Greater Scioto Valley Emmaus Newsletter

                                                                                                   June 2004

From the Chair

YOU COUNT

At our board meeting in May, there was a lot of discussion on how to keep this community active and growing.  The consensus was that everyone, regardless of how many teams they have served on, how many times they've cleaned the bathrooms, how many meals they have prepared, how many hours they have prayed, how many pieces of agape they have prepared, how many gatherings they have attended; every last one of us counts. Imagine this scenario – you're children have grown; you've taught Sunday school for several years, you've served on every committee.  So now, you decide that you've done your time.  You want to step back and let someone else get the exhilaration of chasing after little ones in the nursery, you want to let someone else experience the challenge of keeping a Bible study lively, you want someone else enjoy the endeavors of committee work.  And that's ok, BUT . . . you still count   You need to be the supporters now; you need to be the benchwarmers, cheering the others on   There's room for everyone and everyone matters   If you haven't been to a gathering recently, come back – you'll be refreshed.  If you haven't been to candlelight for a while, come back – you'll be awestruck all over again.  If you haven't been to closing, come back – you'll be inspired by the new lives touched by God's amazing grace.

When writing this article, the book, "Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire" by Jim Cymbala came to mind.  The Brooklyn Tabernacle's spark was almost out.  Then the Holy Spirit lit a fire that couldn't be quenched.  The main drive of this pastor was, what else?  Prayer.  Our spark is far from out, but we miss the people who have decided that they've 'done their time'.  Pray for this community.

Pray for how you can become involved again if you've gotten away from it.  Pray for how you can draw others back and spark their interests.  Pray for how you can use this tool called Emmaus to revive your home church.  Pray for those who haven't experienced an Emmaus Walk and ask God to lay it on their hearts to attend.

Remember what your Emmaus cross says on the back – Christ is counting on YOU – and YOU are counting on Christ.  You know He'll come through, will you?

DeColores

Diana Hall

Poetry Corner

When I Say I Am a Christian When I say "I am a Christian" I'm not shouting "I am saved." I'm whispering "I get lost!" "That's why I chose this way." When I say "I am a Christian." I don't speak of this with pride. I'm confessing that I stumble and need someone to be my guide. When I say "I am a Christian" I'm not trying to be strong. I'm professing that I'm weak and pray for strength to carry on. When I say "I am a Christian" I'm not bragging of success. I'm admitting I have failed and cannot ever pay the debt. When I say "I am a Christian" I'm not claiming to be perfect, my flaws are all too visible but God believes I'm worth it. When I say "I am a Christian" I still feel the sting of pain. I have my share of heartaches which is why I seek His name. When I say "I am a Christian" I do not wish to judge. I have no authority. I only know I'm loved. Author unknown.

The team for Women's Walk 31 wishes to remember Sharon Zurmehly as a very special member of this team that is watching over us from her heavenly home. We love you Sharon.

Calling all Sisters

We have been asked to take our act on the road again to perform at the luxurious Hotel Emmaus on Saturday, June 19, 2004.  If you can come and participate, be in the Youth Room (old conference room) at 5pm.  This is a time to give a little agape to the pilgrims of Walk #31 and have a lot of fun at the same time. If you have never joined us before come share in the fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Women's Walk 31 Pilgrims List

MEET THE BOARD

It is time to meet a couple more board members and learn a little about them. The first one is Bill Fetters and his position is Men's Registrar.

1) The year and location of your original walk.

GSVE walk #1

2) What is your real job?

American Electric Power

3) Family (Spouse, Children and ages, Grandchildren and ages).

Wife-Becky, son-Brad (26), daughter in law (22), daughter-Candy (30) and a grandson (1).

4) What do you do in your leisure time (if you have any)?

Camp, hunt, history re-enactment and Praise the Lord

5) What church do you attend and what are you involved in there?

Trinity UMC and I am on the Ad. Board

6) Special Emmaus memory?

LOVE

7) Anything else you would like the community to know about yourself?

The second member for this month is Tony Perry and his position is Kairos

1) The year and location of your original walk.

Reynoldsburg Emmaus Walk #16, Table of Peter, Oct.1994

2) What is your real job?

I am a retired school administrator.

3) Family (Spouse, Children and ages, Grandchildren and ages).

Wife, Sharon and one son, Todd).

4) What do you do in your leisure time (if you have any?

I am retired, there is no such thing as leisure time.

5) What church do you attend and what are you involved in there?

Trinity UMC in Chillicothe. I am involved with choir,UMW Brotherhood and anything else that needs to be done.

6) Special Emmaus memory?

Seeing my wife's face during candlelight on her walk.

7) Anything else you would like the community to know about yourself?

I work for the General Commission of United Methodist Men doing Men's Ministries

Board Hi-Lites

• Meeting opened by Diana Hall
• New tables should be here for June Walk
• We need to pay special attention to dietary needs. Sugar free Jell-o will be available for diabetics on the walks
• Team selection committee Community members will serve a three year rotation.
• Individuals must support community to be eligible for teams. Areas of support: Agape, Sponsorship, Prayer Vigil, Kitchen & Housekeeping
• The lady who makes lanyards for crosses needs help. Contact any board member.
• We have 8 men confirmed for July Walk
• Chrysalis will host August Gathering

Calendar of Events

VISIT US AT:

www.gsvemmaus.org

Model Millionaire

Remember last month there were some "Model Millionaire" questions.  Let's revisit them and see if you guessed correctly.

Which of the following is from the Handbook?

b. Making the pilgrims' beds Daily

c. Serving the pilgrims breakfast in bed on Sunday morning

d. Team waking the pilgrims Sunday morning with a serenade

The answer is D.  In this community, the team selects the same song that was sung at candlelight to sing on Sunday morning.  In some communities, the song is upbeat and fun.  Regardless of what song is chosen (community flavor), a serenade is written into the handbook.  Some communities do go all out and make beds or serve breakfast in bed, but these are not required or expected.

Which of following is from the Handbook?

a. Women pilgrims receiving roses at candlelight

b. Pretty ribbons around personal agape for Sunday packets

c. Personal gifts of agape

d. Speaking to and hugging pilgrims at candlelight

The answer is B. Again, it is the flavor of some communities to decorate the special letters each pilgrim receives during the walk.  But the important part of this is that the most special letters are designated in some way so that those letters are the first ones a pilgrim receives.  The Handbook states that 8-12 letters is sufficient for all pilgrims to receive in the letter packet, and that excessive letters should be given to the sponsor to give as agape after the walk weekend.  Why?  Because 8-12 letters each keeps all pilgrims on the same level.  Imagine that you only received 6 letters while the person beside you received 2 bags full.  This wouldn't bother some people, but some might be bothered; and we want to keep everyone feeling Christ's love equally.  GSVE will not put this guideline into practice, but it is something for sponsors to consider.  As far as women receiving roses at candlelight, that's a community flavor.  Personal gifts of agape should NOT be considered because of the reason stated above – everyone experiencing things equally.  Speaking to and hugging to pilgrims at candlelight is ok, only if they initiate it.

We'll have more of these questions in future newsletters.

Greater Scioto Valley Emmaus Board Representatives