el Quiri
Greater Sidney Area Emmaus Newsletter April 2004
Change Can Be Good............
Those of you that have been part of the past two walks here in the
Sidney Community have had a true blessing from God. That is only because He has
rewarded all the prayer, hard work, and commitment from all of you. I personally
want to commend you for what you all are doing in His service for the pilgrims.
Plus expect only the same for the future as we further His Kingdom here on
earth. But.....
You may have heard it put this way; We've never done it this way before. That
way of thinking has been called the seven words of a dying church. With that
said I would like to give you a brief look at a few things to come in the
Community.
If you were at the last Candlelight you would have noticed that Communion was
served to you with a change in order. The reason we went front to back is that
lately, the spirit of prayer was being interrupted by extra noise from the back
of the Sanctuary from those who were served first and conversations that were
too loud. This change in order will probably continue due to the favorable
outcome. Thanks for your continued cooperation in this matter.
This past weekend, March 13th, there were a number of Community members attend
the Emmaus Training day in Dayton. Let's just say that your Chairman,
Leadership, and Vice Chair's eyes were opened to the differences between the
Emmaus model, (from Nashville) and the Sidney Community. That doesn't mean
Sidney does it all wrong, because we've all been to different Communities and
see differences between them and us. What it does mean though is that we each
have added or tweaked the weekend in our own special way over the years. Now, is
that good or bad? Let's put it this way. We do a lot of things here in Sidney
very well. Now for the rest of the story.
Over the next few months, your Executive Board will be evaluating and
prioritizing the information gathered during the Training day. The reason for
this is not to completely change how we do things, but to see what we can do to
better enhance our ways, for the benefit of the pilgrims. That is our purpose at
Emmaus, serving the Body of Christ as part of the Body of Christ.
In His Service,
Jerry Noble
Lay Director/Chairman
We encourage you to submit information and articles for this newsletter.
Deadline for the June newsletter is May 21 . 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 email melinda@bright.net
SERVING ON AN EMMAUS TEAM
The mission of Emmaus is to inspire, challenge, and equip church
members for Christian action in their homes, churches, places of work and the
world community through the Emmaus experience.
Emmaus weekends are designed for the pilgrim to meet God wherever and however
God sees best for that person to become a strong Christian leader in his/her
home church. Weekends, though a blessing to team members, are not meant to focus
on the team.
Key words are repeated throughout an Emmaus weekend. Grace, love, servant in the
body of Christ... these are at the top of the list. They are also key words in
serving on an Emmaus team. As with all our decisions along the faith walk of
Fourth Days, we must check our desire against the character of Christ. What is
your desire to be on a team? Where is the focus going to be?
So if you desire to serve on a team, start by praying and seeking God*s guidance
if this is within His purpose for you. Then ask yourself a few more questions...
*Has it been over a year since my pilgrim walk?
*Have I filled out a Willing Servant form and/or made board leadership aware of
my desire to serve?
*Have I been involved in the Sidney Emmaus community in the past year in
background support roles and been faithful to complete those roles?
*Am I in a regular share group? Along real share group goals?
*Am I active in my home church and carrying out the ministry God has called me
to in that area?
*Will serving on a team conflict with my family and its needs?
Now, weigh these answers along with the reality that only 6-7 first-time team
members can be on a team. When there are 150-200 people who attend Sidney walks
each year and only 39 possible first-time spots, it is very difficult to
accommodate.
Serving on an Emmaus team is a daunting task. It must be approached, surrounded
and upheld with much prayer and self-sacrifice. All is done to glorify God and
fulfill the mission.
As you ponder the questions and seek God*s will, start your selfless act of
servanthood by holding upcoming lay directors in your prayers as they, too, are
seeking God*s will for the weekend they have been called to. In time and
continued obedience, His will is accomplished for good in all our lives.
DeColores, Sharon Halter, Leadership Chair
CHRYSALIS GATHERING IN SIDNEY
On Tuesday, May 11 at 7pm, the Greater Sidney Area Emmaus Gathering will be led by the Piqua Chrysalis Community. This will be the first Chrysalis led Gathering in the Sidney Community. Chrysalis youth will be leading everything, from beginning to end. If you are interested in helping or would like more information, please contact Don & Sarah Burley 937-585-4989 or theburleys@woh.rr.com. It will be a fun night and we hope to see you there!!
What: West Liberty Emmaus / Chrysalis Gathering
When: Saturday April, 17 2004 6:00 p.m.
Where: West Liberty Presbyterian Church
How: As you are! Come and worship Jesus with us. We will have community singing,
special music, a Fourth Day speaker, communion and lots of fellowship and
worship. Bring a covered dessert for afterwards. Babysitting will be available.
