Greater Sidney Area Emmaus Newsletter April 2001

Service...something we talked about at the February Gathering. As I reflected on that, it seemed more and more clear that 'service' and the 'Emmaus Community' should be synonymous. Don't we come in to help with meals during a Walk to be of service? Isn't that why we fill the church for Candlelight? And while some acts of service in our Emmaus functions require a limited number, others are, to use a familiar phrase, "the more the merrier!"
   When a lay director plans for a Walk, they spend quite a bit of time in prayer, then let the Holy Spirit guide them in getting people to serve on "His" team. Well, we're "putting together a team" and asking you to be involved in the same process.
   We are often short-handed for our Gatherings and at certain points during the Walks. We're asking you to pray about this, talk to your share group, then let the Holy Spirit lead you to serve where He wants you.
   In each of the four Gospels, Christ talks about serving others culminating in John's Gospel where Christ washes the Disciples' feet. The concluding line (John 13:17) says, "Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them."
   Preparing to write this article, I thought I would do the standard, "look up 'service' in the dictionary." Of course I found some expected phrases like, "act of kindness," and "work done for and benefit conferred upon another." But one phrase really struck me... "form of divine worship." Maybe they were referring to a church service. But what more divine form of worship could there be than doing for others, expecting nothing in return, just as Jesus Christ has done for us.
   When the Holy Spirit nudges, call our logistics chair, Ernie Heintz (937-394-7331), and ask him how you can "wrap that towel around your waste" and serve others.

Sincerely,
Randy Locker
Vice-Chairman

Upcoming Events:
April 10 - Sidney Emmaus Community Gathering
April 22 - Anna Emmaus Community Music Gathering
April 23 - Lima Emmaus Community Music Gathering
April 26 - 29 - W.W. # 23
April 28 - 8:00 pm Candlelight in the Sanctuary of F.U.M.C.
April 29 - 4:30 Closing for the Pilgrims, please come, after 4:00 pm, to the Old Fellowship Hall (below the Sanctuary)
May 10 - Sidney Emmaus Community Gathering
May 20 - Anna Emmaus Community Gathering
May 28 - Lima Emmaus Community Gathering

Greater Sidney Area Emmaus Board News:
- Donations of scholarship money will be accepted to help defray the cost of the walk weekend for pilgrims, as well as team members, who request the assistance. Please make donations payable to the Sidney Area Emmaus Community.

- Something new for candlelight!! 
Although very beautiful, real candles can cause some discomfort. For some the discomfort is headaches, for others it may be asthma aggravation, not to mention the safety factors. For the April Women's Walk we will be trying out miniature flashlights to help us "let our light shine". Additional details will be given at the April Gathering.

- A Thank-You from the Dulin family:
  We would like to offer our sincere heartfelt appreciation for the love and support that you've shown to us at the loss of our precious Heather. Your act of kindness was a great source of encouragement and comfort at this very difficult time. Though our pain is great, and we miss her desperately, just knowing that Heather is in heaven, and in the arms of Jesus, and that we will see her again, gives us great peace! The outpouring of love, gifts, hugs, and shared tears, has blessed us abundantly, and it reminds us that God Is Good, and that his love will carry us through.
  God Bless You,
      The Dulins

Does music stir your heart and soul? Then you won't want to miss the Emmaus Music Night at the Shawnee United Methodist Church on Monday, April 23, at 7:00 pm. You are also invited to enjoy ICE CREAM in the Solid Rock Cafe following the musical gathering.
The Lima Area Emmaus Community Gatherings are held on the fourth Monday of the month at 7:00 pm, with a carry in dinner at 6:00 pm (except for the music gathering). Everyone is welcome to attend. Shawnee United Methodist Church is located at 
2600 Zurmehly Rd. 
Lima, Ohio 45806.

The Anna Community
Gatherings have 
changed to the third Sunday 
of the month.
The April Gathering will be on April 22, because of Easter. The May Gathering, which will be a Music Gathering, will be held on May 20th. Everyone is welcome to come, enjoy, and participate.

A Note from your Supply Chair...

   Many of you may not know who I am, so I thought I would tell you a little bit about me and about our family, and also suggest a way that you and your Share Group could help in the Supply area. My name is Alison Martin, and I will be the Supply Chair for the 2001-2002 year. You have likely seen my husband Tim and I at Gatherings, and have likely seen both of us on the last few Walks (Tim was the Lay Director for the Feb. Men's Walk, and I am the Lay Director for the April Women's Walk). I am also the Secretary here at Sidney First U.M.C., so if you have called the Church Office, I have probably answered your call. We have two sons who have also been "behind the scenes" as well!! Tadd is 9 and can be seen at Gatherings helping with ice for the beverage line. Ty is 2 and does his part in "sampling" the delicious food!! Both boys keep us very busy! It is a pleasure to be serving the Community as your Supply Chair. I look forward to a great 2001-2002 year and am open to any suggestions you may have.
   One way you and your Share Group could get involved with Supplies for a Walk is by donating "Table of Forgotten" items: shampoo, aspirin, combs, hairspray, antacids,etc., ( a complete list is kept in the church office). These things are needed each Walk, sometimes in great abundance, and any donations would be appreciated. If you have any questions, you can call me at the Church Office at 492-9136, or at home at 498-1515. Thanks again for being such a great Community to serve!!!
      Sincerely,   Allison Martin
         Supply Chair


We encourage you to submit information and articles for this newsletter. Deadline for the June newsletter is May 15th. If you have any additions or corrections to the mailing list or any other suggestions for this newsletter or our Emmaus community , please let us know.
Address correspondence to:

Greater Sidney Area Emmaus Community
230 E. Poplar Street
Sidney, Ohio 45365
or e-mail "mkohler@bright.net"