2017 Jesus Trail Information Pack

The Nazareth Trust -EMMS Nazareth-

Hike ‘The Jesus Trail’ Sun 2nd – Sat 8th April 2017

The Nazareth Trust - EMMS Nazareth -

Hike ‘The Jesus Trail’ 2017 Set in the Galilee region of Israel, the Jesus Trail follows in the footsteps of Jesus from Nazareth to Capernaum.

The walk connects important places from the life of Jesus with other religious and historical places of interest in the area.

The pace of the Jesus Trail, set over 5 days, allows time each day for worship and spiritual reflection relevant to the Biblical setting as shown in the itinerary.

This journey will enable you to visit the Zippori National Park , Cana , Ilaniya , Kibbutz Lavi, the Horns of Hattin , Nebi Shu’eib, the Arbel National Park, Migdal, Capernaum, the Mount of Beatitudes and also Tabgha before returning to the Nazareth via Magdala.

So, we thank you for your interest in our April 2017 Sponsored Hike and we invite you to join us for this extraordinary opportunity to hike ‘The Jesus Trail’ and raise funds for the Nazareth Trust.

The Nazareth Trust works to provide healthcare, education and Christian service through the Nazareth Hospital EMMS, the School of Nursing, Nazareth Village and SERVE Nazareth. Our work is based on the principles and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth.

For the experience of a lifetime, sign up today, or find out more at: http://www.nazarethtrust.org/diary/2017JesusTrail or email: info@nazarethtrust.co.uk Hike ‘The Jesus Trail’ in 2017 and raise funds to help our work in Jesus’ hometown Each participant will raise a minimum of £2000 / $3000 / 11000 ILS in sponsorship.

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The Nazareth Trust - EMMS Nazareth -

Hike ‘The Jesus Trail’ 2017 Itinerary (Subject to change) Day 1: Sunday 2nd April, Arrival Day Arrive in Nazareth, settle into your accommodation and get ready for the hike.

Join the chapel’s Sunday evening worship followed by a short briefing over a bite to eat before having an early night.

Overnight accommodation:

Nazareth Hospital EMMS

Day 2: M onday 3 rd April, Nazareth to Cana – 13.5 km A breakfast pack will be available in your room to start the day. We will gather together and then ascend out of the old city then walk through calm pastoral fields to Zippori National Park where we will visit the archeological ruins of the main administrative city in the Galilee at the time of Jesus.

Time will be allowed to admire the exquisite Byzantine mosaics, drink in the view from atop the Crusader fortress, and take a stroll through the ancient cistern system. Take a lunch break and refill your water before returning to the trail through the small village of Mashhad to arrive at Cana, traditional site of Jesus’ first miracle, and it is hoped that time will be made available to visit the churches commemorating the water to wine miracle.

Overnight accommodation:

Cana Guest House

Day 3: Tuesday 4 th April, Cana to Kibbutz Lavi – 14.4 km After breakfast we will climb the road out of Cana to walk along a forest ridge with peaceful valley views before stopping for a lunch break in a pleasantly shaded forest. We will be able to visit a nearby ancient Rom an road (5 m in from route), part of the Via M aris which connected the Mediterranean to the Sea of Galilee before walking up a pleasant hill dotted with ruins, to arrive at Kibbutz Lavi, one of very few religious Jewish kibbutzim in the country. Enjoy the swimming pool and peaceful grounds and a kosher buffet in the dining room.

Overnight accommodation:

Hotel Lavi

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Day 4: Tuesday 4 th April, Kibbutz Lavi to Arbel – 16.1 km Eat breakfast and head out across agricultural fields to ascend the Horns of Hattin: a volcanic structure where a famous Crusader battle took place. Relish your first glimpse of the Sea of Galilee and the sweeping views into Arbel Valley. Continue down the rocky hillside to Nebu Shu’eib, the holiest shrine for the Druze religion. Visit the tomb of Jethro, father-in-law of Moses, and take a lunch break at the picnic area. Then continue on the trail through Arbel Valley past ancient olive groves and the ruins of Hattin village. Rise out of the valley to M oshav Arbel, where you will stay in charming rustic cabins and eat dinner.

Overnight accommodation:

Arbel Holiday Homes

Day 5: Thursday 6th, Arbel to M t. Beatitude – 16.8 km Start early for the stunning morning light from Arbel Cliffs. Either carefully descend the steep trail down the mount, passing ancient cliff dwellings and caves or retrace your steps back down past the ruined Arbel synagogue into the Arbel valley . Drink from the fresh spring at W adi Ham am before continuing to Tabgha via rolling agricultural land. If not too late you will be able to explore the mosaics at Tabgha, the traditional site of the feeding of the 5,000. Continue around the northern side of the Sea of Galilee to visit the church of St. Peter. Ascend a small ridge to the M ount of Beatitudes, the traditional site of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.

