May 2020 Newsletter
Dear Emmaus Community-
Here we are a week into May and we have survived a lot of unchartered waters. We are living with many new social behaviors and phrases- such as “social distancing”, “shelter in place”, “face coverings” and “new normal”. Closings of schools, restaurants, churches and many other businesses and facilities have impacted our lives and families. So many changes!
All except one: our God never changes! (Malachi 3:6, Hebrews 13:8) According to Psalms 139:16 (NIV) “Your (God’s) eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” When we were in the womb God knew these days would be in our lifetimes. He wired in us everything we would need to live them.
My greatest fear is that my eyes would be on what is happening so much- that I would forget to look to Jesus. Peter did that in Matthew 14:29-30 and we all know that when he took his eyes off Jesus and put them on the storm he began to sink.
God is our source! He uses many different conduits to provide our needs but He is the supplier.
In these days when so much is shutdown and closed- the THRONE IS OPEN! God is not social distancing. He calls us to come close. When we pray it is impossible for nothing to happen! That assurance comes from His word Luke 11:9 and Matthew 7:7. The prayers of a righteous man avail much! James 5:16
We as the Body of Christ –through prayer led by the Holy Spirit can make a difference for our whole nation!
We- the Emmaus board ask for your prayers for us in the days to come for wisdom in decision making. The May gathering has been cancelled but we are waiting and watching to determine where the process is at for future gatherings.
Please stay connected through the media of your choice. In this time when it can be tempting to binge watch movies and programs, make sure you feed your spirit. Psalms 119:165 states that –Great peace have those who love Your law…
Now more than ever may we cry out- Come Holy Spirit fill the hearts of your faithful…
DeColores- Roxie Craig –Board chairman
Message from the Kathy Toms, Communicator for the Upper Room
Good morning, good afternoon, or good evening. I hope this message finds you well.
This last month has been a struggle for many people in many different ways. For me, it has been not physically attending church, Gathering, or Share Group. My Share Group is hoping to meet in my yard next week. Pray for warmer weather for me. For some it has been isolation for others it has been financially. Unfortunately, for some it has been both. Emmaus is struggling financially with no money coming in from Walks. Encourage members of you Community to join the 40 for Emmaus program. This is donating $40 a year for the next 5 years.
If you are interested in donating please click this link emmausgift.org/40-for-emmaus .
April 2020 Newsletter
Dear Emmaus Community-
This Sunday we will celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The stone was rolled away-not to let Jesus out- but to let us in! Everything Jesus told the disciples that would take place- HAPPENED, just like He said. He conquered death, hell and the grave.
In Hebrews 12:2 we read that – “He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” We are His joy and prize! He was faithful even unto death!
During these unchartered times when we as a people and a nation are experiencing life in a way we never have before- remember-GOD IS FAITHFUL! He is still on the throne. It has not been vacated! This is all new to us but not to our Father. I’m reminded of the old hymn: Many things about tomorrow I don’t seem to understand, but I know Who holds tomorrow and I know Who holds my hand.
In these times stay in fellowship with one another. It may be through face book, zoom, texting, email or a phone call. Use this time to take opportunities that arise to be “salt and light”. Send a card, write a letter or take a treat or meal to a neighbor. Check on the elderly, the widows and single moms. Stay connected with your small group. If you don’t have one, our Good Shepherd is: Ken Miller- ktcsm111@yahoo.com . If you have a need let someone in the community know. Board contacts are on the website.
In the cancellation of the April gathering and the Women’s June walk- we are not doing away with the reunions of Women’s Walk #109 and Men’s Walk #82. We will have both of these reunions the next time we have a gathering. Pray for one another, our nation, our leaders and pastors.
On behalf of the Greater Area Findlay Emmaus board we pray you all have a most blessed Easter. May we live our lives, not as human beings having a spiritual experience– but as spiritual beings having a human experience. Praise God our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is ALIVE! He rolled the stone away so we could believe.
