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A New Year, new beginnings, new goals and directions....but what about our purpose? Our purpose for anything should be clear before any goals, decisions or changes are made.

As I was reading my new board manual for this year, I was reminded of our purpose as a community and ministry of Emmaus.

Our mission 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.

1. After my pilgrim walk, did I show Christian action at home, my church, on the job and in my community or world?

2. Since then, have I worked on Emmaus teams or behind the scenes during walks or Gatherings to inspire, challenge and equip those who came?

Now those questions can be posed by each of us for examination of self. We can all probably come up with many ways that can be improved. So take those thoughts and promptings to the Lord and ask Him where He should have you go.

I’d also like to highly recommend a book that has given muscle to some self examination. Rick Warren has written The Purpose-Driven Life and The Purpose-Driven Church. It is a 40-day commitment to looking within and doing some house cleaning and straightening in order to move forward in the way God calls you. Each chapter is packed with scripture, sound doctrine, worth-keeping-in-a-journal statements, reflection questions and a spirit of love and conviction for a full life in Christ. Do yourself, your family, your church and the community in which you live a favor.....commit to reading this dynamic book... perhaps it could be a wonderful journey for you and a friend or spouse during the Lenten season.

Feb 20-23 - MW#25

Feb 22 - 8 pm, Candlelight, Sidey FUMC, Sanctuary

Feb 23 - 4 pm Closing, in The Tabernacle

Feb 27 - 7 pm, Board Meeting, Chapel/Tabernacle

March 11 - 7 pm, Gathering, January Women’s and February Men’s Reunion group meeting immediately following.

March 20 - 7 pm, Board Meeting, Chapel/Tabernacle

April 8 - 7 pm, Gathering

May 13 - 7 pm, Gathering

May 22 - 6 pm, Executive Committee meeting, The Tabernacle

7 pm, Board Meeting, The Tabernacle

I’m eager to help lead the community into the future. May God continue to Bless you this year. If at any time you have any concerns/questions/suggestions, feel free to contact me.

Please be a willing servant and help clean up after the meals we enjoy. A lot of servants’ hands make the work light. Thank you.

Lay Directors, Logs, and Agape Chairperson may contact Amy for necessary supplies before the Walks.

We are trying to update our data of the Share Groups, both Women & Men. Please email or send us the form so we can add your group to the list.

Take the opportunity to as often as possible listen to your local Christian Radio Station. Just as we need God’s Word to order our lives, listening to beautiful Praise and Worship is a wonderful way to draw near to the Lord. On days when life seems hard, God’s music will never fail to lift up your soul!

If you are a first time sponsor, re-read your Fourth Day book and seek help of an experienced sponsor. Also remember to put the name of the pilgrim on the application as

Please make sure we have your updated address if you move, so that the newsletter will reach you.

It is a very important job providing elements for Communion. This is something a share group might be interested in doing as an act of agape. It is also a blessing to be a Fourth Day Speaker at a Gathering. They are often an inspiration to the members of the Community. This is an opportunity to tell what God is doing in your life, as you continue your Fourth Days. Contact Vera if you are led to assist in either way.

Spots are open on all upcoming Men’s Walks. Applications are available in the Sidney First United Methodist Church Gathering place, near the chapel, as well as online at the Greater Sidney Area Emmaus website.