Greater Scioto Valley Emmaus Newsletter-April 2006-Volume 12, Issue 4

 

 

A Note From The Chair...

 

I would like to share a few thoughts as Easter approaches. I can't stop thinking about the testimonies at the closing of Men's Walk # 25. Every closing is different, but this one was so special to me. I have been reflecting about the experiences of the men at the deaf and hard of hearing table. Their joy and innocence were heartwarming. These men and many others live in a world without faculties we take for granted. Witnessing their experience reminded me of my own Emmaus experience and how it changed the course of my life forever. We all should take time this season to stop and reflect on what Jesus did for each and every one of us on Calvary.

 

While we rightly worship Jesus as the Living God, we need to remember is that Jesus was also human, just like us. He lived and dwelled among us, learning and growing as a fragile creation in God's image, just like us. He spent time in intense prayer, fasting when He felt He needed a renewing of the Spirit.

 

Do we take the time to communicate with Him like we should? Jesus needed His disciples, men who believed in Him and with whom He could just be Himself. If you stop and think about it, we could liken this experience to share groups. At times we are like the two on the road to Emmaus, lost in the wilderness of the world until Christ comes to break bread with us, bringing us back to the realization of our purpose in the Great Commission.

 

As another Easter is fast approaching, take time to talk with Jesus, take time to break bread with Jesus. It doesn't have to be anything fancy, just a simple communion with Him. Take the time to thank Him for all He has done for you, and don't forget to ask Him what you can do for Him today.

 

DeColores,

 

              Jon Mark Hall

 

A Word from Our Spiritual Director . . .

 

FAITH IN A RISEN SAVIOR

 

You may be aware of a new book just released on Tuesday, March 28, that raises questions about Jesus' death.  The title of the book is The Jesus Papers, by Michael Baigent.  This is the author who has filed a plagiarism lawsuit against Dan Brown, author of The De Vinci Code, claiming Brown stole his research.  His new book claims that Jesus did not die as a result of his crucifixion, but was merely unconscious when he was taken down from the cross.  He cites many sources as evidence, and makes other claims about Jesus' life, both before and after his crucifixion.  While The De Vinci Code was written as a fictional, though historical, novel, Baigent presents his book as a scholarly work, meaning there is a claim of truth that accompanies it.  Let me also state that I have not read the book, but have only seen a brief video clip of the author and an interviewer from the Today Show and read a small excerpt online.

 

Throughout the history of our faith, there have been attempts to bring a different truth to light than what is presented in the gospels.  These attempts always seem to be accompanied by evidence or proof that is incontrovertible.  What we sometimes forget is that our faith is just that: faith.  Faith is not dependent upon incontrovertible proof, for then it would cease to be faith.  I believe that Jesus was crucified, dead and buried, as I read in the gospels and as is stated in the Apostles' Creed.  I also believe that he was raised from the dead, and through this mighty act, sin and death were conquered and eternal life was offered to all who will believe.

 

We are approaching the most holy of all Christian holidays: Easter.  On this day we celebrate Christ's resurrection and all it means for the world.  My faith will find a joyful expression that day, and I hope the same for all of you.  Our faith in a Savior who offered himself for us, while we were yet sinners, will allow us to experience his love forever, here and in the hereafter.  May your Easter be a time of great joy and serve as a renewal of your faith.  God bless you.

 

                                                                                               Tad Grover

 

 

Share Groups Are Important

 

Are you in a share group? Can't find one? Form your own. See Sandy Blakeman, our Board Good Shepherd for information on existing share groups and forming new ones.

 

Opportunities to Serve:

 

Sign up sheets for Kitchen, Housekeeping and the 72-Hour Prayer Vigil for the June Walk will be available at the April and May gatherings as well as on-line at GSVEmmaus.org

 

Women's Walk #36 June 15-18

MenÕs Walk #26 September 14-17, 2006

WomenÕs Walk #37 October 12-15, 2006

 

April Gathering-April 20 at 7 P.M.

 

Gatherings are held at Trinity United Methodist Church, the third Thursday of the month at 7 P.M. in the sanctuary. See you there!!!

 

 

What is the Purpose of the Walk to Emmaus?

 

              Why does the Walk to Emmaus exist? Is it a closed organization that celebrates a special relationship with the Lord? Is it a secret society?  I think we can all answer the last two questions-Emphatically NO!  So why do we put our time, hearts and energies into having Walk to Emmaus weekends four or five times a year? After all, it's a huge undertaking if it's done right. And we do all we can to see that it's done right. What do we hope to accomplish?

              Put succinctly, our purpose is to energize Christians to return to their own churches to assume leadership roles. It is a ministry, which means we are intent on furthering the Kingdom of God outside the confines of our organization.

              We are committed to the Emmaus movement and work diligently to keep the light burning. But our first loyalty is to the Lord, Jesus Christ and to our own home churches.

Emmaus is not and never will be a church. It functions as ecumenical body, an adjunct to churches of many denominations. We operate under a covenant agreement with the Upper Room, an arm of the United Methodist Church. But our ministry is not confined to United Methodists. We know that our Lord is not limited by our denominational boundaries, therefore our walks are open to Christians of all denominations who seek a deeper relationship with our Lord. At the end of their Emmaus Walks we urge pilgrims to return to their churches, pick up their crosses and follow Him. Of course we rejoice when they return and offer part of their service to help us continue the walks for new pilgrims. And so the ministry continues, and the agape love of God is spread to more pilgrims with each new walk.

 

Send a Word of Encouragement

 

Bill and Becky FettersÕ son, Brad, is stationed in Iraq, and he could use some encouraging words from home, and, of course, our prayers. Send cards and letters to:

              Cpt. William B.A. Fetters

19th Support Center

LSA ANACONDA

APO. A.E. 09391

If you have a family member on active duty, send us his or her address. We will post it so the community can pray for and encourage them.

 

. . . and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.

Matt. 28:30 (KJV)

 

If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable, but now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that sleep.

1 Corinthians 15: 19-20 (KJV)