Using communion ware from Bethlehem is "to remind people that God's desire for the whole world includes justice and peace, even in the Holy Land," said the Rev. Michael L. Burk, director for worship, ELCA Division for Congregational Ministries.
     When looking for a certain quality of communion ware for the assembly, the International Center of Bethlehem (ICB) -- a Lutheran institution serving the whole Palestinian community through developing human resources, cultivating artistic talents and facilitating intercultural encounters -- was able to provide communion ware.  ICB's involvement would also "be a very helpful reminder that we are partners in mission with brothers and sisters all around the world," Burk said.  Choosing communion ware made by Palestinian artisans at the ICB was not done simply because it was from the Holy Land, but it was of the quality level that "something as important as Holy Communion deserves," Burk said.
     At the close of the assembly each of the ELCA's 65 synods will receive a set of communion ware made in Bethlehem as a gift from the ELCA Division for Global Mission.  Each set of communion ware will "journey" throughout the synods, congregation to congregation, for use during worship.
     "We are concerned about the body of Christ which is hurting in the Holy Land.  We belong to the same body of Christ," said the Rev. Said R. Ailabouni, program director, Europe and the Middle East, ELCA Division for Global Mission.  The communion ware is to connect us (members of the ELCA) with the Christians there and the Muslim and Jewish communities with whom they live, he said.
     By using "communion ware made in the town where Jesus took flesh," we hope "to connect brothers and sisters in the Holy Land and lift up their prayers and concerns for peace and reconciliation in that land," Ailabouni said.
     "Utilizing these things is a nice reminder that we are a church that is a lot bigger than the ELCA," Burk said.  "It is God who is in Holy Communion and who causes us to long for God's own justice in the world."
     With each set comes a "communion ware journey" packet, Ailabouni said.  In it are resources for worship, such as hymns, prayers and suggested readings.
     The goal of the communion ware journey is to give all ELCA congregations the opportunity to:
+     "Use these vessels in Holy Communion as a reminder of and a witness to our partnership in mission with our brothers and sisters in the Holy Land"
+     "Learn about and pray for Palestinian Christians and their Muslim and Jewish neighbors"
+     "Learn how to advocate for peace with justice in Israel and Palestine."
     "Now the journey begins," said Ailabouni.  "We hope each congregation will have the opportunity to use the communion ware in their worship services and will pray for peace and reconciliation in that land."
     Some communion ware sets arrived early and were used at ELCA synod assemblies in spring and early summer, Ailabouni said.