This past weekend, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, an ecumenical partner of Global Ministries, celebrated a trio of anniversaries: as well as its own 50th anniversary, the synod observed the 30th anniversary of the Arab bishopric and 170 years of evangelical Lutheran witness in Palestine. With the theme of "Living Witness – Creative Diakonia," the anniversaries were marked with dancing, exhibits, speeches and praise to God on May 16-17.

The English and Spanish translations of Bishop Munib Younan's sermon, delivered during the celebratory worship service at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Jerusalem, on May 17, are available in English and in Spanish, by clicking the links. Please visit the ELCJHL's web site at www.elcjhl.org for photos and more news about the celebration.

The ELCJHL wishes to extend its gratitude for prayers and support, without which the ELCJHL could not have reached these milestones.