el Quiri
Greater Sidney Area Emmaus newsletter June, 1998
"How Do You Describe . . ."
I tried my hardest, but the words wouldn't come!! How do you describe what it feels like to the thrust into space at 100 miles-per-hour (well, maybe not quite that fast!) and then abruptly stopping some 240 feet later? I'm talking about riding that new, amazing, fearful, gut-wrenching ride at Cedar Point, the POWER TOWER!! Yes, this "chicken" did it! Twice as a matter of fact! As Lisa, Sue and I staggered off the ride (I guess I was the only one staggering!) we were met by four girls from our group. Their first questions were, "What did it feel like?" "Did you like it?" "How was it?" I tried to answer in a calm voice and several words did escape my blue lips. No matter how I tried, I just couldn't find enough words to totally describe my experience as "Rocket-woman!" I told them, "You'll just have to experience it! Go ride it!!"
After our Emmaus walks, we try to describe our weekend experience to friends and family members -- but all the words won't come. There are several of those "special" moments we have and attempt to explain but just can't find the words to adequately describe our feelings — others must "experience it!"
All too often people who have not been on an Emmaus walk get the impression we are a "secret" or "closed" society; a "click". This couldn't be further from the truth! Many say they get this impression from others who have been on a walk and when asked about their weekend they share, "I can't tell you!" Emmaus is not a secret or a closed society or a click! We can share about our weekend experience with everyone, especially those we feel led to sponsor.
What can we share about our Emmaus walk? We can share that we spend the weekend with a group of loving people; we are assigned to a table of seven or eight, listen to fifteen talks and personal witnesses throughout the weekend presented by team members and clergy, we sing lots of songs, have daily devotions and we participate in Holy Communion each day. Oh, don't forget to tell them about all the good food and fellowship! You and I both know that there are feelings and happenings we experience on the weekend that we just cannot describe — the words won't come. If someone asks us specifically about what happens, don't say that you cannot tell them. Be open and honest in your sharing! We just cannot adequately describe how we feel during those precious moments when we are thrust into God's loving Grace through our Savior, Jesus Christ! What an AWESOME experience!!
Peace, Love and Joy!!
Kathy
Message from Your Chairman...
GREETINGS IN THE NAME OF JESUS,
Psalm 100 is a favorite scripture of mine and I would like to share it with you!
"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: Come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord He is God: It is He that has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with Thanksgiving, and into His courts with Praise: Be thankful unto Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; and his truth endureth to all generations."
The Psalm of praise that David has written, reminds me of an Emmaus activity that we all love to attend and participate in— Candlelight. We come to share God’s love with the Pilgrims, we sing praises to the Lord, we know that He is good, we want to soak in all we can as we serve him with gladness. We try to bring the pilgrims one step closer to knowing that Jesus loves them and that we love them too. The Sidney Emmaus Community has shown God’s love to all who experience candlelight, and that is good. At the last Candlelight service, Board members were a little distressed. During the time of worship, many people were trying to catch up on "old" friendships and were carrying on conversations during singing, special music, and even during holy communion. When we were asked not to line up until told to do so, many people were trying to get that special spot in line so they could share their love. As the ladies were taking that awesome "walk," we saw people standing on the pews so they could reach out to the ladies. Someone even stood in the middle of the aisle blocking the path so they could hug all the pilgrims and team. We know that we all love to hug our many friends and catch up on all of our Fourth days, but during this service is not the time or the place to do that. Being so social is a lack of respect for the Church, those leading the music or those in charge of the service and we are getting away from the real reason we are there. Our role is to share God’s love with the pilgrims, appreciate the Team, and serve the Lord with gladness. Please don’t read this wrong, it is exciting to see the joy and love that is shared. All that we are asking is for each one of us to think about why we are there. Are we there to serve and share God’s love?
I was given a story taken from the internet entitled "Roles and How We Play Them." Whenever I’m disappointed with my spot in life, I stop and think about little Jamie Scott. Jamie was trying out for a spot in the school play. His mother told me that he’d set his heart on being in it, though she feared he would not be chosen. On the day the parts were awarded, I went with her to collect him after school. Jamie rushed up to her, eyes shining with pride and excitement. "Guess what Mum," he shouted, and then said those words that will remain a lesson to me: "I’ve been chosen to clap and cheer!" There are many spots for all of us at Candlelight, and in life. We all may need to sit back, evaluate, and see if maybe it is our turn to be chosen to "clap and cheer."
DECOLORES!
Bill Halter
Good Shepherds
Judy Cartwright has several ladies who are looking for Share Groups--one in Sidney, one in Piqua, and one in Covington. If you are having difficulty finding a Share Group, please contact her at 937/492-4966 or GLY-ILY-JKC@wesnet.com.
Congratulations....
Congratulations to all our Chrysalis youth who are members of the 1998 graduating class.
DATES TO REMEMBER:
Men’s Walk #11 - July 30 - Aug 2, 1998
Women’s Walk #13 - October 15-18, 1998
Men’s Walk #12 - November 19-22, 1998
Women’s Walk #14 - January 28-31, 1999
Men’s Walk #13 - February 25-28, 1999
JUNE BOARD MEETING
First United Methodist Church
Thursday, June 25, 1998
6:45 p.m. - Chapel
From the Kitchen ...Nancy Smith
When you sign up for kitchen duty, whether it be to cook or to serve, please be sure you make note of that obligation (there are always pens and little note pieces of paper). When you get home, be sure to record it directly on your calendar.
This last walk was unusually difficult because of people failing to show up. Six servers are signed up for each meal to serve, clear and do dishes. If one or even two do not show up, we can manage; it just takes longer. However, if one or two do not show up to cook (only four are assigned each meal), we are in trouble. At the last walk, two people did not show up for the big Saturday night meal.
DARKE COUNTY EMMAUS
Women’s Walk #4 - July 23-26, 1998
Men’s Walk #3 - October 8-11, 1998
Women’s Walk #5 - November 12-15, 1998
Send Agape and Request for Agape to:
Nan Gregor - 1651 Greenville-Nashville Road
Greenville, OH 45331
or e-mail: magregor@bright.net
More Dates:
June 25 - Board meeting 7:00 p.m.
July 9-12 Women's Walk #12 Saturday Candlelight - 8:00 p.m.
July 14 - Gathering 7:00 p.m.
July 23 - Board meeting 7:00 p.m
July 30-Aug 2 - Men’s Walk #11