March 1992

May God our Father shower you with blessings and fill you with His great Peace1,

This has been an interesting month for me.  The presence of our living Lord has been very near as I have gone about my business, professional, spiritual and personal.  

Twice the scriptures of Paul to the Corinthians have touched me deeply with words that have burned themselves deeply into my heart.  The first was immediately after finishing the last newsletter.  I read two different daily devotional, and four times in three consecutive days in late January, the daily scripture was from 1 Corinthians 12.  Unity of the Church is a passion of mine and it was clear that the Holy Spirit did not want me to forget.  There are many messages from this chapter, but the messages for me were these:  ø We are all members of one body, the Body of Christ; ° Each of us has special and unique gifts to offer, without one of which, the body would be incomplete; and ¨ Even the very weakest member, the most insecure and meek, is essential and is to be the most honored.  Jesus said the meek shall inherit the earth.  We are each called first to be like children, and to empty ourselves like John the Baptist in a life of servanthood.

A few days later, I heard a song with a beautiful lilting melody, by Jamie Owen Collins, called "Charity", on a Christian radio station in Fredericksburg, that almost made me stop the car to listen.  In this recording, Jamie puts 1 Corinthians 13, almost verbatim, to song.  The words were captivating, the chorus, with these words, searing into my heart:  "If I have not charity, and love does not flow from me, I am nothing.  Jesus has reduced me to love."  We are called to a life of Christian love, one that does not come naturally in today's world.  In fact, this is a very self centered world, one that teaches mankind that Christianity is archaic.  Our environment and natural instincts both lead us to think of number one first.  Often, I find I cannot measure up to Christ's call on my life without seeking His direct intervention through prayer.  Like the father in scripture who said, "I believe Lord, help my unbelief", I must seek to allow the Holy Spirit to do the loving through me.

As we prepare for F'burg 3 & 4, and as we finish formation of a new community, think about servanthood.  And if you can volunteer, in support of the weekends, or as a nominee to serve as a Board member, or in some community job position, do so because you feel called to this service in response to your personal encounter with the Grace of Jesus Christ.  Do so with the burning heart of an Emmaus Disciple, because He has reduced you to love.

Love in Christ

Steve Seiden

A Special Fredericksburg Gathering

What:	Fredericksburg Emmaus Community Gathering

DeColores Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

	The team for Fredericksburg Emmaus 3 has been busy making preparations for serving the pilgrims who will be present for walk number 3. They are truly “preparing the ground for a bountiful harvest.” It has been a blessing for me to be a part of these preparations. These men are true servants of our Lord.
	The team has decided to honor the chas who will serving on the upcoming weekends, our families for their sacrifices during the teaming process, the ladies who are serving as the team for Fredericksburg Emmaus 4, and you, our community who has provided overwhelming support for these efforts. The men of Fredericksburg Emmaus team 3 will be preparing and serving the meal for the March gathering. The only thing that you will need to bring is an appetite. Don't miss this opportunity to relax and experience the grace of our Lord by being served a “delicious” meal on Saturday March 14th at 6:00 PM at Eastland United Methodist Church. Come and enjoy a relaxing dinner with entertainment. All are invited. The gathering will follow at 7:00 PM.

Yours in Christ,
    
Joe Pace

Where:	Eastland United Methodist Church
Why:	Supper, Fellowship, and Worship
When:	Steering Committee	- 4:00 PM, March 14, 1992
	Steering Committee adjourn:	- Not later than 5:45
	Supper hosted by F'burg 3 Team	- 6:00 PM, March 14, 1992
	Grace before the Supper:	- Promptly at 6:00
	End of meal & clean-up	- 6:40
	Worship	- 7:00 PM, March 14, 1992
	Begin music for the Gathering	- Promptly at 7:00
	Opening Prayer of Gathering	- 7:20
How:	In Grace of Our God & Fellowship of His Holy Spirit

The Fredericksburg Emmaus Community looks forward to seeing each of you at the monthly Gatherings (known as "Ultreyas" elsewhere).  Our 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.

Upcoming Weekends

Dates	Weekend	Dates	Weekend	

				

				

				

Maryland Emmaus Men's 21	Nat. Cap. Emmaus Men's 49	F'burg Emmaus Men's 3	Richmond Emmaus Men's 17	
Maryland Emmaus Women's 22	VA Kairos (Prison Min.) Men's 6	Richmond Emmaus Women's 14	West VA Emmaus Men's 26	
West VA Emmaus Men's 24	Maryland Emmaus Women's 25	Nat. Cap. Emmaus Women's 46	Richmond Emmaus Women's 18	
Southwest VA Emmaus Men's 9	Southwest VA Emmaus Men's 11	F'burg Emmaus Women's 4	Nat. Cap. Emmaus Women's 50	
Tidewater Emmaus Men's 16	Harrisonburg Emmaus Men's 1	West VA Emmaus Women's 25	Maryland Emmaus Men's 26	
Richmond Emmaus Men's 15	Southwest VA Emmaus Women's 12	VA Kairos (Prison Min.) Men's 5	Tidewater Emmaus Men's 18	
Southwest VA Emmaus Women's 10	Harrisonburg Emmaus Women's 2	Tidewater Emmaus Women's 17	Tidewater Emmaus Women's 19	
Nat. Cap. Emmaus Men's 47		Southside VA Emmaus Men's 1		
Maryland Emmaus Women's 23		Richmond Emmaus Women's 16		
Southside VA Emmaus Women's 2		Nat. Cap. Emmaus Women's 48		
Nat. Cap. Coed Chrysalis 16		Maryland Emmaus Men's 24		

*  College Age

Applications

F'burg 3 & 4 are just around the corner.  The teams are formed and meeting.  We have about 29 men's applications and 21 ladies, and the weekends will fill up fast.  We will ask 32 maximum so there is still room.  Applicants are invited according to the date the application is received, so don't delay.  Please try to get any additional men's applications to the F'burg Emmaus PO Box immediately.  And the lady's by March 25th so a list can be published in the April Newsletter.  Applicants not invited or able to attend 3 & 4, will be asked for 5 & 6 in the Fall.