NEWS FROM THE AGAPE ROOM......................
Each Walk the Agape Room receives letters for Pilgrims who are not on that
Walk. Some of these are men/women who were scheduled to go and could not, but
their names were already on the list and people sent agape in for them. Many of
them we have no idea who they are. Listed below are those men and women whom I
have agape letters for. If you are their sponsor, member of their church, or
friend and would be willing to keep their letters until they are able to go on a
Walk, please contact me. We have quite a box of letters at this time, and it is
shame if we can't find homes for them. You can call me at 937-394-7396 in the
evenings (or leave a message during the day), and I will be glad to mail the
letters to you. Just let me know who you are, how you know them, and what your
address is. Thanks.
Women
Jan Brandewie, Bonnie King, Kim Saylor
Melissa Brickner, Billie Kirkland, Carolyn Showalter
Joyce Brown, Kathy Llamon, Renay Stang
Jill Buddlemeyer, Judy MacKellar, Kim Stoltz
Tammy Carson, Judy Mayer, NannetteSwickrath
Carol Caruthers, Clara Jo Maynard, Connie Thase
Lucille Culp, Julie Mead, Jo Dee Turner
Missy Davidson, Sheri Nedjiko, Lisa Umble
Christy Ellis, Mitchelina Oakes, Judy Ware
Jean Michael Graham, Lynne Page, Vicki Wayman
Kay Harrod, Mary Pucket, Sharon Weaver
Barbara Humphrey, Heather Redding, Heidi Williams
Brandie Irwin, Evelyn Rhoades, Sally Williams
Cathy Johnson, Misty Ricker, Deb Worthington
Heidi Joseph, Traci Robbins, Joie Young
Sheila Keykens, Vivian Russell
Men
Brian Barrett, Steve Howsher, Tim Reed
Randy Branscum, Kevin Mallory, Dale Stewart
Jerod Brennen, Charles Mowell, Richard Sutton
Aaron Christman, Mike Newland, Eric Ungericht
Greg Ferrall, Brian Oates, Dave Windham
Chris Hecht, Jerry Pitchford
I also have a piece of agape addressed to "Buddy" and one addressed to "Rhonda".
If you know who they are, please let me know also.
Pat Gregg
Agape Chairperson
2004 Calendar of Events---Sidney Emmaus Community
April 13 Gathering-(Kairos)
April 22 GSAE Board Meeting
May 11 Gathering-(Chrysalis)
May 27 GSAE Board Meeting
June 8 Gathering
June 17-20 WW#33, Janice Locker, Lay Director
Barb Staley & Ben Weisbrod, Spir. Directors
June 24 GSAE Board Meeting
July 13 Gathering-Reunion WW#33
July 15-18 Men's Walk #29, Burns Wren, Lay Director
July 22 GSAE Board Meeting
Aug. 10 Gathering-Reunion Men's Walk #29
Announce Board of Director's Openings
Aug. 26 GSAE Board Meeting
Sept. 14 Gathering
Sept. 23 GSAE Board Meeting
Sept. 24-25 National Celebration, Albuqurque, NM
Oct. 7-10 WW #34, Marianne Shepard, Lay Director
Oct. 12 Music Gathering
Vote on
Board Nominations
Oct. 28 GSAE Board Meeting
Nov. 4-7 MW #30, Harry Congdon, Lay Director
Nov. 9 Gathering-Reunion
Dec. 14 Gathering
Nov/Dec. Board Meeting Date/Time To Be Announced
2005 Walk Dates
Women's
Men's
January 20-23, 2005 February 17-20, 2005
June 23-26, 2005 July 14-17, 2005
October 13-16, 2005 November 3-6, 2005
Greetings Community!
As your 'new' Women's Registrar I thought this longer break between walks might
be a good time to introduce myself and share some information.. Some of you may
remember me as a music director on past walks. Music is a love I share with my
husband Jim (aka Rev. Billy Bob) who has also served in that capacity. We have
two college-age children (Bryan & Leah) and are-for this month at least-enjoying
an empty (quiet) nest.
As I write this we have about 12 spaces open for the June 17-20 WW#33. This
number will fluctuate as I receive response cards from prospective Pilgrims
throughout May. Updated applications can be obtained from our website or the
Sidney First UMC office. Priority is given according to the date I receive the
application.
For those of you who are sponsoring a pilgrim who has been "in the active file"
for several walks, you should know that letters of invitation are mailed out to
every applicant 10 weeks prior to each walk, (around April 10 for WW 33). If you
know that your pilgrim can not attend the upcoming walk, a phone call or e-mail
(found on the application) would help me greatly and reduce postage.
