Monday, January 31, 2011

Israel/Palestine -- spread the word

Greetings,

I am writing to invite your help in spreading the word about the planned trip to Israel/Palestine later this year. I have attached a blurb about it. The dates are from May 20th through June 4th, the cost is estimated at $3700 per person in a double, a slight bit more than what we paid last year.

I am facing an uphill climb in getting enough people to go, and any help in spreading the word would be appreciated.

One piece of very good news -- a large anonymous donation was made to help make this trip happen. This donation will be used to provide need-based scholarships for those who might not have quite enough money to go. There will be several of these scholarships, and they will be in the amount of $1000 per person and possibly even more if there are not many who claim them. This would lower the cost of the trip to $2700 or lower. Feel free to spread this information as you spread the word.

Time is of the essence, however, as I need to gauge in a few weeks where I stand in terms of numbers/participation.

Please put anyone who might be interested in coming into contact with me (craig at mail.trinitypresdenton.org).

Peace,
Craig

Here's the blurb (there is some overlap with the above letter):


Building on the success of last year's trip to Israel/Palestine, Rev. Craig Hunter from Trinity Presbyterian Church in Denton will be leading another trip to Israel/Palestine this summer and he invites you to join him. Rev. Hunter has lived in the region, he teaches on the subject of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict at University of North Texas, and his trips have endorsements from the Israel/Palestine Mission Network of the PC(USA) and from Douglas Dicks, our PC(USA) Mission Worker in the field for over 15 years. This trip is not like other trips. While many trips to the area visit Biblical sites, this trip features an unique itinerary, combining trips to Biblical sites with visits with numerous Israeli, Palestinian, and international organizations working for peace and justice in the region. There is also a special emphasis on meeting with the dwindling Christian community. The trip is scheduled from May 20th through June 4th. The approximate cost for the trip is $3700 per person in a double, including airfare. Need-based scholarships are available. If you are interested, please contact Pastor Craig at craig@trinitypresdenton.org. Deposits will be required by the middle of February.