchase some of the local vintage. Visit Neot Kedumim in the Judean lowlands. Walking on the beautiful hillsides, discover the rich symbolism of the cedar, hyssop, olive and other trees and plants. Drive to the ruins of the Herodian city of Caesarea Maritima, the site of the conversion of Cornelius and the location from which Paul left the shores of Israel and set sail on his journey to Rome. Overnight accommodations are at Ma agan Holiday Village along the Sea of Galilee. Mon., March 16 Around the Sea of Galilee Daily Life & Religion in the Time of Jesus Visit various sites around the Sea of Galilee and picture daily life and religion in the First Century, for a better understanding of the miracles and teachings of Jesus in His original Jewish context. Take a boat ride on the Lake and enjoy the views along with worship, prayer and refl ective time. Land at Kibbutz Ginnosar to visit the Jesus Boat, a Galilean fi shing boat from the First Century. Stop at the Mount of Beatitudes, the traditional site of the Sermon on the Mount to consider Jesus teachings on the Kingdom of God. Ascend Mt. Arbel for panoramic views over the Sea of Galilee, Return to Ma agan Holiday Village for overnight. Tue., March 17 Around the Sea of Galilee & the Northern Mediterranean Coast Begin the day at Capernaum, the town where Jesus lived during the majority of His ministry. Continue to lovely Tabgha, which commemorates the multiplication of the loaves and fi sh, and where Jesus met the disciples after the resurrection. In the afternoon, travel to Israel s northern Mediterranean coast, and conclude the day at the spectacular seaside grottos of Rosh HaNikra. Return to Ma agan Holiday Village for overnight. Wed., March 18 Prophets, Kings and Crusaders in Light of Christ The crusaders built many impressive castles in the Middle East, visit Belvior Castle, located on a strategic hill south of the Sea of Galilee. Continue to Nazareth, Jesus boyhood home and place of His early ministry. Travelling along the ancient Via Maris, see Megiddo, one of King Solomon s cities, and according the Book of Revelation the possible assembly point for the armies marching to the battle of Armageddon. Stop at Mount Carmel, for a spectacular view over the North of Israel, near the spot where Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal. Overnight accommodations are at Ramot Resort Hotel or Ma agan Holiday Village along the Sea of Galilee. Thu., March 19 Northern Israel Who Do Men Say That I Am? Explore Northern Israel, one of the most beautiful regions of the country. Learn what the Jewish people of 2,000 years ago expected of the Messiah, and how that was fulfi lled in Jesus. Climb up to the magnifi cent Golan Heights and visit a reconstructed Talmudic village at Katzrin, for a look at life in New Testament times and the use of everyday imagery in Scripture. Travel along the lower slopes of Mount Hermon the most likely site of the Transfi guration. Stop at Caesarea Philippi, where Peter made his famous confession that Jesus is the Messiah. Pass by Druze Villages before arriving at Mt. Bental, a lookout spot near the border with Syria and the area of the road to Damascus where the Apostle Paul met the Lord. Stop at Kibbutz El Ram, to view a movie about the miraculous victory in the Valley of Tears during the 1973 Yom Kippur War. Continue to the Dan Nature Reserve, to see the archaeological remains of the OT city of Dan, including the city gate from the time of Abraham. Walk along a stream and discuss the meaning of living water in the Hebrew Scriptures and Jesus teaching. Overnight accommodations are at Ramot Resort Hotel or Ma agan Holiday Village along the Sea of Galilee. Fri., March 20 Cities of the Decapolis & Early Christianity Drive to an overlook of the Biblical city of Beit Shean, which was one the Decapolis Cities during the Roman-Byzantine period. Cross the Jordan River into Jordan. Stop at ancient Pella, where early followers of Jesus fl ed from Jerusalem in the First Century. Continuing south, arrive at the ancient city of Jerash, which boasts an unbroken chain of human occupation dating back more than 6,500 years. As another of the Roman Decapolis cities, it is generally acknowledged to be one of the bestpreserved Roman provincial towns in the world. Further down the desert highway is Wadi Musa, the entry point for Petra and the location of accommodations for tonight, the Bait Zaman Hotel. Sat., March 21 Desert Traders & the King s Highway Explore the ancient, rose-red city of Petra to examine the mysteries of the Nabataean traders and their strategic location along the silk and spice trade routes between the east and west. Enter the city through the Siq, a narrow slit in the mountains, with walls towering 80 meters on each side. Experience the twists and turns of this magnifi cent gorge city, including the infamous Treasury Tomb. Continue to Madaba, known as the City of Mosaics dating to the Byzantine and Umayyad eras and home to the famous 6th century mosaic map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land. Overnight accommodations are at the Bristol Hotel in Amman. Sun., March 22 Crossing the Jordan River: Ancient Scrolls, Moses, & John the Baptist Visit the Archeological Museum in Amman which boasts the oldest human statue and the Copper Scroll from the Dead Sea Scrolls. Stop at Mt. Nebo, burial site of Moses overlooking the Jordan Valley, and cross the Jordan River this afternoon back into Israel. Discuss the ministry of John the Baptist and his relationship with Jesus while traveling to the Isrotel Ganim Spa Hotel along the Dead Sea. Mon., March 23 The Judean Desert Seeking Refuge in the Wilderness The theme for today is the wilderness and what it signifi ed to the ancient Israelites. Begin at Masada, Herod the Great s magnifi cent fortress palace in the desert, and the site of the last stand of the Zealots, a Jewish revolutionary group. From Masada, drive north to the subtropical oasis of Ein Gedi, where David hid from Saul. Walk into the nature reserve and to the waterfalls to catch glimpses of wildlife, including the furry rock badger and the graceful ibex. Discuss the temptation of Jesus in the Wilderness. Visit Qumran, the home of the Essenes, a First Century

