Travel Opportunities

Christkindl Markets

Austria … Slovenia … Croatia

11 Days: November 30 – December 10, 2019

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Hosted by: Tim Hetzner, President / CEO, Lutheran Church Charities

Since the Middle Ages, December in Central Europe means Advent Markets, where for centuries local craftsmen have expressed the message of Christmas in traditional handcrafts and decorations. From major cities to small villages, the markets attract locals and visitors alike, coming together to share in the anticipation of Advent. Join me in a trip, which explores the customs and traditions of this most important Christian celebration, where the magic of Christmas comes alive once more against the backdrop of the Alps.

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Oberammergau
Passion Play 2020

Hungary … the Czech Republic …
Germany and Slovakia

Budapest … Bratislava … Prague … Nurnberg …
Rothenburg … Heidelberg

Rhine River Cruise … Neuschwanstein
Castle and Oberammergau

11 Days:  June 30 -July 10, 2020

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Join Lutheran Church Charities President / CEO Tim Hetzner as he travels throughout classical Europe from June 30 to July 10, 2020. The group will be traveling to several locations in Europe including Hungary, the Czech Republic, Germany, and Slovakia. This historical journey will be highlighted by visits to castle areas, unique towns, and capped off by a performance of the Passion of Christ in Oberammergau.

Oberammergau Passion Play 2020

During the Thirty Years War the deadly plague raged throughout Europe, until in 1633 it reached even the tiny Alpine village of Oberammergau. During the next six months, so many villagers died of the Black Death, that the townspeople took a solemn Vow – if God would release them from the plague, they would perform once every ten years the story of the Passion of Christ. From the moment the Vow was taken, no one else in the village succumbed to the plague and so the first Passion Play was performed in 1634. What began as a single performance in the churchyard has developed over 380 years into a masterpiece of theater and music, with all the villagers involved either on stage or behind the scenes. For the Oberammergauers, the Passion Play is a labor of love and the Vow still has real meaning in their lives. And so they are now preparing for the Passion Play of 2020.

Hope-Full Living Cruise

Port Canaveral, Florida – CocoCay &
Nassau, Bahamas

4 Nights: February 24 – 28, 2020

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Join us for a fun and relaxing time of Christian fellowship on this retreat at sea for adults of any age. You will enjoy Humorist Dr. Rich Bimler who will use wit and wisdom to share helpful insights on hope-full living and spiritual growth as we celebrate our vision for 2020!

Join Lutheran Church Charities President / CEO Tim Hetzner
as he travels throughout
Germany and takes you through
the Lutheran Heritage

Berlin ... Potsdam ... Wittenberg … Eisleben … Erfurt ... Wartburg Castle … Nuremberg … Oberammergau

11 Days: May 10 - 20, 2020

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THE PROMISE
During the Thirty Years War the deadly plague raged throughout Europe, until in 1633 it reached even the tiny Alpine village of Oberammergau. During the next six months, so many villagers died of the Black Death, that the townspeople took a solemn Vow – if God would release them from the plague, they would perform once every ten years the story of the Passion of Christ. From the moment the Vow was taken, no one else in the village succumbed to the plague and so the first Passion Play was performed in 1634.
 
What began as a single performance in the churchyard has developed over 380 years into a masterpiece of theater and music, with all the villagers involved either on stage or behind the scenes. For the Oberammergauers, the Passion Play is a labor of love and the Vow still has real meaning in their lives. And so they are now preparing for the Passion Play of 2020.