Potential Tour Leaders Familiarization (FAM) Trip to Israel

Transcription

1 Potential Tour Leaders Familiarization (FAM) Trip to Israel January 21 30, 2014 Hosted by: Bishop Neil & Marcia Lebhar and Peter Lebhar On this Familiarization Tour for those in ministry, we focus on the life of Jesus from His home in Galilee to Jerusalem, giving particular attention to the influence of Jewish thought and culture of the period on the origins of Christianity. The goal of this tour is to gain a better understanding of Jesus ministry, His place among the Jewish people, and the application of His teachings for us today. The tour includes sites from the Old Testament as well as the history of modern Israel. This tour is designed to prepare clergy or lay leaders to lead future trips if they feel so called. 124 E. Main St., 4th Fl. Ephrata, PA (717) (800)

2 Tue., Jan. 21 Wed., Jan. 22 Depart USA Light to the Nations Jews, Gentiles, and the Messiah Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv, and be met by our guide and bus driver for the trip. Travel north along the coast and turn eastwards inland to the Galilee, visiting a number of Biblical sites that testify to God s faithfulness to His Word, past, present, and future. Drive to the fabulous 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 on his journey to Rome. Time permitting; visit Mount Carmel, for a spectacular view over the North of Israel, near the spot where Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal. Continue along the route of the ancient Via Maris, passing Megiddo, one of King Solomon s cities, and possibly the Armageddon referenced in Revelation. We conclude our day at ancient Nazareth, Jesus boyhood home and place of His early ministry. Overnight accommodations are at Ma agan Holiday Village along the Sea of Galilee. Thu., Jan. 23 Around the Sea of Galilee Daily Life and Relgion in the Time of Jesus Today is spent visiting various sites around the Sea of Galilee and picturing the daily life and religion of the First Century, to better understand the miracles and teachings of Jesus in the original Jewish context. Stop at Chorazin, the wellpreserved ruins of a typical Galilean village, and study village life, the Jewish religion, and the Pharisees. Continue to the Mount of Beatitudes, the traditional site of the Sermon on the Mount, and the teachings of Jesus regarding the Kingdom of God. Arrive at Capernaum after a short walk or drive downhill. Capernaum is the town where Jesus lived during the majority of His ministry. Later in the afternoon visit Kibbutz Ginosar to see the Jesus Boat, a Galilean fi shing boat from the First Century. Set sail for a boat ride on the Lake to enjoy the views and time for worship, prayer and refl ection. After dinner, learn what is involved in recruiting your own group to come to Israel with Shoresh. Overnight at Ma agan Holiday Village along the Sea of Galilee. Fri., Jan. 24 Northern Israel Who Do Men Say That I Am? Explore Northern Israel today, one of the most beautiful regions of the country. Today s study focuses on 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. Continue to the Dan Nature Reserve, to see the incredible archaeological remains of the Old Testament city of Dan, including the city gate from the time of Abraham, and there consider ancient Israel s apostasy. Enjoy a pleasant walk along a stream discussing the meaning of living water in the Hebrew Scriptures and in Jesus teaching. Travel along the lower slopes of Mount Hermon Israel s highest mountain, and the most likely site of the Transfi guration. Stop at Caesarea Philippi, in the region where Peter made his famous confession that Jesus is the Messiah, passing some Druze Villages along the way. Time permitting; stop at an overlook near the border with Syria and the area of the road to Damascus where the Apostle Paul met the Lord. We may visit a reconstructed Talmudic village at Katzrin, for another close look at life in New Testament times and the use of its everyday imagery in Scripture. Overnight accommodations at Ma agan Holiday Village. Sat., Jan. 25 The Jordan Valley & Judean Wilderness In the World, but Not of It Depart the Galilee and journey southwards down the spectacular Syrian African Rift Valley to the Dead Sea in the arid Judean wilderness. Study the cultural tensions which existed at the time of Jesus, both between Greco-Roman culture and Jewish culture (and later the early church), as well as between the Jewish religious establishment of the day and various spiritual reformers. Pass the Jordan River, and discuss the ministry of John the Baptist and his relationship with Jesus. Continue down the Jordan Valley to the arid Judean Wilderness, in the region of Jericho the oldest and lowest city on earth. Stop at the beautiful subtropical oasis of Ein Gedi, where David hid from Saul. Depending on conditions, walk into the nature reserve possibly to the waterfalls to see some wildlife, including the furry rock badger and the graceful ibex. Discuss the temptation of Jesus in the Wilderness. After lunch, visit Qumran, likely the home of the Essenes, a First Century Jewish sect which may have infl uenced early Christianity, and the site of the most exciting archaeological discovery ever made in Israel the Dead Sea Scrolls. In the late afternoon, make the fi - nal ascent to Jerusalem the City of the Great King. After dinner, the Director of Shoresh is available for a short stroll for a rooftop panoramic view of the Old City, and to share some encouraging testimonies. Overnight at Christ Church Guesthouse in the Old City of Jerusalem. Sun., Jan. 26 Worship at Christ Church, Introduction to Jerusalem & Free Afternoon This morning, join in the worship service at Christ Church, the oldest Protestant church building in the Middle East (optional). After lunch visit the Citadel ( Tower of David ) Museum for breathtaking views overlooking Jerusalem and for an introduction to the fascinating historical geography of the Old City. The rest of the afternoon is free for rest, refl ection, shopping, or for the energetic, perhaps a walk on the walls of the Old City. Shoresh will provide a list of interesting options for those who want to explore on their own. In the late afternoon/early evening, there is an op-

