|
Heart
of Carolina Emmaus Newsletter
Volume
6, Number 3 July 2006
From
Your Spiritual Director
 You
say DaVinci and I’ll say De Leché
(with my coffee). I
just happen to like coffee more than history or conspiracy theories.
My wife read the Da Vinci Code and I saw the movie.
After Judy shared with me her experience reading the book, which
was a good one, and me seeing the movie, which was a bad one, one
thing’s for sure- I’ll
stick with de leché (with my coffee) rather then Da Vinci.
You see, for me coffee is a spiritual experience and conspiracy
theories, although fun, seems to draw in all sorts of controversy that
is not reconciling, but is divisive.
Now I know it doesn’t
need to be, but it is the nature of the beast.
Oops, was that Freudian? But
take coffee, or the beverage that
suits you best; add a little conversation and ambiance, and presto, you
have relationship on some level of entry.
I am sure that I have done as much ministry over a cup of coffee,
dulce de leché or just straight up, as in a committee meeting or even
preaching a sermon. I think
this is the beauty of Reunion Groups.
As I look at the Reunion Groups on our HOC Emmaus Web Page, it is
obvious to me that a lot of ministry and Christian nurture is being done
in homes and restaurants, probably over a cup of beverage, good
conversation, prayer, affirmation, and accountability.
Now, I’m not saying
this can’t be done without
coffee or soda, or your beverage of choice, but somehow
it helps out in the journey of holy conferencing.
So if you enjoy the Da Vinci Code, I say, wonderful.
But if you are not in a Reunion Group I encourage you to find
one, join, and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea de leché, or just the milk
of human kindness with a group who will love you unconditionally.
Peace,
Bryan
From Your Lay Directors
At this time of year Pentecost reminds us of the powerful work of
the Holy Spirit in our midst. No
where is it more evident than during a Walk – we continue to be amazed
and to give thanks. With
grateful hearts may we individually and as a Community strive to bear
the fruit of the Spirit who has so richly blessed us – love, joy,
peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and
self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
In electing new members for the HOC Board of Directors, may each
of us prayerfully consider the candidates in light of these attributes
and follow through by sending in a ballot.
May Christ continue to “count” on each of us as we serve Him
in our local churches and communities as well as in HOC Emmaus.
In addition to electing new Board members, the HOC Board asks
that you also prayerfully consider the following by-laws change that
addresses the point at which newly elected Board members take office:
Article V section 5C “terms of office shall end and begin
effective with the : September
Board meeting” would be changed to “terms of office shall end and
begin with the January
Board meeting”.
The
Board of Directors voted unanimously to bring this to you for the
following reasons:
*The
time from September through December can be used to mentor new Board
members so they are more familiar with the work area responsibilities
and are fully prepared to provide optimum coverage for upcoming Walks.
Currently, Board members come on board in mid-September with from
one to three weeks to be prepared to support September and October
Walks. Some work areas have
complex responsibilities that are difficult to “learn” in so short a
time. We believe the teams
and pilgrims would be better served if persons assuming new
responsibilities could observe the actual “behind the scenes” work
during one set of Walks before assuming full responsibility.
In addition, the November meeting would be a time when current
Board members and newly elected Board members could work together to
provide more continuity.
*Our
treasurer tells us that it would simplify financial record keeping and
reporting if we aligned our financial year with the Federal tax year.
*The
Upper Room Emmaus is on a January to January calendar.
We would need to have our Letter of Agreement signed and read
twice a year if we are on a different calendar.
While this is do-able, it does take additional Community time at
a Gathering.
*Clergy
members have suggested that September is a challenging time to consider
taking on new responsibilities since this is a time of new beginnings
for church programming. This
is especially true for pastors who have moved in July.
If you
have questions or would like to discuss this with us, our phone number
is on the back of this newsletter. We
have appreciated the questions
and suggestions we have received from many of you and continue to
welcome your input.
DeColores!
David and Lee Heathcoat.
R
& R Tracks-From the Editors
Greetings
in Christ!
We don't know about y'all, but summertime is usually a killer for
us! This summer is no exception. We have 2 daughters going on mission
trips, our family's vacation to the Outer Banks, extra responsibilities
with the summer Walks, marching band camp and fundraisers, and two other
family trips during weekends! All
the while we have the obligation to keep straight the priorities of our
lives, live according
to the example of Christ, and to glorify God in all things.
With the busy lives that all of us have with church, family,
school, and careers, it is sometimes hard to keep everything in line!