3 Jewish sect that may have infl u- enced early Christianity, and the site of the most exciting archaeological discovery made in Israel the Dead Sea Scrolls. Make the fi nal ascent to Jerusalem the City of the Great King. After dinner, join the Director of Shoresh on a rooftop stroll and panoramic view of the Old City and the sharing of encouraging testimonies. Overnight accommodations are at the Lutheran Guesthouse in the Old City of Jerusalem. Tue., March 24 Introduction to Jerusalem After breakfast, head to the Citadel ( Tower of David ) Museum for breathtaking views overlooking Jerusalem and an introduction to the fascinating historical geography of the Old City. Continue to the Museum of the First Temple for the story of the building of Solomon s Temple and how the Temple priesthood and sacrifi cial system foreshadowed the ministry of Jesus the Messiah. Learn about King David s conquest of the Jebusite city, and walk through Hezekiah s Tunnel to the Pool of Siloam. Return via the newly excavated tunnel, which connects the City of David with the archeological park at the southwestern corner of the Temple Mount. Return to the Lutheran Guesthouse for overnight. Wed., March 25 Jerusalem in the Time of Jesus the Temple at the Center Learn about the Jerusalem of Jesus when the Temple was the center of Jewish life. Study how worship was performed in the temple, the Sadducees and Jesus attitude towards them, and gain insight into many events in the gospels and book of Acts. Travel to the Temple Mount to consider Jesus activities there, as well as the claims of Islam. After a visit to the Western Wall, Judaism s most holy site, travel to the Western Wall Tunnels to walk on what was street level at the time of Jesus. Continue through the Jewish Quarter to see the Herodian Villas, palatial mansions once the homes of the Sadducees, the ruling priesthood at the time of Jesus. End the day at the excavations near the Temple Mount and discuss Pentecost on the Southern Steps where Jesus walked. Celebrate a Jewish Passover Seder meal tonight to better understand the role of the Lamb of God and make the Biblical connections to the last supper that Jesus shared with His disciples. Overnight at the Lutheran Guesthouse. Thu., March 26 The Restoration of Hope A Garland Instead of Ashes Study both great tragedy and the wonder of the Lord s redemptive power by examining the systematic annihilation of six million Jews in the Nazi genocide, God coming to earth in the form of a man to save His people from their sins, and the loving witness of Christians committed to the Biblically prophesied physical restoration and spiritual rebirth of the Jewish people. Travel to Yad VaShem, the Israel Memorial Museum to the Holocaust. Examine the spiritual and theological roots of the most notorious genocide in history and the connection between the Church, Jesus and the Jewish people. Stop at the Israel Museum For more information, contact: Bill and Nina Bugg Phone: (404) wabuggjr@me.com to visit the Shrine of the Book and an amazing model of Jerusalem during the Second Temple Period. Drive to Bethlehem to visit the Church of the Nativity, marking the probable site of the birth of Jesus, and the Shepherd s Fields where the angels heralded the advent of Messiah. Enjoy a tour of the Christ Church Heritage Centre to learn about CMJ s 200-year history of ministry to the Jewish people. Dine at a favorite restaurant in the New City this evening. Overnight at the Lutheran Guesthouse. Fri., March 27 Free Day in Jerusalem Today is free for rest, refl ection, shopping, or for the energetic, perhaps a walk on the walls of the Old City. In the late afternoon, enjoy optional walk down to the Cotel (Western Wall) to watch Jews from many nations celebrate the coming of Shabbat. Overnight is at the Lutheran Guesthouse. Sat., March 28 In the Steps of Jesus Crucifixion, Death, Burial and Resurrection Focus on sites related to the Biblical passages of Jesus last week in Jerusalem. Understand why He was crucifi ed, how He was buried, and what it meant to the Jewish people of the First Century that He was raised from the dead. Enjoy a panoramic overlook of Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, the site of Jesus ascension to heaven and His future second coming. After viewing a tomb from the time of Jesus, walk down the Mount of Olives to Gethsemane. Cross the Kidron Valley and enter the Old City through Stephen s Gate, stop to examine the remains of the Pool of Bethesda. Walk parts of the Via Dolorosa, and arrive at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the most likely site of the burial and resurrection of Jesus. Next, visit St. Peter in Gallicantu, a possible site of the prison where Jesus was held. End the day with a refl ective time at the peaceful Garden Tomb which