Melissa Travels to Palestine

Dear First Unitarian community,

In late October, I applied for the opportunity to join a delegation of UU seminarians and ministers for a pilgrimage to Palestine through the Unitarian Universalists for Justice in the Middle East (UUJME). I found out about two weeks ago that I was accepted and will be join a small team (about 16 individuals) for a 10-day trip to Palestine in January.

This is a big trip for me in many ways. I'll be away from church from January 6th till the 22nd - if all travel goes smoothly!

UUJME has been organizing these trips since 2002 with the goal of bringing more understanding, witnesses, and faith formation regarding the relations in the Middle East. This is a topic that seems to only be growing in importance! What can I learn? What can I reach others? How can we process this? How can we help? This trip will strengthen my understanding and, in turn, assist me in building stronger communities here at First - and beyond!

One way you can help is by contributing to my travel costs. The plane ticket itself is actually more than the entire trip! You are welcome to contribute to me directly via Venmo, cash, or check. If tax deductions are important for your bookkeeping, you can also make a tax-deductible donation to the Friends of Sabaal North America via Zeffy. Any excess I raise will go to FOSNA to help a fellow traveler make the trip in the future. I also plan to invest what I can into the local economy in the West Bank - this seems to be the most effective way to directly support the people.

I am still gathering more information from the organizers and hope to hold a first aid supply drive before the trip. I will keep you updated!

In exchange for the support, I will be working with the Worship Team to do a Sunday service about my trip on February 22, 2026. Stay tuned!

While your financial support is greatly appreciated, know that your well wishes and everything you do for First is gift enough. Take care of each other!

I am also in need of office and membership volunteers - both for while I'm away and for ongoing items. There are both computer and non-computer things to do! And things for shy people and outgoing people! I'd love to hear from you! Reach out to admin@firstuuomaha.org.

Most sincerely,

Melissa Gibson

Membership & Administrative Manager