But we can take heart! No
matter how busy our lives get, Christ is always with us, even when we
fall short of His glory. However,
He expects us to realize our mistakes and make changes.
With this season of vacations, sun, and fun, we challenge
everyone (and ourselves, especially) to maintain the right relationship
with God. After all,
"Christ is Counting on You!"
On the order of some business:
This special edition of the newsletter is a challenge for us as
editors because this is a mass mailing to the entire community, not just
to those with snail-mail subscriptions.
The reason for this mailing is of the utmost importance:
it contains the election ballot for the new members of the Board
of Directors. Please read
this newsletter carefully and PLEASE VOTE!
This is one way for the entire community to have their voice
heard, and each vote does count! Also
inserted in this newsletter is a copy of the newsletter for the Heart of
Carolina Chrysalis community. In
addition to the ballot for the election of Chrysalis Board members, it
has a lot of information to keep our community informed of the
happenings with the youth version of this fellowship.
So-enjoy this edition and once again, please vote!
On a bittersweet note-we are approaching the conclusion of our
tenure as the newsletter editors. We
are rotating off the Board at the end of this year and we will be
advising the new Board members/editors with the fall edition.
This is to help them get accustomed to the tasks that come with
this work area.
It has been a joy, honor, and pleasure to serve as your editors
during these past couple of years. Though
we are rotating off the Board, we will continue to be an active part of
this wonderful community of faith. Have
a safe summer-we'll be seeing y'all around!
Godspeed!
Grace
and Peace,
Rusty
and Renee Rains
Luggage
and Transportation
Prayer
Chapel and 72 Hour Prayer Vigil
Ephesians 6:18 (NIV) And pray in the Spirit on all
occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be
alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
The Heart of Carolina Emmaus Walks are bathed in prayer. Even before you
decided to go on the Walk to Emmaus, people were praying for you. Now
that you have been on the Walk, you know how much it meant to you to
learn that the entire 72 hours of your Walk, people were praying for
you. You are encouraged to sign up at Gatherings or contact one of
us by email to select a time to pray for upcoming Walks.
The Conference Room team for each Walk is also bathed in prayer.
There are two ways you can pray. 1) Before each speaker enters the
conference room to give a talk, the speaker is joined by others to pray
in the Prayer Chapel. If you want to be part of this wonderful
experience, you will want to review the sign up sheet and make note of
when the speaker is scheduled to speak. Be at Short Journey 15-20
minutes prior to the time listed on the sign up sheet. 2) If you
are unable to be with the speaker in person, you may sign up to pray for
that speaker before, during, and/or after they speak. You may sign up at
Gatherings. Each speaker’s name and time is listed on the sign up
sheet. The speakers will know that you are praying for them. This is a
powerful way to be part of the Walk.
You may sign up to co-ordinate the Prayer Chapel for a given
Walk. This is a powerful experience. You will be a blessing and you will
be blessed.
Contact
Deb or Ray Murphy if you are
interested. (Ray 919-697-0494)
Deb Murphy qofe@earthlink.net
Ray Murphy ray.murphy@earthlink.net)
Remember the great food and snacks you enjoyed during your walk?
Well, it takes many of us to provide this during each walk.
We need each of you to do your part!
What a great opportunity for reunion groups or individuals to
serve behind the scenes! If
you feel led to sign-up to help serve a meal or work in the snack room,
sign-up sheets will be available at all gatherings, closings, and
follow-ups. Also, you can
contact Fred & Debbie Gossert at 919-844-4701 or e-mail
debfredg@aol.com.
Members of the Emmaus community are asked to supply the snacks
for each of the walks. We
are asking the following churches to supply these items as needed:
New Snackroom Assignments!
Vegetables,
Fruit, Cheese, & Dips:
Hollands
UMC, Westover UMC, Horne Memorial UMC, All Other Churches
Salty
Snacks, Salsa, Trail Mix & Crackers:
Edenton
Street UMC, Hayes Barton UMC, St. Francis UMC,
Glendale
Heights UMC, Mt. Sylvan UMC
Candy
and Nuts:
Garner
UMC, St. Luke UMC (Sanford),
First UMC
Cary
Fruit Drinks & Soft Drinks:
Fuquay-Varina
UMC,
Nashville
UMC,
White Memorial Presbyterian
Baked Goods:
Gateway
Community, Fremont UMC, White Plains UMC,
St.
Andrews UMC, Benson UMC,
Elevation UMC
Low Fat & Sugar Free Snacks:
Millbrook
UMC, Apex UMC,
Wake
Forest
UMC
Sponsors:
Please
bring a snack and a drink. We are especially in need of more fruit,
vegetable trays, and homemade baked goods.
