March 1994
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.

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	Wow! Can you believe this weather?  Thanks to all of the Board Members who attended the regularly scheduled Board Meeting.  And, for those of you who braved the elements to come to the Gathering at Woodbridge Christian Church, it was really great to see you!  Our host church certainly made us feel welcome and had the ice pushed back as far as possible to enable easy entry into the lot and church!  We missed the rest of you brothers and sisters and look forward to seeing you at Woodbridge Christian Church on March 12th at our next scheduled Gathering.

Acts 20: 32-35 . .  "The Lord said, it is more blessed to give than to receive".

	We should be making plans for the upcoming Walks.  The men's Walk will be March 24-27 and the women's Walk will be May 19-22, 1994.  The men have started the teaming process.  The women are looking for team members.  Please give prayerful consideration to serving.  Both teams are taking applications for pilgrims for the weekend, so be sure to consider the responsibilities of sponsorship.  Then give the gift that keeps on giving to someone in your church.  Remember, that gift is Jesus.

	Let us continue to keep the purpose of Emmaus in the forefront of our hearts and minds, and continue to learn how that purpose can be met.  Last month we discussed Sponsorship.  This month's topic is Team Formation.  All information is taken from The Upper Room Handbook of Emmaus.  As the months continue, more information will be provided which will help you understand more fully how our community can continue to grow strong in the Lord.  Each month will be new, so feel free to pull out these portions which can be kept for future reference.

	It is important that we remember our Walk and what the walk is suppose to accomplish.  So I will again provide the following excerpt from the Emmaus Handbook written by Stephen Bryant.  This information is a wonderful way to tell prospective Pilgrims about the Walk.

	"Luke 24: 13-35.  This is the resurrection story and illustrates what happens for pilgrims on their Walk.

	Our faith is reexplained through fifteen talks and discussions, addressing important aspects of God's grace and Christian discipleship.

	Grace is reexperienced through rich worship services, daily Holy Communion, the support of a caring Christian community, and other expressions of God's love.

	Christian community is realized.  On the Walk, people live in Christian community for three days and have opportunities to share fun-filled moments as well as serious moments, small group discussions, common meals, singing, worship and communion.

	The Body of Christ is renewed.  After the Walk, discipleship is sustained through strong follow-up which is called Fourth Day.  This emphasis involves participation in  church and in small support groups for encouragement, guidance and accountability."

	As you all know, the purpose of Emmaus is the renewal of the Church.  The purpose of Emmaus is not fully realized during the three days of the Walk, but rather the Fourth Day.  Those of us whose spiritual lives have been renewed and strengthened are called to share the grace we've received with our community and local churches.  We share this grace by participating in group reunions, Gatherings, sponsorship and support of Walks, and service on teams.

	Lord, encourage us by Your Spirit to plant the seed of God's Word in all the world.

De Colores,

Kathryn Morris

Upcoming Fredericksburg Walks

Fredericksburg Men's Walk #11 coming March 24-27 and Women's Walk # 12 coming May 19-22 are fast approaching; how will you serve?  Would you like to team for the women's walk or sponsor a pilgrim for either walk, if so, get those applications in NOW!  If it is not possible for you to do the above , can you help in any of these other ways:

	BE A CHA	Call Steve Seiden  659-8953
	Purposely Pray (Prayer Wheel)	Call Angel Fulkerson 490-6499
	Bake Goodies	Call Stacia Rice (804) 769-2368
	Make Agape Bags or Placemats	Call Diana Farrar 372-7537
	Donate Supplies	Call Pam Pinney 659-7369

The Next Fredericksburg Emmaus Gathering
	Where:	Woodbridge Christian Church 	Why:	Worship and Fellowship

	When:	6:00 PM,  March 12, 1994
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:	Brenda Shreve
	Fourth Day Speaker:	Abby Ravella
	Child Care:	Earl and Betty Gray Thompson
*Please bring light refreshments at this time.

The Board will meet on March 12, 1994 at 2PM.  The Chairman will be providing a light lunch for board members at this meeting.

