Iowa Wesleyan University instructor to be featured at Just Peace Outreach Group meeting

J-POG (Just Peace Outreach Group) is set to host Joy Lapp, instructor of religion at Iowa Wesleyan University, of Mt. Pleasant, speaking on ?Hope for the Holy Land: Seeking a Just Peace?, at 6 p.m., on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2015, at East Union Mennonite Church, in Kalona.

A finger food potluck and conversation will begin at 6 p.m. Those attending are asked to bring finger foods to share and personal table service. Lapp will being speaking at 7 p.m.

Lapp has a long history of firsthand experiences with the situation in Israel and Palestine. Her presentation will begin with a brief historical overview of the circumstances that have led to the current conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. She will share about the work of many peace groups and human rights organizations, both Israeli and Palestinian, and their struggle for justice. She will also update audiences on current Mennonite involvement.

Lapp first visited Israel and Palestine as a student with Eastern Mennonite University in 1981. She later spent three years serving with the Mennonite Central Committee, in Egypt, and currently works with Sabeel, a Palestinian Christian Liberation theology movement.

Lapp was instrumental in forming Mennonite Palestine Israel Network (MennoPIN), a group that prays and works for peace in this part of the world, and continues to serve on their steering committee.

For nine years, Lapp has been leading witness trips to Israel and Palestine, and is working on a trip for May 2016.

Lapp will also be bringing some woodcarvings from Bethlehem that will be available for purchase. These include various nativities, carvings of the Holy Family, angels, candle holders, etc. The money raised from these purchases supports artisans in Bethlehem.

East Union Mennonite Church is located at 5615 Gable Ave SW, in Kalona.

For more information, call Roger Farmer at 319-653-2547 or email Jane Yoder-Short at wilmajane17@gmail.com.