EmmausOnline Notes

EMMAUS 2004: GREECE and TURKEY
“To the Ends of the Earth ”
A Study in the Development and Growth of the Early Church
June 12 - June 26, 2004

Greetings: Contained in this communication is information basic to your study program to Greece and Turkey . Emmaus thanks you for your participation and we are pleased you have selected this study program to enhance your understanding of the Apostle Paul, his Epistles, the Apostle John, and the movement of the Gospel into the ancient Hellenistic world.

Program Emphasis: The Emmaus program is designed as a study-program centered upon Paul's ministry and the Gospel message expanding beyond the landscape and culture of New Testament Judea into the Greco-Roman Hellenistic world. In addition to formal lecture times, numerous discussions will take place during travel times while on the bus and at various sites. The focus and design of the Emmaus program is fourfold. (1) To visit key sites associated with the Apostle Paul's ministry in the regions of ancient Greece and Asia Minor/Turkey. (2) To expose you to relevant historical, cultural, religious, literary, and rabbinic elements in an effort to synthesize first century AD thought and practice that will allow you to better understand and appreciate Paul's ministry in these lands. (3) To offer insight into the Apostle John's chastisement of several churches mentioned in the book of Revelation. (4) To build a bridge of understanding between the gospel's movement from the Judeo-Christian World into the Greco-Roman World. A notebook (100+ pages) has been prepared for you as a study and learning aid. The notebook will be distributed to you once your Registration in the program is confirmed.

Program Dynamics : If I may use a comparison for illustration, the program is designed not as a “solo” performance by any one instructor but rather as a “symphony” of qualified personnel to provide a “crescendo” experience. Experienced local guides in Greece and Turkey will provide the secular, historical, philosophical, mythological and archaeological material. Dr. Notley (and/or any other guest or staff instructor) will then supplement the guide's introductory material with information directly related to the program's four focuses. The end result is a blending of individual expertise into an unforgettable learning experience. Note: This is not your typical “tourist” tour of Greece and Turkey . The pace is demanding and daily activities often go for a full 10-12 hours. There is considerable bus travel time and limited free time. We have done our very best to maximize this travel study into a most unique and rewarding program. Its uniqueness requires both effort and patience on your part.

Group Dynamics : The 2004 program will have 2 main groups of participants. As always, there will be the Emmaus group comprised of various small groups and individuals from different churches and educational institutions. This group will be instructed by Dr. Steve Notley. A second group will be comprised of individuals associated with Logos Ministries ( Phoenix , AZ ). The Emmaus Group will arrive a day earlier than the Logos group. Both groups will be in the same hotels and have a similar travel itinerary. The Emmaus group will remain in Turkey an additional day while the Logos group returns to Athens . Both groups depart the same day but on different flights. The program will have a minimum of 2 buses—the Emmaus bus and the Logos bus. Both groups are encouraged to become acquainted with each other throughout the program.

Group Standards: As a Christian adult educational program, Emmaus recognizes the diversity of the Christian community in terms of personal indulgences; therefore, except for the modest restrictions stated below, we only ask that you act as responsible adults while associated with the Emmaus program. Alcohol consumption and the use of tobacco products are not allowed during scheduled touring hours or during the three daily meals.

Insurances :

Medical Insurance : You are required to have insurance that covers any medical need while on the program. Most likely, your own personal insurance coverage will cover any medical need while on this program. Check your policy for coverage related to overseas travel. Please photocopy the clause that indicates overseas coverage, sign the page and return it to Dr. Wink Thompson. If you do not have medical coverage, you must secure coverage. You may purchase medical coverage through Travelex Insurance Services : 1-800-504-7883 or www.travelex-insurance.com .
Travel Insurance: If you desire insurance to cover any financial loss as a result of program cancellation, lost baggage, theft, etc. (events outside of the control of Logos or its agents), you may do so via Travelex . You are not required to have this latter travel insurance, but it is recommended.

Program Cost and Financial Responsibilities :