3 portunity to join in worship at King of Kings, a large international congregation in Jerusalem (optional). Overnight accommodations at Christ Church Guesthouse. Mon., Jan. 27 Jerusalem in the Time of Jesus The Temple at the Center Today is devoted to learning about Jerusalem in Jesus day, when the Temple in Jerusalem was the center of Jewish life. Learn how worship was performed in the Temple, about the Sadducees and Jesus attitude towards them, and understanding the important events of the gospels and book of Acts. Travel up to the Temple Mount (conditions permitting) early this morning and consider Jesus activities there, as well as the claims of Islam. After a visit to the Western Wall place of prayer, Judaism s most holy site, walk down into the subterranean Western Wall Tunnels to walk at what was street level during the time of Jesus. Continue through the Jewish Quarter of the Old City to see the Herodian Villas, the palatial mansions once the homes of the Sadducees, the ruling priesthood at the time of Jesus. End the day at the excavations near the base of the Temple Mount and discuss Pentecost on the Southern Steps where Jesus walked. At the end of the day, enjoy a tour of the Christ Church Heritage Centre learning about CMJ s 200-year history of ministry to the Jewish people. After dinner, learn what is involved in working with Shoresh to plan a Biblical tour of Israel. Overnight accommodations are at Christ Church Guesthouse. Tue., Jan. 28 The Restoration of Hope A Garland Instead of Ashes Today s study focuses on great tragedy and the wonder of the Lord s redemptive power. Examine 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. After breakfast, travel to Yad VaShem, the Israel Memorial Museum to For more information, contact: Bishop Neil Lebhar Phone: (904) NLebhar@GulfAtlanticDiocese.org Travel Arrangements by: 124 East Main Street, 4th Floor Ephrata, PA Tel: (800) , ext Fax: (717) trindal@mtstravel.com the Holocaust to examine the spiritual and theological roots of the most notorious genocide in history and the connection between the Church, Jesus and the Jewish people. Drive to the Israel Museum to view the magnifi cent model of Jerusalem in the Second Temple Period and the Shrine of the Book. Later stop at an overlook of Bethlehem, or, conditions permitting, briefl y visit the Church of the Nativity there. Celebrate a Jewish Passover Seder meal this evening to understand the role of the Lamb of God and make the biblical connections to the last supper shared by Jesus shared and His disciples. Overnight accommodations are at Christ Church. Wed., Jan. 29 In the Steps of Jesus Crucifi xion, Death, Burial and Resurrection Focus on sites related to biblical passages regarding 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. Begin with 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 to enter the Old City through Stephen s Gate, stopping to examine the remains of the Pool of Bethesda. Walk parts of the Via Dolorosa, stopping at several of the places mentioned in the Bible, and arrive at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the most likely site of the burial and resurrection of Jesus. End with a refl ective time at a site that wonderfully illustrates Jesus burial and resurrection, the peaceful Garden Tomb. Overnight accommodations at Christ Church Guesthouse. Thu., Jan. 30 To the Ends of the Earth Say farewell to Jerusalem and descend through the mountains of Judea to the airport on the coastal plain to catch the fl ight home. 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 from Jacksonville, FL, based on two people sharing a room. Other departure cities are available, with differing fares. Air & Land, based on two people sharing a room Pay by check: $2,420 Pay by credit card: $2,493 Land Only Price, based on two people sharing a room Pay by check: $1,256 Pay by credit card: $1,294 Single Supplement (there is limited availability of single supplements) Pay by check: $339 Pay by credit card: $350

