Board of Directors News |
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Chrysalis, Kairos, Kairos Outside, OtherFriends E160, E61, E162, E163,PriorYears |
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, al-ways perseveres. Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 This is the verse that always comes to mind whenever I think of the word love and what it means to me. February truly is the month of love, a time when we pause to show those we love how special they are to us. I could feel the love permeating at the January ultreya, love for our broth-ers and sisters within the community and a deep love of the Lord. One of my favorite poems is Footprint s in the Sand - I even have a copy of it attached to my keychain so it is with me at all times. The message of Footprints constantly reminds and comforts me, letting us know that the Lord is with us and never lets go. Psalm 36:7 says How precious is your steadfast love, O God! All people may take refuge in the shadow of your wings. God’s grace and steadfastness is the ultimate valentine to the world talk about a great box of chocolate. In our community we can be a witness to God’s love in so many ways. Do you remember the feeling you had when you walked? For me the love I felt by total strangers was overwhelming and has stayed with me over the years. Passing on that love by attending mananitas, closings, candlelights and ultreyas or writing palanca is a great blessing- being able to see that joy on others faces as they too experience that unconditional love that Christ offers. How will you be a valentine of God’s love to the women who will head to the mountain for E160? How will be an example of Christ’s love to the world this month and al-ways? My prayer is that you feel God’s steadfast love each day as he reveals to you in His many ways how great His love is for us. Blessings, Community Lay Director
Help Needed: Beginning Journey With Jesus weekends - contact Linda Smith (lindasmith999@verizon.net) Updating Christian bookstores and radio stations - contact the Segnaris (TheSegnaris@comcast.net). |
2012 NCAE Weekend Dates E-160 – March 1 - 4 ~ Women
Have you ever had the Winter-time blues? The days are short, the nights long, energy's low, the weather's brutal, and it just seems to be a good time to curl up on the couch until at least Easter! Christians are not exempt - let alone Emmaus-folk - from the urge to hibernate, if not simply withdraw altogether from life's relentless demands. The brief periods of sunlight robs our bodies of some essential chemistry, limited social interaction seem to rob our spirits of the energy we get from others in the Body of Christ, and "navel gazing" limits our field of vision to those first-person, personal pronouns: me, my, myself, and mine. I used to see a little poster on a Church wall somewhere that said, "A person all wrapped up in him/herself makes a pretty small package!" I was reminded of the sentiment in late January, when my wife, Phyllis, and I went to see the movie "Joyful Noise" in a local theater. It may be that the best prescription for the winter blues (to which I am sus-ceptible, it seems) is to focus my energy and attention in Christian service to an Other, "as unto Christ." That is to say, when I stop listening to my own heartbeat, and lift my field of vision from my own corner of the universe, I may be led to an Other whose needs and hurts and loneliness may exactly complement my gifts and graces for ministry in that moment! (Isn't God's economy wonderful in that way?!?!) It may be that the local Food Pantry needs your help stock-ing and sorting and delivering supplies to folk who just can't get out in the wintry-mix. Your neighbor's icy sidewalk may need shovel and salt - in the exact quantity you have available! The person behind you in line at the fast-food-drive-through may need a pleasant surprise, finding that you've covered their tab as an expression of gracious gifting! Someone you know may need a phone call, a hand-written note, or an envelope full of encouragement and glitter (Okay, that last thing about glitter may be over the top, but you understand the sentiment!). I still carry around in my heart that little phrase of poetry I learned early on in my Christian walk: "Love wasn't put in your heart to stay; love's not love 'til you give it away!" God's love - both the "warm, fuzzy feeling" that comes from the heart of the Almighty directly to you, and the "warm, fuzzy feeling" that comes from Him through the heart of one of His own - is not meant for hoarding, or secreting away, like that fellow tried to do in the wonderful movie "The Music Box!" It's not yours, alone. As I think about it, it may be that the best antidote for the winter-time blues is in the chorus that goes: "Turn you eyes upon Jesus; look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace." My issues, the ones dragging my heart and gaze toward the earth, aren't quite so large and over-bearing when seen in the light of God's love for me, and His love through me - and you. Finding your mission in this life may be a lot simpler than it may seem at first; you may be looking too hard! Let me encourage you, here in the depths of this winter, to spend a moment in reflection on the "Christian Action" talks you have heard.... and then take up your role in the life and ministry of the Body of Christ! Blues, schmoose! Ha! Grace and peace to you, an Emmaus NCA Community SD, E-43
