The Spotlight: La Plata UMC

La Plata UMC was honored by having Ms. Erin Dean perform at a worship service. Erin, grand niece of Joyce Hancock, performed a wonderful song, entitled "How Beautiful". Enjoy this wonderful music!

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The Spotlight

The other day I was thinking about what other churches are doing to generate enthusiasm and growth. I'd like to start a new series of entries on this blog, appropriately titled "The Spotlight". This series would contain the great things that are going on in our churches within the Southern Maryland Emmaus community! I'm asking all church POC's to look around at some of the great things going on and send them to me and we'll figure out a way to promote these great activities.

Changes to "Prayer to the Holy Spirit"

With the issuance of new Reunion Group cards by the Upper Room -- in which the Prayer to the Holy Spirit has two word changes, we thought it a good time to share some background with regard to the Prayer to the Holy Spirit. The words that have been changed are in parenthesis, and is immediately followed by the new word. The revised prayer is, therefore, much more personal.

"Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in (them) us the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit, and (they) we shall be created. And you shall renew the face of the earth. O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy your consolations. Through Christ our Lord. Amen."

In explaining the format of the weekly group reunion, it is written, "The group begins the meeting by reciting the prayer on the card. The 'Prayer to the Holy Spirit' is a centuries-old prayer paraphrase of Psalm 104:30, which celebrates God's sovereignty over humanity and the Spirit's recreative work in this world.

The opening prayer is a reminder that the reason for meeting is not only to be with one another; it is to gather with openness to the renewing presence of the Holy Spirit. The prayer signifies the group members' recognition that the Spirit accompanies them in their daily walk and in their weekly gathering, just as the spirit of Jesus accompanied the two disciples on the walk to Emmaus that first Easter afternoon."

Ref: Emmaus Library Series booklet, The Group Reunion, page 17.

De Colores!

Road to Emmaus Movie Trailer

I was surfing the web this morning, and came across a trailer that I'd like to share with everyone.

Evidently there was a movie released in the fall of 2009 titled "Walk to Emmaus". Here is the trailer for that movie:

If anyone has seen this movie, pleaqse share your thoughts on it!

De Colores!

Men's Spring Walk

I just wanted to make a brief comment that this spring's Men's Walk went very well. I spoke with several members of the walk and the weekend Lay Director, Dean Gass, and everyone said it was a great time!

I was really impressed with the way all of the weekend activities went. They were very smooth, and it was quite evident that Len Lent and Chester Willett (and countless others) did a fantastic AGAPE job!

De Colores!

Merry Christmas to All

Two thousand years ago a young boy was probably playing in the villages in what is now Israel. He didn't celebrate Christmas at the time, he didn't ask for gifts or toys to be given to him, he didn't ask to see Santa Claus. He didn't need diamond and gold jewelry or fancy clothes to impress others. He was content spending his time growing up and teaching others about humility. I can imagine that life must have been difficult for this young boy because he knew everything. In time, the young boy knew what the future held, and he graciously accepted his role.

He lived in a time where there was no central heat, no automobiles, no television, no computers or MP-3's, and he had no shopping malls to hang out at. He was not greedy, and he shared everything he had. All he had was his family, friends, and strangers to keep him company. He spent the next several years talking with people about faith, and the need for doing what was right. Toward the end of his life, he had people coming from miles around to hear him talk about life and how they should live. He became quite popular, and before long, the people would turn on him. Ultimately, the people would demand his death.

He gave so others would be forgiven for their sins. He put up with intolerable pain so that others would not have to suffer. Jesus gave his life to save humanity.

During this Christmas season, we should all take a moment to stop what we are doing and honor Jesus by saying "thank you." We should take the time to say some kind words to our neighbors and to strangers on the streets. We should take some time to reflect back on our lives and say "thank you" for the gifts and talents that we have. We need to take a moment to say "what can I do different to help others in need?" We should be grateful for our lives, our families, our friends, and for our abilities to provide for others. To give ourselves, in remembrance of Him.

Rev. Dr. Bruce Jones found a wonderful song on YOU TUBE that he shared with members of La Plata UMC, and I'd like to pass this on to the Southern maryland Emmaus community as well.

For everyone in the Southern Maryland Emmaus commuunity, I pray that you and your families have a wonderful Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year!

Prayer Request: Addie Leonard

Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Could you please pray for my sister and me as we are trying to get the headstone for my mother's grave? We put down a down payment but still need $880 by January. We want to be able to just walk up to her grave without trying to remember where it is. God is good. Thank you.

Addie Leonard

Advent Calendar Now Available Online

I have been working on an online ADVENT CALENDAR for 2009. I have it completed and you can view the calendar on the Southern Maryland Emmaus News page on the website. I tried to put some verses and thoughts together that were relevent to the holiday season, as well as some trivia notes. I ended each day with a prayer.

I can't think of any better way to honor Johanna Brennan than dedicating this ADVENT CALENDAR to her memory. She would have enjoyed it.

De Colores.

Prayer Request: The Brennan Family

It is with my deepest regrets to announce the passing of Johanna Brennan earlier this week. Johanna is the mother of Dan Brennan (Pat), of La PLata. Johanna worshipped at Calvary United Methodist Church and La Plata United Methodist Church. Johanna walked on one of the earliest Walks to Emmaus in southern Maryland, and it is believed that she may have been to eldest to do so.