Supplies Needed for Weekends

Weekend Equipment and Supplies:	After each Emmaus weekend, there is a need to replenish supplies exhausted for the next weekends.  Additionally, the community has a need for donation of some permanent equipment items for use on the weekends.  Gracious gifts of the items listed below will contribute to the success of the Emmaus program.  Pray about what you can do, and contact Sylvia Seiden @ 703-659-8953 to let us know what you plan to give.

Easel (2)	Ceramic Footwashing Bowls (2)	
Surplus Filing Cabinet (4 drawer preferred) (1)	Footwashing Towels (large white) (4)	
10" White Candles (30)	Old pictorial magazines (for cut & paste posters)	
Insulated Carafes (8)		

Comfort Table:	Items are needed for the comfort table for weekends.  These are good Agape items.  It is really easy and not very expensive to buy sample size toiletry items each time you buy groceries, or go to the pharmacy, and bring these items to each Gathering.  Make sure items brought to Gatherings get to Sylvia.

Pepto-Bismol	Ben Gay	Hair Spray	
Cold Remedies	Band-Aids	Men's Spray Deodorant	
Laxative	Lady's Spray Deodorant	Shaving Cream	
Tylenol	Shower Caps	Disposable Razors	

F'burg Emmaus - Job Positions

There are still some positions where F'burg Emmaus needs help.  What can you do??  Pray.  Then if you feel led to volunteer your services without sacrificing your work for your local church, or infringing on other priorities, contact Steve Seiden @ 703-659-8953, or any other active member of the Steering Committee.  

Position	Name 1	
Steering Committee Chairman	Steve Seiden	
Community Spiritual Director	Elton Glenn	
Secretary	Pearl Eastburg	
Treasurer	Sandy Pace	
Music Coordinator	Joe May	
Newsletter Editor	Sandra Herrell	
Pilgrim/Team Registration Coordinator	Gary Farrar	
Supply Storage Coordinator	Sylvia Seiden	
Weekend Literature Coordinator	Sylvia Seiden	
Manuals and Records Coordinator	Prim Young	
Agape Coordinator	Larry Garfield	
Snack Agape Coordinator	Stacia Rice	
Prayer Vigil Coordinator	Pat May	
Procurement Coordinator	Joe Pace	
Facility Logistics Coordinator	Dick Beale	
Sponsors Hour Coordinator	Steve Seiden	
Candlelight Coordinator	Roy & Rhonda Herman	
Facility Cleanup Coordinator		
Fourth Day/Gathering Coordinator		
Child Care Coordinator	Bobby Penning	
Day of Deeper Understanding Coordinator		

1 Blanks represent vacant positions needing to be filled.  Strike thru indicates a replacement is needed.

Regional Emmaus Lay Director's Conference

The semi-annual regional Lay Director's conference will be held at St. Matthias UMC on Saturday, March 14, from 10:00 to 2:00.  We are in need of a few volunteers to be "chas for a day", who will coordinate a light lunch (salad, tuna fish, etc) for this event.  Contact Steve Seiden @ 703-659-8953 and offer your time and service.

Cha's, Cha's, Cha's

There are some vacancies for F'burg #4 remaining as indicated below.  This is a big commitment and your presence throughout the day will be required.  The hours are long, there is no pay, but being a cha, selflessly serving the Lord and the Pilgrims is one of the greatest rewards Emmaus has to offer.  While a Cha you will also be able to participate as a prayer warrior in the prayer chapel during talks.  If you would like to sign up to be one of the community cha's on the weekend, contact Dick Beale @ 804-643-9171, or sign up at the next Gathering.

F'Burg 3 - Men
March 26 - 29, 1992		F'Burg 4 - Women
April 30 - May 3, 1992	
Day	Name		Day	Name	
Friday, March 27	Steve Seiden		Friday, May 1	Bill Klingenstein	
Friday, March 27	Stacia Rice		Friday, May 1	Steve Seiden	
Friday, March 27	Nita Cline		Friday, May 1	Garland Hanks	
Friday, March 27	Kat Morris		Friday, May 1	Joe Pace	
Friday, March 27	Sylvia Seiden		Friday, May 1		
Friday, March 27	Rose Dowdy		Friday, May 1		
Friday, March 27	Irene Hagerty		Friday, May 1		
					
Saturday, March 28	Joe May		Saturday, May 2	Larry Garfield	
Saturday, March 28	Larry Garfield		Saturday, May 2	Betty Gray Thompson	
Saturday, March 28	Eddie Rice		Saturday, May 2	Yvonne Jensen	
Saturday, March 28	Yvonne Jensen		Saturday, May 2	Eldon Jensen	
Saturday, March 28	Eldon Jensen		Saturday, May 2	Kenny Erisman	
Saturday, March 28	Sandi Pace		Saturday, May 2	Prim Young	
Saturday, March 28	Sarah Rice		Saturday, May 2	David Young	
Candlelight, March 28	Willie Pruitt		Candlelight, May 2	Bill Klingenstein	
Candlelight, March 28	Sandra Herrell		Candlelight, May 2	Sandy Klingenstein	
Candlelight, March 28	Paul Herrell		Candlelight, May 2	Brenda Sunderlin	
					
