May 1992

He is Alive!  He is Alive!!  He is Alive!!!  Alleluia, He is Alive!!!

The Lenten season, followed by Easter, brings a time of somber reflection, followed by celebration.  We reflect on the reality of God's Grace, that He cares enough for "me" to send Jesus to die on the cross.  We reflect on the Love of Christ, that He loves "me" so much that "He spread His arms and died for 'me'", that He endured "my" pain, took "my" punishment, and that the pool of blood at the foot of the cross was shed for "me", as unworthy as "I" am.  And we rejoice because "He is Alive".  The resurrection is the proof, the physical evidence that all God's promises to "us" are true, and have been fulfilled in Jesus Christ.  He has gone to the Father that He may send "us" His Spirit.  And He sits at the right hand of the Father that He may intercede on our behalf.  

Now is a time of celebration for Fredericksburg Emmaus as well.  We have just completed F'burg Emmaus 3 & 4 and multiplied the size of our Emmaus Family by more than 50 new Brothers and Sisters.  Many have left the weekend with a renewed and refreshed "Burning Heart".  Some may have discovered this "Burning Heart" for the very first time.  Alleluia!  

The Walk to Emmaus is much like an Easter experience.  We each come to the Walk at a different point in our personal relationship with Jesus Christ, some very close and others not close at all.  The weekend provides each one of us the chance to reflect on many aspects of our Christian lives, Christian Community, and Jesus' will for our lives.  And for all, there comes a time on the journey when we come to personal encounter with our Risen Lord.  This may be a conscious encounter, or a very subtle one.  But if we examine our hearts, and the scripture (Luke 24:33), we will recognize that the source of the "Burning Heart" was "Jesus walking on the Road with 'us' and revealing himself to 'us' in the scriptures".  Revelation 1:7a says, "Look, he is coming on the clouds, and every eye will see him,…"  And in John 17:3, Jesus prayed to the Father on his disciples behalf, "Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent."  Have you seen Jesus our Lord??

For me, Emmaus is like being called away by Jesus Christ to a quiet place to spend precious personal time with Him.  There were over 50 other people on my Walk nearly eight years ago, but when I reflect on it, it was as if He and I walked the Emmaus Road all alone.  And I left my Walk with a "Burning Heart" that has never been quenched.  I know "He is Alive" for "me".

And the march goes on •••!  

Steve Seiden

May Gathering & Day of Deeper Understanding

The Gathering this month will be at St. Matthias UMC in Falmouth on May 9th.  The Day of Deeper Understanding for F'burg #1 & 2 will be conducted from 1:00 - 5:00 PM before the Gathering.  After an hour's break, we will begin the Gathering with the normal pot luck and fellowship.

F'burg 3 & 4 pilgrims, sponsors and team, as well as those from F'burg 1 & 2 who could not attend their Day of Deeper Understanding last Fall, are encouraged to participate in the Day of Deeper Understanding for a time of rich fellowship, reunion and instruction.  In addition to Praise and Worship, topics will include more information about Emmaus, teaming and sponsorship.

