CPT URGES SPECIAL HOLY WEEK PRAYERS AND ACTION FOR PALESTINIAN FAMILIES
From: cpt@igc.apc.org Reply-to: menno.org.cpt.news@MennoLink.org
CPTNET March 21, 1997 CPT URGES SPECIAL HOLY WEEK PRAYERS AND ACTION FOR PALESTINIAN FAMILIES
Suggested Devotional Included
CPT invites individuals, congregations and meetings to emphasize special prayers and stepped up action during Holy Week on behalf of Palestinian families threatened with home demolitions. "We need to inundate policy makers with strong messages calling for a sharp cut in U.S. aid to Israel and an end to Israel's policy of house demolitions," Hebron team members write.
On Easter Sunday, March 30, the Christian Peacemaker Team in Hebron and its supporters will end a 700 hour fast they initiated to protest the destruction of Palestinian homes in the West Bank. Hundreds of individuals and congregations across North America have joined the "Fast for Rebuilding" at some level since March 1. Additional fasters began a presence in front of the White House on March 13. CPT welcomes your continued messages of support in the coming week.
Below is a suggested devotional for use on Palm Sunday, Good Friday or Easter. Individuals and families may choose to integrate it during morning, evening, or mealtime prayers throughout Holy Week as well. Also below are addresses to keep the letters, calls, faxes and e-mail messages flowing.
DEVOTIONAL:
1) Song: "There is a balm in Gilead" This hymn has a special meaning for those who have worked with and supported the team in Hebron. They, like the Palestinians and Israelis who struggle for human rights, expect healing and resurrection. Gilead was the area east of Jordan River where a renowned healing ointment was produced from native trees. The ointment marketed throughout the ancient near east and brought healing to many.
2)Litany: based on Isaiah 58
3) Prayer: to be prayed morning, noon and evening each day
O God, raise up the foundations of peace so that the Land called Holy may be whole again. Pour your Spirit upon all who complete their faith with the works of peacemaking. Rebuild and protect the 700 Palestinian homes that are threatened with demolition and create through all of us an earth with shelter and safe space for all people.
ADDRESSES FOR ACTION:
Addresses:
Christian Peacemaker Teams is an initiative among Mennonite and Church of the Brethren congregations and Friends Meetings that supports violence reduction efforts around the world. CPT P. O. Box 6508 Chicago, IL 60680 tel 312-455-1199 FAX 312-666-2677 email cpt@igc.org WEB http://www.prairienet.org/cpt/