New Life News – October 2007
(A monthly publication of the New Life Emmaus Community)
FOOD FOR THOUGHT – Please forward items that you feel might be appropriate for this section to Rakbuck@flash.net . This month’s Food for Thought is titled and was sent in by Jeff Holbrook.
Once upon a time there was a rich King who had four wives.
He loved the 4th wife the most and adorned her with rich robes and treated her to the finest of delicacies. He gave her nothing but the best.
He also loved the 3rd wife very much and was always showing her off to neighboring kingdoms. However, he feared that one day she would leave him for another.
He also loved his 2nd wife. She was his confidant and was always kind, considerate and patient with him.
Whenever the King faced a problem, he could confide in her, and she would help him get through the difficult times.
The King's 1st wife was a very loyal partner and had made great contributions in maintaining his wealth and kingdom. However, he did not love the first wife. Although she loved him deeply, he hardly took notice of her!
On e day, the King fell ill and he knew his time was short. He thought of his luxurious life and wondered, I now have four wives with me, but when I die, I'll be all alone."
Thus, he asked the 4th wife, "I loved you the most, endowed you with the finest clothing and showered great care over you. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?"
"No way!" replied the 4th wife and she walked away without another word.
Her answer cut like a sharp knife right into his heart.
The sad King then asked the 3rd wife, "I loved you all my life. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?" "No!” replied the 3rd wife. "Life is too good! When you die, I'm going to remarry!"
His heart sank and turned cold.
He then asked the 2nd wife, "I have always turned to you for help and you've always been t here for me.
When I die, will you follow me and keep me company?"
"I'm sorry, I can't help you out this time!” replied the 2nd wife. "At the very most, I can only walk with you to your grave." Her answer struck him like a bolt of lightning, and the King was devastated.
Then a voice called out: "I'll go with you. I'll follow you no matter where you go."
The King looked up, and there was his first wife. She was very skinny as she suffered from malnutrition and neglect. Greatly grieved, the King said, "I should have taken much better care of you when I had the chance!"
In truth, we all have the 4 wives in our lives:
Our 4th wife is our body. No matter how much time and effort we lavish in making it look good, it will leave us when we die.
Our 3rd wife is our possessions, status and wealth. When we die, it will all go to others.
Our 2nd wife is our family and friends. No matter how much they have been there for us, the furthest they can stay by us is up to the grave.
And our 1st wife is our Soul. Often neglected in pursuit of wealth power and pleasures of the world. However, our Soul is the only thing that will follow us wherever we go.
Cultivate, strengthen and cherish it now, for it is the only part of us that will follow us to the throne of God and continue with us throughout Eternity.
Thought for the day: Remember, when the world pushes you to your knees, you're in the perfect position to pray.
Pass this on to someone you care about.
Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect.
It means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections!
NEXT GATHERING - The October gathering will take place at 7:00 pm this coming Tuesday, October 16th at Bethany UMC. Directions: Directions: Take I-35 South and exit at Eisenhauer. Turn right and proceed west on Eisenhauer. The church will be about one mile down on the left. Join us as we consecrate the Team for Walk 1401 which kicks off Thursday Oct 18th at Mt Wesley.
2007 GATHERING SCHEDULE:
October 16 Bethany UMC, 4102 Eisenhauer, SA, TX 78218 210-655-5473
November 20 Rolling Oaks Christian, 7150 Stahl Rd, SA, TX 78247 210-654-1744
December (no gathering scheduled)
January 15 St Andrew's UMC, 7222 Robinhood, S.A., TX 78209 210-824-2465
If your church/community is interested in joining the New Life Emmaus community for Northeast San Antonio, please contact the Lay Leaders to be added to the 2008 listing.
LOCAL CHURCH GATHERINGS:
We are posting the day & date of local church gatherings in the newsletter to invite others to come. Please update this information by replying to this newsletter if your church changes/cancels your meeting.
Local Gatherings scheduled:
Alamo UMC: 2nd Sunday of every month, 12:15 pm, pot luck.
First UMC New Braunfels: 4th Tuesday of every month, 7 pm.