Johanna's funeral service will be at La Plata United Methodist Church on Monday, November 30, 2009, at 11:00AM. The funeral will immediately follow.

Please keep Dan, Pat and the rest of the Brennan family in your prayers during this difficult time.

De Colores, Johanna. We will miss you.

Congratulations to Pastor Sue Shorb-Sterling and Family

Congratulations to the Rev. Sue Shorb-Sterling, pastor at Salem UMC in Brookeville, and her husband Charles ["Chuck"] on the birth of their granddaughter Lydia Hope. She was born on Friday, Oct. 9, and weighed 9 pounds, 1 ounce.

Pastor Sue is a former Southern Maryland Emmaus Community Spiritual Director.

Submitted by: Rich Weaver

Prayer Request: Sandy & Wilbur

Dear Friends of Cindy & Jacques Banks,

Cindy's father Wilber suffered a severe stroke last night. He was transported to Civista hospital and then flown to Washington Hospital Center. This morning news is that it was a big stroke and they are now waiting for more tests results. We do know that the left carotid artery is 90% blocked. Please keep the whole family in prayer. Cindy's mother Sandy has just had surgery and is recovering so as you can imagine Cindy and Jacques are concerned about both of them. Cindy has asked for her prayer warriors to keep this matter in prayer. Please pass along to other prayer warriors.

Let's keep this matter before the Lord!

Sarah Miller
Indian Head UMC

"Plastic Jesus", Sound Familiar?

Here is an eye-opening video titled "Plastic Jesus". It is found on TANGLE (ex: GOD TUBE).

I think there are people in the world who are quick to say one thing, but in reality, they act in other ways. They are screaming inside for a sign from God.

These are the people we should reach out to and be a friend. So if you know of anyone who has taken a few steps backward, step-forward and be a good Christian and offer a consoling word, such as "God Loves You".

YBIC

Pat

Praise Report: Kristin and Baby

Good morning everyone:

We have a "praise report!" Wayne called this morning to report that his daughter, Kristin, delivered a healthy baby girl last evening around 11:34 pm. The baby weighed in at 7 lbs, 2.2 oz & 19 and 3/4 inches long; with a full head of beautiful black hair. Mom, baby and dad are all doing fine and getting plenty of rest today. In fact, the proud grandparents have all decided to take the day off to rest as well. :-)

Wayne and Elaine Welsh wish to thank everyone for your prayers during Kristin's travail of labor.

Blessings,
Mildred (Calvary UMC)

Prayer Request: Rev. Sue Shorb-Sterling

From the 8/28/09 edition of e-Connection:

"The Rev. Sue Shorb-Sterling, pastor of Salem UMC in Brookeville, underwent unexpected surgery Aug. 24."

God is the Great Physician and He knows exactly what Sue needs. Let us keep her in our prayers that she will feel our love.

Cathy Lavoie

Prayer Request: Kristin and Family

Our daughter, Kristin, is having a baby, and we ask the community to pray that everything will go well for her, her husband, and the baby. We're all getting pretty anxious!

Thank you all for your love and support.

Wayne and Elaine Welsh
Fredericksburg Emmaus 24 and 25

Prayer Request: Gloria Hutchins

Please take a moment to keep Gloria Hutchins and her relatives in your prayers. Gloria's grandchildren are going through some difficult times and with your prayers to God almighty, He will take care of them according to His plan.

YBIC

Pat Knowland

Southern Maryland Emmaus Summer Picnic a Success!

DeColores community!

The weather was fabulous, Gilbert Run Park, absolutely beautiful, and the picnic was a huge success. If you did not attend, you missed a fun time.

Please remember - NO GATHERING IN JULY

Gathering schedule for the remainder of 2009:

August 15 - Calvary UMC in Waldorf - 5:00 pot luck, 6:00 gathering.

September 19 - Calvary UMC in Waldorf - 5:00 pot luck, 6:00 gathering.

October and November - will have community wide gatherings at Chrysalis and Emmaus weekends.

November 21 - Fourth Day Seminar - 4:00, pot luck - 6:00, mini gathering at 7:00

If you sponsored a pilgrim, and has not attended their Fourth Day Seminar, no matter when they walked, please bring them.

ALL are invited to attend the Fourth Day Seminar, pot luck and mini gathering. Come see old friends, friends you made during your pilgrim weekend, come meet some new best friends.

YSIC,
Janet
So Md Emmaus Walk #2
Table of Esther

Prayer Request for J. T. Hindle

I have a prayer request for my husband JT. He was admitted to Civista last night. He may be coming home today, and going to see his cardiologist in Fairfax. We are praying all continues to go well.

God Bless you.
Donna Hindle

Prayer Request for Ken Lee

Please storm the gates of heaven for Ken Lee. Ken called me last night to ask for prayer from his brother's and sister's in Christ. Ken has a medical condition and a good outlook, but will face some challenging situations in the coming weeks. Please pray for his health and for his endurance throught the treatment, for his family; his wife, Mary Ellen and his sons, as they care for him through this difficult time, and for the doctors who will coordinate his treatment.

YSIC

Mary Ulrey

Thank You All Departing BOD Members

I'd like to say "thank you" to all of the departing members of the Board of Directors. Your vision and guidance of the Southern Maryland Emmaus Program are appreciated and be at peace knowing that you've touched so many lives in our community and we love you all!