Emmaus programs are designed to eliminate the numerous incidental financial responsibilities one often encounters on packaged tours. Tour agencies and their clients often publish a low base price giving the appearance that you have discovered a bargain. On such programs you are held financially responsible for any number of fees not accounted for in the published program cost. These “hidden” or “unannounced” fees can add up to as much as $150-$500 by the end of your trip. In an effort to minimize your individual responsibilities for undeclared fees or expenses, Emmaus has calculated such fees and included them into your overall program cost. Except for items related to optional personal choices, your Emmaus program cost covers all such incidental fees with only one exception, your daily lunches, which are your financial responsibility. We have designed the program in this fashion in order for you to have a realistic cost of the Emmaus program and to eliminate the hassle so often associated with “hidden” fees. You should plan on $5-$8 for your daily lunch expenses. Two “box lunches” are provided by Emmaus. On these days your lunch expense has been covered by your Emmaus program fees.
Program Cost : The program is priced as a “Land Only” program at $2500 (+ Air). Your international airfare to and from Athens is not covered in the above price.
Plus (+) Air: Your international air travel to and from Athens is your personal responsibility. However, Emmaus has enlisted the international services of MTS Travel and has prearranged group reserved seating for a flight originating out of JFK and returning to JFK. You are welcome to contact MTS Travel and purchase one of these reserved seats, or you can make your own international travel arrangements with your personal travel agency. Should you not take part in the prearranged group flights you must make your own ground transportation arrangements as needed. Please arrive at the Athens hotel prior to the evening meal of June 13. To utilize the prearranged reserved seating out of JFK, please contact Bonnie Mogle at MTS Travel.

bonniem@mtstravel.com
MTS Travel
124 E. Main Street , 4th Floor
Ephrata , PA 17522 USA
Phone: (800) 418-2929x81315
Phone (717) 721-781315
Fax: (717) 733-1909

Items Covered in Your Program Cost : (a) Accommodations. (b) Two flights in Greece . (c) Touring bus. (d) Local guides. (e) Emmaus instructor. (f) All tips. (g) Two meals a day unless noted otherwise as three in the Itinerary or Notes . (h) Admission to sights and museums. (i) All water transportation. (j) Tourist Visa fees into Turkey . (k) One bottle of water at the evening meal in Turkey only . (l) Program “Notebook” containing diagrams, notes and articles.
Items Not Covered in Your Program Cost : (a) Your international airfare to and from Athens . (b) Specialty beverages at all meals. (c) Personal health or accident insurance – Required. (d) Personal travel insurance – Recommended. (e) Any incidental personal expense for snacks, shopping, etc. (f) Any overnight lodging, ground transportation, flights or meals not included in the program itinerary as outlined by Emmaus.

Flight Information and Schedules :

Optional Flights : New York (JFK) to Athens Departure and Return from Athens to New York (JFK ): If you plan to use the group flight arrangements [see above “ Plus (+) Air ”], please plan sufficient time to be at the JFK departure gate a minimum of 1 hour prior to the scheduled departure time of 5:50 pm on June 12, 2004.

Scheduled Flights : Athens to Thesaloniki (and) Rhodes to Athens : Your two Greece domestic tickets are paid for in your program fees and will be held and managed by Emmaus staff.

DEPART	New York/JFK	12 June	LH407	5:50 PM	OPTIONAL
ARRIVE	Frankfurt	13 June		7:25 AM
DEPART	Frankfurt	13 June	LH3380	9:05 AM	OPTIONAL
ARRIVE	Athens	13 June		12:55 PM
DEPART	Athens	16 June	OA914	5:15 PM	SCHEDULED
ARRIVE	Thessaloniki	16 June		6:10 PM
DEPART	Rhodes	26 June	OA701	7:20 AM	SCHEDULED
ARRIVE	Athens	26 June		8:20 AM
DEPART	Athens	26 June	LH3381	1:55 PM	OPTIONAL
ARRIVE	Frankfurt	26 June		4:10 PM
DEPART	Frankfurt	26 June	LH404	5:20 PM	OPTIONAL
ARRIVE	New York/JFK	26 June		7:30 PM

Climate and Clothing: The weather in Greece and Turkey during late June is a mild to warm Mediterranean climate. Daytime temperatures will average from 74F - 80F (24C – 30C). Evenings can be slightly cool. There is a slight chance of seasonal rain. It is best to “layer” your clothing rather than bring an excessive number of individual specialty items. No “dress-up” cloths are needed. Casual ware is customary and more practical. Shorts are OK. No short-shorts please. Because we will be visiting “holy sites” there will be times when you (men and women) must dress more modestly (shoulders and knees covered). “Slip-over” or “wrap-around” clothing is best for such occasions. We will notify you in advance when your “modesty kit” will be needed.

• Bath towels and small bar soap are provided at all hotels. Shampoo and hair dryer at some.
• Electrical supply is 220 volts. Bring a converter and European style plug adaptor.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes with “treads” as your primary footwear. Tennis or light hiking
shoes do well. Avoid heels, dress shoes, or street shoes.

Packing and Laundry : Historically, most people over-pack for international travel. A good rule of thumb is to pack your bags and then eliminate at least 25% of your items – reducing the size of your luggage accordingly – or providing needed space for purchases made during your travel. There is limited space available on the bus for luggage. Please keep your luggage size and contents to a minimum. Luggage is limited to one primary travel bag and one small soft day-bag for “on the bus” use. Two overnight locales ( Athens , Greece ; Pamukkale , Turkey ) have at least two-nights lodging. You can send out your laundry for cleaning and have it returned to you before our scheduled departure. Expect an average of $3-$4 per major item and $1-$2 for minor items. Please be aware that you are required to manage and transport your own luggage throughout the program. You may hire hotel or airport porters at a personal expense. It is recommended you pack for 7-8 days of travel and take advantage of laundry opportunities.

