Palestinian Christians have been in the Holy Land since the first Pentecost. The roots of the ELCJHL are in the mid-19th century when German and English missionaries came to teach and minister to the local people. Today, ELCJHL has congregations in Jerusalem, Ramallah and the Bethlehem area and one in Amman, Jordan. The churches in Amman and Ramallah are comprised largely of families of refugees who fled their homes at the time of the tragic wars that followed the formation of Israel. ELCJHL operates four schools and four education programs.
First Presbyterian has had a sister relationship with the Christmas Lutheran church in Bethlehem since 2000.
We have visited back and forth a number of times over the years.  And both senior pastors, first Rev.Dr. Mitri and the current Rev.Dr Munther Isaac have called First Pres Evanston home in the US. This church is located close to Manger Square and has attracted younger Christians and international visitors throughout its history. We are hoping to get to know the congregation better with strategic trips in the next months and years. 

Learn more:
https://enjoybethlehem.com/see/the-lutheran-christmas-church
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Evangelical_Lutheran_Christmas_Church_1716_%28507902705%29.jpg

Contact information:
Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac – moc.liamg@caasirehtnum.