Bethlehem Christian Families

On Saturday and Sunday, February 10 and 11, 2024, we will have a special opportunity to view products and creations in olive wood created by the hands of Christian artisans in and around the Holy Land region. The Rishmawi Family has been designated as the representative for these wonderful Christian artisans and has been authorized to show their olive wood carvings.

These items will be displayed on tables in the parlor (the room near the Sanctuary and the church offices).  The items will be available both before and after our regular worship services.  These are on Saturday, February 10, at 6:00 p.m., and on Sunday, February 11, at 10:00 a.m.

Most, if not all, of the items on display will also be available for purchase.  The sale of these items supports the Christian families and their ongoing witness to the Gospel in the land of Jesus’ birth and ministry.

We have welcomed our Christian brothers and sisters from the Holy Land to MLLC over the years for we are united in our faith in the saving work of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Body of Christ stands together in faith, hope, and love.

The tradition of Olive wood carvings in the Holy Land has been handed down from father to son since the 12th century. Due to the difficulties the last few years in the Middle East, tourism has been dramatically reduced and these folks have suffered greatly.  This is causing the Christian community to immigrate to different countries leaving the Christian population at 2% today from 25% fifteen years ago.

We invite you to visit their display tables and view some of the finest handcrafts available from the Holy Land.  This Family strives to bring these fine carvings to our church.

You can view these beautiful items On-Line @ http://www.bethlehem-art.com/

“We call on our churches worldwide to recognize that the very presence of the Christian communities in the Holy Land is threatened by the severity of the present conflict and by the economic devastation the conflict has caused. When the Mother Church is endangered, the entire Churches must be involved “   – The Christian Bishops of Jerusalem