Additionally, we have a large "Hold" file, (for those who can't attend at this
time and don't wish to receive the letter prior to each walk). Please
prayerfully consider if your pilgrim may be ready to be moved from "hold" to
"active."
Well, I really didn't mean to take up so much space! Please call or e-mail me if
you have any questions regarding the registration process. It's a joy to be
serving in this ministry of God's love with you. Hope to see you at the next
Gathering!
De Colores,
Carol Overholt, Women's Registrar
Sponsorship: An important Job
Sponsorship is an important part of Emmaus. The quality of sponsorship
influences the pilgrims, the Emmaus community, and the church.
Sponsorship is the first part of the Emmaus Walk. Good sponsorship shows love or
agape to the prospective pilgrim. Sponsorship includes acts of agape such as
prayer, agape letters, your presence at Candlelight and Closing, and of course,
follow-up in the 4th days.
The foundation for a healthy, effective Emmaus Movement is good sponsorship.
This is the start of the development of Christian leaders and the strengthening
of the church ministry. The Emmaus community becomes a strong vital force in the
renewal movement.
The goal of the sponsor is to bring spiritual revitalization to Christians, who
in turn will bring life and ideas to the church, to the workplace, to the
community and into their homes. THE AIM IS TO BUILD UP THE BODY OF CHRIST.
Encourage your pilgrim to become involved in their 4th days. Help the pilgrim
find or start a share group. Take the pilgrim to Gatherings. Help the pilgrim to
act out new commitment and enthusiasm within their church. Encourage the pilgrim
to serve the Emmaus community and be involved with future walks. Allow the
pilgrim to become a light and servant of God.
Sponsorship is an act of love for God, for the Emmaus community, and for the
church. It allows us to be instruments of Prevenient Grace.
Shirley DeWeese, Sponsorship Chair
EMMAUS GATHERING
(4th Friday of the month)
GINGHAMSBURG CHURCH (GUM) DISCIPLESHIP CENTER
7695 S.County Road 25-A in Tipp City
April 23, 2004, FRIDAY, 6:30 PM
POTLUCK DINNER (PLEASE BRING A DISH TO SHARE)
DINNER, SINGING, 4TH DAY SPEAKER AND COMMUNION
Any questions, please contact Diana Searls at 937.667.1069, ext. 209 or at
dsearls@gum-net.org
Ginghamsburg's Emmaus Community is open to those who have attended an Emmaus,
Cursillo, Tre Dias, Kairos, Koinonia or Chrysalis weekend, or as a guest of
someone who has attended.
Directions : Northbound on I-75 - exit at Northwood Blvd. turning left (west) go
to the Dixie, (25-A), turn right onto the Dixie, go north and it is soon after
the Terebinski Funeral Home and Gardens. The building is situated behind the
small church, sitting close to the road (east side). Southbound travelers I-75,
to the S. R. 571 exit (Tipp City), turn right (west) to the Dixie (25-A), turn
left, (south) proceed past the new church approximately 11/2 miles and the
building is behind the small church sitting close to the road (east side).
Tending the Flocks............
Included with this newsletter you will find a copy of an Emmaus Share Group
Information form. We are asking that you complete this form and return it to the
Men's or Women's Good Shepherd. It can be sent directly to them or in care of
the GSAE Board at the Sidney First United Methodist Church, 230 East Poplar
Street, Sidney, Ohio 45365. Thank you for your kind consideration in this
matter! We would really appreciate your cooperation with this!
Women's Good Shepherd
I am trying to bring our share group information up to date. Please take this to
your groups and fill in all the information. We have people who need share
groups!!! It is vital to their Fourth Days to be in a share group. Please return
as soon as possible, even if you do not want anyone else in your group.
Also, please fill the form out if you would like to be in a share group. On the
"Notes" lines, write when you would be available, along with the information on
the Contact name line. Send the form to Marilane Fry, 302 South Miami Street,
Quincy, Ohio 43343-0302.
DeColores and God Bless,
Marilane Fry, Women's Good Shepherd
Men's Good Shepherd
Please give me an update of share groups and whether or not you are accepting
new members. Part of the Sponsor's duty is to get their pilgrim into a share
group or help them start a new one. If a share group cannot be started or found,
contact me and I will try to line you up with one. To do that, I need to know
what share groups are active, where they are, when they meet, and if you are
willing to accept a new member. The information I do have on share groups state
they are closed to new members. If this is the case, we need to break off and
start new ones.
Harry Congdon, Men's Good Shepherd
Balls of Clay
Think About It..........................