Be advised that cash donations are welcome if you don’t have
time to shop or bake. We can
use the funds to purchase snacks as needed.
After collecting the 12 letters, the sponsor should write Sponsor
or S #1 through # 12 in the postage stamp area of the envelopes.
This will ensure that the main 12 letters are included in the
packet.All other letters received will be given to the sponsor to give
to the pilgrim after closing.
Those of us who experienced God’s love in a powerful way on the
Walk to Emmaus want everyone to have the opportunity to attend.
A few years ago, the Heart of Carolina received a generous
contribution for our scholarship / financial aid fund.
Due to MANY requests for financial assistance since this
donation, the fund is almost completely depleted.
If you are sponsoring a candidate, please ask for financial
assistance ONLY if a financial need exists.
Some sponsors pay the entire cost of their pilgrim; many pay at
least the application fee. If
you, as sponsor, are unable to do this, please check with your church
since many churches have funds available for this purpose.
Please consider donating to our Financial Aid Fund Contributions
can be made at our Gatherings, Apostolic Hours, Send-offs, and Closings
or by contacting our treasurer, Faye
Cress at 919.552.0713. We
will also gladly accept donations mailed with applications.
In
Service,
Sponsorship Training
As required by the Upper Room, your Heart of Carolina Emmaus Board of Directors
established a plan to equip this community for the most important job in
serving future pilgrims - Sponsorship.
Although this training has been offered by other means in the
past, there are indications that not all sponsors are aware of the depth
of the commitment they are making.
As you know, each community member and Board Member is required
to complete a one-time sponsorship training session. Sponsors who have
not attended one of the sessions must do so prior to sponsoring pilgrims
for up-coming walks. The
short and informative session does include things that you may already
be aware of but are necessary to insure that you are fully equipped to
take responsibility for each pilgrim God places in your care.
Sponsorship is the most important of “Behind the Scenes”
roles in our community. This
training is how we believe we can best accomplish our goal to insure our
pilgrims have Good Sponsors.
The training session was established in order to train as many
community members as possible in a short period of time. We’ve worked
to make sessions available at varying times and in locations convenient
to the entire community, to local churches, and reunion groups. It is
our intent to provide this community with the needed information
Though available on the internet and through Upper Room
publication, it is most helpful to meet in a setting where specific HOC
guidelines can be discussed, and experiences can be openly shared that
may assist us all as we prayerfully seek God’s guidance in approaching
potential pilgrims. At least once a quarter, Sponsorship training will
be available prior to HOC community Gatherings.
The next session will be held at
Hollands
United
Methodist
Church
in Garner, NC on July 30, 2006 at 4 PM.
From the roll taken, the HOC Secretary is able to maintain an
up-dated list of the names and walk numbers of all who are prepared to
sponsor. Delays in the walk
application process are eliminated, and the registrars can move forward
with their duties once the requirement is met.
All Sponsors must understand the commitment they are making to
the pilgrims and to the future life of the community. Unlike Team
Training which is required annually for clergy and prior to each walk
lay members serve on, this training is a one time requirement.
As a vital member of the Heart of Carolina Emmaus Community, we
hope you will make every effort to insure the integrity of the Walk to
Emmaus by joining your Board in the commitment we have made to follow
the guidelines set forth by the UPPER Room.
Ted
& Dorothy Rogers
First
Annual Kairos
PICNIC!
Saturday
Sept. 9, 2006 11AM-4PM
Cliffs
of the
Neuse
State Park
(near
Goldsboro
)
Join
us in this beautiful setting to celebrate this wonderful ministry.
Bring your own food, drinks, and chairs. There will be singing,
sharing, group pictures, and activities for all ages.
Check
the Kairos website (www.kairosnc.org)
Snack
Room recipe
(Editors
Note: This is possibly the
most decadent and sinful recipe we have in our file!
If someone makes this cake and puts in the snack room, it will
not last very long-we guarantee it!
While it takes time to make, it's actually very easy and the
results are positively elegant.)
Hershey
Bar Cake
-1 (18.25 ounce) package Swiss or German chocolate cake mix.
-1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese- softened.
-1 cup powdered sugar .
-1/2 cup granulated sugar. .
-10 (1.5 ounce) Hershey bars with almonds, divided and chopped .
-1 (12 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed.
