November 1993
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Ephesians 4: 1-16.  "But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body's growth in building itself up in love."

	We are indeed one body this Fredericksburg Emmaus community.  Each of us is working together to build this community up in love.  We are not working only for a few weeks at a time when we are preparing for our retreat weekends, but we are working each and every day to be disciples for the Lord our God.  Our work through Emmaus is to strengthen the church and to use what we have learned to serve the Lord.

Matthew 5: 11-16.  "You are the light of the world . . ".  We are asked to let our light shine so others may see the glory of the Lord in everything we do.  "The afflicted shall see and be glad: you who seek God, your heart shall live." (Psalm 69)

	Remember to keep team members preparing for the upcoming weekends for Fredericksburg #9 and #10 in your prayers.  These brothers and sisters heard the call of the Lord and when He asked "Whom shall I send?"; they responded, "Here I am Lord, send me."

Acts 20: 17-38.  "Keep watch over yourselves and over all the flock, of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God . . . ".

	These fellow Christians will be shepherding those whom the Lord has chosen for the upcoming weekends.  They will be the instruments through which the Lord will make His presence known.  The Lord will work some miracles and the blessings will be many!

	Remember all those vessels I shared with you at the Gathering.  Did you see yourself as I shared?  Did you perhaps wonder just what the Lord had in mind for you to do for Him?  All of us are His chosen vessels.  No matter our size, shape, or color.  He has shaped and molded us and filled us to overflowing with His love.  He asks us to pour out to others, as He pours into us.  Are you allowing the Lord to use you where he needs you?  Or are you being selective in what you will do?

. . .Gifts to Jesus . . by Michael Dubina. . .

If you would give a gift to Jesus-
Give to the poor of the earth;
If you would serve His love and missions -
Serve by deeds of Christian worth;
If you would give Him gifts of comfort -
Comfort others, with His grace;
If you would dry His tears of sorrow -
Dry them on another's face.

Every act of love and kindness
You bestow on one, in need,
Is a precious gift to Jesus
And a service, in His creed.
Give of heart and hand and spirit
Every gift you can afford
For - in giving unto others -
You are giving to the Lord.*

O God, grant that we may, with integrity and courage accomplish what you give to us to do.

*Gifts to Jesus by Michael Dubina, 1991.  Salesian Missions, New Rochelle, NY 10801.  Reprinted by permission.

The Next Fredericksburg Emmaus Gathering
	Where:	Peace UMC, Fredericksburg, VA. 	Why:	Worship and Fellowship

	When:	6:00 PM,  November 20, 1993 Social Hour:*	6:00 - 7:00 PM
Begin music for the Gathering:	Promptly at 7:00 Opening Prayer of Gathering:	7:30
	How:	In Grace of Our God
		& the Fellowship of His Holy Spirit
	Devotions:	Mary Ruth Forstall
	Fourth Day Speaker:	Garland Hanks
	Child Care Providers:	Jon & Renee Palm
*Please bring light refreshments for this time.

Mark your calendars now for the December gathering.
Date:  December 18, 1993
Time:  5:00 PM 
Place:  Peace UMC .

Remember the Pot Luck Supper!

The Fredericksburg Emmaus Community looks forward to seeing each of you at the monthly Gatherings. Our Gatherings are open to fellowship for all Christians whether you have been to an Emmaus/Chrysalis/Cursillo Walk or not.  Feel free to bring friends or guests from your church to share in the Grace of our God.  For directions, see the map elsewhere in this newsletter.  Child care is ONLY provided for children through fifth grade; older children are expected to sit with their parents during the Gathering.

Mark the dates of other upcoming Gatherings!

	January 8th, 1994**	Fredericksburg UMC
	**(Also Day of Deeper Understanding	1-4PM)
	February 12, 1994 	Woodbridge Christian
	March 12, 1994	Woodbridge Christian

ATTENTION! ATTENTION! ATTENTION!

The Fredericksburg Board of Directors would like to incorporate any records or papers of any kind which relate to the Fredericksburg Emmaus community, from its inception, into the Archive files.  Any materials should be forwarded to the Community Lay Leader who is currently serving as Records Chairperson.