from the Chrysalis Lay Director Caterpillar Pillar Dear Community, Happy Valentine’s Day everyone! It is my prayer that each of you will remember the greatest love of all comes from God. As C-80’s theme verse reminded us, “We love be-cause He first loved us” (1 John 4:19). On C-80 there were 33 more beautiful butterflies that experienced God’s love for them in new and exciting ways. Thank you to all of you who made this weekend possible. Even though it may seem like a long ways off we have al-ready begun preparations for our summer weekends. The R’s for C-81, which is a Young Adult Weekend, are Tyler Mankin and Denise Paris. Their theme is “So Much More” with the song, “Meant to Live” by Switchfoot and their verse Jeremiah 29:11, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ de-clares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” If you are interested in teaming this summer on either the Young Adult or High School Weekend please get your ap-plications in as soon as possible, it’s never too early! Now is also a good time to send in Caterpillar/Bug applications, again it’s never too early! Reminders: -If you missed out on the first round of Shirt orders don’t worry you’ll have another opportunity this spring. -We are still selling our Chrysalis Bumper Magnets at $7.00 a piece, which would make a great gift for agape! Remem-ber all of the proceeds go to our scholarship fund. -Please check our website (www.chrysalisnca.org) or NCA Chrysalis facebook page for the most current information. Fly with Christ! Jessie Kearns Chrysalis Community Lay Director P.S. Please Visit our website (www.chrysalisnca.org) for more information about NCA Chrysalis!
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I am the Community Palanca Cha. I need volunteers to make placemats for me. We need 270 decorated placemats for each team that goes to the Mountain. I will have blank placemats at the Ultreyas each month. You can create your own design, either free hand, trace from a coloring book, use markers, glitter and glue to create your designs. You can either do them yourselves or get your Sunday School classes to do them. The pilgrims really like them when they come from the children. There are two kinds needed: the ones that are decorated with cute pictures and words, and ones that specifically say “DeColores”. It does not matter what the picture is, it only needs to say “DeColores” somewhere on the placemat. If you wish to make a set for a specific weekend that is great but you need to mark the envelope this is for E-# and I will make sure it goes on that weekend. You can do placemats for Chrysalis they need the same decorated and instead of saying DeColores they say FLY WITH CHRIST. If you want to do them for Chrysalis you can get them from Terry Downer and return them to her or you can give them to me and I will make sure she gets them. Or what about your cloth Palanca bags that you received on Friday. How many of you sew? You can go to your fabric store and pick up some material. Rainbow material works well, I guess because most people don’t want to use it as a dress. I will have the dimensions available for you if you’re interested at the Ultreya. Do you remember your Joy Flag Parade? Joy flags are always needed. These can be made from paper or fabric, and can be as simple or intricate as you desire, as long as they say “Joy” somewhere on the flag. These should always be the pennant shape, too. You may also specify the joy flags for specific weekend also. First stones are simple. Go outside, pick up a rock, and write “First” on it. Please write “F-I-R-S-T” and not “I-S-T on it. We have felt for the “I’m Lovable” flower pin that you received on Friday. Men get a pennant-shaped ribbon, and felt is available for both. Do you remember being showered with Warm Fuzzies on Sunday? If you love yarn, then this is the project for you. At the Ultreyas there will be the prayer wheel for you to sign up to pray and also, there will be a sheet passed that will have snacks for the weekend. You can sign at the Ultreyas. Food for the weekends needs to get to the Head Cha before Tuesday of the week that the team is going unless you are sponsoring someone and will be going to the mountain on Thursday. Where do I get all of the material or instructions, you may ask. Well, you can pick up placemats, felt for flowers and banners, and yarn for warm fuzzes at the Ultreya each month. You can also pick up or return items at the Ultreya. There is usually a table near the church’s entrance where items are placed. Or you can find me and hand items to me. If