Local Chapters

Local chapters extend the efforts of Pilgrims of Ibillin to involve the many people who desire to support the work of peacemaking and reconciliation in the Holy Land through a myriad of activities -- including fundraising, educational forums, film festivals, hosting guest speakers on the Holy Land, holding ethnic Middle Eastern dinners, and organizing trips to the Holy Land.

If you are interested in forming a local Pilgrims of Ibillin chapter, please contact the Pilgrims Executive Director, Robert Sawyer, who will provide you with information, materials, and contacts to begin your journey.

Requirements for Forming Pilgrims Chapters

• A minimum of five individuals who are interested and committed to the work of peacemaking and reconciliation in the Holy Land.
• One individual to serve as the contact person for the chapter.
• Conduct at least four meetings each year.
• Conduct at least one fundraising event each year.
• Participate in periodic conference calls with the Executive Director and other chapters to share ideas and experiences.

Chapter Activities and Projects

While not an exhaustive list, following are examples of activities and projects that have been undertaken by various Pilgrims chapters:

• Host persons who have traveled to the Holy Land to hear about their experiences.
• Host guest speakers to share their insights and experiences regarding the Holy Land, the Middle East, Judaism, Islam, Christianity, current events, peacemaking efforts, etc.
• Conduct fundraising efforts and events for Pilgrims of Ibillin.
• Lead trips to the Holy Land.
• Provide orientation for those preparing to travel to the Middle East and the Holy Land.
• Lead group discussions based upon books, news events, articles, issues, and people, related to the Middle East and the Holy Land.
• Reach out to community organizations that have congruent interests and visions.
• Conduct Middle Eastern ethnic events such as dinners and bazaars.

Established Chapters

The Crossing Campus Ministry, University of Wisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin. Contact Doug Pierce at - doug@crossingministries.org 

First Presbyterian Church, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Contact Rodney Bentz at - rrbentz@comcast.net

First Presbyterian Church, Englewood, New Jersey
Contact Natalie Beaumont at - nbeau8848@aol.com

First Presbyterian Church, Livermore, California
Contact Dick and Christy Baxter at - ckbrcb@comcast.net 

First Presbyterian Church, Spokane, Washington
Contact Gordon Decker at - gdecker@columbiaipa.com

First Presbyterian Church, Wheaton, Illinois
Contact Susan Drinan at - BLACKTHORNE369@aol.com 

Flathead Chapter, Whitefish, MT
Contact Martha Bisharat, goodgums4u@yahoo.com

Grace Presbyterian Church, Walnut Creek, California
Contact Rev. Charie Reid at – chariereid@earthlink.net

Myers Park Presbyterian Church, Charlotte, North Carolina
Contact Von Clemans at – evc@myserparkpres.org

St. Andrews Lutheran Church, Mahtomedi, Minnesota
Contact Rev. John Straiton at - jstraiton@saintandrews.org

St. Mark Presbyterian Church, Newport Beach, California
Contact Susan Thornton at – susant@stmarkpresbyterian.org

Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church, Sunnyvale, California
Contact Pat Plant at - patplant@comcast.net

Westminster Presbyterian Church, Sacramento, California