Greater Scioto Valley Emmaus
March, 2005 Volume 11, Issue 3
From
Our Chairperson . . .
The view from hereÉ
PerseveranceÉ
God willing, I shall once again be an over-comer of the dreaded ÒCrab Days of WinterÓ. This annual phenomenon starts with a flurry of holiday parties, get-togethers and dinners that fatten us like bears in preparation for the seasonal affective disorder known as hibernation. Then winter, with its perpetual darkness, dishes out a seemingly unending mixture of snow, sleet, freezing rain, cold, and wind that smacks us each time we open the door, and sends us running back to the refuge of our comforters and the warmth of the hearth. Sequester any number of folks suffering from these elements inside a dwelling during the winter months, and youÕve got the makings for crab days. Deprived of sufficient sunlight, sharing every virus, germ, bathroom, TV, and living space, we often become moody, snapping and growling at each other over the most trivial of circumstances. When we do venture outside of the crab shack into the brown, barren world, we are shocked that others seem to be much crabbier than we are (perception is reality, correct?). If this sounds like your household, then take heartÉthe cure is at hand.
With old man winter blowing his last vestiges of winter wrath, my thoughts are turning to the signs that spring is quickly approaching. A hint of mildness is in the air and soon the withered yellow grass will become green with new life. The bare trees will soon bud with fresh green foliage. The dirty brown earth that now lays dormant will soon bloom with fresh flowers to flood our senses with the fragrance of spring. Songbirds will return from their leave of absence to sing yet another command performance. Spring, with its wonderful fresh smell of rebirth, will soon be in the air.
As we awaken from our chill-induced dormancy, we break out of the crab shack and take in the sensory delights of natureÕs renewal. The sun warms us and drives the chill from our hearts, minds and bones. We stretch, and again run and jump like calves loosed from winterÕs pen. We begin planting gardens, landscaping, playing sportsÉthe list of activities is endless.
As spring approaches and the sun begins to warm our bodies and lift our spirits, I encourage you to seek the light and warmth of an even greater Son-Jesus, the Son of God. The Son that can thaw the coldest of hearts, sprout life from the most dormant of souls, change the crabbiest outlook to one of joy, and perform the greatest rebirth miracle of all-salvation. May you and yours have a most blessed Easter. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!
DeColores! Kevin Pancake
Comments
from Our Community Spiritual Director
William Sangster, the great Methodist leader who
helped guide Londoners through the horrors of World War II bombings, fell ill
to a paralyzing disease that eventually affected his vocal cords.
On Easter, just before he
died, he scribbled to his daughter, " Terrible to wake up on Easter and
have no voice to shout ' He is risen!' Far worse to have a voice and not want to shout."
May we shout it and live it!
Perhaps the transformation of the disciples of Jesus is the greatest evidence
of all for the Resurrection. It
was the Resurrection, which transformed Peter's fear into courage and James'
doubt into faith. It was the
Resurrection, which changed Sabbath into Sunday and the Jewish remnant into the
Christian Church. It was the
Resurrection, which changed Saul the persecutor into Paul the preacher.
Therefore
I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living
sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of
worship. Do not conform to the
pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then
you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - His good, pleasing,
and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2
Have a
blessed Easter, Phil Howard
Leadership Training Session
Saturday, May 21st, 2005
8:00 a.m.— 4:00 p.m.
Trinity United Methodist Church
Join us for an exciting, informative day all about Emmaus! Re-live some of your own weekend with
fellowship, communion, lunch, praise and prayer.
This experience is open to anyone who has
participated in an Emmaus Walk, Chrysalis Flight, or Cursillo.
Want to be involved in the leadership team in
the future? You are strongly
encouraged to attend this session.
Sponsoring someone for the first or fortieth time? This is an awesome opportunity to learn
your responsibilities.
Training Session will pre-empt the
monthly gathering.
Reservations are not required, but
encouraged; lunch is included —
Contact Diana Hall at 740-335-4361 or via e-mail, rdj_hall@ameritech.net
by May 15th to reserve your spot.
DATES TO REMEMBER
Monthly Gatherings are held the Third Thursday of each month. The next gathering will be Thursday,
March 17th at 7:00 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist
Church. Plan on attending and
bring a friend!
MenÕs Walk #23
April 14-17, 2005
Leadership Training / Monthly Gathering
Saturday, May 21st, 2005
WomenÕs Walk #34
June 9-12, 2005
MenÕs Walk #24
September 8-11, 2005
WomenÕs Walk #35
October 13-16, 2005
Donations Needed
Greater Scioto Valley Emmaus Board is seeking monetary donations to fund the purchase of a computer to maintain the community database and other pertinent information for the Board and for walk weekends. The computer will be purchased only if the funds are secured through your donations. Please consider this endeavor. If you choose to make a donation, please make your check payable to GSVE Computer Fund, c/o Trinity UMC, 24 S Mulberry Street, Chillicothe, Ohio 45601.