Sunday, March 29	Sandi Pace		Sunday, May 3	Sandi Pace	
Sunday, March 29	Sandy Klingenstein		Sunday, May 3	Joe Pace	
Sunday, March 29	Susan Perkins		Sunday, May 3	Sandy Klingenstein	
Sunday, March 29	Lois Myrick		Sunday, May 3	Cathy Garfield	
Sunday, March 29	Betty Gray Thompson		Sunday, May 3	Earl Thompson	
Sunday, March 29	Jeanne Warner		Sunday, May 3	Kenny Erisman	
Sunday, March 29	Cindy Hamrick		Sunday, May 3	Robert Jenkins	

Responsibilities of a Sponsor

1.	To provide needed information about Emmaus to those you invite.  Much about the format and content of the Weekend can be shared without mentioning the "Surprises".  Keep no secrets, including the "Surprises" if necessary.  We would rather reveal more than desired, than have people get the impression that Emmaus is a "secret society" or "cult".

2.	To Notify the Weekend Lay Director (Rector/Rectora in other Communities), or the Candidate Selection Committee, as soon as possible if a person sponsored cannot attend the weekend for which they are scheduled.

3.	To pray daily for the person you have sponsored, for the Team and for the success of the Emmaus weekend.

4.	To provide your telephone number to your Pilgrim's family, so that you may be contacted to assist in emergency situations.

5.	To provide transportation for your Pilgrim to Camp Easter Seal on Thursday evening, and to their home after closing on Sunday.

6.	To provide agape to the Pilgrims and team attending the weekend.

7.	To attend the Sponsors' Prayer Hour at Camp Easter Seal on Thursday evening.  This is held immediately after the Candidates and Team start the Thursday evening activities.

8.	To attend the Candlelight and Closing.

9.	To help your Pilgrim find a reunion group, attend the Day of Deeper Understanding following their weekend, and attend the monthly Greater Fredericksburg Area Gatherings (second Saturday of each month unless notified otherwise), or a Gathering or Ultreya nearer their homes.

10.	To arrange* for the payment of the expense of you Pilgrim's weekend.

	* Please prayerfully consider your financial responsibility.  The cost of the Fredericksburg Emmaus weekend is $130.00.  No Pilgrim should be denied a Walk to Emmaus because the sponsor cannot afford the $130.00 fee.  However, the sponsor is responsible to either make payment, or make arrangements for the payment to be made.  The Emmaus Community understands the impact of sponsorship.  Please submit your need to God in prayer.  Many a sponsorship need has been met by Him through such trust.  There are many sources of funding for those who need help.  Reunion groups, the Emmaus Community from your local church, your church Men's or Women's group, and other sources should be investigated.  Many Emmaus members have made standing offers to provide scholarships to help sponsors.  If other sources are not available, the Emmaus Lay Director, Treasurer, or a member of the Steering Committee or Board should be notified so that scholarship funds may be identified from offerings or special gifts.

Pilgrim Agape

Under the "National Model" Emmaus weekends, several aspects of Pilgrim agape (palanca) differ from the traditions of which many of us are familiar.  While we have modified some aspects, mainly the time which the first agape is given (Friday afternoon as most of us are accustomed), we support the principles which National has suggested.  

One important aspect from National is that of equality in the distribution of agape.  This means that everyone gets not only the same quantity and type of letters, bookmarks, pencils, etc., but that more personal gifts generally given by sponsors, family and friends (such as T-shirts, coffee mugs, light catchers, etc.) should be retained until after the weekend.  The perspective is this, "We don't want to alienate any Pilgrim simply because someone got something that they didn't".  Items addressed to less than all of the individuals (Pilgrims) attending is "conditional love", not the unconditional love Christ extends to all.  

Personalized bed agape is a Friday night and Saturday night event.  It will not be distributed on Thursday.  Please limit bed palanca to small items only.  Special gifts are more appropriate for Sunday evening on the ride home or for the Fourth Day.  Remember, your pilgrim has roommates (four person rooms), and other pilgrims may feel hurt or upset if a roommate receives a large amount of agape while personally receiving none.  Please note:  Bed agape for Saturday night should not be brought to Candlelight.  Agape delivered then cannot be distributed until Sunday because the team has other responsibilities Saturday evening.

We want to emphasize generic items.  Generic agape in the form of bookmarks, buttons, pencils, etc. is passed out throughout the weekend, at meals, at bedtime, even left on the tables in the talk room.  Generic items can be signed, but should not be addressed to Pilgrims by name.  Please consider providing generic items so that there will be an abundant supply.