you’re not available to attend the Ultreya, you can contact me. My email address is LindaLSmith999@verizon.net and phone number is 703- 216-2469. And if you’re concerned about getting an item to me quickly, we can always keep in touch by phone and work out something. If you are willing to serve as Palanca Chairman for your church please fill out the information on the clipboard that I will have at each Ultreya in the front. Please list which items your group is interested in doing, so when I am running low on items I can contact the chairman. If you are in a reunion group this is a good project that you could do. So, check with your group and see what items you all would love to do. If someone from your church has already signed up then you don’t need to. I am looking forward to working with you! Thank you and DeColores! Linda L Smith |
Revised Procedures for Ultreya Prayer Concerns The Board of Directors recently addressed the topic of prayer concern procedures during Ultreyas. The Board was advised that prayer concerns at Ultreya, written out for the presiding Spiritual Director to read, in many cases contained sensitive and private information. As a result, the Board decided to revise the procedures and implemented their decision at the December Ultreya. The revised procedures ask that prayer concerns be written on a piece of paper (provided) and dropped into a box. At the appropriate time during the Ultreya, the box containing the prayer concerns will be brought to the presiding Spiritual Director who will lead the community in prayer. If individuals feel that more information should be shared regarding a specific prayer concern, please submit that concern to the community through the Holynet after checking with the parties involved to obtain their consent. Prayer concerns for publication on the HolyNet should be sent via email to holynet@emmausnca.org.
The Board of Directors has set the Weekend Fees for 2012 as follows: Application: $35 Pilgrim: $175 Team: $275
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2012 Board Nominees Elections will be held at the November November Annual Meeting/Ultreya at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Women Nominees (Vote for 3) Beverly Barthmaier I have attended Masonville/Rancocas Church in Mt. Laurel, NJ, for 20 years. I am on several committees, and currently I am the Lay Leader and a Certified Lay speaker. I walked on NCA Emmaus 92 and have teamed 7 times in VA and once in NJ. I have also have attended the ultreyas when time and work permitted. I am now retired (thank the Lord) and will have more time to give to the Emmaus community. I feel the Lord is leading me to be with the Emmaus group in Virginia and to help where I am most needed. Thank you for asking me to consider being on the ballot, and if elected will serve prayerfully. Vickie Carroll I worship at Park Valley Church in Haymarket, VA. I walked on E 146 and sat at the table of Patience. When I received an invitation to attend E146, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but during that weekend I felt the presence of the Lord very powerfully. As I listened to the talks, I became filled with the desire to serve Him with my heart, mind and strength. I was infused with a joy like none I had ever experienced. And I knew that I wanted to pass that on to others. I became His disciple on my weekend. When I returned to church after the weekend, I began to serve in every way I could. My husband Charlie and I have served as the coordinators for the Welcome Team, hosted a small group in our home, taught classes on Discipleship and Stewardship and followed up with visitors who attended our church for the first time. We also mentor young adults in living out God’s plan for their lives. Emmaus is my ministry. I have sponsored five pilgrims and served on two teams, E154 and E158. I believe that attending a weekend is a wonderful way to get closer to Jesus and begin to see His plan for your life. I keep in touch with the pilgrims I have sponsored and many other of the ladies, both pilgrim and team, that have attended the weekends that I participated in. I am active in the community and love the worship at ultreyas. I would be honored to further support the Emmaus Ministry by serving on the board. Thank you. Marsha Dawn Lunceford I worship at Calvary United Methodist Church. I walked on E-55 and have served on 6 NCAE teams. In addition, I have served on 4 Chrysalis teams, 2 Kairos teams, and on Kairos Outside of Northern Virginia. I want to serve on the board because I want to give back to my community. God has been telling me for a long time to serve and now is the time. The theme of my walk was “Jesus loves me,” and I know that God loves me all the time through the Holy Spirit. Amy Phillips I worship at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Woodbridge, VA. I walked on C51 and sat at the table of the Smiling Blossoms. I have sung “Via Dolorosa” for 3 or 4 Emmaus weekends. I joined my first Chrysalis team on C62. After