This past week/end included the retirement of (now) former ELCJHL Bishop Sani Ibrahim Azar, and the consecration of new Bishop Imad Haddad. Numerous Lutheran delegations were in the Jerusalem area, represent the US, Canada, and Europe. This included trips to holy sites, as well as a lively procession from the Jaffa Gate to the Church of the Redeemer in preparation for the consecration ceremony.

Back at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.

For those who have not been to the Church of the Nativity, there is an underground grotto where you will find (as tradition has it) the place of Jesus’ birth…

…and (as tradition has it) the site of the manger where Jesus was laid.

Star Study 1: Church of the Nativity grotto.

Star Study 2: Shepherds’ Field grotto.

The view from Shepherds’ Field.

Peace, y’all.

‘Hey! It’s…oh, wait.’

What does one call a grouping of cherubs? A “flight”? A “convocation”? A “crash”?

Former Bishop Azar speaking at his retirement ceremony.

Christy processing into the main chapel at Redeemer Church prior to the consecration ceremony. As you can glimpse, there were a bevy of drums and bagpipes.