On Saturday, Nov. 14th we had 39 adults and several children gather together to share a meal and an evening of fellowship. Bear Nadolson blessed us with an opening prayer. After our meal, Bob and Marsha Carrizzo lead us through our prayers and praises. Marsha lifted these up in prayer and then we joined together in saying the Lord's Prayer.

Tim Dillard welcomed everyone, especially the Providence group for continuing to join us. Tim then read the names of all those who attended Walks in 2009.

Emmaus Walk #160:

Providence/John Shafer; 

Grace/Bill Nelson, Larry Oldham, Jim Braun, Trey McCampbell and Willy Dimitroff.

Emmaus Walk #161:

Providence/Karen Shafer;

Grace/Wilma Nelson, Mindy Oldham, Valerie Braun, Krista McCampbell, Tamara Dimitroff

Emmaus Walk #162:

Providence/Jeff Jackson and J.C. Yates

Providence/Becky Yates

no one

Deb Dillard gave Emmaus lapel pins to all the new pilgrims that were in attendance. This is a tradition we began for our community members last year.

They were all warmly welcomed. Tim then asked those present to stand if they had sponsored a pilgrim or worked on a team, in the kitchen, etc in 2009. Their service and sacrifies were acknowledged was praise by all. He also introduced Patty Corlew, of Grace, a current Emmaus Board member. Charlie Greer was also mentioned, that he will be ending his three year term as a board member this December. Patty Corlew reminded everyone to vote for new board members before December 1. Ballots can be found at nashvilleemmaus.org website under the newsletter tab, then look under recent edition for ballot. (The ballot has also been attached below).

Discussion followed:

 ~The question was raised if childcare was needs for our get togethers. Many present thought it would be helpful for many parents that would like to attend but needed sitters. This is something we will be planning on for future meeting.

 ~Rev. Brown announced a meeting will be held on Nov. 30 at 7pm at Picket Rucker for anyone interested in assisting those needing help at the Timberline Park. (If you would like more information contact Rev. Brown/Grace UMC, check the story recently in the Mt. Juliet newspaper)

 ~Brett Karstens invited all men present to come and bring a friend to attend the next session of "The Quest for Authentice Manhood". This is held on Monday mornings at 6:00 am in the Grace UMC sanctuary. Contact Luther Clemons for details at 482-3373. The number of men attending has been growing every week and they highly recommend others joining them.

 ~An invitation to the next Ablaze worship service was given to come and Rock Out and Reach Out. It will be held on Saturday, November 21 at 5pm at Grace UMC in the sanctuary. Come as you are, toddler nursery available!

 

Tim then reviewed our five community goals:

He did a review of some of the steps of sponsorship and thanked those present who had sponsored someone in the past. He encouraged everyone to consider sponsoring someone and to contact him if they had any questions about the process. (forms and information are listed else where on this website).

The group then shared the names of prospective pilgrims and agreed to communicate with them about Emmause and pray for their decisions to attend.

(A new page will list these prospective pilgrims).

Bullentin Board - Wilma and Bill Nelson, will be taking care of the Grace UMC Emmaus news board. They are requesting members to share photos from past walks, reunion groups, etc. They will see that dates and literature is available on the board.

Communications - David Lawrence, gave the address for the website http://sites.google.com/site/graceumcemmaus

He discussed further plans for the website, which will include changing it from being accessable to everyone, to only community members and as a link to the Grace UMC website (Deb hopes to get that done by the 1st of December). David hopes to update some of the photos to include Providence members as well. Everyone was encouraged to share any 4th day stories or spiritual messages on the site. (please see message from Becky Yates at 4th day stories). Anyone who does not want their email address shared with others should contact David or Deb Dillard immediately to have it removed. Information given is assumed to be available for sharing.

Chrysalis - Currently we have no liaison person. Patty Corlew shared with the group that applications should be gotten in early. That Flights will be held in January on Martin Luther King weekend and in February on President's weekend.

Tim thanked all of those who have been providing table agape for the Walks.

Due to the increase in Reunion Groups doing agape we will no longer be doing agape from our community as a whole. Thanks to the Corlews and Lois Knox for doing this in the past.

~Ed Johnson explained that his reunion group are the one's that provide the roses for the women's walks. This is an expensive gift that they enjoy doing and would welcome any other reunion group that would like to join them in this blessing.

Every member should try to promote Emmaus where ever possible. Grace UMC members are asked to wear their crosses on Communion Sundays as well as the Sunday's before a walk begins. Deb Dillard will get the name of pilgrims to Wilda for the bulletin the Sunday before Walks so that Rev. Brown can invite them to the alter for prayer. All members are invited to join them during that time. This will be a powerful presence to the congretion to see everyone who has attended Emmaus praying who those about to go on a Walk.

Bob and Marsha Carrizzo of Providence had some ideas that they wanted to discuss with Rev. Armstrong about doing to promote Emmaus at their services.

A signup sheet was in back of the room for those wanting a group. Deb will be updating the reunion groups on the website. (You can contact her with your group informatin if it is not listed.)

Tim reviewed the need for members to join reunion groups to stay connected.

Review:

Tim asked everyone:

1. to be sponsors and pray for prospective pilgrims.

2. remember Chrysalis Flights in Jan. and Feb.

4th Day:

Instead of a 4th day speaker, Tim discuss the meaning of agape letters and how important they were on our Walks. He shared how one special letter effected him and was a memorable moment for him. It was a special time of sharing memories, joys and blessings. Many were moved by the experience.

Communion:

Rev. Ron Brown lead us in a sweet communion service and shared with us the message that "You Our Loved By God". Keith Burgess gently lead the community in soft precious songs as we took communion. Keith then shared one of his favorite songs, 'I feel Jesus', by Carmen.

Tim thanked everyone for coming and asked Becky Yates to give a benediction to send us on our way. She closed with a beautiful prayer for us all.

 

I hope I haven't left anything our, but I probably have.

Until next time, De Colores,

Deb