Overnight accommodation: Mt of Beatitudes Guest House Day 6: Friday 7th, M t. Beatitude - Capernaum – Ginosar - M agdala - 7.5 km Get up early to see the sun rise over the Golan Heights at 6:20am then after breakfast finish your hiking journey by descending the M ount of Beatitudes and then on to Capernaum .

W ander through the ruins of the city, spending a moment of prayer in the church built over the home of Simon Peter. Depending on time, it is hoped that we would meet the shuttle for transportation to Capernaum’s Orthodox Church before heading to Ginosar for a boat ride on the sea of Galilee before getting the shuttle to Magdala, the birthplace of Mary Magdalens, a prosperous fishing village at the time of Jesus.

Following lunch we will take the shuttle to the Nazareth Village for a Parable Walk through the recreated 1st century Nazareth, complete with houses, synagogue, terraced farmland and an olive press all authentically recreated. After enjoying a typical 1st Century meal at the Nazareth Village you can either return to the Campus for the night or enjoy your free time in Nazareth.

Overnight accommodation: Nazareth Hospital EMMS Day 7: Saturday 8th, Departures and farewells Enjoy Nazareth at your leisure before taking the shuttle back to the airport or continue your stay in Israel.

Meals included: Breakfast

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Hike ‘The Jesus Trail’ 2017 W a lk whe re Je su s live d!

Leaving Nazareth, He went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali – to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah: ‘Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, along the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles – the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned’ Matt. 4:13-16

W ha t is inc lu de d ?

- Airport transfers to and from Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv (shuttle service available at specific times only) - Accommodation on a shared basis - Meals as included in the itinerary - Luggage transfer for each leg of the journey - Licensed Tour Guide

Israel, the land of the Bible, is now a modern, bustling and vibrant country.

Are the re an y ag e or he alth res trictions ?

As well as the religious and historical sites there is a lot to offer to the traveller - vast stretches of clean, sunny beaches, modern cities, hotels, kibbutzim (collective villages), markets, health resorts, theatres - all within a compact geographical circle.

We expect this opportunity will attract people of all ages as they ‘Walk the Jesus Trail’ and raise funds for the Nazareth Trust.

The expected age range is likely to be 18 70’s.

All participants are required to complete a medical declaration on the Application Form. Participants with an existing medical condition or aged 65+ must have a doctor’s approval and signature on their medical form.

H ow c an you join this e xciting ad ve nture ?

Complete the enclosed Registration Form and return it with your registration fee of £150 / $250.

W ill I ne e d a Pa s sp ort or V isa to e nte r Is ra el?

Then, you need to raise a minimum of £2000 / $3,000 in sponsorship by the time of the walk and 75% of this must be raised by 31st January 2017.

Participants must have at least 6 months validity on their passport from the date of return. If not, they should obtain a new one between now and the event.

The Nazareth Trust will pay your Jesus Trail Tour costs but you are responsible for your own travel arrangements to and from Israel and travel insurance.

The majority of visitors (UK and US citizens) do not require a prearranged visa and will be issued 3 month visa upon entry to Israel.

To find out if you need a Visa, please contact us or see Israel’s Ministry of Tourism website.

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Hike ‘The Jesus Trail’ 2017 W ha t will a typ ica l d ay b e lik e?

Do I ne e d an y s pe cia lis t e qu ip me nt ?

Other than footwear and clothing for the variance in weather the only recommended equipment would be a walking pole, or two

We’ll begin the day with breakfast and then set off for an early start. We will stop every 15 to 20km for water depending on temperature and needs of the group.

I’m worrie d ab out b eing on my own

We’ll have short water/snack breaks mid morning and mid afternoon and an hour for lunch. Our guide will also stop at times to tell us about interesting sites along the way.

Please don’t worry about this! There will be a number of people who will be hiking ‘The Jesus Trail’ 2017 on their own, so you will have the opportunity to meet new people.

We will reach our accommodation venue around dusk (5pm in November).

Many of whom will become and remain friends long after you share this extraordinary experience.

Each evening we will have dinner together followed by a briefing on the next day’s journey.

Once registration is final you will receive a list of all participants.

W ha t will th e we ath er b e like ?

What should I wear?

In April, the weather will be pleasant with a slight chance of rain. The average daytime temperatures will be around 15 - 25ºC. Nighttime temperatures will fall to 10 - 12ºC.

The most important thing to remember is to bring comfortable, worn-in footwear We recommend sturdy hiking shoes or boots as the trail involves some sections of rough terrain, although most is on dirt 4×4 tracks.

We do not recommend wearing sandals or lightweight walking shoes.

Modest clothing is also recommended for passing through villages and entering holy sites, as many churches do not allow visitors entry if they are wearing shorts.

It’s a good idea to layer clothing for changing weather. During the rainy season bring rain gear. Don’t forget sunscreen and sun-protective clothes as these may also be useful.

