Welcome to the June issue of our monthly round up of news and information from St George’s College in Jerusalem.

Our subscriber base for the newsletter continues to grow, and is now nudging 800 people. It is greatly encouraging for us to see how many people have already signed up for the newsletter, and we look forward to passing the 1,000 mark soon and then going even higher.

This month will see two new programs being offered for the first time:

Bible and Archaeology (June 12 – July 1)

For the first time, students from SGC will participate in the archaeology dig at Bethsaida. The College has been visiting this site for some years, and we often celebrate the Eucharist at edge of the excavations. Now we are getting our hands dirty as we seek insight into the lives of the people who have lived here over the centuries: from King David’s father-in-law, to several of the disciples who first followed Jesus, and the Mamluks who settled here after the Crusaders were drive from the land. Watch for photos and news updates on the College Facebook page, and a more complete summary in the July newsletter.

Women of the Bible (June 16–25)

While some students are getting dirt under their fingernails at Bethsaida, others will be participating in this new course to be jointly led by Dr Tracy Radosevic and Dr Susan Lukens. The international women who have registered for this special course, will be joined by local Palestinian women whose participation has been made possible by a discounted rate offered by the College, and the generous support of Archbishop Suheil Dawani, who has covered the direct costs of their involvement.

Foundation of St George’s College Jerusalem

The annual meeting of the College Foundation will be held on Wednesday, June 22. On the previous day there will be a special session for members of the Executive Committee to finalise the draft strategic plan, and then the Executive will convene again on Thursday to consider the implementation of the decisions made by the Foundation. Please keep the Foundation members in your prayers as they travel to Jerusalem, and as we seek God’s guidance for the future development of the College as a mission agency of the local church and as a center for reconciliation and renewal within the global Anglican Communion.

Staff Changes

This month will see some changes in personnel as well as important steps to fill two key roles.

Our former Course Director, Dr Rodney Aist, finished in that role on May 31. Rodney assisted Canon Mary June Nestler with the leadership of the Palestine of Jesus program in May, and the large group of students greatly appreciated his input. Applications for the position of Director of Studies closed on May 31, and the process of shortlisting applicants is about to begin.

We have greatly benefited from the ministry of Fr Andrew Shermann as Chaplain during May. We wish Andrew well as he continues with his sabbatical program, and look forward to the selection of a new Chaplain shortly.

Our volunteer Warden, Elizabeth Raymer, will complete her three months in that key role later in June. Beth’s duties in the guest services area will be taken up by our inaugural Porter Scholar, Joshua Brunner, when he arrives shortly.