2020: A New Decade of Walking in Grace
|
Dear Friends,
As we prepare to celebrate the New Year, we also find ourselves looking at the beginning of a new decade. Just think of it; 2020 lies ahead, along with countless opportunities to serve the Body of Christ. Even as we were being woven into our Mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13), God had already meticulously established our path, and it included a road map that eventually led us to our own Emmaus experience. During the Walk to Emmaus, Pilgrims learn that grace embodies the love of Christ. It is a multi-faceted jewel designed to reflect the holiness of His face.
In the days ahead, how can we ensure that our steps will be the impetus that leads others on a Christ-centered journey? We must remember that every step on our path is an act of walking in grace. For instance, when we make the commitment to sponsor a Pilgrim, to be a Willing Servant during a Walk, or to enjoy the food and fellowship at gatherings, we are walking in grace. “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8)
Please consider the days ahead as an opportunity to step out, actively choosing to walk in faith. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
De Colores!
Nancy Rivers
|
|
Letters From Our New Lay Directors
|
|
From Lori Durham-Lay Director for Women's Walk #40
|
Happy New Year!
As the calendar turns to a new year (and the start of a new decade!) hope for a bright future shines within me. Once again, God has given all of us the opportunity to continue demonstrating that we can be the hands and feet of Christ in a broken world. Christ continues to count on us just as we continue to count on His boundless grace and love.
One of the ways we can share our love for Christ with others is to sponsor them to attend the Walk to Emmaus. As Lay Director for the Women's Walk #40, I have prayed about the upcoming walks for at least a year. I've prayed for the team of Willing Servants who will step forward to serve others, and I have prayed for the men and women who are currently praying about attending.
But there is still work left for the Community to do before April arrives. We need applications!
Both the Men's and Women's walks have openings for pilgrims, and as a Community, we have the opportunity to offer our Brothers and Sisters in Christ a way to witness the love of God in a new and extremely personal way.
Outside the Walk to Emmaus experience, there has been no other avenue in life where I have intentionally set aside my time, my schedule, my work, my family, my phone, and my everyday concerns to focus exclusively on my relationship with God. That gift was offered to me by a beautiful woman who sponsored John and me eleven years ago.
Together, our challenge is to offer this same opportunity to Christians around us. As this new year begins, please take the time to pray for the upcoming walks, consider serving as a willing servant, and prayerfully hand out applications to those around you.
DeColores!
Lori Durham
GIWTE #11
Table of Martha
|
From Phil Scott-Lay Director for Men's Walk #39
|
As we leave the joyfulness and wonderment of the Christmas season, and enter in to the New Year, let us pause to count our blessings.
In 1 John 3, it is written “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God.” I believe that our Emmaus Community reflects that statement. I also believe that 2020 will be another year for the Golden Isles Community to thrive and grow.
It is my privilege to serve as Lay Director for the Men's Walk #39 in April. Team formation and planning are underway. We need Community support to prepare for these Walks. Specifically in the areas of Pilgrim applications and Willing Servanthood. Now is the time to complete the process of pilgrim sponsorship. I ask for your prayers for those who will be assisting with the Walks. Thank you in advance for being the hands and feet of Christ. I would also ask that you prayerfully consider serving, if called upon.
May the new year be rich in love and blessings.
De Colores!
Phil Scott
Golden Isles Walk #7
|
|
ATTENTION MUSICIANS:
If you are interested in sharing your musical gifts at Community Gatherings or Walks, please contact
Jim Hitt,
the Music Board Rep, at:
(912) 614-4701
.
|
|
Community Gatherings:
Friday, January 3rd at 7pm
Southeast Community Church
790 May Creek Drive
Kingsland, GA 31548
If you would like to offer your church to host a Gathering in the future, or would be interested in sharing a Fourth Day testimony, please contact
Andy Amason
at
snowman@darientel.net
for more information regarding what is required of a host church.
|
|
Reflections from the Heart
|
|
2019. Good, bad, or indifferent…it’s gone. It came to pass. And it passed. If you have 8 minutes to spare, I encourage you to look up the YouTube video of Mark Lowry’s “This Too Shall Pass.” You can find it here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1z-nwWEpHdQ
. Mark Lowry is a Christian comedian as well as a gifted singer. In this particular video he provides his unique perspective on the ups and downs of life.
Many people make New Year’s resolutions. I’ll lose weight. I’ll stop swearing. I’ll be more kind. I’ll stop biting my nails. I’ll work toward becoming debt free. I’ll stop paying for things I can’t afford with my credit card. There are as many possibilities of New Year’s resolutions as there are people who make them. I am of the opinion that New Year’s resolutions are unnecessary. If you know there is a change you need to make, you don’t have to wait for a new year to do it. God gives us a new day every morning. In fact, He gives us our next moment. Our next breath. If you know you are doing something outside of God’s will you can stop. Now. I have been known to be in mid-sentence, realize that what I was about to say wouldn’t honor my God, and stop. Of course, I’ve also been known to let my mouth run away without my brain. Talk about embarrassing! But that is a good time to ask forgiveness of the person wronged as well as God, and to thank God for the grace He provides.
I encourage you to read Hebrews 4. It provides a map of sorts to guide us away from the business of life and help us find our way to rest. As my husband Keith likes to remind me, God made us human beings not human doings! God intends for us to take time to just be. To be quiet. To be still. To be with Him. God created the world in 6 days, and on the 7
th
day He rested. Jesus himself took rest breaks from His ministry, and encouraged His followers to do the same. Let’s take to heart the advice offered in Hebrews 4:16 (King James Version): Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
An intercessor shared this prayer with me, and I share it now with you: May the New Year bring good health, peaceful days, and a real awareness of God’s great love for you.
De Colores!
Trisa Chancey – Golden Isles Walk to Emmaus #2 – Table of Mary
|
|
Golden Isles Walk to Emmaus Board Meeting
The next GIWTE Board Meeting will be held on January 18th at 9am
Emmaus community members are always welcome at Golden Isles Emmaus Board Meetings, which are normally held the third Saturday of each month in the
Open Door Classroom at
First United Methodist Church
1400 Norwich Street
Brunswick, GA 31520
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