Fredericksburg Emmaus #3 Pilgrims

March 26-29, 1992

No.	Name	Church

1	Paul Beith	Howerton's Baptist, Dunnsville VA
2	George Dayton	St. Mathews UMC, Annandale VA
3	Larry DiJoseph	St. James Catholic, Falls Church VA
4	Phil Donelson	Mt. Sanai Baptist, Washington DC
5	Mark Dunn	Chancellor Christian Church, F'burg VA
6	John Elkins	St. Matthias UMC, Falmouth VA
7	Robert Fulkerson	Crown of Life, Stafford VA
8	Bob Graver	Upper King & Queen Baptist, Newtown VA
9	Keith Jones	Chancellor Christian Church, F'burg VA
10	Sam Jones, Jr.	Warrenton Baptist, Warrenton VA
11	Jim Keays	Bethel UMC, Woodbridge VA
12	Tim LaLone	Calvary Church of the Nazarene, Annandale VA
13	Ernest Langford	Upper King & Queen Baptist, Newtown VA
14	Mark LeRoy	Asbury UMC, Nokesville VA
15	Bob Lewis	Ebenezer UMC, Stafford VA
16	Brian Long	Andrew Chapel UMC, Brooke VA
17	Monte Luhr	Ebenezer UMC, Stafford VA
18	Love McKnight	Chancellor Christian Church, F'burg VA
19	Dave Miller	Old Bridge UMC, Woodbridge VA
20	Paul Penning	Ebenezer UMC, Stafford VA
21	Jamie Ryland	Upper King & Queen Baptist, Newtown VA
22	Gordie Self	Chancellor Christian Church, F'burg VA
23	Billy Shelton, Jr.	Andrew Chapel UMC, Brooke VA
24	Terry Shreve	Woodbridge Christian Church, Woodbridge VA
25	Warren Sprague	Chancellor Christian Church, Chancellor VA
26	Dan Sunderlin	Ebenezer UMC, Stafford VA
27	Donald Walz	Fredericksburg UMC, F'burg VA
28	Harry Woehrle	Foundry UMC, Washington DC
29	Lee Yarberry	Bethel UMC, Woodbridge VA

Please separate, alphabetize and rubberband personalized Agape by Pilgrim and team.

This list of Pilgrims for F'burg #3 is the latest, but may not be final.  There may be additions after publication.  Our goal is to have 30 Pilgrims, with a maximum of 32.  Please provide an unrelenting outpouring Christ's Agape Love for those above and at least five others in the form of letters and love notes to "Dear Brother •••".  Sponsors can add personal names of additions during sponsors hour.

Emmaus #3 Team Assignments

Team Member	Assignments	Talk	Day & Time	
Richard Beale	Table Ldr	Changing Our World	Sun 8:50 AM	
Darryl Bennett	Asst. Table Ldr			
Tom Berish	Music Director/Asst. Table Ldr			
Gary Farrar	Asst. Table Ldr	Priorities	Fri 9:05 AM	
Tony Forstall	Spir. Director	Means of Grace
Sanctifying Grace	Sat 10:15 AM
Sun 9:45 AM	
Jim Graham	Asst. Weekend Lay Dir.	Piety	Fri 6:30 PM	
Bill Klingenstein	Table Ldr	Action	Sat 2:30 PM	
Tom Knott	Asst. Table Ldr			
Tom Leake	Asst. Table Ldr			
Tony Morris	Asst. Weekend Lay Dir.	Discipleship	Sat 8:10 PM	
Keith Motley	Spir. Director	Justifying Grace	Fri 2:45 PM	
Joe Pace	Weekend Lay Dir.	Perseverance	Sun 1:30 PM	
Ron Penninger	Asst. Table Ldr	Priesthood	Fri 1:15 PM	
Bill Smith	Spir. Director	Prevenient Grace
Obstacles to Grace	Fri 10:45 AM
Sat 3:50 PM	
Earl Thompson	Table Ldr	Study	Sat 8:30 AM	
Richard Warner	Table Ldr			
John Weinhardt	Table Ldr			
John Wilbur	Table Ldr	Body of Christ	Sun 10:40 AM	
Dave Young	Asst. Weekend Lay Dir.	Fourth Day	Sun 2:30 PM	

Chapel Prayer Partners

One of the really neat aspects of the "National Model" is that of giving members of the community, friends and other loved ones, the opportunity to be in the Team Chapel in prayer during the various talks.  Each speaker will have a team member as their prayer partner in the chapel.  Each speaker may contact grouping members, family or others, who have attended a weekend to be a part of this special time.  Chapel Prayer Partners should be in the prayer chapel 30 minute prior to "talk time" listed elsewhere in this newsletter.

Schedule of Events for F'burg #3

The team for the F'burg #3 invites sponsor and the community participation in the following events:

When	Where	What	
Thurs., Mar. 26th, 7:00 PM	Camp Easter Seal	Pilgrim check-in/Fellowship Followed by Sponsor's Hour	
			
Sat., Mar. 28th, 8:00 PM	Gather at St. Stephen's Baptist @ intersection of VA Rts. 630 & 625	Candlelight - Please bring flowers for the team to use Sunday Morning!!!  Community will gather @ St. Stephen's for Praise, Fellowship, and Communion.  Will move to Camp for 9:00 Candlelight Service.	
			
Sun., Mar. 29th, 3:30	Camp Easter Seal	Closing - Gather at 3:30 for Closing Service at 4:00.	
			
Camp Easter Seal - East

Directions to Camp Easter Seal - East, Bowling Green, VA

From the North on I-95:		From the South on I-95:	
1.	Exit I-95 at Massaponax and turn right on US 1.
2.	Turn left on US 17.		1.	Exit I-95 at VA Route 207 (Carmel Church & Bowling Green exit) and proceed to Bowling Green,	
3.	Turn right VA Route 2.
4.	South of Bowling Green, turn left on VA Rt. 721.
5.	At fork in road in Sparta, bear left onto VA Rt. 630.  Do not turn right on VA Rt. 721.		2.	In Bowling Green, turn right on US 301/VA Route 2.
3.	South of Bowling Green, turn left on VA Rt. 721.
4.	At fork in road in Sparta, bear left onto VA Rt. 630.  Do not turn right on VA Rt. 721.	
6.	At St. Stephen's Church, turn right on VA Rt. 625 and proceed to Camp Easter Seal.		5.	At St. Stephen's Church, turn right on VA Rt. 625 and proceed to Camp Easter Seal.	