Passport and Visas :

Your passport must not expire prior to JANUARY 2, 2005. If your passport expires before this date you must apply for a new passport. No exception . Do you need a passport? If so, all passport questions, answers and forms can be found at http://travel.state.gov/passport_services.html .
If you do not have a USA passport you must notify Dr. Wink Thompson since special circumstances may apply to your entry into Greece or Turkey .
Greece Tourist Entry : For holders of a USA passport you only need your passport for entry into Greece . There is no financial fee associated with your entry. It is a routine international entry.
Turkey Tourist Visa : For holders of a USA passport you only need your passport for entry into Turkey . Emmaus will pay your visa entry fee ($100) into Turkey . It is a routine international entry (with a visa fee).

Money: In addition to your regular tourist purchases and your lunch expenses ($5-$8 per meal), it is recommended you bring a “slush fund” of about $10-$15 per day for incidental spending (snacks, water, soda, maps, taxis, tourist guide books, etc.). US Dollars, Credit Cards, and Travelers Check are fine. You may convert these funds into local currency at our hotels or nearby banks. ATM machines exist but at times are difficult to locate or are not readily available during the program. Do not depend on ATM machines to meet your financial cash needs.

Academic Credit: If you are a registered student at an academic institution you may be eligible for 2 or 3 hours of academic credit. You must make your own arrangements for academic credit with the Academic Dean of your institution. For those of you desiring academic credit, you are required to read in advance of the program, Everett Ferguson, Backgrounds of Early Christianity, Second Edition, Eerdmans, 1993 (available from Amazon.com ). It is not necessary to bring your book on the program; however, you may find it useful as a resource. A three-page (single spaced) “book report” is required and is to be received by Dr. Wink Thompson no later than May 15, 2004. Your book report is to be a critical assessment of the book you read and your personal response to the material presented. (For example): How did this reading offer new insight into your understanding of the Hellenistic World and Early Christianity? How has this reading helped you to better understand Paul's ministry? Have you come to realize new elements that have benefited your understanding of the movement of the gospel from the Judeo-Christian World to the Greco-Roman World? If so, what are they? Explain with examples and comparisons. In addition to the book report, two essay exams (“open field notes”) will be offered during the program – one at the conclusion of the mainland Greece study and one at the conclusion of the Turkey study. These essay exams will ask you to interact with a biblical passage based on your reading and fieldtrip experience. Your book report and essays will be graded and evaluated by Dr. Notley. Dr. Thompson will return to you your report and essays and will inform your Academic Dean (or other) that you have completed the academic requirements for credit and a grade has been assigned. Dr. Notley assumes no academic responsibility other than the grading of the Emmaus material assigned and presented. Your home institution is responsible for assigning and grading any additional academic requirements. See the website link Academic Credit for additional academic credit information and procedures.

Cell Phone Use on the Trip : If you are traveling with a personal international cell phone, please limit your calls (both incoming and outgoing) to times when there are no scheduled group activities. Please set up a “time to call” schedule in advance with your family members or business associates, avoiding touring hours ( 8:00 AM-8:00 PM local Greece/Turkey time).

Hotel List, Phone Numbers, Hotel Web Sites and Emergency Phone Numbers : See the website link Hotels. While in Greece and Turkey a staff member or representative is able to receive on your behalf Emergency Calls Only. Emergency calls are defined as real emergencies – death, injury, leave the program and return home, etc. Please do not abuse this courtesy. Use the numbers and information provided in the Hotels document if you need to contact someone on the trip for a non-emergency.

Application, Registration, Payments, Cancellation, Refunds : Please contact Dr. Wink Thompson for all inquiries, application information, financial payments and any administrative or academic need.

Application: A $300 application fee (per person) is required with the return of your application. This fee is applied to your overall program cost. Registration is on a first-come first-serve basis. Should you be placed on the “Waiting List” you will be inform if your status changes.
Registration: You are not officially registered as an active participant in the Emmaus program until your application is complete and 100% of all fees have been received. Provisional pre-registration is granted upon reception of your application and the $300 application fee.
Important Dates, Registration, Payments, Cancellations:
Pre-Registration   Send your Application and $300 deposit fee to Emmaus.
March 15              50% of all program cost and all documentation is due. Last day to cancel without
                            financial penalty.
March 16              From this day forward you are subject to a $200 cancellation fee plus any financial
                            penalties levied by agents and suppliers.
April 15                100% of all program cost due.
May 15                 Book report due for academic credit.