4 Tour Features and Conditions Please read all Tour Features and Conditions carefully. Payment of tour deposit constitutes acceptance of these conditions. Air Transportation: Air transportation is restricted to the services of any IATA carrier, in economy class based on nonrefundable fare. Travelers are responsible to provide their names as they appear in their passport. Ticketing will be made days prior to departure, after which there will be a charge for name corrections. Tour price includes current airline taxes and fuel surcharges, which are subject to change until ticketed. Tour participants are responsible for any increase in airline taxes or fuel surcharges imposed by the airline. Seat Assignments: Group seats are available approximately 30 days prior to departure and are assigned at the airline s discretion. Please advise your travel consultant of any special seating needs due to health or mobility. 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: 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 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 departure city and return is not included. 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 60 days prior to departure. MTS Cancellation Conditions: The cancellation conditions outlined below apply to all cancellations and are per person. 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. 100 days or more prior to departure - $100 service fee applies days prior to departure Full deposit ($500) plus any unrecoverable fees Less than 60 days - No refund Cancellation policies apply when cancellation occurs for any reason. We strongly recommend travel insurance to help protect your investment. Protect Your Investment: MTS TRAVEL strongly recommends purchasing this primary insurance coverage. If you purchase the protection plan within 21 days of your deposit, any restriction on pre-existing conditions is waived. If protection plan is purchased after 21 days, all coverage is subject to exclusion of pre-existing conditions. Certain conditions, exclusions and limitations apply as set out in the Evidence of Coverage and Confi rmation of Coverage, which you will receive upon receipt of deposit. You will have ten days to review coverage and cancel your policy. Following is a brief description of coverage: This protection plan will cover you for cancellation fees if you need to cancel because of death, injury or illness to you, your traveling companion or your immediate family member. Medical Evacuation: $250,000 Medical Expenses: $25,000 Baggage loss/delay: $1,500/ $250 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 July 30, A visa for Israel 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 20 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. 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, with it officers and staff act only as agents for the various companies whose accommodations are utilized. They assume no responsibility or liability in connection with the services of any train, vessel, carriage, automobile, airplane or other conveyance, which will be used either wholly or in part. Neither will they be responsible for any act, error, omission, or any injury, 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. The steamer, airplane services or that of any other conveyance, sickness, accident, weather, strikes, war, quarantine or other causes and all such losses or expenses must be borne 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 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

5 Reservation Form Shoresh FAM Tour January 21 30, 2014 hosted by Bishop Neil & Marcia Lebhar and Peter Lebhar This tour price refl ects special group rates. Deposits received after September 23, 2013, will likely incur additional charges due to supplier contract terms. Enclosed is my deposit check of $ ($500 per person. ) Please complete and mail this form, along with your deposit of $500 per person (make checks payable to MTS Travel) to MTS TRAVEL, 124 E. Main St., 4th Fl., Ephrata, PA 17522, 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: Room Type: Twin (Two single beds) Rooming With: Double (one double bed) Single Travel Protection Insurance: ($165 payment by check or $170 payment by credit card, this amount is per person. Check One) I/we wish to be covered by cancellation insurance. Include payment per person (non-refundable) with your deposit check. I/we do NOT wish to be covered by the cancellation insurance. Please Charge: Deposit $ + $ (opt. ins.) = Subtotal x # of passengers = $ Total Charge Name as it appears on card (printed): Mastercard Visa Discover American Express Card Number: Signature: Final Payment: My fi nal payment will be by: Check Credit Card listed above Exp. Date: Security Code: I have read the Tour Features and Conditions for this tour and agree to the terms listed therein. Signature: CST ZTSHOR27E