Prayer Requests

A column will be open each month for Prayer Requests.  Submit your praises or needs to the newsletter editor, Steve Seiden @ 703-659-8953, by the first Saturday after each Gathering:

Dave Miller, a F'burg 3 pilgrim - Joy on 50th birthday, he is still very young.	Prayers for pilgrims and team for F'burg 3/4
For our churches and clergy	
Roger Gritner - Cancer	Peace in all families	
Emma Erisman - Healthy & happy 96th birthday	Pat - That she will be F'burg 4 pilgrim	
Janet Mitchell - Surgical complications, mild stroke & malignancy & for daughter/family - Bob, Belinda, Rob	To be willing to let go & let God work in my life - especially resentments
Skip Olsen family - Skip's death	
Ashland District Youth Retreat - teens live be changed as Holy Spirit moves - Feb. 14-16	Dust & Ashes & Chris & Vickie White - Ashland District Youth Retreat leaders	
For establishment of a Praise Service at Ebenezer UMC	Healing for Glenn, Bob, Kay, Lawrence & Caitlin	
God's Guidance for making decisions	That I allow God to continue His work in me	
Peggy - Beginning a new life as a single mother	David Farrar - Medical problems	
Pat - Miscarriage early in pregnancy	Summit Presbyterian Church	
Byron - Malignant brain tumor	George - Heart trouble	
F'burg 3 & 4 teams & pilgrims - Watchful care & guidance for all - Peace & Joy	Alice Young - Inner peace
Norman Rickner family - Death of daughter	
Courage to act & quiet to hear what God is saying to do to be right in my life	Safe travel for John & praise for 21 wonderful years with John	
Debbie and Mandy Bennett - Peace & grace
Ron & Kelly - Marital restoration & peace	Friend Jim - Forgiveness & peace regarding suicide of his autistic son 10 months ago	

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	
Saturday @ 7:30 AM	Roy Rogers	Steve Seiden	Route One across from Aquia Town Center	
Wednesday @ 8:00 PM	Sammy T's in rear	Joe May	Caroline Street in F'burg	

Newsletter Articles

Please submit newsletter material by the first Saturday after each Gathering so that the newsletter can be mailed at least two weeks before the next Gathering.  The newsletter editor is:

Steve Seiden
2019 Admiral Drive
Stafford VA 22554
703-659-8953

Fredericksburg Emmaus By-Laws

The Steering Committee has prepared a set of by-laws that are officially proposed to the Fredericksburg Emmaus Community for approval.  These by-laws are formally submitted to the Fredericksburg Emmaus Community herein for review and comment.  The by-laws provide for formal establishment of Fredericksburg Emmaus as an Upper Room Emmaus community affiliated with the Upper Room Emmaus movement in Nashville, TN, and operating (for business purposes only) as an independent ecumenical ministry of Peace United Methodist Church.  If you have questions, comments or proposed amendments, contact any Steering Committee member or Steve Seiden.  Steering Committee members can be reached as follows:

Name(s)	Phone	Name(s)	Phone	
Butch & Judy Cover	703-373-3813	Joe & Sandy Pace	703-659-8405	
Pearl Eastburg	703-659-4049	Ron & Pat Penninger	703-752-5293	
Larry & Kathy Garfield	703-373-1774	Dave & Phyllis Russell	703-752-5821	
Elton Glenn	703-369-9410	Steve & Sylvia Seiden	703-659-8953	
Bill & Sandy Klingenstein	703-659-1602	Bill Smith	703-361-3207	
Joe & Pat May	703-898-7784	Dave Young	703-659-5921	

These by-laws will be submitted for formal approval by written ballot at the April (next) Gathering.

Upper Room Emmaus of the Greater Fredericksburg Area

By-Laws

ARTICLE I.
Name

The name of this community shall be The Upper Room Emmaus of the Greater Fredericksburg Area, hereinafter referred to as Fredericksburg Emmaus.

ARTICLE II.
Purpose

The purpose of Fredericksburg Emmaus shall be to inspire, challenge, and equip church members for Christian action, in their homes, churches, places of work, and the world community through the Emmaus experience.

ARTICLE III.
Affiliation

A.	Fredericksburg Emmaus is affiliated with the The Upper Room Emmaus Movement, PO Box 189, Nashville, Tennessee 37202-0189.

B.	Fredericksburg Emmaus operates as an independent ecumenical non-profit religious ministry of Peace United Methodist Church.  Fredericksburg Emmaus shall take actions to certify its non-profit status with the Postal Service and IRS as required through an umbrella provided to Emmaus communities across the nation by the General Council of the United Methodist Church in October 1992.  Services provided by the United Methodist Church do not affect the independent ecumenical status of Fredericksburg Emmaus.

ARTICLE IV.
Membership

Section 1.
All persons who have completed a weekend experience of the Walk to Emmaus sponsored by the Fredericksburg Emmaus Community shall be members of Fredericksburg Emmaus.

Section 2.
Other persons who have completed a Walk to Emmaus, Chrysalis or other Cursillo based weekend may become members by participating in the activities of the Fredericksburg Emmaus Community and asking the secretary or registrar of Fredericksburg Emmaus to include their names in the mailing list.

ARTICLE V.
Board of Directors

Section 1.  Powers and Duties.
The powers and duties of the Board of Directors shall be:

A.	To provide overall policy direction on issues affecting Emmaus.

B.	To disseminate policy statements and information to Fredericksburg Emmaus on issues emanating from the National Emmaus movement.  