Prepare
cake batter according to package directions. Pour into 3 greased and
floured 8-inch round cake pans. Bake at 325º for 20 to 24 minutes or
until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on
wire racks 10 minutes. Remove from pans and cool completely on wire
racks. Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar at medium
speed until mixture is creamy. Chop
8 candy bars finely. Fold cream cheese mixture and chopped candy into
whipped topping. Spread icing between layers and on top and sides of
cake. Chop remaining 2 candy bars. Sprinkle half of chopped candy bars
over cake. Press remaining chopped candy along bottom edge of cake.
Short,
Clean, and Funny
Something
special for this special edition: two jokes for the price of one!
*A
Sunday school teacher was discussing the Ten Commandments with her five
and six year olds. After explaining the commandment to "honor
thy father and thy mother," she asked, "Is there a
commandment that teaches us how to treat our brothers and sisters?"
Without missing a beat one little boy answered, "Thou shall not
kill."
*A
pastor went out one Saturday to visit his church members. At one house,
it was obvious that someone was home, but nobody came to the door even
though the preacher knocked several times. Finally, the preacher took
out his card, wrote out "Revelation 3:20" on the back of it,
and stuck it in the door. "Behold,
I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the
door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with me." The
next day, the card turned up in the collection plate. Below the
preacher's message was written the following notation:
"I heard your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because
I was naked; and I hid myself. "- Genesis 3:10
Special
Section:
Biographies of the
2006 Candidates for the HOC Board of Directors.
The purpose of this section of the newsletter is to give
community members information about this year's candidates.
Laity
Candidates
Colon
and Donna Davis --
Elevation United
Methodist
Church
,
Benson
,
NC
Colon
and Donna are active participants in the Elevators Reunion Group at
their church. They have each
served on two HOC Emmaus teams as assistant table leader and table
leader. They have both
worked behind the scenes in the kitchen, as van drivers, and have served
on the team selection committee this year.
Donna and
Colon
are active members of their church where
Colon
is chairperson of the Church Council, has served as the United Methodist
Men president, sings in the church choir, and serves as a trustee and
Staff-Parish Relations Committee member.
Donna is chairperson of the Outreach Committee, is the United
Methodist Women president, sings in the chancel choir and is the
fundraising chair.
Keith and Lynda Stewart –
Fremont
UMC,
Fremont
,
NC
Keith
and Lynda are active participants in the Fremont UMC Reunion Group and
Lynda is also in Fremont FIGS (Friends in God’s Service.)
Keith walked on Walk #45 and will serve as an assistant table
leader on Walk #89. Lynda
walked on Walk #46 and has served as an assistant table leader on Walk
#78 and will serve as a table leader for Walk #88.
They have worked behind the scenes in the kitchen and decorating
for the Saturday night dinner, in the snack room (coordinator), as
coordinator for Agape and Altars and Clean Up.
They also assist in coordinating the monthly Crossroads Emmaus
Gathering.
Lynda and Keith are active members of their church where Keith is
a senior high Sunday School teacher, praise band and choir member,
chairperson of the Stewardship Committee and Church Council and serves
as Lay Leader of the Goldsboro District.
Lynda is a preschool Sunday School teacher, a member of the
praise band and choir, a United Methodist Women circle member, and
serves on the Special Events Committee and Church Council.
John and Ginny Struss –
First United
Methodist
Church
,
Cary
,
NC
John is a active member of the Good Friday Reunion Group and
Ginny participates in the Sharing God’s Love Reunion Group.
John and Ginny walked on HOC Walks 52 and 54 respectively.
They have both served on HOC conference room teams as an
assistant table leader; John has served as a table leader and Ginny will
serve on the team for the Women’s Walk in August.
Both John and Ginny have served behind the scenes in the kitchen
and in coordinating the prayer chapel.
In addition John has helped with clean up, luggage, and setting
up for Apostolic Hour.
Ginny and John are active members of their church.
John runs the sound system for both
Worship and
special events, serves on the finance and worship committees as well as
providing weekly maintenance for the church’s vans.
Both Ginny and John have been Disciple Bible Study facilitators a
number of times. Ginny also
sings in the choir, serves as a member of the education work area, and
organizes classes for Disciple Bible Study.
Pam and
Joel Watson
Ebenezer United
Methodist
Church
, Garner, NC
Joel is an active member of a Tuesday morning reunion group; Pam
is a member of a group that meets Thursday at lunch.
Joel walked on HOC Walk #41 and Pam on Walk #42.
Each has served as an assistant table leader, table leader, and
as an ALD. Both Pam and Joel
have worked in the kitchen. Joel
has served as a van driver and helped with Candlelight clean up.
