May 1994
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: 

	A friend sent me a wonderful little message which she thought might be "just right" to share and pass on to each of you as we approach this time of change with new members being sought for nomination to the Board of Directors.  As I read through the article I realized, as she has done, just how much this allegory could be applied to our community and the way we help one another along on our Christian walks.

This is taken from a current Guideposts, contributed by Rev. Todd H. Fast, Sr.:

*In spring geese head north flying in a V formation.  As each bird flaps its wings, it reduces wind resistance and cuts an easier path for the bird immediately following, allowing the flock to cover a greater distance on the thrust of one another.

Basic Truth #1:  People who have a common direction and sense of community get where they are going quicker and easier because they travel on the thrust of another.

*When a goose moves out of formation, it feels the difficulty of trying to go it alone and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the power of the bird immediately in front.

Basic Truth #2:  If we have as much sense as a goose, we will stay in formation with those who are heading the same way.

*When the lead goose gets tired, it drops back in formation, and another goose flies point.

Basic Truth #3:  It pays to take turns doing hard jobs.

*The geese following honk to encourage those in front to keep up their speed.

Basic Truth #4:  Leaders need support to keep them going.

FINAL TRUTH:  By observing God's hand in nature,  we can gain some basic truths for ourselves.

There are many ways to serve in the community.  One way is serving on the Board of Directors.  Prayerfully consider the possibility.  We serve the Lord in many ways. . . our talents are varied and the needs are great.	

Acts 20: 32-35 . . ."The Lord said, it is more blessed to give than to receive."
	
	Another glorious weekend has been completed, Emmaus #11.  The Lord moved among the pilgrims and team and miracles happened!  The women's team for Emmaus #12 are preparing for their weekend May 19-22.  Please keep them in your prayers as they serve the Lord.

	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.  It is important that we remember our walk and what the walk is suppose to accomplish.  The following excerpt from the Emmaus Handbook, written by Stephen Bryant, 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 re-explained through fifteen talks and discussions, addressing important aspects of God's grace and Christian discipleship.

Grace is re-experienced 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 and 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 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 if not fully realized during the three days of the Walk, but rather in 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.

Paul tells us that the early Christians set a marvelous example.  Before they gave anything material to the Lord, they "first gave their ownselves".  Let us pray that our commitment be like theirs!

Ask yourself:  How much of my life, time, energy and resources am I giving to Christ to be used as He wants it to be used?

Father, we ask that you guide us and help us dedicate ourselves to share completely so all people might know God's love in Christ.

De Colores,

Kathryn Morris

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ!

The next ladies Walk to Emmaus is fast approaching!  The registrar has invited 36 special sisters to come on Emmaus #12, to whom we will minister with the love of our Lord.  They will see His face and they will learn about His grace.   We are honored to be His hands, feet and voice.

Each one of you can help show God's love to these pilgrims.  Your prayers help empower us and strengthen us (sign up with Angel Fulkerson 490-6499).  You can be a Cha (contact Steve Seiden 659-8953), write agape letters (get them to a member of the team for distribution), donate needed items to the trunks (contact Pam Pinney 659-7369), color placemats or make agape bags (contact me 372-7535).  Do you see how important you are to the Emmaus weekend experience?  Christ is counting on us.

The Holy Spirit is present in the teaming process and in the weekend.  Praise God for all His gifts to us!  Each sister that is serving on the team is a gift; you who are serving Him through the weekend, in the community and in your churches, are a gift.

In Christ's love,

Diana Farrar
Weekend Lay Director #12
"Carved On The Palm of His Hand"

HOW WILL YOU SERVE? HERE ARE MORE NEEDS!

We need you help!  After the Women's Walk #12, the community will be in need of a new Supplies Coordinator.  The coordinator is responsible for storing the trunks used on the weekend as well as making sure that all supplies in the trunks are sufficient for the weekends.  If you are interested in this position, please contact a board member.

Also, Sylvia Sieden is looking for some folks interested in helping in the kitchen for the Chrysalis weekend.  She has put together some menus and a list of cooking supplies but she need others to help pull everything together so our beautiful Butterflies can eat on their weekend.  If you can serve in this way, please call Sylvia at (703) 659-8953.

The Next Fredericksburg Emmaus Gathering
	Where:	
Hopewell United Methodist Church
	Why:	Worship and Fellowship

	When:	6:00 PM,  May 14, 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:	Carolyn Byram
	Fourth Day Speaker:	Butch Cover
	Child Care:	The Klingenstiens
*Please bring light refreshments at this time.

The Board will meet on May 14, 1994 at 4PM.  

Mark your calendars now for the June Gathering.
Date:  June 11, 1994
Time:  6:00 PM
Place:  Peace 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!