C.	To provide a spokesperson to National Emmaus.

D.	To support and facilitate the activities of Emmaus as it seeks to accomplish the purposes reflected in Article II.

E.	To encourage and facilitate cooperation between Emmaus and local Christian churches.

F.	To maintain general oversight in all matters relating to the conduct of the local "Walk to Emmaus".

Section 2.  Membership
A.	The Board will consist of fifteen elected members, twelve lay and three clergy.  Prior to nomination and election, Board members shall have served on at least one Emmaus team and attended an Emmaus leadership workshop or Day of Deeper Understanding.

B.	Those being nominated for election to the Board should understand that the Emmaus Board is a working Board.  The only privilege of being on the Board is the privilege to serve in some capacity to further the Emmaus Movement and fulfill its objectives.

Section 3.  Method of Election.  
The Board of Directors shall appoint a Nominating Committee of three (3) persons for a one (1) year term commencing September 1 of each year and terminating August 31 of the following year.  The Nominating Committee shall be responsible for the organization and conduct of the Board election at the May Gathering and shall attempt to ensure fair and equal Community representation on the Board.  The mechanics of the election process shall include the following:

A.	Beginning in February of each year, the Nominating Committee shall receive nominations for Board membership, both lay and clergy, from Fredericksburg Emmaus Community members.

B.	Nominations shall be submitted for persons who have agreed to have their names placed in nomination and who meet minimum Board membership requirements.  Nominations shall be submitted to the Nominating Committee no later than the March Gathering.  The Nominating Committee shall examine the nominations and ascertain that the nomination is valid based on the Board membership requirements in Section 2.

C.	The Nominating Committee may add other qualified nominees to the slate as the Committee deems appropriate and desirable to ensure fair and equal representation of the Community, including the following: ecumenical representation, geographical and ethnic distribution, and to ensure a slate of quality nominees.  The Nominating Committee should place in nomination a list of nominees larger than the number of vacancies.  The slate of valid nominees shall be placed on the ballot for the May election.

D.	The Nominating Committee shall advertise the slate of nominees and the time of election at the April Gathering and in the April and May newsletters.

E.	The Nominating Committee shall not distinguish between candidates on the basis of manner of nomination.  The Nominating Committee shall not endorse any nominees for the Board, nor shall they advocate the defeat of any candidate.

F.	Once announced, the list of nominees can be altered only by nominations of qualified candidates from the floor at the May Gathering.  Candidates nominated from the floor must be present at the May Gathering.

G.	All members of the Emmaus community are eligible to vote.  The election shall be conducted by written ballot.  An absentee ballot shall be published in the May newsletter, giving a full list of nominees and instructions for voting, including an announcement of a closing date for absentee ballots to be received by mail.  Other special instructions pertaining to the election shall be published in the May newsletter.

Section 4.  Term of Office
A.	Lay and clergy persons on the Board shall be elected by Fredericksburg Emmaus members to serve a three (3) year term.

B.	The term of office shall begin July 1 and shall terminate June 30.  All who serve a three year term on the Board must remain off the Board at least two (2) years before being eligible for subsequent nomination.  One third of the Board members (nominally two lay men, two lay women, and one clergy member) shall be elected each year at the May Gathering.

Section 5.  Officers
A.	Officers shall be the Lay Director, Assistant Lay Director, Secretary, and Treasurer; and in case of absences will chair meetings in this order.  Officers can accept responsibility of an appointed position (described below) in addition to an elected position on the Board.

B.	Lay Director.  The Lay Director shall be a lay member of the Board, and shall preside at Board meetings and be the spokesperson for the Board.  An individual may not serve consecutive years as Lay Director.  Those Board members eligible for election as Lay Director are those individuals who are on the Board in June and who will also be on the Board the following year.  The term of the Lay Director shall run from July 1 through June 30.

C.	Assistant Lay Director.  The Assistant Lay Director shall perform the duties of the Lay Director in his/her absence.  The Assistant Lay Director should be eligible to serve an additional one-year term on the Board, and may serve as the Lay Director in the subsequent year if elected to that post.

D.	Secretary and Treasurer.  The Secretary and Treasurer should be appointed by the Board from members of the Board willing to volunteer for these responsibilities.  The Secretary and Treasurer may be appointed by the Board to succeed themselves in succeeding years until their terms on the Board expire.

E.	Appointed Positions.  The Board of Directors shall appoint responsible persons from members of the Board, or volunteers from the Fredericksburg Emmaus Community, to fill appointed positions as required including, but not limited to, the following:  Music Coordinator, Newsletter Editor, Pilgrim/Team Registration Coordinator, Supply Storage Coordinator, Weekend Literature Coordinator, Manuals and Records Coordinator, Agape Coordinator, Snack Agape Coordinator, Prayer Vigil Coordinator, Procurement Coordinator, Facility Logistics Coordinator, Sponsors Hour Coordinator, Candlelight Coordinator, Facility Cleanup Coordinator, Fourth Day/Gathering Coordinator, Child Care Coordinator, and Day of Deeper Understanding Coordinator.

Persons in appointed positions serve at the pleasure of the Board.  As a general rule, the term of office of these appointments shall be from September 1 through August 31 of the following year.

Section 6.  Election of Officers
The Lay Director and the Assistant Lay Director shall be elected annually by the Board of Directors during the spring from those current members of the Board whose terms do not expire at the end of June.  Those officers shall serve for a one-year term of office effective with the July meeting.