Judging by the number of telephone calls I received last month, my article stirred some thought concerning sexual assault of which I am glad.  I would like to share with you one of those calls.  One individual called concerned that I was not sensitive to the spiritual needs of sexual perpetrators.  I was affirmed for ministering to sexual assault survivors, but the caller thought that I needed to acknowledge that perpetrators could also be in the church searching for healing.  Unfortunately, most perpetrators do not acknowledge to themselves or others that they have committed a crime, and so consequently they are not searching for healing.  But for at least one individual in our community, this is not the case.  So while I stand by my statement of last month that there is not better place for the perpetrator to hide than in the church, I acknowledge that not all perpetrators use the church in this way.  I am grateful to learn that some are using the church for healing.

	I share this conversation with you both to continue the dialogue commenced last month, but also to talk with you about the issue of sensitivity, for I was reminded yet again of the need to be sensitive.  While some individuals have taken the political correctness of our day to extremes, others of us err in dismissing it entirely.  The reason for this is quite simple.  First we would have to acknowledge that certain individuals and groups have been ignored at best and abused at worst over the years.  It is easier not to confess that magnitude of sin, but leads me to my second point.  Being sensitive to the needs of other people is not easy work.  It requires thinking of others and their needs before our own; a process which our society is not very good at.  But despite the work of putting others and their needs before our own is at the heart of Christianity.  And Jesus never promised that the process of dying to self would be easy.

	Within that context we as an Emmaus community need to be particularly sensitive to others, not only because we are called to do so as Christians, but as one spiritual director put it, built within the psyche of Emmaus Christians is the tendency to become a "Super-Christian".  While I affirm Emmaus in rightfully providing the freedom to dance and hug, and spontaneously express ourselves in more charismatic ways, I would also call us to remain sensitive to those individuals both within and outside the comminuty who choose not to express themselves in those ways.  Their experience is neither worse nor better, just different.  The other reality is that Emmaus is not for all Christians.  But that should not bother us as long as we remember that we are here not to promote Emmaus but to promote the Body of Christ.  Emmaus is but a means to strengthen the body of Christ.  If we are to maintain our ecumenical nature; if we are to find our strength in our diversity, there cannot be an Emmaus or a Christian norm.

	If Emmaus is to grow we must respect our differences, be sensitive to the needs of others and we cannot assume that our experience is shared by all.  For example, while our desire to hug others in Emmaus may stem from our love, individuals who have experienced touch as hurtful and evil may not be able to perceive that love.  There are also other individuals who are just not comfortable with certain physical expressions.  Some individuals such as myself may have grown up in homes where positive physical expressions of love were infrequent at best.  Please hear me; I say this not to quench the spirit found within our body, but to make us more sensitive to the needs of our body so that we might be inclusive of all.  We as humans need touch and we need to offer more expressions of love through touch, but sometimes the most loving thing to do is not to hug someone.  We need to use our God-given gift of discernment to determine when an act of love is and is not appropriate.  It would also be appropriate to ask other individuals if we can offer a hug.
	One of my gifts (or curses!) seems to be the ability to keep things stirred up.  I am sure that this letter will be no different.  But it is my hope that the discussion which will surely follow this letter will lead us to be ever more sensitive to the needs of our community and the individuals who comprise it.  Be in prayer for the men's weekend this month and may we offer thanks to God especially in this season for the ministry of this Emmaus community.  And if I don't see you at the gathering, may you and your loved ones have a most joyous Thanksgiving holiday!

CHA's CHA'S CHA'S
There are selected places available for Cha's on both the upcoming Men's and Women's walks.  If your are interested in helping in this way, please contact Steve Seiden at (703) 659-8953.  This is a fantastic way to help and serve the pilgrims on their Walk to Emmaus.

