Good Friday Offering Supports the Diocese of Jerusalem

By Mary Pneuman

In a video message to the Diocese of Olympia, Bishop Rickel encourages all congregations and members of the diocese to gather funds throughout Lent for special missionary purposes. The bishop asks only that “it truly be given to missionary work outside our local selves.” While it is up to parishes and individuals to determine where to direct their giving, he went on to say, “If you are having trouble deciding where you might direct such an offering, I would commend to you the Good Friday Offering. Since 1922, Episcopalians have supported the ministries of the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East through the Good Friday Offering. There is an even more direct connection for us in the Diocese of Olympia, since we have a longstanding companion relationship with the Diocese of Jerusalem.”

Over the last few years at St. Thomas, the Good Friday Offering has made a commitment to walk with our companions in the Diocese of Jerusalem: the Arab Episcopal School for the Blind in Irbid, Jordan (AES) and the boarding, preschool, and afterschool daycare programs of the Evangelical Home for Children in Ramallah. In addition, St. Thomas has provided support to Gaza’s Ahli Arab Hospital in times of great need. All three missions promote peaceful relationships between Christian and Muslim families.

Since the beginning of the present school year, letter and newsletter updates from Sister Najah Rantisi, director of the Home for Children, and Fr. Samir Esaid, director of AES, indicate program growth that serves an increasing number of children and families. At the Home, enlargement and improvement of playground facilities for about 100 preschool, daycare, and boarding children is under way; at AES, student enrollment has increased to 259, including 29 blind and 14 vision-impaired children. Both administrators express appreciation for the continuing support from St. Thomas.

Throughout Lent and Holy Week, please give from the heart and support our companions in Christ. Make your check payable to St. Thomas, writing Good Friday Offering on the memo line and place it in the offering plate or deliver it to the office.

With thanks from the St. Thomas Companions Committee