Section 7.  Board Meetings.
A.	Regular Meetings.  The Board shall meet monthly in regular meetings unless otherwise ordered by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Board in a regular meeting.  The time and place of the meetings shall be determined by the Board at the start of the new term of office in July.  All Board members shall be notified of changes to the time and place of regular meetings.

B.	Special Meetings.  Special Board meetings may be called by the Lay Director upon his/her own initiative or when requested in writing by eight (8) members of the Board.  Special meetings shall be at least ten (10) days after written notice has been given and a full agenda has been provided to each Board member.

C.	Closed Meetings.  The Board may hold closed meetings, if it is judged necessary in matters requiring privacy or special discretion.

D.	Quorum.  Eight (8) members of the Board of Directors present at a duly called meeting shall constitute a quorum.

E.	Voting.  Each  authorized member of the Board shall have one (1) vote.  To be able to vote, a member must be present at the meeting when Board action is taken.  Proxies are not permitted.  A majority of those present and voting shall be required to pass any motion.

F.	Regular Board meetings are open to all members of the Emmaus Community; however, only Board members are allowed to make motions and to vote.  Persons in appointed positions in Emmaus who are not members of the Board can attend Board meetings to report and to discuss matters of concern with the Board.

Section 8.  Community Spiritual Director
The Community Spiritual Director of Fredericksburg Emmaus shall be selected by the Board of Directors annually in the spring in conjunction with the election of the new Lay Director and Assistant Lay Director.  The term of office shall begin July 1.  The Spiritual Director may be replaced by the Board during the term by ten (10) affirmative votes.

Section 9.  Vacancies on the Board
The Board may elect persons, upon nomination by the Lay Director, to fill vacancies until the next regular election.  Such persons are eligible for election to the Board by Fredericksburg Emmaus at such regular election.

Section 10.  Removal of a Board Member.
Board members may be removed for cause by an affirmative vote of ten (10) members of the Board.  That Board member must be given written notice at least thirty (30) days prior to the Board meeting when the vote is to be taken.

Section 11.  Compensation.
Board members shall serve without compensation; however, members may be reimbursed for expenses incurred in the conduct of official Board business, provided the expense is approved in advance by the Board.

ARTICLE VI.
Standing Committees

The following standing committees are established:

A.	Weekend Lay Director Selection Committee.  If possible, Weekend Lay Directors should be selected and invited 12 months in advance of the prospective weekends.  The Weekend Lay Director Selection Committee shall meet as required to provide recommendations to the Board regarding men and women qualified to serve as Weekend Lay Directors.  The Weekend Lay Director Selection Committee shall consist of:

Community Lay Director
Community Spiritual Director
Immediate past Weekend Lay Directors
At-large members as appointed by the Board.

B.	Team Selection Committee.  If possible, teams should be selected a minimum of 4 months in advance of the prospective weekends.  The Team Selection Committee shall meet as required to provide recommendations to the Weekend Lay Director(s) regarding men or women respectively qualified to serve on the next team(s).  The Team Selection Committee shall consist of:

Community Lay Director
Community Spiritual Director
Immediate past Weekend Lay Directors
Next Weekend Lay Director(s)
At-large members as appointed by the Board.

C.	Pilgrim Selection Committee.  If possible, pilgrims should be selected a minimum of 2 months in advance of the prospective weekends.  The Pilgrim Selection Committee shall meet as required to provide recommendations to the Pilgrim/Team Registration Coordinator regarding men or women respectively to be invited to attend the next weekend(s).  The Pilgrim Selection Committee shall consist of:

Community Lay Director
Community Spiritual Director
Pilgrim/Team Registration Coordinator
Weekend Lay Director(s)
At-large members as appointed by the Board.

ARTICLE VII.
Walk to Emmaus

Section 1.
Fredericksburg Emmaus shall follow the guidelines of The Upper Room Walk to Emmaus program in the formation of the three-day (72-hour) experience "Walk to Emmaus", as published in manuals provided by the National Emmaus Program of The Upper Room, Nashville, Tennessee.  Exceptions to the order and conduct of Emmaus Weekends must be avoided except as approved by the Board of Directors.  Weekend Lay Director/Spiritual Directors must adhere to the design and spirit of the Weekend as prescribed in the manuals, as modified by the local Board.  Within this context, specific details of how the teams chose to conduct individual events of the Weekend are the prerogative of the Weekend Lay Director/Spiritual Directors.

Section 2.
Based on recommendations of the Weekend Lay Director Selection Committee, the Board of Directors shall choose a Lay Director for each Fredericksburg Walk to Emmaus weekend.

Section 3.
The Spiritual Directors for each Fredericksburg Walk to Emmaus shall be selected and invited by Fredericksburg Emmaus Community Spiritual Director after consultation with the Board.

ARTICLE VIII.
Amendments

Proposed amendments must be presented to the Board one (1) month in advance and approved by a two-thirds (2/3) vote for presentation to the Community.  Proposed amendments presented to the Community will be voted on at a regular Gathering or a called meeting of the membership no sooner than one (1) month after being advertised at a Gathering and in the newsletter.  A two-thirds (2/3) majority of those voting shall be required to adopt an amendment.

ARTICLE IX
Indemnification

The Upper Room Emmaus of the Greater Fredericksburg Area shall indemnify and save harmless any and each and every officer, director, or former officer or director against any and all liability, loss, damages, costs or expenses which may be incurred, suffered, or be required to pay by reason of being or having been an officer or director, except in relation to matters as to which such officer or director shall be adjudged in any action, suit, or proceeding, to be liable for gross negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of duty.  Such indemnification shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those indemnified hereby may be entitled under any agreement, by vote of the Board of Directors, statutes or otherwise.