Pam has also worked in the Snack Room and in the Speaker’s
Prayer Chapel.
Pam and Joel are active members of their church where Pam serves
as Director of Children and Youth Ministries.
Joel is chairperson of the Spiritual Formation Committee, Upward
Sports League Director, and a facilitator for Disciple Bible Study.
Si and Stephanie Weeks
Fuquay Varina UMC,
Fuquay Varina
,
NC
Si and Stephanie are active in Couples for Christ Reunion Group.
Si walked on Walk #80 and will serve as a table leader on Walk
#87. Stephanie walked on
Walk #81. Si and Stephanie
have worked with luggage both at Send Off and before Closing a number of
times. Si has also served as
a van driver.
Stephanie and Si are active members of their church where they
are completing their fifth year as small group leaders for the
sixth-grade confirmation program. They
also volunteer in the nursery each moth.
Si serves as a member of the lawn care team.
Stephanie has been the Children’s Coordinator for the church
and a participant in Disciple Bible Study for the last two years.
Al and Susie White
Millbrook UMC Raleigh, NC
Al is an active member of the Saturday Early Servants and Susie
meets with the Saturday Morning Sisters, both meeting at the church.
Al walked on Walk #62 and Susie on Walk #63.
Both has served in the conference room as assistant table
leaders. Al and Susie have
served behind the scenes in the kitchen, Agape and Altars, Clean Up, and
Luggage. They have
coordinated the kitchen, snack room, and agape.
Susie and Al are active members of their church where both serve
on the Nurture Committee, tutor Hispanic children, and served at
Camp
Mucho
. In addition, Al serves
Communion to the homebound and Susie is co-chair for her UMW circle and
volunteers in the church office.
Clergy
Candidates
Alice Kunka
is an
ordained deacon serving at Sunrise UMC in
Holly
Springs
. Also, she currently pastors the Hispanic congregation at Avent
Ferry UMC in
Raleigh. She serves as Executive Director of a nonprofit organization she
founded in 2001, Corazón, which is designed to assist in outreach to
the Latino community.
Alice
teaches in the summer and weekend Course of Study at
Duke
Divinity
School
and serves as the Liaison for Deacons at Duke for seminary students.
Alice
volunteers with the NC Council of Churches on their Latino 101
Committee.
Alice
is a member of the NC
Conference Board of Ordained Ministry and also serves as Secretary for
the NC United Methodist Board of Camp and Retreat Ministries.
One of her favorite hobbies is singing with the Cary Concert
Singers.
Alice
has served on conference Room teams as both laity and clergy in various
capacities, including Assistant Spiritual Director and Spiritual
Director. She has also served on Kairos and Chrysalis teams.
Alice
is married to Bob and they have two grown children, Ben and Emily.
Rev.
Dr. Alan Swartz
is a United Methodist Pastor serving Horne Memorial
UMC in Clayton. He is married to Jo Anne who is a music teacher. They
have two grown children.
Alan has served at Salemburg UMC, St. Paul UMC in
Goldsboro
(Associate), La Grange UMC, New Hope UMC in
Goldsboro
, Oxford UMC, and Mebane UMC before being appointed to Horne.
Alan is currently chair of the NC Conference Committee on
Resolutions and the IT Committee. He also serves on the
Communications Circle
and the
Resources Circle
.
Alan
has served as an assistant spiritual director on both Emmaus and
Chrysalis conference room teams.
One of his favorite hobbies is cooking Italian food while
listening to Italian Opera. His favorite Old Testament books are Genesis
and Proverbs,his favorite Gospel is Luke, and favorite Epistle is
Romans. Currently, he is reading: Spiritually Fit to Run the
Race: A Personal Training Manual for Godly Living by Kenneth C.
Ulmer.
You can hear his sermons at http://horneumc.net/gracecast/
Rev.
Dr. Sam Wynn
is the pastor of Hollands UMC in Garner, NC.
He has served the last 26 years as an ordained United Methodist
minister and has served as a District Superintendent.
Sam's ministry emphasis includes advocating Christ-centered,
orthodox, Wesleyan theology; modeling servant leadership with grace;
living out Wesley's evangelistic zeal; relational integrity and strong
administrative skills; ability to work collaboratively; and a commitment
to keep Christ at the center of our pluralistic theology, doctrine,
polity, and ecumenical connections.
Sam is a Native American and has served with numerous ministries
throughout the country to Native people. He is married to Rosemary.
They have a son, Christopher Little Bear.
|
