December 1993
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

	Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful and kindle in them the fire of Your love.  Send forth Your Spirit and they shall be created.  And You shall renew the face of the earth.  O, God, Who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations.  Through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

	1 Corinthians 15:57:  "But thanks be to God!  He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

	This is a time for Thanksgiving.  For the many blessings the Lord has given to each of us, and for the many wonderful people in our lives who give of themselves so freely.

	2 Corinthians 11:  "You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God."

	2 Corinthians 14, 15:  "And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you.  Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!"

	Give thanks for those men who walked with the Lord this past weekend on Fredericksburg Emmaus #9.  It is evident that He was present with them and that they experienced many miracles!

	Give thanks for the many people in the community who served as sponsors; served as prayer warriors; worked as Chas; made certain that every big, and little task was complete; worked so diligently before the weekend and during the weekend.

	And now, give thanks for all those who are preparing for Emmaus #10 which will begin in a couple of weeks.  Expect more miracles!

	Give thanks for our families and loved ones.  For all sacrifices they make each and every day for us.  For all the care they lavish upon us.  For all the many prayers that are offered up to the Lord for us.

	Give thanks for the church; God's people.  For their faithful service.  Their generous hearts burning within them with the power of the Holy Spirit.  Give thanks for their desire to "Pass It On".

"Love begins within you.  A tiny spark will do.
Gently, gently, blow and blow with bits of peace and true.

And fan it with your patience and shield it from the night.
And tender it with gentleness, and very soon, your light. . . 

Will be a raging fire.  The spark will be a flame.
And you'll become a torch of love.  You'll never be the same."

By Dolores Dahl   Reprinted by permission
Salesian Inspirational Books

	As we enjoy Thanksgiving Day with family and friends, let us be mindful of those who are less fortunate.  Do all that you can to relieve their suffering and through your actions they will know Jesus lives.

	Matthew 25: 31-46: ". . . just as you did it to one of the least of these, you did it to me."

	Give thanks for the greatest gift of all.   JESUS!

	Luke 2: 4-20:  "God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not die but have eternal life."

	There are many questions to be asked as we prepare for this Advent season.  What are our gifts?  What are we doing with them?  How can we re-dedicate them to the service of others and God's glory?

	Remember that God's love is evergreen as you search for a tree.  When you see the twinkling lights use each one as a reminder of the many times you have been forgiven and healed and welcomed home by God.  When surrounded by the many people while shopping, think of the hunger in every heart and how Jesus satisfies that hunger and ask: "Come Lord Jesus."  Where would you, Lord, like to live more fully in me and in my life as it is?  What would you like to become for me, Lord Jesus?

De Colores,

Kathryn Morris

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

	When:	December 18, 1993 	Potluck: 	5:00 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:	*
	Fourth Day Speaker:	*
	Child Care:	 Will be provided for the service

*Due to the special Christmas program of Lessons and Carols, there will be no Devotion or Fourth Day speaker.

Mark your calendars now for the January Gathering.
Date:  January 8, 1994
Time:  6:00 PM
Day of Deeper Understanding** from 1 to 4 PM
Place:  Fredericksburg UMC.

**Musicians are needed for the Day of Deeper Understanding, please contact Joe May at 898-7784 if you are available to help.

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!

	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.

	I guess it all started about October 24th.  I went out to several stores and overnight Christmas had arrived.  Green and white Christmas trees lined the aisles and lights were everywhere.  Some flashed, others didn't, some even blinked to music.  There was garland, ribbons and bows, and even the everpresent voice of Bing.  Of course it was in the low 60's outside, but the Santas were ready as well.  Some just sat and stood there while the battery powered ones waved and whistled and even snored.  They were actually snoring!!

	Later that week my wife and I were at the mall when I noticed that there was a new Christmas Shoppe!  So in a crowded mall I shouted (I really did shout, just ask Mandy) "It's not even November yet!"  At least one passerby between laughs shared that she readily agreed with me.  We haven't gone to the mall much since then which means we haven't been stuck on Route 3.  We have neither searched nor battled over parking spaces.  While most of society was shopping at 7AM the day after Thanksgiving, we slept in until lunch.  Finally, I know we haven't been shopping much because our checking account is in the black.

	At times I laugh about the craziness which accompanies this holiday season, but in all seriousness I also get quite depressed because the very way we go about preparing for and celebrating Christmas is antithetical to the Bethlehem story.  We forget that Advent has its roots in Lent and that this is a season of preparation.  Advent is a time of simplicity so that we might see more clearly ourselves and the nature of our Lord who will break forth yet again into our lives if we will but let him.  But participating in the commotion of overspending and greed can in no way, shape, or form help us prepare to discover anew the Christ child!  We may complain that they are taking Christ out of Christmas in the schools, but we do that quite adequately ourselves by participating in the consumer frenzy that we have made Christmas.  Rather than giving from our hearts, we first try to figure out whether or not they gave us anything last year.  Rather than celebrate the love that is preparing to break forth in the world, we literally cuss and fume at our neighbors as we fight our way through the mall and streets.