Pilgrims For Fredericksburg #9

 Last Name First Name Church City, State
 
  1. Alex Irving Ebenezer Stafford, VA.
 
  2. Balizet Bob Chancellor Christian Fredericksburg, VA.
 
  3. Campbell Paul
 
  4. Carlson Craig D. Good Shepherd Lutheran Virginia Beach, VA.
 
  5. Chittenden Thom Woodbridge Christian Woodbridge, VA.
 
  6. Clark Sandy St. Matthews UMC Annandale, VA.
 
  7. Duncan James Eric Ebenezer Stafford, VA.
 
  8. Dusenberry J.R. Ebenezer UMC Stafford, VA.
 
  9. Edwards George Upper King & Queen Baptist Newton, VA.
 
 10. Epple Garry Ebenezer UMC Stafford, VA.
 
 11. Eschmann II Bill Christ Fellowship Fredericksburg, VA,
 
 12. Fields Jr. Marshall Union Bell Baptist Stafford, VA.
 
 13. Fuller Jimmy Ebenezer Stafford, VA.
 
 14. Holm John D. St. Matthews UMC Annandale, VA
 
 15. Hrivnak Alan Ebenezer Stafford, Va.
 
 16. Marcum Dan Ebenezer UMC Stafford, VA.
 
 17. Michaliga Gerry Rehoboth UMC Chilesburg, VA.
 
 18. Morgenstern Larry Christ Fellowship Fredericksburg, VA.
 
 19. O'Dell Tom Chancellor Christian Fredericksburg, VA.
 
 20. Olds Dave Woodbridge Christian Woodbridge, VA.
 
 21. Perry Bill Rehoboth UMC Chilesburg, VA.
 
 22. Peverall Colin Pohick Bay Lorton, VA.
 
 23. Rice Frank Upper King & Queen Baptist Newtown, VA.
 
 24. Robeson Cleveland Rehobeth UMC Chilesburg, VA.
 
 25. Smith Denny Pohick Bay Lorton, VA.
 
 26. Swetnam Joe Bethel UMC Woodbridge, VA.
 
 27. Tonnesen Dave Bethel UMC Woodbridge, VA.
 
 28. Wainwright Jeff Crown of Life Falmouth, VA.
 
 29. Wood Paul Bethel UMC Woodbridge, VA.
 
 30. Wright Jon Grace Lutheran Woodbridge, VA.

The team members and the schedule of events for Emmaus #9 was listed in the last months newsletter.  Due to space restrictions they are not given again.  Please check the last newsletter! Thank you!

Agape Gifts
As you write your love letters for the upcoming weekends, please remember to write a letter to every one of the pilgrims.  If you would include several letters without specific names on them, they can be used in the event a pilgrim does not come and another pilgrim is called to fill that place.  Please limit your agape gifts to small items keeping any large gifts for Sunday evening when you can share them with your pilgrim on the way home.  Keep in mind that several pilgrims share one room at Easter Seal Camp.  Do not cause concern for some because others seem to be reaping a grand harvest of agape gifts!  We are all precious in the Lord's sight and we should share our gifts equally.

Music Notes

Just a few reminders for our Community musicians:

Please contact Joe May as soon as possible, if you are interested in leading the music at one of our monthly Gatherings or are available to lead one of the Community Candlelight services.  Joe is starting to comply a list for the monthly gatherings and candlelight services.  If you are willing to help call Joe May at 898-7784.

Also, for our December Gathering we will feature "Lessons In Carols", a Community celebration of the birth of Our Savior.  All musicians are welcome to participate.  If you feel led to perform a solo (either instrumental or vocal), or would like to be a reader, please contact either Tony Forstall at 659-2461 or Joe May at 898-7784. 

_

Praise God From whom all blessings flow!
_
 
Weekend Cost

	Please prayerfully consider your financial responsibility.  The cost of the Fredericksburg Emmaus weekend is $130.00.  No Pilgrim should be denied a Walk to Emmaus because the sponsor cannot afford the $130.00 fee.  However, the sponsor is responsible to either make the payment, or make arrangements for the payment to be made.  The Emmaus Community understands the impact of sponsorship.  Please submit your need to God in prayer.  Many a sponsorship need has been met by Him through such trust.  There are many sources of funding for those who need help. Reunion groups, the Emmaus Community from your local church, your church Men's or Women's group, and other sources should be investigated.  Many Emmaus members have made standing offers to provide scholarships to help sponsors.  If other sources are not available, the Emmaus Community Lay Director, Treasurer, or a member of the Board should be notified so that scholarship funds may be identified from offerings or special gifts.
	Can you help with scholarship of others?  We are a community of faith, and we have faith that Christ will meet the needs of His work.  Your gifts of Love do reap a bountiful harvest!  If you would like to contribute to the Scholarship fund to "Pass It On", that others may share the Emmaus walk experience, provide a check marked "Scholarship" in the offering at the monthly Gathering, or send your contribution to our Treasurer via the P.O. Box address on this newsletter.