wonderfully illustrates Jesus burial and resurrection. Overnight at the Lutheran Guesthouse. Sun., March 29 Palm Sunday Worship at Christ Church & Free Day in Jerusalem Participate in the Palm Sunday worship service at Christ Church this morning. The rest of the day is free for rest, refl ection, shopping, or for the energetic, perhaps a walk on the walls of the Old City. The tour concludes with a farewell dinner at a special restaurant in the New City. Overnight at the Lutheran Guesthouse. Mon., March 30 To the Ends of the Earth Say farewell to Jerusalem and descend through the mountains of Judea to catch the fl ight home from Tel Aviv. PLEASE NOTE: Itinerary and accommodation subject to change if conditions necessitate. Some days involve a signifi cant amount of walking and/or steep climbing. Every effort will be made to enable all tour members to fully participate at every site, but in some cases that may not be possible. TOUR PRICE is LAND ONLY with tour originating and terminating in Tel Aviv, Israel. Register on-line at: Travel Arrangements by: 116 Lake Street Ephrata, PA Tel: (800) Fax: tours@mtstravel.com $3,429 per person based on double occupancy and check payment $3,532 per person based on double occupancy and credit card payment For assistance in arranging flights from your home to Tel Aviv, Israel, contact Trinda Lim at MTS TRAVEL at trindal@mtstravel.com.

4 Tour Features and Conditions Please read all Tour Features and Conditions carefully. Payment of tour deposit constitutes acceptance of these conditions. Accommodations: Based on two or more persons sharing a room in accommodations listed in itinerary, or similar. Single rooms are subject to availability at an additional charge. If a passenger cannot supply a roommate, the passenger is responsible for the additional charge. Meals: In-fl ight meals and snacks are served according to airline policy. Breakfast and dinner will be provided daily. Transfers and Baggage: Group transfers between airports and hotels upon arrival and departure are included in the tour price, including handling of one medium-sized suitcase per person, not exceeding 62 dimensional inches (length plus width plus height) or weighing more than a maximum of 50 pounds. Due to limited luggage storage space on motor coaches, it is important that each person bring only ONE piece of checked baggage. In addition, a fl ight bag or overnight case may be taken, which must be handled by the passenger at all times. Baggage allowance is subject to change according to airline policy. Sightseeing and Entrance Fees: Are included as indicated in itinerary, using private motor coach or other conveyance, with local guides where necessary. Tips and Taxes: Service charges and taxes on accommodations and tips to guides, drivers, and hotel staff are included. Tips for lunches and personal services are not included. Not Included: Lunches and lunch tips, beverages with dinners, passport fee, travel protection insurance, checked baggage fees, and expenses of a purely personal nature are not included. Transportation from your home to Israel and return. Deposit and Payment: Reservations can be secured with a deposit payment of $500 per person. You will be invoiced for fi nal payment, which is due January 27, MTS Cancellation Conditions: The cancellation conditions outlined below apply to all passenger initiated cancellations. Should circumstances require that the passenger cancel, written notice of cancellation must be received by MTS TRAVEL a minimum of 100 days prior to departure to secure any refund of deposit funds. From date of deposit to and including December 3, 2014: $100 per person service fee applies (see exception*) From December 2, 2014 to and including January 27, 2015: Full deposit ($500 per person) plus any unrecoverable fees apply After January 28, 2015: No refund Cancellation policies apply when cancellation occurs for any reason. There is no refund for any unused services or portion of the tour package. *Exception: When tour is cancelled by the tour host, a $25 per person service fee will apply. Protect Your Investment: Travel insurance is available to cover medical expenses, trip cancellation/interruption, trip delay, missed connection, baggage and personal effects loss, baggage delay, emergency evacuation & repatriation of remains, and accidental death and dismemberment. Further information can be found on the MTS TRAVEL website at: com/mtstravel. If full coverage of trip costs is purchased within 14 days of initial trip deposit, pre-existing medical conditions will be waived. Passport, Visa & Health Requirements: A valid passport is required. If you do not have a passport, you should apply for one immediately. Information on obtaining or renewing a U.S. passport can be found at If you now have a passport, please verify that it is valid until September 26, A visa for is not required for U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. Citizens are responsible to fulfi ll entry requirements for countries to be visited by contacting the appropriate consulates. No inoculations are required, but please check with your physician for his recommendation. Rates & Fares Information: Rates are based on a minimum of 15 persons traveling together. Fewer tour participants will result in a price increase. The quoted tour price is based on the current rate of exchange. Fluctuation in the foreign exchange rate can result in price increase. Deviations: Any individual making a change in travel arrangements apart from this group