Mean Mug Coffee Co., 1024  S. Fulton St., hosts an artist of the month exhibit. This month’s exhibit features the photographs of Catherine Soderberg through December  31.This is a free exhibit. Call 704-754-4615 for more information.

A message from Catherine Soderberg:

I had the opportunity to travel to Israel in January, 2015 with a small group from our church. It was an amazing feeling to be there and in the places where Jesus walked. [The trip] was sponsored by Bright Stars of Bethlehem, an organization that works state-side to support the work of Pastor Mitre Raheb in Bethlehem.

Raheb travels the world, speaking tirelessly on the need for peace in the Middle East. He is the author of several books on the region, and is one of its most outspoken advocates.

These are pictures I took while in Bethlehem and Israel. You will see a picture of the first century fishing boat that was discovered on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. They believe it was very much like the boat Jesus might have used.

There is a view of the gravesites covering the Mount of Olives and a picture of the Western Wall. We were privileged to pray there.

I most enjoyed taking pictures of the everyday scenes, people shopping and selling, two little boys trading cards and a devotee praying in the Church of the Nativity.

Part of the profit from any pictures sold goes to Bright Stars Ministry to support the work of pastor Raheb.

 — Catherine Soderberg