Mark your calendars now for the April Gathering.
Date:  April 9, 1994
Time:  6:00 PM
Place:  Hopewell United Methodist Church

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!

	April 9, 1994	Hopewell UMC
	May 14, 1994	Hopewell UMC

Upcoming Weekends

 Dates

Weekend	Dates
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

Next Newsletter deadline is March 18, 1994!

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
 
 Tuesday @10:00AM
 Brenda Sunderlin' Home
 Brenda Sunderlin
659-3975
 427 Telegraph Rd
Stafford, Va.
 
 Wednesday @ 8:00 PM
 Sammy T's in rear
 Joe May
 Caroline Street in F'burg

BOARD MEMBERS NEEDED

We recently had two board members step down.  They are Bill Klingenstien and Joe May.  We are seeking people to complete their terms.  The Elections Nomination Committee are seeking people to serve on the board for those who will "cycle" off after their year of service.  Please prayerfully consider placing their names in nomination.  Further details will be announced at the Gathering.

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 gift equally.

Pilgrims
Fredericksburg Men #11
March 24-27, 1994

1. Gino Cianelli Woodbride Christian
 
2. Curt Edsall Bethal UMC
 
3. George Hotz Chancellor Christian
 
4. Dave Kellison Tabernacle UMC
 
5. Tom O'Dell Chancellor Christian
 
 At this time these are the only men we have confirmed to attend this walk.  Please get those pilgrim application in today!!!  Mail them to this address:  Emmaus P.O. Box 972 Stafford, Va.  22555.

Emmaus #11 Team Assignments

Team Members Assignments Talk/Readings Day & Time
 
1. Ron Bennett - Table Leader Acts 1: 1-8 Please Hear What I'm not Saying Fri AM Sat
 
2. Thom Chittenden - Table Leader Changing Our World John 14-1-14 Sun AM Thursday
 
3. Edwin Clever - Spiritual Dir Prevenient Grace Friday AM

4. Gary Farrar - AWLD Psalm 51: 10-17 Saturday
 
5. Tony Forstall - Spiritual Dir and Music Means to Grace Sat, AM
 
6. Larry Garfield - Weekend Lay Dir Perseverance Sun, 1:30 PM
 
7. Bill Henley - Table Leader James 1: 2-15 Who Me? Thurs evening Sun morn
 
8. Allen King - Table Leader Growth Thru Study Stations of Cross Sat AM Fri Evening
 
9. Maurice Knicely - Table Leader Discipleship Prayer 1 John 1: 5-9 Sat PM
Thurs evening Sat afternoon
 
10. Frank Lootens - Table Leader Lord I Have Time Sat. morn
 
11. John Lootens - Table Leader Priesthood of all Eccl. 3: 1-15 Fri afternoon Sat morn
 
12. Joe May - AWLD and Music  
 
13. Larry Morganstern - Table Leader Priority Prayer Fri morn Sat morn
 
14. Glenn Simmons - Table Leader Life in Piety Prayer Fri night Thurs evening
 
15. Bill Sissions - Spiritual Dir
 
16. Bill Smith - Spiritual Dir Justifying Grace Fri afternoon
 
17. Jim Smith - Table Leader Body of Christ Joshua 24: 14-14 Romans 8: 31-39 Sun
Fri morn Sat morn
 
18. Bill Sweeny - Table Leader Prayer Stations of the Cross Friday AM Second Voice
Friday PM
 
19. Earl Thompson - AWLD and Music Fourth Day Reader Sunday Thursday PM
 
20. Richard Warner - Table Leader Christian Action and Prayer Saturday and Thursday PM
 
Schedule of Events for Walk #11
The team of F'burg 11 invites sponsors and community participation in the following events:
When		Where			What
Thurs., 3/24/94 7:00PM	Camp Easter Seal	Pilgrim Check-In/Sponsors Hour
Sat., 3/26/94 7:45PM	Salem Baptist		Candlelight (9:30PM) - Please bring flowers
Sun., 3/27/94 3:30PM	Camp Easter Seal	Closing/Service at 4:00PM

Hello and praise our Lord Jesus Christ!