program will be charged a service fee of $100 per person, plus any additional air or land costs incurred. If you choose to make your own travel arrangements (not through MTS Travel), we are not responsible for any charges or cancellation fees you may incur at any time. Tour Operator Itinerary Changes: The itinerary as outlined is an indication of sequence and sites to be included in the tour program. However, the tour operator reserves the right to alter or change the itinerary and/or the sites included should it be deemed necessary due to local conditions, time restrictions, or other circumstances. Traveler Safety: In the ever-changing world situation, MTS TRAVEL recommends personal monitoring of news about your destination. For the latest country information from the U.S. Dept. of State, please visit and click U.S. State Department Travel Warnings in the middle of our home page. For the MTS Philosophy of Travel, please check on one of the following websites: Disabilities: Guests with disabilities or dietary restrictions should inquire in advance about whether their needs can be accommodated. Responsibility Menno Travel Service, Inc., D/B/A MTS TRAVEL, and their employees, agents, offi cers, shareholders and staff act only as independent third parties to connect customers with the various companies whose accommodations are utilized. Menno Travel Service, Inc., D/B/A MTS TRAVEL, its employees, agents, offi cers, shareholders and staff assume no responsibility or liability in connection with the services of any train, vessel, carriage, automobile, airplane or other conveyance, anticipated to be used or which is used, either wholly or in part, in any travels. Menno Travel Service, Inc., D/B/A MTS TRAVEL, its employees, agents, offi cers, shareholders and staff are not and will not be responsible and the passenger fully releases Menno Travel Service, Inc., D/B/A MTS TRAVEL, its employees, agents, offi cers, shareholders and staff for and from any act, error or omission, or any resulting expense or any injury to person or property (including death), other loss, accident, or any delays which may be occasioned, by reason of defect in any vehicle or through neglect or default of any company or persons engaged in the conveying of passengers including but not limited to any steamer, airplane services or that of any other conveyance, or through any sickness, accident, weather, strikes, war, quarantine or other causes, and all such losses, injury and expenses must be and will be borne solely by the passenger. Prices and schedules appearing in this brochure are based on current schedules and tariff rates and are subject to change without notice. The tour operator reserve the right to modify the itinerary where deemed necessary or caused by changes in air or other schedules. The airlines and/or other transportation companies concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time passengers are not aboard their plane or conveyance. The passage contract in use by the airlines concerned, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the airlines and purchaser of tours and/or the passenger. CST , WST

5 Reservation Form The Roots of Faith March 13 30, 2015 Led by Bill & Nina Bugg Electronic Registration is available at: $500 per person is due by September 1, Space is limited and reflects special group rates. Deposits received after September 1, 2014, will likely incur additional charges due to supplier contract terms. ($515 per person if payment is made by credit card.) Please complete and mail this form, along with your deposit of $500 per person (make checks payable to MTS Travel) to MTS TRAVEL, 116 Lake Street., Ephrata, PA or complete the credit card payment information below. (Please Print) Name 1 (as it appears on passport): Name 2 (as it appears on passport): Nickname for name badge: Nickname for name badge: Address: City, State, Zip: Phone: (evening) (days) Cell: Birthdate: Birthdate: Passport Copies: Please provide a clear copy of the photo page of your passport. United Frequent Flyer Number: Special Dietary Requirements: Airline Seat Requests: Do you need connecting flights?: Yes No From where? Room Type: Twin (Two single beds) Rooming With: Double (one double bed) Single Travel Protection Insurance Check One: I/we wish to be covered by travel protection insurance. Please send a quotation for travel insurance. I/we do NOT wish to be covered by the travel protection insurance. Credit Card Information: (Please provide billing address if different from that listed above.) Please Charge: My Deposit of $ Total Charge Mastercard Visa Discover American Express Name as it appears on card (printed): Card Number: Signature: Exp. Date: Security Code: I have read the Tour Features and Conditions for this tour and agree to the terms listed therein. I understand that the airline tickets or air tours I am purchasing are subject to supplemental price increases after the date of deposit due to additional charges imposed by a supplier or government. I acknowledge that I may be charges additional sums by MTS TRAVEL to offset increased fees, fuel surcharges, taxes, and fl uctuations in foreign exchange markets or any combination thereof. I hereby consent to any post-purchase price increases. MTS TRAVEL has offered the option of purchasing travel insurance, and I take full responsibiity for my decision to purchase or not. Signature: Checking the box above and signature are both required in the processing of the registration of this tour. CST , WST BUGG ZTSHOR57E