	June 11, 1994	Peace UMC*
	  *Day of Deeper Understanding    1-4 pm
	July 9, 1994	Peace UMC

Next Newsletter Deadline is May 20, 1994

Upcoming Weekends Dates

Weekend	Dates
Tidewater (women)	12-15 May 1994
F'burg Emmaus Women's 12	19-22 May 1994
Sonshine #6 (women)	19-22 May 1994
Loundon Valley #5 (men)	19-22 May 1994
Southside Virginia #7 (men)	26-29 May 1994
Richmond #26 (women)	  2-5   June 1994
Loundon Valley #6 (women)	  2-5   June 1994
National Capital #60 (women)	  2-5   June 1994
Southside Virginia #8 (women)	  9-12 June 1994
Highlands of Virginia (men)	 14-17 July 1994
Highlands of Virginia (women)	 21-24 July 1994
Richmond #27 (men)	  8-11 Sept 1994
Richmond  #28 (women)	13-16  Oct  1994
Sonshine #7 (men)  	 20-23 Oct  1994
Sonshine #8 (women)	  3-6    Nov 1994
F'burg Emmaus Men's 13	  3-6    Nov 1994
F'burg Emmaus Women's 14	  8-11  Dec 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

Hello and praise our Lord Jesus Christ!

	God awaits your prayers to Him, He waits on you to come to Him and He has given you a way . . . through Jesus, His only Son.

	Jesus waits on you to talk with the Father.  He asks; "Could you not tarry one hour?"

	I, as well as others have asked of you and now, the choice is yours.

Will You Pray?

	For God alone my soul waits in silence. Psalm 62:1

Lord of Deep Quietness
Now, with none near
I bring to Thy silence
All whom I hold dear.

All those who are jostled
And deafened by sin
Losing in loudness
Thy presence within.

Lord, touch with Thy calmness
Each clamorous heart
Receiving them into
This peace where Thou art.

O let this joyous
Deep silence of prayer
Hush now with it's wonder
All hearts everywhere

	Dear Father in heaven, in reverent awe we praise Thee for the enriching fellowship of prayer.  We thank Thee for the privilege of praying for those who are especially dear to us, and for those who are in need of your healing presence and restoring power.  Help us always, Lord, to pray with purity of purpose, with fervent spirits and responsible hearts for our friends, our enemies, and for all people.  In Jesus name.  Amen.

	The Word tells me to draw near to Him and He will draw near to me.  I love you and am always seeking the face of my Father in heaven.

Prayerfully Yours,
With Love Forever in Christ' s Service,

Fredericksburg Emmaus #12 "Carved on The Palm of His Hand"
May 19-22, 1994

Thursday May 19, 1994
 6 am. Jon Palm
 7 pm. Patty Medeiros
 7 am. Tony Forstall
 8 pm. Laura Brooks
 8 am. Steve Seiden
 9 pm. Nancy Clark
 9 am. Vicki Henley
 10 pm. Larry Garfield
 10 am. Bill Henley
 11 pm. Sylvia Seiden
 11 am. Albirta Lootens
 Midnight Butch Cover
 Noon
 
 Friday May 20, 1994
 1 pm. Sonny Thompson
 1 am. Robert Fulkerson
 2 pm. Evelyn Michaliga
 2 am. Darrell Bennett
 3 pm. Ken Koy
 3 am. 
 4 pm. Sharon Powell
 4 am. Dianne Sweeny
 5 pm. 
 5 am. Roger Todd
 6 pm. Heather Thompson
 6 am. Jon Palm
 7 pm.
 7 am. Tony Forstall
 8 pm. Michelle Shortridge
 8 am. Maurice Kniceley
 9 pm.
 9 am. Debbie Tidel
 10 pm. Garland Hanks
 10 am. Earl Thompson
 11 pm. Pat & Pete Crabill
 11 am. Gerry Michaliga
 Midnight 
 
 Noon Bill Perry
 Sunday May 22, 1994
 1 pm. Ron Bennett
 1 am. Robert Fulkerson
 2 pm. Bob Woodworth
 2 am. 
 3 pm. Debbie Todd
 3 am. 
 4 pm. Patty Medeiros
 4 am. 
 5 pm. Marv Casterline
 5 am. Eddie Rice
 6 pm. Michelle Payne
 6 am. Jon Palm
 7 pm. Jeff Wainwright
 7 am. Joan St. Ours
 8 pm. Bob Lootens
 8 am. Roger Todd
 9 pm. Dennis Perkins
 9 am. Carolyn Byram
 10 pm. Susan Perkins
 10 am. Iva-Laura Self
 11 pm. Steve Seiden
 11 am. Frances Ansell