A man was exploring caves by the seashore. In one of
the caves he found a canvas bag with a bunch of hardened clay balls. It was like
someone had rolled up clay and left them out in the sun to bake. They didn't
look like much, but they intrigued the man so he took the bag out of the cave
with him.
As he strolled along the beach, to pass the time, he would throw the clay balls
one at a time out into the ocean as far as he could throw. He thought little
about it until he dropped one of the balls and it cracked open on a rock. Inside
was a beautiful, precious stone. Excited the man started breaking open the
remaining clay balls. Each contained a similar treasure.
He found thousands of dollars worth of jewels in the 20 or so clay balls he had
left, then it struck him. He had been on the beach a long time. He had thrown
maybe 50 or 60 of the clay balls with their hidden treasure into the ocean
waves. Instead of thousands of dollars in treasure, he could have taken home
tens of thousands, but he just threw it away. It's like that with people. We
look at someone, maybe even ourselves, and we see the external clay vessel. It
doesn't look like much from the outside. It isn't always beautiful or sparkling,
so we discount it, we see that person as less important than someone more
beautiful or stylish
or well known or wealthy.
But we have not taken the time to find the treasure hidden inside that person by
God.
There is a treasure in each and every one of us. If we take the time to get to
know that person, and if we ask God to show us that person the way He sees them,
then the clay begins to peel away and the brilliant gem begins to shine forth.
May we not come to the end of our lives and find out that we have thrown away a
fortune in friendships because the gems were hidden in bits of clay.
May we see the people in our world as God sees them.
~~~~Author Unknown
Bible Questions......Just for Fun
1. What kind of man was Boaz before he married? Ruthless
2. What do they call pastors in Germany? German Shepherds
3. Who was the greatest financier in the Bible? Noah. He was floating stock
while everyone else was in liquidation.
4. Who was the greatest female financier in the Bible?
Pharaoh's daughter. She went down to the bank of the Nile and drew out a little
prophet.
5. What kind of motor vehicles are in the Bible? Jehovah drove Adam/Eve out of
the garden in a Furry. David's Triumph was heard throughout the land. Also a
Honda, because the apostles were all in on Accord.
6. Who was the greatest comedian in the Bible? Samson. He brought the house
down.
7. What excuse did Adam give to his children as to why he no longer lived in
Eden? Your mother ate us out of house and home.
8. Which area of the Palestine was especially wealthy? The area around Jordan.
The banks were always overflowing.
9. Which servant of God was the most flagrant lawbreaker in the Bible? Moses. He
broke all 10 commandments at once.
10. Who was the greatest baby sister mentioned in the Bible? David. He rocked
Goliath to a very deep sleep.
11. Which Bible character had no parents? Joshua, son of the Nun.
KEEP SMILING!!!!!GOD LOVES YOU!!!
Submitted by Daryl Miller - Greater Sidney Area Emmaus Walk #24 Table of Paul
Decolores!
ABC's to live by................
Although things are not perfect
Because of trial or pain
Continue in thanksgiving
Do not begin to blame
Even when the times are hard
Fierce winds are bound to blow
God is forever able
Hold on to what you know
Imagine life without His love
Joy would cease to be
Keep thanking Him for all the things
Love imparts to thee
Move out of "Camp Complaining"
No weapon that is known
On earth can yield the power
Praise can do alone
Quit looking at the future
Redeem the time at hand
Start every day with worship
To "thank" is a command
Until we see Him coming
Victorious in the sky
We'll run the race with gratitude
Xalting God most high
Yes, there'll be good times and yes some will be bad, but...
Zion waits in glory...where none are ever sad!
~~~~~Author unknown
2004 Gathering 4th Day Speakers
April 13 Kairos Community
May 11 Chrysalis Community
June 8 Suzie Baker
July 13 Mindy Settlage
August 10 Jody Prater
September 14 Dave Bemus
October 12 All Music Gathering
November 9 John Lockwood
December 14 Curt Hostetler
01-13-05 Tim Martin
If you are interested in being a Gathering 4th Day Speaker, please contact Vera
Piper, Worship Chair.
F.Y.I.
In case an emergency arises during an Emmaus Walk weekend and you need to
contact a pilgrim, the following phone numbers are being made known to the
Community. The order is based on the location of the home of the Executive Board
Members in relation to the church, to assist in getting information to the team
and pilgrims promptly.
#1 Sidney First Un. Meth. Church (937) 492-9136
#2 Treasurer Patty Yinger (937) 498-1599
#3 Leadership Sharon Halter (937) 585-4869
#4 Chairman Jerry Noble (937) 465-7696
#5 Vice-Chair John Lockwood (419) 991-8532
#6 Secretary Lisa Newcomer (419) 753-2121