ARTICLE X.
Ratification

The Bylaws are to take effect immediately upon certification of the Board that a majority of the mail ballot of Fredericksburg Emmaus approves them.

ADDENDUM I to By-Laws

By concurrence of the Fredericksburg Emmaus Steering Committee, this Addendum is effective immediately to guide the transition of Fredericksburg Emmaus from leadership by a Steering Committee to the Board of Directors.  This Addendum shall be null and void and deleted from the By-Laws after completion of the first meeting of the Fredericksburg Emmaus Board of Directors.

ARTICLE XI.
Transition from the Steering Committee to the Board of Directors

A.	The transition of leadership of Fredericksburg Emmaus from the Steering Committee to the Board of Directors shall occur after ratification of the By-laws and completion of the first election.

B.	The first election of members to serve on the Board of Directors shall be conducted in accordance with Article V above.  The nominating process shall begin in January/February 1992 so as to comply with the schedule in Article V in parallel with the ratification process for the By-Laws.  The actual election shall be conducted only after final ratification of the By-Laws.

C.	For the purposes of the first election, the Steering Committee shall act as a Nominating Committee to nominate persons to fill fifteen positions on the Board.  Nominees to the first Board should meet the qualifications for membership in Article V, Section 1; however, the Nominating Committee is authorized to make exceptions to the team service requirement for the first Board, if the quantity of qualified nominees falls short of that required to provide a full slate for the election.  Nominations from the members of Fredericksburg Emmaus should be provided to a member of the Steering Committee.

D.	The Steering Committee chairperson, or another Steering Committee member who was not elected to be on the new Board, shall convene the newly elected Board.  The new Board shall select from among themselves a community Lay Director and Assistant Lay Director.  The newly elected Lay Director shall conduct the remainder of the organizational meeting.

E.	The Board shall elect a Community Spiritual Director.  

F.	The Board shall divide into three groups, one group each to serve one, two, and three year periods on the Board.  The Lay Director shall conduct a drawing among the Board members to determine who will be in each group ensuring distribution of two lay men, two lay women, and one clergy member in each group.  Those who draw a one-year tenure will be eligible for renomination and reelection for a new three-year term at the end of the first year.  If the first elections are not completed in accordance with the schedule in Article V above (by the May Gathering), the term of those who draw a one-year tenure will be shortened as appropriate to allow for an orderly transition into the annual schedule prescribed.

G.	The Board shall approve assignment of Board or Fredericksburg Emmaus Community members to the appointed positions and standing committees designated above.

H.	The Board shall set a regular meeting date, discuss the status of each Board member's area of responsibility, plan regular dates for Gatherings, and discuss the need for a community training day to help everyone grow in their understanding of Emmaus leadership.

Election of the Board of Directors

Article XI of the by-laws provides that transition of leadership of Fredericksburg Emmaus from Steering Committee to Board of Directors will occur after ratification of By-laws and completion of the first election.  The election process to establish the first Board of Directors will begin in parallel with the review and approval process for the by-laws.  Nominations will be finalized in March, and the election will be conducted by written ballot in May.  The Board will assume leadership in July 1992, assuming the by-laws and election are completed on schedule.

Are you willing to serve our Lord as a member of the Board of Directors for Fredericksburg Emmaus??  Pray about this, and contact a Steering Committee member to volunteer for nomination.  Christ is counting on you and I.

Are you willing to serve our Lord ???

Food for Thought

The following is an excerpt from "The Upper Room Disciplines 1987".  This devotional publishes a series of seven weekly devotions written by a single author to address the Scripture published in the Common Lectionary.  During the week of April 27-May 3, 1987, the entire series was devoted to Luke 24:13-35, the story of the walk to Emmaus.  This coincided with the National Capital's Emmaus 19 (April 30-May 3, 1987), to which I sponsored two Pilgrims from Virginia Beach.  The coincidence was rather striking.  I am reprinting one devotion from this series each month.  Here is the second:

ON THE ROAD TO EMMAUS	
April 27-May 3, 1987	Marjorie J. Williams†
Tuesday, April 28	Read Luke 24:17-18.

Jesus was a master when it came to asking questions.  Often he used them to silence his enemies, but frequently it was for the simple purpose of making people state their problems.

This was the case with the two disciples.  Luke 24:15 says that Jesus began traveling with them.  This implies that Jesus listened to their discussion for a while.  Since the scripture states that there was a discussion between the two disciples, it may be that they were asking each other questions which neither could answer.

It was at this point that Jesus said to them, "What are you talking about to each other, as you walk along?" (TEV).  The effect of the question stopped the two disciples in their tracks.  "They stood still, with sad faces" (TEV).  The word sad should be interpreted in much stronger language.  It means with darkened faces and suggests astonishment and displeasure.

Cleopas is now identified as one of the two.  His question in verse 18 tells us that the arrest and crucifixion of Jesus had stirred all Jerusalem.  Cleopas and his companion could not believe that even a stranger in the city would have lived so alone that he did not know of the recent events that had taken place.  Since Cleopas assumed that Jesus was not a native of Jerusalem, it is possible that Jesus used the dialect of Galilee when he spoke.

Suggestion for meditation:  Remember that Jesus has the answer to all of the questions in your life.

†Freelance writer, member of First Assembly of God Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Copyright 1987 © The Upper Room.  Permission to reprint granted by the Upper Room on 1/14/92.