Shalom Y’all! That’s the “Jewish Okie” way of saying “Hello!”

I just arrived home last night from a “wonder-full” seven-day trip to The Holy Land along with 13 other pastors, including our former pastor, Stan Cosby. Thank you so much for the opportunity to go. This is another one of those special blessings for me to be your pastor at First Church! It was so good to be among this special group of pastors from across the nation and across denominations. We were United Methodists, Church of God, Assemblies of God, but all brothers in Christ!

We had an amazing week of experiencing most all of the biblical sites including Jaffa, Capernaum, Nazareth, Cana, Tiberias, Massada, Bethlehem and Old Jerusalem. I particularly enjoyed sailing on the Sea of Galilee in the boat named “Mark,” riding a cable car up to Massada (King Herod’s Dead Sea Mountain Fortress), and praying and singing in The Upper Room and Jesus’ Garden tomb. I also enjoyed a great meal and visit with Chuck King and his special family – our missionaries to Israel – in their home.

As we enter Holy Week this Palm Sunday, I have a vivid picture of Jesus riding the donkey into Old Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives east of the City Wall, fulfilling prophecy all the way (Matthew 21:1-11). On Monday we walked the Via Dolorosa – “The Way of Suffering” – following Jesus’ steps on the way to the cross that first Friday, before it became known as Good Friday. My understanding and appreciation of the Bible will never be the same. As one person said on our trip, “The Bible becomes like a ‘Pop-up’ book when you visit – the pages literally come to life!”

I have much to process and much to share. When I discover what time zone my body is really in, I’ll be glad to do it! Thanks to Kirk and our great staff for doing an excellent job when I’m away. It’s a blessing to know you are always in good hands!

I’m looking forward to being with you this Palm Sunday as we celebrate Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem with the waving of palm branches, and as I share with the kids about Purim. My message will be “I Am the Vine!” You might just say… “He’s da vine and we’re da branches!”

In Christ’s Love,
Mark

P.S. You may want to begin praying and saving now for a trip to Israel possibly in the Spring of 2010. I’d love to take you all! Shalom.