“Following the Way of Jesus: a Lenten Holy Land Journey”. The introduction week will introduce you to this 6 week series. Through this journey you will explore the Holy Land, the theology of Sumud and what it means for Palestinian Christians today.

Every Monday we will post the video for the week with an accompanying Scripture passage and discussion questions. Please use the comments as a way to have a conversation over the discussion questions each week.

This is what the video schedule looks like:

• 2/12: Introduction Video
• 2/19: Week 1: Sumud the Way of Jesus
• 2/26: Week 2: Good News or Great Joy For All People
• 3/4: Week 3: Belovedness in the Wilderness
• 3/11: Week 4: A Counter Cultural Message
• 3/18: Week 5: Things That Make Peace
• 3/25: Week 6: Journey to the Cross

Discussion Questions

1. As you watched the video, what did you notice, and what did you wonder?
2. Christianity is indigenous to the Holy Land. How does that help us think about the stories of Palestinian Christians?
3. Palestinians use “sumud” to mean steadfast endurance, resilience, and “resistance through existence” in the face of injustice. What are some other examples of sumud in your own context?

Sumud connects ELCA members to our companions in the Holy Land and seeks to follow the guidance, support the leadership and amplify the voices of our Palestinian partners. Together with our Lutheran companions, we accompany Palestinians and Israelis, and many other Jews, Christians and Muslims, in working to establish the justice required for peace. Click here to learn more.