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