What is One Step Closer - Hospitality Together?

One Step Closer – Hospitality Together envisions a blossoming culture of Christian oneness (John 17) where disciples of Jesus from diverse traditions walk closer together through hospitality, friendship, and collaborative service to those in need.

What are the Four Stepping Stones?

The four stepping stones are: 1) John 17 Landmark - a restaurant built together by Christians from diverse traditions as a living sign of Jesus' prayer for oneness; 2) Volunteers - Christians from different faith communities serving pilgrims together; 3) Artwork - an iconic artwork of Christian oneness as a teaching place; 4) Worldwide - carrying the witness of partnership, hospitality, and friendship into communities globally.

Where is the One Step Closer initiative located?

The initiative is based at Magdala, a first-century town uncovered on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus himself walked.

How can I get involved with One Step Closer?

You can get involved in three ways: as a partner denomination, through OSC encounters and programming, or as a friend and supporter by donating to help build the restaurant, fund volunteers, and commission artwork.

ONE STEP CLOSER - HOSPITALITY TOGETHER

Together, let's lay the Sea of Galilee

The Sea of Galilee section of the Magdala Mosaic has been reserved for One Step Closer.

Join Christians and communities around the world in laying it stone by stone — creating a permanent sign of friendship, hospitality, and shared service across Christian traditions.

Give any amount · One-time or monthly · Dedicate it for yourself, in honor, in memory.
Every donor receives a personalized Mosaic certificate.
When your giving reaches $100, receive a Magdala Mosaic bracelet made in the Holy Land.

WHY THE SEA

Two communities, one shared sea

HopeCity

A church family from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, with long-standing partners and pilgrimages in Israel.

One Step Closer

A Magdala initiative bringing Christians of many traditions together to serve pilgrims — through hospitality, friendship and shared service.

THE SEA

Together, let's lay the Sea of Galilee

Two communities, one shared sea

HopeCity

One Step Closer

Choose where to join on the water

The Sea of Galilee

Jesus calm the storm

The miraculous catch of fish

Jesus walks on the water

Jesus preaching from the boat

River crab