 Midnight Bob Glisson
 Noon Linda Perry
 
 Saturday May 21, 1994
 1 pm.
 1 am. Carol Bennett
 2 pm.
 2 am. Darrell Bennett
 3 pm.
 3 am.
 4 pm.
 4 am.
 5 pm.
 5 am. Roger Todd
 6 pm. Heather Thompson

"Craved On The Palm of His Hand"
Emmaus #12 Pilgrims

 Last Name First Name Church City, State
 
  1. Bass Tena Ebenezer Stafford, VA.
 
  2. Briggs Terri Ebenezer Stafford, VA
 
  3. Brookover Eleanor Register Chapel UMC Stafford, Va.
 
  4. Buikema Kathy Chancellor Christian Fredericksburg, VA
 
  5. Carlson Carol Lutheran VA. Beach, Va.
 
  6. Cianelli Debbie Woodbridge Christian Woodbridge, VA
 
  7. Denas Mary-Ann Crown of Life Falmouth, VA
 
  8. Dietz Heather Ebenezer UMC Stafford, VA.
 
  9. Edsall Gena Bethel UMC Woodbridge, VA
 
 10. Ellis Ruth First Baptist Church Alexandria, VA
 
 11. Epple Patti Ebenezer Stafford, VA
 
 12. Garns Eva Marie Comm Tabernacle Assembly of God Front Royal, VA
 
 13. Hall Kay Bethel UMC Woodbridge, VA
 
 14. Hranek Kim Riverview Baptist Woodbridge, Va.
 
 15. James Gloria Mt. Zion Baptist Fredericksburg, Va.
 
 16. Jewell Anne New Life in Christ Fredericksburg, VA.
 
 17. Kellison Diann Tabernacle UMC Spotsylvania, VA
 
 18. Lamb Nancy Bethel UMC Woodbridge, VA
 
 19. Libby Pat Bethel UMC Woodbridge, VA
 
 20. McArthur Lori Woodbridge Christian Woodbridge, VA.
 
 21. McKeever Cecelia Bethel UMC Woodbridge, VA
 
 22. Meredith Martha Burke UMC Burke, VA
 
 23. Moore Susan Rehoboth UMC Chilesburg, VA
 
 24. Morgenstern Sandra Christ Fellowship Fredericksburg, VA.
 
 25. O' Dell Betty Chancellor Christian Fredericksburg, VA
 
 26. Palm Jessie Crown of Life Fellowship Falmouth, VA
 
 27. Pascale Linda Bethel UMC Woodbridge, VA.
 
 28. Peterson Cheryl New Life Community Falmouth, VA.
 
 29. Phelan Laura Chancellor Christian Fredericksburg, VA
 
 30. Skistimas Linda VA Beach Baptist VA Beach, VA
 
 31. Thompson Emily Crown of Life Fellowship Falmouth, VA
 
 32. Tolbert Ellen Holy Comforter Lutheran Church Washington, DC
 
 33. William Linda Ann Presbyterian Stafford, VA.
 
 34. Wilson Stephanie Bethel UMC Woodbridge, VA
 
 35. Winston Pat St. Stephens Baptist St. Stephens Church, VA 
 
 36. Wood Vivian Bethel UMC Woodbridge, VA

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 God's spirit filling His people and for people willing to be His hands, feet & voice
Mid- aged Mom found a job right for her and a new man
Praise for families and friends who help and support your decisions
Praise for Brain's leadership in music
Praise for Brian Long and Michelle Payne's engagement
Robert got A & B honor roll: this 9 weeks
Jeremy Farrar tied his soccer scrimage
Praise and continued prayers for National Capital #58
Praise and continued prayers for Emmaus  #12 team and pilgrims

Prayers and Concerns
Families under stress
Children away from home
Money problems
Church growth - the lost to be found
For abused children
For those around us to set appropriate priorities
Peace and joy for Nita Cline as she returns to Canada
For God's will to done in Lianna's life (Seiden's foster child)
For Steve as he visits his son Vince and granddaughter Jinell, that the Lord will heal their relationship
For my husband to focus on God
For Spiritual Directors to come forward to sit on the Fredericksburg Board of Directors
All missionaries the world over
Don Baker - 2nd back surgery in one month
Family of Annie Henry
Tom Stanton that he may find the true meaning of life through Jesus Christ
Family of Matt Hearl who committed suicide
Healing for Nancy Graver and strength for family
Maclom's are moving
Kathryn's mother, Marie Miles who is ill
Robert - Janine Davies father - operation
Kevin Erisman, Jr. - juvenille diabetic
Ruth Ellis undergoing chemo treatments
Terrey family as they prepare to move to India to preach the Word of God
Ryan Matzuk - realization of God
Shannon Jones - freedom from oppression
Christa Fore
Bob & Joy Woodworth - health and moving

Emmaus Newsletter____Tony Forstall,