A Pilgrimage to the HeartAn encounter with the story, creativity, and sacredness, of ourselves and the peoples and places of Israel and Palestine

DESCRIPTIONTending to our own spiritual journeys and the sacred stories of the peoples of Israel and Palestine, this Pilgrimage to the Heart will be an opportunity to encounter the divine and change the world.

We will discover, grow, and be transformed by the sacred history and current culture of Israel and Palestine. Together we will contribute spiritual gifts of peace to Israel and Palestine with our prayers and presence.

Using the tools of art, music, movement, storytelling, and silence, we will give expression to that which we encounter, and share our insights and experiences with companions on the journey.

Our daily rhythm includes group spiritual practices from diverse religious traditions, walking tours of sacred sites, teachings, and time for reflection and sharing. Some time every day will be unstructured, allowing time for exploration, rest, and processing. Our schedule will be flexible and subject to change in order to accommodate our needs as we journey together in outer and inner realms of the sacred. We will not only grow in awareness of the ancient heritage of spiritual companionship, but also become spiritual companions for each other as fellow pilgrims during each day.

SCHEDULE23 May Depart home country.

24 May Arrive Tel Aviv, and transfer to St. George’s Guest House in Jerusalem. Settling in and orientation.

25 May Exploration of the Old City. Mt Scopus, Mt of Olives and the Garden of Gethsemane.

26 May Church of the Nativity and Mosque of Omar in Bethlehem. Afternoon at a Palestinian refugee camp and Wiam Palestinian Conflict Resolution Center.

27 May Nazareth by way of Caesarea on the Mediterranean. Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth and time to explore on your own. First of two nights at Sisters of Nazareth Convent.

28 May Tsfat (Safed), center of Jewish mysticism; Sea of Galilee, Mt of Beatitudes and Capernaum.

29 May Jerusalem via Jordan valley and Jericho; Afternoon at Qumran, site of the Dead Sea Scrolls discovery, and swim/float in the Dead Sea.

30 May Dome of the Rock and Al Aqsa Mosque, Church of the Holy Sepulcher, and the Western Wall. Optional visits to St. Anne’s Church and Pools of Bethesda or the Garden Tomb.

31 May The Old City in the Palestinian town of Nablus and a Greek Orthodox Monestery built over the site of Jacob’s Well.

1 June Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial. Free afternoon to explore Jerusalem.

2 June Optional early morning wak on the Way of the Cross. Church of St. Peter of Gallicantu, on site of the High Priest Caiaphas’ palace. Depart for Tel Aviv for afternoon and evening flights.

3 June Arrive in home country.

MAY 23 -JUNE 3 2 0 1 2

LEADERSHIPThis pilgrimage to Israel & Palestine is an initiative of Illuminating Paths, LLC, a practice of accompanying individuals, groups, and communities on their spiritual journeys. The program will be led by Christopher Copeland, Brian Dixon, Ginny Going, Tom Henderson, and Canon Iyad Qumri.

CHRISTOPHER COPELAND serves as the spiritual and creative director of Illuminating Paths and has led retreats and pilgrimages to sacred sites all around the world. As an ordained minister, Chris’s experience and expression of spirituality is grounded in the Christian tradition and is deeply influenced by the beliefs and practices of people of many faith traditions.

BRIAN DIXON is an ordained pastor but more importantly

he is an organized pastor. With a degree in theology from Emory University, 20

years of managing offices and buildings, and years organizing trips for groups who

ranged from age 12 to 80, he is ready to make sure those who want to explore

sacred spaces are able to do so with comfort and ease. His greatest gifts are that of host and administrator and he’ll

make sure you feel welcomed and taken care of on this exciting and life changing adventure.

GINNY GOING is a master InterPlay leader, ordained minister and performance artist. She invites people to explore embodied spiritual practices through movement, story, music and stillness. From her previous participation in an interfaith pilgrimage to Israel/Palestine has come a strong desire to explore peace making through the intersection of spirituality, embodiment and the arts.

TOM HENDERSON is a master InterPlay leader who has

taught nationally and internationally, and has a special interest in men’s work. He is co-founder and artistic director of Off the Deep End Ensemble, an InterPlay performance troupe. An experienced retreat leader and facilitator of spiritual and secular groups, he was for many years a member of the NC Episcopal Consultants Network.

Trained in conflict management, he holds a deep respect for the complexity of the conflict in Israel/Palestine and a desire to make

whatever small contribution possible to the cause of peace.

CANON IYAD QUMRI an Arab, Palestinian, and Christian, is licensed as a Guide by the State of Israel’s Ministry of Tourism. He is fluent in Arabic, English, and Hebrew; and has become one of the most

knowledgeable guides in the area.

COSTS & REGISTRATIONRegistration for the pilgrimage is limited to 28 pilgrims. The cost, based on double occupancy, is $2700 per person if registered by December 15, 2011 and $2900 after December 15. The total cost includes local transportation, accommodation, three daily meals, tips, and site entry fees. Single supplement is available for an additional $400.00. Costs do not include international travel, passports, visas, travel insurance (required), extras beyond standard menu, excess baggage, telephone calls, laundry, etc.

To register, visit www.illuminatingpaths.com/pilgrimage and complete the online registration form and submit a non-refundable registration fee of $500. Final payment and all required forms must be submitted by March 1, 2012.

FAQ:Do I have to be of a particular faith or any faith at all to be a part of the pilgrimage? You simply need to be willing and open to encounter the sacred in whatever form it may come.

Does this pilgrimage have a political agenda or orientation? We will spend time with Palestinians, Israelis, and others to better understand the complex social, religious, political, and historical context of the land and peoples.

Do I book my own travel? You need to book your own travel so that you arrive in Tel Aviv no later than the afternoon of May 24 and leave Tel Aviv no earlier than the afternoon of June 2.

Can I arrive before the pilgrimage or stay longer after the pilgrimage? You are welcome to make your own arrangements to arrive early or depart late, but we will only provide transportation to and from Ben Gurion airport on the days mentioned above.

Will the pilgrimage require much walking? Though we will travel by bus throughout Israel and Palestine, we will do a signifiant amount of walking to see various sights.