Prayer Wheel
Men's Weekend
November 11-14, 1993

Thursday November 11, 1993
  6 a.m. Stephanie Thompson
  7 p.m. Renee Palm
  7 a.m. Ken Koy
  8 p.m. Karen King
  8 a.m. Gary Farrar
  9 p.m. Carol Bennett
  9 a.m. Roy Herman
 10 p.m. Anastacia Rice
 10 a.m. Rhonda Herman
 11 p.m. Linda Perry
 11 a.m. Kathryn Morris
 Midnight Angel Fulkerson
 Noon John Trudeau
 
 Friday November 12, 1993
  1 p.m. Eva Wehrle
  1 a.m. Nita Cline
  2.p.m. Jim Graham
  2 a.m. Andy Wehrle
  3 p.m. Heather Thompson
  3 a.m.
  4 p.m. James Brown
  4 a.m. G.C. Branton
  5 p.m. Brain Blankenship
  5 a.m. Richard Warner
  6 p.m. Michelle R. Payne
  6 a.m. Sandy Klingenstein
  7 p.m. Sharon Powell
  7 a.m. Ken Koy
  8 p.m. Carolyn Byram
  8 a.m. Mary Glisson
  9 p.m. Nathan Morrow
  9 a.m. Larry Garfield
 10 p.m. Sandy Klingenstein
 10 a.m. Sherri Trudeau
 11 p.m. Mary Ruth Forstall
 11 a.m. Stephanie Thompson
 Midnight Angel Fulkerson
 Noon Kathryn Morris
 
Sunday November 14, 1993
  1 p.m. Diana Farrar
  1 a.m. Tony Morris
  2 p.m. Pat Crabill
  2 a.m. 
  3 p.m. Pete Crabill
  3 a.m.
  4 p.m. Betty Gray Thompson
  4 a.m. David Young
  5 p.m. 
  5 a.m. Richard Warner
  6 p.m. Michelle R. Payne
  6 a.m. Nathan Morrow
  7 p.m. Kim Rice
  7 a.m. Ken Koy
  8 p.m. Judy Rice
  8 a.m. Susannah Rich
  9 p.m. Sylvia Seiden, Bob Lowry
  9 a.m. Lillian Park
 10 p.m. Sandy Klingenstein
 10 a.m. 
 11 p.m. Bob Glisson
 11 a.m. 
 Midnight Angel Fulkerson
 Noon Betty Gray Thompson
 
 Saturday November 13, 1993
  1 p.m. Michelle R. Payne
  1 a.m. Garland Hanks
  2 p.m. Jim Graham
  2 a.m.
  3 p.m.
  3 a.m.
  4 p.m. Brian Blankenship
  4 a.m. 
  5 p.m.
  5 a.m. Richard Warner
  6 p.m. 
 
If you are available during any of the blank spaces, please call Angel at (703) 490-6499.

Hello and praise our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ!
	Hallelujah!

Let's talk about prayer and commitment.  Jesus didn't concern Himself with the things of this world but He stayed in constant communion with His Father (prayer) and kept doing the things He knew that His Father wanted Him to be doing (commitment).  Jesus is our example.  If we will pray, we will know the things that God wants of us, and we will be committed to doing that.  It takes people to reach the people and it takes the prayers of people to reach God the Father.  Prayer and commitment to make a relationship, and God is calling on you.  You ask, "what can I do with my busy schedule?". PRAY!

Recently I had a placemat party and invited people well in advance so that they could plan to attend.  An hour before the party, I was called on to minister to a child whom I ended up having to go pick up in Stafford. (Oh, I moved to Woodbridge.)  An opportunity came my way and knowing that because of prayer and commitment God had my day planned so I went for it.  I was home 15 minutes before the party.  In this party, I knew an opportunity was given for the Fredericksburg Emmaus family members living in my area to have something to do to be a part of the upcoming weekends.  No one showed up, but we went on as planned, Praise God, my husband and I, my boys, and this young lady who had never even heard of Emmaus.  What a statement was given that day to the children about commitment.

This is so important, prayer....

How do we pray when we don't have time?  We can pray anywhere and at any time if we want to.  God just wants us to talk to Him like we would talk to any friend.  He is really interested, and you would be surprised at how He will even step in more often to help you out just because you talk to Him about it, you share with Him your life.  Sure, He already knows but He had given you the choice to include Him or not.  What will you do?

"WHAT CAN I DO," You ask.

There's plenty... ask someone . . prayer, placemats, agape bags, agape . . .love and commitment and prayer, the body of Christ coming together, flourishing relationships, and all this comes to us through having a real relationship with God, our Father in heaven.  Amen!