W he re will we s pe nd the nig ht?

Accommodation will be provided along the way (on a shared basis) in small hotels and B&B’s. Single rooms are available at an additional £200 / $320 / 1200 NIS but please note that even by paying this supplementary charge single rooms cannot be guaranteed for every night but will be provided wherever possible.

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The Nazareth Trust - EMMS Nazareth -

Hike ‘The Jesus Trail’ 2017 Application & Registration Form Personal Details (please give your FULL NAME as it appears on passport): Title:

Surname:

Forename(s):

Preferred name:

Address: Post Code: Home Telephone:

Daytime Telephone:

Mobile Telephone:

Email address:

Passport Details (your passport must be valid for 6 months after the date of exit from country you are visiting): Date of Birth:

Place of Birth:

Passport No:

Place of issue:

Date of issue:

Date of expiry:

It is essential that we have the above information for our records. If you do not have a passport at the moment, just send in your entry form and let us have the details as soon as you can.

Church Connection:

Do you belong to a Church or Fellowship? YES / NO.

If ‘yes’ which one: Dietary Requirements Please let us know if you have any special dietary requirements e.g. vegetarian / vegan etc:

Fundraising Please indicate yow you aim to raise your sponsorship:

What is your personal sponsorship target?

£/$

Next of Kin (for emergency use. Someone contactable while you are away)(for emergency use.

Someone contactable while you are away) Name:

Relationship:

Address: Post Code: Home Telephone: Mobile Telephone:

Daytime Telephone: Email address:

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The Nazareth Trust - EMMS Nazareth -

Hike ‘The Jesus Trail’ 2017 Application & Registration Form T-Shirts We will provide you with T-Shirts for the Trail, please indicate which size you require:

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Medium

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Large

Extra Large

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Extra Extra Large

Medical History and Fitness Confirmation Walk the Jesus Trail 2017 will see 40 miles being walked over 5 days with the longest walking day covering just over 10 miles. The terrain will cover some challenging countryside including numerous climbs up the Galilean hills as described in the itinerary. Whilst this trail is achievable for those in general, good health, it may be that for some this will also require some training. This event is not recommended for those with any infirmity. If you are in good health but take medication, you must let us know. If you suffer from any medical condition which could be adversely affected by exercise, particularly a heart condition, or suffer from an allergy, you must let us know, and you must have attended your GP and had your participation confirmed by your GP. Conditions of Entry 1.

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You must enclose a non-refundable registration fee of £150.

You must undertake to raise astminimum level of sponsorship and 75% of this should be forwarded to The Nazareth Trust by January 31 2017 with any remainder within 6 weeks after completion of the walk. If you are unable to meet these sponsorship requirements you may forfeit your place, or you may choose to make up the balance yourself.

All funds must be payable to The Nazareth Trust.

Should you be unable, for whatever reason, to take your place in the Walk the Jesus Trail 2017, after registering, all sponsorship monies collected should be donated to The Nazareth Trust.

You must be at least 18 years of age before the departure date of the event or else have made specific arrangements with The Nazareth Trust.

You must enjoy a state of health that will enable you to complete the Walk the Jesus Trail 2017.

You must not suffer from alcohol or drug dependence nor have any criminal record.

Your passport must have at least 6 months to run at the time of exit from the countries you are visiting.

If you are refused passage and/or entry to or from the countries you are visiting, any additional costs will be borne by your self.

You participate at your own risk and you must be covered by travel insurance suitable for the activity you are undertaking. The Nazareth Trust does not offer insurance so you must make your own arrangements and must provide proof of insurance to The Nazareth Trust at least 4 weeks before departure.

All dates, itineraries and arrangements are subject to change without notice.

You must be committed to the ethos of the Walk the Jesus Trail 2017 and to making it a success in every way. You must uphold the interests and good reputation of The Nazareth Trust during your fund raising activities and on the walk itself.

You consent to your name being added to The Nazareth Trust database and receiving information from The Nazareth Trust You consent to the use of any photographs taken of you whilst on the walk being retained in the Photo depository which may then be used in future publicity. ü ü ü ü ü ü

Name:

I apply to take part in the Nazareth Trust's Walk the Jesus Trail 2017 and accept the rules and conditions of this event.

I enclose two recent passport-sized photographs, with my name clearly printed on the back.

I have read, understood and agree to all the conditions of entry and I acknowledge that 'neither The Nazareth Trust nor their agents or contractors, shall be liable in respect of personal injury, sickness , or death, arising out of, or in any way connected with, the Nazareth Trust's Walk the Jesus Trail 2016.'

I enclose my registration fee of £150.00 I enclose the Single Room Supplement of £200 / $320 (please delete if not applicable) - cheques are to be made payable to The Nazareth Trust.

Signature:

Date:

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