	So where do we go from here?  For starters, unlike the rest of society let us keep Advent and Christmas separate.  Advent is a time for preparing our hearts and we will have ample time to sing and dance and party come those 12 days of Christmas.  But see even there we forget that Christmas is not a day but a season that is traditionally celebrated from the 25th of  December until Epiphany on January 6th.  So this year be bold and hold a real Christmas party after the 25th even if the lights at the mall have already been taken down.  Perhaps you could start a new tradition and present your family with a gift each day of Christmas.  I think there's a song about that somewhere!

	And be creative with your gift-giving.  Gifts are not the problem, the spirit with which they are given is.  So this year, instead of buying a gift, make a gift.  Be creative: candles, drawings, certificates for a night of free babysitting for your friends with 2 preschoolers.  Or make a truly self-sacrificing gift by giving a loved one something that you already own and cherish.  Below I have included some other ideas as a possible means of celebrating the true nature of Christmas.  However you do it, it is my prayer for you that you would find anew the child of Christmas.  But don't forget. . . the gospels remind us that the Christ child is usually found in odd places and at odd times!  Why should it be any different now!

May the spirit of Christmas be yours!,

Other ideas for celebrating Christmas

*Purchase items by mail from non-profit groups.
*Creative gifts for children could include a suitcase of old clothes to dress up in; a magazine subscription; an aquarium; a book to start a journal in; or draw and write your own book for them.
*Someone who use to play a musical instrument could be given gift certificates for new lessons.  Better yet offer to teach someone yourself.
*Invite one or more people who would be alone into your home at Christmas.
*Buy tickets to see Les Miserables for you and your family.
*Covenant with family members to give one fourth of what you spend this season to groups who work for peace, and justice, and causes you believe in.
*Habitat for Humanity is a Christian Housing ministry.  Give a gift to Habitat in honor of  family or friends and the honoree will receive a full-color card.  Write Habitat for Humanity, 419 W. Church St., Americus, GA 31709, or call (912) 924-6935.
*Parent's Guide to Nonviolent Toy-buying is published by the General Board of Church and Society of the United Methodist Church to give parents information and alternatives to toys with violent themes.  Order for $1 from Discipleship Resourses for Church and Society, 1908 Grand Ave., Box 189, Nashville, TN 37202, phone (800) 685-4370.  Ask for item #CS116.
*SERRV (Sales Exchange for Refugee Rehabilitation) Self-Help Handcrafts.  For those of you who walked in the national capital area you are familiar with this agency through the gift shop at New Windsor.  It is an ecumenical program of the Church of the Brethren.  For a catalog of gifts and crafts from third world countries write:  SERRV, Self-Help Handcrafts, 500 Main St., Box 365, New Windsor, MD 21776, or call (800) 423-0071.

Thanks to the Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America for help with some of the above ideas.

From The Supplies Coordinator

Hi, my name is Pam Pinney and I'm your new supply "Coordinator".  With lots of help from Steve and Sylvia Seiden, we were ready for the men's retreat in November, but we need to restock for the women's walk in December.  The following is a list of supplies that can be brought to the Gathering or my house.

Tissues  (Lots)
Large Trash Bags
Small Dixie Cups (100 per box)
Notebook Paper (Single Sheets-lots)
Paper Towels
I also need access to a copy machine, so I don't have to charge for copies which can get expensive.  Thank You!
 
Fredericksburg Women's Walk #10
Unto Us a Child is Given

1. Alex Bonnie Ebenezer UMC Stafford, Va.
 
2. Anderson Martha Germanna Baptist Spotsylvania, Va.
 
3. Ansell Francis
 
4. Blair Doris B. Bethel UMC Woodbridge, Va.
 
5. Chittenden Sandy Woodbridge Christian Woodbridge, Va.
 
6. Clark Nancy Bethel UMC Woodbridge, Va.
 
7. Comstock Peggy Woodbridge Christian Woodbridge, Va.
 
8. Dorsey Linda Methodist Centreville, Va.
 
9. Edwards Beverly Ebenezer UMC Stafford, Va.
 
10. Epple Patti Ebenezer UMC Stafford, Va.
 
11. Fields Jackie Union Bell Baptist Falmouth, Va.
 
12. Hotz Barbara Chancellor Christian Fredericksburg, Va.
 
13. Michaliga Evelyn Rehoboth UMC Chilesburg, Va.
 
14. Nelson Becky Germanna Baptist Spotsylvania, Va.
 
15. Newcomb Elizabeth Washington Farm UMC Lorton, Va.
 
16. Olds Barbara Woodbridge Christian Woodbridge, Va.
 
17. Pascale Linda Bethel UMC Woodbridge, Va.
 
18. Robke Rose Bethel UMC Woodbridge, Va.
 
19. Scovel Thelma Ebenezer UMC Stafford, Va.
 
20. Seifeldt Brenda New Covenant Manassas, Va.
 
21. Sweeny Dianne Victory Fellowship Lorton, Va.
 
22. Todd Debbie Bethel UMC Woodbridge, Va.
 
23. Tolbert Jennifer Bethel UMC Woodbridge, Va.
 
24. Turner Debra Kempsville Church of Christ Va. Beach, Va.
 
25. Van Reenen Ronda Stafford Church of God Stafford, Va.
 
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.