learning that Emmaus was looking for some young faces to team and being encouraged, I applied and was called to team on the E152 team, and afterwards I was called to team on E155. God has definitely used the Emmaus community to bless me in many ways and to help me to see abilities in myself that I never knew that I had. It would be an honor to serve on the board and to help facilitate this wonderful blessing for others Diane Smith I worship at Clarendon United Methodist Church. I walked on E-80, and I have served on 11 teams, including being Rectora for E-150. I have served on the board previously, and I was the community manuals chairperson for 4 years. I thoroughly enjoyed serving on the board and feel that I want to offer my services again in this capacity. Kathy Woodley I walked on E-105, and I attend Franconia United Methodist Church in Franconia, VA. I have served on several teams, most recently answering the call to serve on E-160 in March 2012. I am a member of a wonderful reunion group. I am involved in my local church and have recently been commissioned as a Stephen Minister. In addition, I have held numerous positions on various committees, as well as teaching Sunday School and VBS. I participate in Community Bible Study at First Baptist Church in Alexandria. My husband Doug walked on E-110 and together we enjoy participating in monthly ultreyas, mananitas, praying for the team, pilgrims and community and by blessing the team and pilgrims with palanca. We have 2 children and 3 grandchildren. I retired from Fairfax County Public Schools in 2010 where I was an elementary school principal. As a member of the Emmaus Community, my faith journey has been blessed in so many ways and my life has been enriched by the special friends and experiences God has placed in my life. I would like to “Pay it Forward” by serving on the Emmaus Board where I would listen to and represent members of the community. I would be honored to serve on the Emmaus Board and if elected, I promise to prayerfully consider all decisions I am asked to make. Men Nominees (Vote for 2) Jack Christie After all these years, I’m finally able to throw my hat into the ring. I worship with the NOVA Catholic Community in Arlington, I walked on E-83 in March 1999 and sat at the table of Symbols of the Cross (clap). Grandchildren sitting duties have prevented my serving on the board before, but as they all start school full time, I find additional free time. I have served on ten teams, in a variety of positions, including as Rector on E-153 last year. I’ve attended many mananitas and ultreyas over the years to remain in touch with the NCA Community. I believe Emmaus is one of the greatest programs for bringing others to know Christ more fully, but also for providing an opportunity to work side by side with our brothers and sisters from the spectrum of Christian faith experiences. DeColores! Mark Robert Fahner I worship at Oakton United Methodist Church in Oakton, VA, where I am an active member of the United Methodist Men (UMM). I am the former president of the Arlington District UMM. I am a board member of the Virginia UMC Conference Commission on Disabilities. I walked on E-125 in June 2005. I have teamed on 6 NCAE weekends and have been the photographer for several weekends. I am a member of 2 reunion groups. In addition, I have served on two Kairos teams at the Greensville Correctional Center in Jarratt, VA. I am excited to have the opportunity to serve God and the NCAE Community as a member of the board. I believe that I have the experience and the talent to serve and to help NCAE maintain the level of excellence it has achieved over the year. Bill Zachman My wife, Catherine, and I have been a part of the Emmaus community since 2005. I walked on E-127 and was incredibly blessed by the tangible demonstration of the love of our Lord Jesus illustrated by all the activities of the weekend. Since that weekend I have served on 4 teams and participated in many community activities including Ultreyas, Mananitas, and sponsorship. My relationship with the Lord has grown tremendously through my participation in the community and I look forward to any opportunity to share this experience with others. My family and I worship at Grace Baptist Church, Woodbridge, Va. I lead a small bible study and fellowship group and I serve on the ministry council. I know the Lord is using Emmaus to transform hearts and to equip believers for service in the Kingdom of God. I would be excited for the opportunity to serve the community as a board member if elected. |
Board Officers From the returning second-year class of Directors, one lay member is elected by the Board to serve as the Community Lay Director for a one year term.. This person then selects an Assistant Lay Director from the second-year class. The second-year Spiritual Director serves as the Community Spiritual Director, with the first-year SD serving as the Assistant to the Spiritual Director |
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