Day of Deeper Understanding & The Next Gathering

What:	F'burg 3 & 4 Day of Deeper Understanding & Fredericksburg Emmaus Community Gathering
Where:	St. Matthias United Methodist Church
Why:	Day of Deeper Understanding, Pot Luck, Fellowship, and Worship
When:	Day of Deeper Understanding	- 1:00 PM, April 11, 1992
	Day of Deeper Understanding adjourn:	- Not later than 5:00
	Pot Luck	- 6:00 PM, April 11, 1992
	Grace before the Pot luck:	- Promptly at 6:00
	End of meal & clean-up	- 6:40
	Worship	- 7:00 PM, April 11, 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	
May 7 thru 10, 1992	Richmond Emmaus Men's 15	May 7 thru 10, 1992	VA Kairos (Prison Min.) Men's 5	
May 14 thru 17, 1992	Southwest VA Emmaus Women's 10	May 14 thru 17, 1992	Tidewater Emmaus Women's 17	
May 28 thru 31, 1992	Nat. Cap. Emmaus Men's 47	May 28 thru 31, 1992	Southside VA Emmaus Men's 1	
June 4 thru 7, 1992	Maryland Emmaus Women's 23	June 4 thru 7, 1992	Richmond Emmaus Women's 16	
June 18 thru 21, 1992	Southside VA Emmaus Women's 2	June 25 thru 28, 1992	Nat. Cap. Emmaus Women's 48	
August 13 thru 16, 1992	Nat. Cap. Coed Chrysalis 16	Sep. 9 thru 12, 1992	Maryland Emmaus Men's 24	
Sep. 24 thru 27, 1992	Nat. Cap. Emmaus Men's 49	Sep. 24 thru 27, 1992	Richmond Emmaus Men's 17	
Sep. 24 thru 27, 1992	VA Kairos (Prison Min.) Men's 6	Sep. 24 thru 27, 1992	West VA Emmaus Men's 26	
Oct. 1 thru 4, 1992	Maryland Emmaus Women's 25	Oct. 8 thru 11, 1992	F'burg Emmaus Men's 5	
Oct. 15 thru 18, 1992	Richmond Emmaus Women's 18	Oct. 15 thru 18, 1992	Southwest VA Emmaus Men's 11	
Oct. 22 thru 25, 1992	Nat. Cap. Emmaus Women's 50	Oct. 29 thru Nov. 1, 1992	Harrisonburg Emmaus Men's 1	
Oct. 29 thru Nov. 1, 1992	Maryland Emmaus Men's 26	Oct. 29 thru Nov. 1, 1992	Southwest VA Emmaus Women's 12	
Oct. 29 thru Nov. 1, 1992	Tidewater Emmaus Men's 18	Nov. 5 thru 8, 1992	Harrisonburg Emmaus Women's 2	
Nov. 12 thru 15, 1992	Tidewater Emmaus Women's 19	Nov. 19 thru 22, 1992	F'burg Emmaus Women's 6	

Applications

Dates are set for F'burg 5 & 6.  It is not too soon to submit applications for both team and pilgrims.  The team for F'burg 5 will be chosen in June, and for F'burg 6 a month later.  Encourage potential pilgrims to apply without worrying if their calendar is clear.  We will ask 32 maximum and applicants are invited according to the date the application is received, so don't delay.

F'burg Emmaus 4 Pilgrim Directory

Phyllis Andrews
349 Caisson Road
Falmouth VA 22405
F'burg EM 4
Union Bell Baptist
Home Phone - 703-373-6482

Debbie Bennett
301 Garrison Woods Drive  Apt. 11
Stafford VA 22554
F'burg EM 4
Ebenezer UMC

Cindi Bohn
433 Holly Corner Road
Falmouth VA 22406
F'burg EM 4
Chancellor Christian
Home Phone - 703-752-5356
Her Work Phone - 703-371-3070
Judy Carlson
4417 Neptune Drive
Alexandria VA 22309
F'burg EM 4
Eastland UMC
Home Phone - 703-780-1897
Her Work Phone - 703-898-6430

Renee Devers
13600 Maxson Court
Spotsylvania VA 22553
F'burg EM 4
Eastland UMC
Home Phone - 703-972-2584

Jenny DiManno
8200 Wisconsin Avenue #608
Bethesda MD 20418
F'burg EM 4
St. Bart's Catholic
Home Phone - 301-656-0523
Her Work Phone - 301-770-3260
Judy Donelson
1917 Forest Park Drive
Forestville MD 20747
F'burg EM 4
Mt. Sanai Baptist
Home Phone - 301-350-1369
Her Work Phone - 202-877-5997

Janet Dunn
7326 Chapel Heights Road
Fredericksburg VA 22407
F'burg EM 4
Chancellor Christian Church
Home Phone - 703-786-6878
Her Work Phone - 703-786-4025

Angel Fulkerson
48 Susan Lane
Stafford VA 22554
F'burg EM 4
Crown of Life
Home Phone - 703-659-2166
Annie Glover
100-A Fauquier Street
Fredericksburg VA 22401
F'burg EM 4
F'burg Presbyterian
Home Phone - 703-373-3361
Her Work Phone - 703-898-2121

Nancy Graver
PO Box 9
Newtown VA 23126
F'burg EM 4
Upper King & Queen Baptist
Home Phone - 804-769-2563
Her Work Phone - 804-633-6267

Linda Holmes
32 Serenity Lane
Stafford VA 22554
F'burg EM 4
First Baptist
Home Phone - 703-659-2511
Her Work Phone - 703-491-7116

Sandy Jones
10304 Hillside Lane
Fredericksburg VA 22408
F'burg EM 4
Chancellor Christian Church
Home Phone - 703-898-1961
His Work Phone - 703-371-3070
Her Work Phone - 703-371-9622

Phyliss Keesee
4420 Highland Drive
Roanoke VA 24019
F'burg EM 4
First UMC
Home Phone - 703-992-5280