****Diana Farrar requested that the person who gave her the Agape Bags at the November gathering please contact her.  She needs to speak with you.  Thanks!****

Emmaus #10 Team Assignments

Team Members Assignments Talk/Readings Day & Time
 
1. Carolyn Canaday - Table Leader Christian Action Psalms 62 Sat, 2:30 PM Thurs
 
2. Nita Cline - Weekend Lay Dir Fourth Day Sun, 2:30PM
 
3. Pat Crabill - AWLD Prayer p.11-12 Stations Thursday Fri. Nite
 
4. Vicki Henley - Asst. Table Lead Prayer p. 9-10 Changing Our World Saturday Sun, 8:50AM
 
5. Jim Luck - Spiritual Director Obstacles & Means to Grace Sat, 3:50PM Sat, 10:15AM
 
6. Mandy Luck – AWLD John 14: 1-14 Perseverance Thurs Sun, 1:30 PM
 
7. Linda Perry - Table Leader Piety Fri, 6:30PM
 
8. Brenda Ravella - Table Leader Reading: Who Me? Sun
 
9. Judy Rice - Table Leader Read: Please Hear.. Sat
 
10. Stacia Rice – AWLD James 1: 2-15 Body of Christ Thurs Sun, 10:40AM
 
11. Michelle Shortridge - Asst. Table Lead Acts 1: 1-18 Priesthood Fri Fri, 1:15PM
 
12. Diana Stevens - Asst. Table Lead Joshua 24: 14-15 Read: Lord, I have Fri Sat
 
13. Sherri Trudeau - Asst. Table Lead Prayer P. 8 Discipleship Fri Sat, 8:10PM
 
14. Jeanne Warner - Table Leader Priority Fri, 9:05Am
 
15. Pat Weinhardt - Table Leader Growth Thru Study Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 Sat, 8:30AM Sat
 
16. Eva Wehrle - Music Director Decolores Story Prayer p. 10-11 Fri Thurs
 
17. Bob Woodworth - Spiritual Director Prevenient Grace Justifying Grace
Sanctifying Grace Fri, 10:45AM Fri, 2:45PM Sun, 9:45AM

Schedule of Events for Walk #10
The team of F'burg 10 invites sponsors and community participation in the following events:
When		Where			What
Thurs., 12/9/93 7:00PM	Camp Easter Seal	Pilgrim Check-In/Sponsors Hour
Sat., 12/11/93 7:45PM	Salem Baptist		Candlelight (9:30PM) - Please bring flowers
Sun., 12/12/93 3:30PM	Camp Easter Seal	Closing/Service at 4:00PM

Praise God From whom all blessings flow!
	
Prayer Wheel
Women's Weekend
December 9-12, 1993

Thursday, December 9, 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, December 10, 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, December 12, 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, December 11, 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!

What a glorious time of year this is.  A time that we wish would go on all year round, and it should, but it is our choice to be celebrating our Savior and Lord all the time.  When the angel announced to the Shepherds abiding in the field, "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good news of great joy, which shall be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord...", Suddenly there was a multitude of heavenly host (angels) praising God and saying Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward men.  There is rejoicing in the presence of the Lord which comes through prayer and commitment, praise and worship, which all of this plus, builds relationships.
To pray, and to praise which is to give glory to God that others may see who He is in your life, we need to know who this God is in our lives.  Do you know Him?
Throughout the Bible, God has names revealing a part of Himself for you...
-Elohim-Supreme God, Creator - Praise Him for being the creator of all things, heaven and earth and all that is. . .
-El Olam-Eternal God, Everlasting God - Praise Him for being there always and forever, never leaving us or forsaking us. . . 
-El Shaddai-God Almighty, All Sufficient One - Praise Him for all that He is and all that He will be, and for all that He has for you, never ever lacking. . . 
-El Elyon-Most High God - Praise Him for being all, revealing all, sharing all. . . 
He is the "Great I Am" ..."The God of Abraham"..."Lord God Almighty"..."Sovereign Lord".  He is "Adoni, Lord and Master"..."Qanna, a jealous God wanting all of your praise."  He is "Yahweh, Lord Jehovah" . . . "Our provider, Jehovah Jireh". . . "Jehovah Nissi, Our Banner" . . . "Jehovah Shalom, Our Peace". . . "Jehovah Raphe, Our Healer" . . ."Jehovah Rohi, Our Shepherd". . ."Jehovah T'Sidkenu, Our Righteousness". . . "Jehovah M'Kaddesh, Our Sanctifier" . . ."Jehovah Sabaoth, Our Lord Almighty, Lord of Hosts."  He made a way for us to Him because He loves us so much, He gave to us His only begotten Son that we would choose through Him, eternal life.  God caused the Word to become flesh and dwell among us, you and me.

PRAISE HIM!
He is "Jehavah Shammah, He is here with us".
What a joyous time of year this is!
PRAISE HIM!

With love forever praising our God,

Remember that praise is letting others see the Jesus in you as you notice Him joining you in your walk of life.

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
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

Prayers and Concerns
_Emmaus Newsletter____Tony Forstall