Blessings- Roxie Craig- Chairman
Findlay Emmaus gathering for March 17th has been cancelled !!
Women’s walk #109 and Men’s walk #82 will have their reunions at the April 21st gathering.
Men’s Walk #82 Pilgrims – March 12-15,2020
Brandon Hoehn
Matt Hartman
Nathan Maynard
Patrick Russell
Steve Washburn
Don Rodden
Matt Purdy
Robert Heminger
Andrew Bryngelson
Joseph Money
February 2020 Newsletter
Greetings to the Greater Findlay Area Emmaus Community-
It’s hard to believe that March is already upon us. In a few short weeks we will be “springing” forward an hour in time. Losing an hour is always hard for me to adjust to! We are told in Ephesians 5:16 Making the very most of the time [buying up each opportunity], because the days are evil. (Amp.version)
I think about Emmaus and Chrysalis and the time and talents it takes to make these walks and flights happen. I witness so many of you willingly giving so others can receive. That is how the Kingdom of God is grown.
Matthew 9:37-38 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the Harvest therefore, to send out workers into His harvest fields.”
These wonderful ministries of Emmaus and Chrysalis need more workers in the field. Whether it is to come help serve meals, attend candlelight, sponsor pilgrims (men and women), sponsor bugs for Chrysalis (ages 15-21), attend gatherings or serve on a live-in team, you are needed.
In the 13th chapter of Matthew Jesus shares the “parable of the sower”. The seed is the Word of God. The grounds are each different. God is calling each of us to be “Heart Farmers”. Whether it is to be a “roto tiller” of just loving someone, a “hoe” of speaking God’s truth-breaking hard ground up- packed down by lies, a “prayer-crow” watering the ground thru tears of prayer or pulling weeds or removing rocks by just walking the field- being a presence God can use.
Let’s redeem the time because our enemy Satan is not backing off! He is constantly in the fields. Let’s all pray to the Lord for each other, the harvest and the workers He is going to send! “Heart Farming” isn’t for wimps!
He Who called you is faithful, and He will do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:25
DeColores- Roxie Craig- Chairman
Women’s Walk #109 Pilgrims – February 6-9,2020
Jessica Hoehn
Jessica Cross
Saundra Niswander
Amy Ochier
Marie Drown-Johnson
Jane Goodman
Téa Cortez
Megin Brinkman
Mandy Richardson
Lee Blanton
Diane Shaner
Pamela Kuebler
Melissa Williams
Abby Gierhart
Laura O’Millian
Krista Harrod
Vicky Ginter
Cindy Stippuch
Pam Little
Elaine Blue
Ashton Speer
Gabi Gobs
UPDATE ON WINTER CHRYSALIS FLIGHTS
Jay Garmon February 18 at 5:57 PM
Good evening Brothers and sisters in Christ. Late this afternoon the Leadership board for the Greater Findlay area Chrysalis was forced to make a very uneasy decision to cancel both of the winter flights. Please know that we PRAYERFULLY considered every option and resource available to us. The number of caterpillars was just to low to make a rewarding experience for them. The Boys are having a difficult time putting a team together due to so much illness going around. Please please please, Prayerfully sponsoring a boy or girl for the summer Flights in July.
Thank you all so much for your support and prayers to our community.
Jay Garmon
Chairman of the Greater Findlay area Chrysalis
P.S. if you have any questions or comments about the community please feel free to private message me on Facebook or to jgarmon1988@gmail.com
Chrysalis Flight Schedule for 2020
Girl’s Flight:
#53 – February 21-23,2020 — CANCELLED
#54 – July 24-26,2020
Boy’s Flight:
#53 – March 6-8,2020 — CANCELLED
#54 – July 10-12,2020 – the Boy’s Flight will be before the Girl’s this month
Emmaus Walk Schedule for 2020
Women’s Walk
#109 – February 6-9,2020
#110 – June 4-7,2020 — CANCELLED
#111 – October 8-11,2020
Men’s Walk
#82 – March 12-15,2020
#83 – November 5-8,2020