	As I sit here and ponder on the past few weeks and on what it is exactly that I want to write to you this month, I realize the growing importance of prayer in my life.  The need for it is always growing and the relationship with God, my Father in heaven must grow also.  It is in knowing that He will guide me into the way of truth, the way that is right . . .
	There is such a need for godly people in authority, but exactly what god are they serving, and who is serving these people in authority? Oh, the questions!  Those people in authority that are serving the Most High God should be hearing His voice leading them, and they should also have people serving them that would also hear the voice of God in their place if necessary, always undergirding one another in prayer and serving in love.  All through the Bible, we read of those who were in authority and were undergirded by another who would not only serve them but if they would stray off the wrong way at times, they would correct them.  Jesus, being the greatest of all servants was also the King of all kings to which every knee will bow and every tongue confess . . . He is Lord!  The greatest of all authority is also the servant to all.  Where do we receive guidance to be such a servant?  Jesus gave us the Holy Spirit, a person of  Trinity.  The Father in heaven knows and gives the Word . .  will  we choose to adhere?
	I have always had a burning desire to undergird those in authority, especially pastors.  People want so badly to put them down because they don't quite measure up, or they make too much money or . . .  What are you doing as far as your place in serving the Lord, and those in authority over you?  A man in the school board here locally , a man of authority, recently told me that there are Christians and then there are Christians.  Another man told me, "I am a Christian, but I sure can't figure out what religion you are".  Then, there was the one who told me that he was a part of a very spiritual group and I could come see for myself.  Well, I did and they were a house divided against themselves and will certainly fail unless they come together with the will of the Most High God.  We cannot call ourselves Christians but as we walk our walk and allow our relationship to grow, others will see our light so shine and come to glorify our Father in heaven. . .  and they will call us Christians.  We need to not be so spiritual that we are untouchable.  Jesus is the way made to each of us to come to the Father.  The Bible tells us that the traditions of men make the Word of God of no effect.  Will we be so traditional in our beliefs that we cancel out the blessings of God to flow?  We are saved by grace and it is by love that we will become all that God has called us to.
	How can we learn to walk in this love and not in the law?  How can we flow in this grace which has been made.  We need to read the Word and pray and believe.  Soon, you will find that He is always there for you, never leaving you nor forsaking you.  He will show you the way, warn you of things to come and show you a way that is easy, but you must choose first to trust and obey, love and pray and to be a servant to all.

Let us not neglect so great a gift! Amen with love forever in Christ's service,

Praise, Joys, and Concerns

The list below is taken from last month’s 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

Praise for a safe visit and warm memories with Grandparents here last week
Joy for David Pinney's parents who both celebrated their birthdays Feb. 11-12.

Prayers and Concerns
Garry Epple's family
Sandy's Mom- eye surgery (2/16/94)
Area Churches
The Shaw family
Kenny Erisman in hospital
Rutherford Smith - recovering for heart attack, stroke, & bypass
Kathryn's Mom - (Marie Miles) in rehab hospital in St. Louis, Mo.
June Murphy - critical condition in N.Y. hospital (hit by a snow plow)
Colin Murphy - (deceased 2/12/83 mother)
Janet Dunn's healing
Continued Spiritual growth of the Emmaus community
Those experiencing death of a loved one
For our son and for a positive treatment/progress for him
Fredericksburg #11 and #12
Jeremy Lootens -  for direction and heart for the Lord
Trevor Ansell -  that his wrist heals properly
Andell Womack family - love for and directions to the Lord
Olds - Both daughters wrists
Barb's safe return from travel
Todd's - preparation for move to Texas
Ivan's drug problem
Jacob Shaw
2/19 - 2/26 - Prayer for Bogata mission team (VBS & Prison ministry)

ney's parents who both celebrated their birthdays Feb. 11-12.

Prayers and Concerns
Garry Epple's family
Sandy's Mom- eye surgery (2/16/94)
Area Churches
The Shaw family
Kenny Erisman in hospital

Emmaus Newsletter____Tony Forstall