April Koontz
2498 Hatteras Court
Woodbridge VA 22191
F'burg EM 4
Woodbridge Christian Church
Home Phone - 703-670-7597

Jeaneen LaLone
10901 Spurlock Court
Fairfax VA 22032
F'burg EM 4
Calvary Church of the Nazarene
Home Phone - 703-691-0765

Patty Medeiros
5521 Neddleton Avenue
Dale City VA 22193
F'burg EM 4
Bethel UMC
Home Phone - 703-590-9068

Cheryl Midkiff
9420 Camrose Road
Richmond VA 23229
F'burg EM 4
St. Mary's Catholic
Home Phone - 804-741-2650
Her Work Phone - 804-359-5661

Jane Miller
12144 Darnley Road
Woodbridge VA 22192
F'burg EM 4
Old Bridge UMC
Home Phone - 703-590-0548

Susan Ryan
7 Steeplechase Road
Fredericksburg VA 22405
F'burg EM 4
St. Mary's Catholic
Home Phone - 703-373-5717

Tillie Schools
Route 1, Box 1186
Newtown VA 23126
F'burg EM 4
Upper King & Queen Baptist
Home Phone - 804-769-3812

Jo Anne Scott
PO Box 31
Sealston VA 22547
F'burg EM 4
Union Bell Baptist
Home Phone - 703-775-7718
Her Work Phone - 703-371-6785

Iva-Laura Self
4607 Clay Court
Fredericksburg VA 22408
F'burg EM 4
Chancellor Christian Church
Home Phone - 703-898-7353

Lorita Shelton
15 Old Bridge Road
Stafford VA 22554
F'burg EM 4
Andrew Chapel UMC
Home Phone - 703-659-2704
Her Work Phone - 703-640-1103
Georgeanna Shores
8810 Danewood Drive
Alexandria VA 22308
F'burg EM 4
Plymouth Haven Baptist
Home Phone - 703-799-9677

Brenda Shreve
1523 Lakewood Drive
Woodbridge VA 22192
F'burg EM 4
Woodbridge Christian Church
Home Phone - 703-494-3948

Joan St. Ours
404 Truslow Road
Fredericksburg VA 22405
F'burg EM 4
Crown of Life Fellowship
Home Phone - 703-373-8487
Her Work Phone - 703-746-3083

Joy Vroonland
3001 Park Center Drive #1011
Alexandria VA 22302
F'burg EM 4
Fairlington Presbyterian
Home Phone - 703-820-4613
Her Work Phone - 301-981-7186

Lanell Wilbur
Route 1, Box 422
Reva VA 22735
F'burg EM 4
Culpeper Baptist
Home Phone - 703-547-3035

Mary Wrenn
12291 Cinnamon
Woodbridge VA 22192
F'burg EM 4
Woodbridge Christian
Home Phone - 703-491-3278
Her Work Phone - 703-451-2200

Lita Yarberry
5414 Quest Court
Dale City VA 22193
F'burg EM 4
Bethel UMC
Home Phone - 703-878-9194

Halleluia!!!   Praise God for His good work!

Fredericksburg Emmaus By-Laws Approved

The Fredericksburg Emmaus By-Laws were approved by unanimous written ballot (57 for approval and zero against) at the April Gathering on April 11, 1992 and now stands as the official document formally establishing the Upper Room Emmaus Of The Greater Fredericksburg Area as an ecumenical non-profit religious organization.  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.  In accordance with these provisions, the Steering Committee will continue to lead the Community until the election of the Board is completed and the first Board meeting is convened.  The Board will assume leadership in July 1992, assuming the election is completed on schedule.  
Nominees for Board of Directors

The election process to establish the first Board of Directors began in parallel with the review and approval process for the by-laws.  The election will be conducted by written ballot in June vice May.  The following provides a list of those who have agreed to be nominated to serve on the Board so far:

Men (Six to be elected)	Women (Six to be elected)	Clergy (Three to be elected)	
			
Dick Beale, Bowling Green, Bapt.	Nita Cline, Wolftown, Epis.	Tony Forstall, Brooke, Meth.	
Gary Farrar, Falmouth, Meth	Kathryn Morris, Madison, Pres.	Bill Smith, F'burg, Bapt.	
Larry Garfield, Falmouth, Meth.	Stacia Rice, Newtown, Bapt.		
Steve Seiden, Stafford, Meth.	Pat Weinhardt, F'burg, Non-Denom.		
Earl Thompson, Falmouth, Pres.			
John Wilbur, Culpeper, Pres.			
Dave Young, Stafford, Pres.			

