Lancaster Church of the Brethren, 1601 Sunset Ave., Lancaster, will host a series of classes on the history of the Arab-Israeli conflict and current events in the Gaza Strip. Taught by Palestinian Christian Elias George, the one-hour class will meet at 6:30 p.m. each Wednesday from Jan. 17 to March 20 in the church's chapel.

The class is part of the congregation's Wednesday Night Live program, which includes a community meal available by donation at 5:30 p.m., followed by activities for children age 4 through fifth grade, junior and senior high youths, and adults, including a separate Bible study for Spanish speakers. All are invited to attend any part of the gatherings.

George is a retired teacher of history, world cultures, and government in the School District of Lancaster and has also been an adjunct professor of Middle Eastern history and Arabic at Eastern Mennonite University and Franklin & Marshall College. He earned a Master of Education in history and social studies from Millersville University and a Ph.D. in Middle East history from Temple University. He is currently an independent consultant for translating Arabic and a public speaker on culture, history, and current events of the Middle East region.

Goals of the class include helping participants to gain a deeper understanding of the Middle East through readings and discussion, become more discerning consumers of media reports about the Middle East; and be empowered for peacemaking.

For more information, contact pastor Misty Wintsch at PastorMistyW@lancob.org. Information about the church's activities is also available at http://www.lancob.org.