A copy of the Prayer Wheel is on the back of this page.  Let's get it complete by the weekend.  Thank you for your commitment!

REJOICE EVERMORE!

With love forever in Christ's service,

Reunion Groups

Small groups are the backbone of keeping the fires burning.  The weekly challenge to Study, Piety and Action as well as the special fellowship and the power of His presence amongst you are a continuing inspiration.  I encourage all of you to join or start a group.  If you want your group to be open to others, we will periodically list groups in this column of the newsletter.  Some of us group as listed below.  These are open groups and you are welcome to join in.  We'd love to see you!!
 
When
 Place
 Contact
 Address
 
 Saturday @ 7:30 AM
 Roy Rogers
 Steve Seiden
 Route One across from Aquia Town Center
 
 Wednesday @ 8:00 PM
 Sammy T's in rear
 Joe May
 Caroline Street in F'burg
 
Upcoming Weekends

 Dates

Weekend	Dates
West VA Emmaus Women's 32	7-10 October 1993
Nat. Cap. Emmaus Women's 56	7-10 October 1993
Richmond Emmaus Women's 23	13-17 October 1993
Shenandoah Emmaus Men's 5	21-24 October 1993
Sonshine Emmaus Men's 3	21-24 October 1993
Shenandoah Emmaus Women's 6	28-31 October 1993
Tidewater Emmaus Men's 22	28-31 October 1993
Maryland Emmaus Women's 31 **	4-7 November 1993
Sonshine Emmaus Women's 4	4-7 November 1993
Lynchburg/Central Va Men	4-7 November 1993
F'burg Emmaus Men's 9	11-14 November 1993
Tidewater Emmaus Women's 23	11-14 November 1993
Lynchburg/Central Women's	18-21 November 1993
F'burg Emmaus Women's 10	9-12 December 1993
F'burg Emmaus Men's 11	24-27 March 1994
F'burg Emmaus Women's 12	19-22 May 1994
F'burg Emmaus Men's 13	 3-6 November 1994
F'burg Emmaus Women's 14	8-11 December 1994

*  College Age	** Deaf Included

Praise, Joys, and Concerns
The list below is taken from last months Gathering.  However, I will be glad to list any others I receive from the community through a letter or telephone call..  Submit your praises or needs to the newsletter editor, Mary Ruth Forstall @ 703-659-2461 or mail to P.O. Box 34 Brooke, Va.  22430, by the first Saturday after each Gathering:

Praise and Joys
Thanks for healing my eyes.
Praise for my health
Praise the Lord for Andrew Chapel UMC
Praise for the Lord loving me when I feel so unloved.
Praise God for who He is  & meeting our financial needs & giving me a wonderful husband
For Heather & John's marriage 10/16/93
Praise to the Lord for helping me through people he sent to me these past weeks

Prayers and Concerns
F'burg 9 & 10 - Blessings for teams & Pilgrims to come
F'burg Chrysalis & National Capital Chrysalis 21 &22
Lorita Shelton recovering from surgery
Bob and Nancy Graver
Frank Rice - Spiritual Health
Nicholas Doumlele & Family - 5 year old who needs open heart surgery
The Jenson Family
For Mark & Cheryl Carlson - Emotional healing
David - 14 yr old who needs a heart transplant
Kelly - hurt in soccer game - facing many operations
Cheryl - eye problem
Jacob - healing of arm
Margie - freedom from pain & successful tooth implants
Paul Russell - to conquer drugs, alcohol and apathy
Tim & Tammy - support raising- church planting in England-Finances
Casey Shortridge - broken arm to heal (for a second time)
Sandy Pace's sister in long death - prayers for healing
Cindy Hayhurst - healthy & safe delivery for baby due on 10/16/93
Howard & Faye Dunmire - daughter having a difficult pregnancy
Couples in marriage crisis
Young girl looking for a job
For all the teens & direction in their lives
To be released from overeating
For my new mission with O.M.S.
A 1993 release date for Lawrence Medici
Our country - healing and turning back to God
Pray that the ones that need to go on a walk are able to make it
Healing from emotional scars so that the love of Christ may flow in our community
Woodbridge Christian Church
Foster Kids & their parents and Foster parents (Hermans)
Those who have lost  or will be losing their jobs
Healing for my back - please
GOD'S WILL BE DONE

Emmaus Newsletter____Tony Forstall,