These nominations are not complete.  We should have two more women to agree to nomination, and the Steering Committee will continue to look for qualified volunteers.  Additional names, if any, will be announced at the May Gathering and/or published in the June newsletter.  The By-Laws provide that additional nominations may be made from the floor the night of the election (the June Gathering) provided the nominee meets the specific qualifications and is present at that Gathering.  Biographical sketches of each nominee will be published in June so that the Community can be informed voters.  And an absentee ballot will be published in June so the entire Community may vote, whether present at the June Gathering, or not.  

Ladies (or Gents), 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 ???

Prayer Requests

A column will be open each month for Prayer Requests.  Submit your praises or needs to the newsletter editor, Sandra Herrell @ 703-680-1594, by the first Saturday after each Gathering:

Praise for answering a united prayer for Kelly to make the school dance team	Praise for my new extended family members of Debbie & Mandy	
Prayer for my daughter Mandy & her friend Kristy to get over strep	Thank you God, for our families, in blood & spirit
Prayer for those bound up in alcoholism	
For Karen Knicely - Major surgery April 30th at GWU Hospital	For the Holy Spirit to be at F'burg 4 in a mighty way	
For successful results of my recent MRI that I had on Tuesday	For healing of family relationships	
Praise for our families	Prayer for Billy Brinkley - Cancerous tumor	
John - As he travels	Sharon's healing of her feet	
F'burg Emmaus 4 team	Pastors & churches during holy week	
Michelle - That she place her life in the Father's hands	Ron Penninger - Depression	
Families in the Elm Farm trailer park - Deaths & destruction	Ginny - Multiple health problems	
John - That he may clear his work schedule to attend with us
Keith & Sandy - Relationship & Keith's work	Frank - That his son Jeremy be drawn to the Lord; The Lord works on his heart	
Janet Dunn - Health	Teresa's spiritual awakening	
Danny Crevanston - That he may meet & find his father so he can witness to him	Praises & thanks for all who have given prayer & support
Praise for Janet's recovery from operation	
Pray we can make the right decision where our high school junior will attend his senior year	Benjamin - That he just has a minor virus
Praise for friendships established & strengthened	
Prayers for my work relationship with a co-worker & for Lou Ann in making arrangements & commitment for the weekend	Marcella Davis - Deliverance from drugs, surrender to Christ	
Pray for Helen Mullins Dad who has tests coming up April 14 for possible minor stroke(s) or Alzheimer's disease	Mike & Laverne Lane - Laverne suffering from terminal brain cancer	
Pastor Robert L. Russell	Laurie Sciascia & family	

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 @ 7:00 AM	Hairdos	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 to Sandra Herrell by the first Saturday after each Gathering so that the newsletter can be mailed at least two weeks before the next Gathering.  Sandra can be reached at:

Sandra Herrell
14726 Barksdale Street
Woodbridge VA 22193
703-680-1594

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 fourth:

ON THE ROAD TO EMMAUS	
April 27-May 3, 1987	Marjorie J. Williams†
Thursday, April 30	Read Luke 24:25-27.

When Jesus finally began to talk to the two disciples, he rebuked them.  The words fools is perhaps too strong a word.  The New English Bible conveys the thought of "dullness" and emphasizes their lack of faith in the word of God. Jesus could have shown them the scars in his hands and feet, but he chose rather to point them to the scripture.

Cleopas and his friend were "slow of heart to believe" and had not grasped all that the prophets had plainly spoken.  The word all is important.  They believed that the Messiah would come and establish his kingdom, but they did not believe in a suffering Savior.

Jesus then began a systematic Bible study.  He diverted their attention from rumors and visions to the solid foundation of the teaching of the prophets.  Luke does not indicate which passages Jesus chose, but it is clear throughout the Old Testament that there was a consistent divine purpose which made Calvary inevitable.  All that was written concerning the Messiah applied to Jesus.  Since the two had wrong ideas of what Moses and the prophets taught, they had wrong ideas about the cross.

Can you imagine what it must have been like to listen to Jesus himself interpreting scripture?  We cannot literally walk with Jesus as the two disciples did, but we can search the scripture daily and allow Jesus to open our eyes to the truth of his word (see John 5:39)

Prayer:  Lord, help me to grow in wisdom and knowledge as I study your word.  Amen.

†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.