Northern Hills UMC: Last Monday of every month, 7 pm.
Schertz UMC: 1st Tuesday of every month, 7 pm.
St Andrew's UMC: Fridays, quarterly.
Universal City UMC: 1st Sunday, every even month 7 pm – Next Gathering will be in December.
2007 WALK SCHEDULE:
Walk# Dates Lay Director Site
1401M Oct 18 – 21 Gary Belcher Mt Wesley
2008 WALK SCHEDULE:
Walk# Dates Lay Director Site
1445W Jul 10 – Jul 13 Mary Robertson Mt Wesley
1468M Oct 16 – 19 Rick Bernhardt Mt Wesley
WALK NEWS:
Walk 1401 – All the preparations are complete and this coming Thursday we’ll be off to Mt Wesley for God’s “Best Walk Ever.” Thanks to all of you who got out AND signed up those men. We currently have 26 confirmed pilgrims. Please join us at this month’s Gathering this coming Tuesday at Bethany UMC. Please be in prayer for the team and in particular for the pilgrims that God will place in our care. I’ll have the Walk Sign-up Board at the Gathering on Tuesday evening so that you can see what you agreed to bring.
DeColores
Gary Belcher, Lay Director
Walk 1445 – While striving for certain improvements in setting up this walk, the final decision to change it was to make the dates convenient for all, and prevent scheduling problems that might limit the number of pilgrims who can attend it. The (hopefully) final change in dates has occurred, and the Walk #1445 will be July 10 - 13, 2008, Thursday through Sunday, at Mt Wesley.
If you would like to be part of this team, please submit your applications as soon as possible. I will be carrying applications for the purpose of developing the team. Help me make it the best walk ever for these pilgrims!
Mary Robertson, Lay Director
830-609-7665
EMMAUS LEADERSHIP TRAINING: – New Life sponsored Emmaus Leadership Training Date: Saturday, February 9, 2008, at 8 am, (until ???) there will be training for Lay Directors, board representatives and clergy to attend at the First UMC New Braunfels, in the church Assembly room. Please make your reservations through the Emmaus website link, go to Emmaus and Chrysalis Leadership Training to sign up (at no cost).
PURPOSE: Training Lay Directors, Board Reps and Spiritual Directors Leadership teams for the Walks to Emmaus. The ELTS (Emmaus Leadership Training) is required for all incoming Lay Directors, Board Reps
and Spiritual Directors. Lay Directors and Board Reps need to attend training with in 15 months of serving; Spiritual Directors need to attend training at least once every 3 years. However ELT is open to anyone interested in learning more about Emmaus Leadership. This is a great time for the Lay Directors, Board Reps, and Spiritual Directors to develop effective Communication and Leadership skills. The outside support coordinators are invited to attend as well. Training will be conducted by the Southwest Texas Conference Emmaus Lay Director and Spiritual Director or their appointees. What to bring: purple worship book, cross, name tag, Director Manuals for the LD, SD and Board Rep. If you don't have your books you will be able to purchase them at the training.
NEW LIFE BOARD MEETING: – The New Life Board will meet this Sunday at 2:00PM at Schertz UMC. If you are a local church representative, please make every effort to attend, or send a replacement as we will be discussing our slate of officers for the November Election and will set the Gathering Schedule for 2008 at this meeting. The meeting is open to all members of the community or any interested party.
FROM THE NEW LIFE LAY DIRECTORS: The New Life Community will hold elections for officer positions at our November Meeting at Rolling Oaks CC.
If you are interested in serving in any of the elected positions or would like to nominate someone to fill one of those positions, please submit your nominations to our Interim Board Representative (Bob Buck) at rakbuck@flash.net before our Next Board Meeting which will be held at Schertz UMC at 2:00 PM on Sunday October 14th, 2007
We currently do not have any nominations/volunteers for the following positions:
New Life Lay Director(s)
Asst New Life Lay Director(s)
Secretary
Team Selection (Male)
Team Selection (Female)
Prayer Vigil Coordinator
A listing of all positions with qualifications and duties include the following:
New Life Spiritual Director – One year term starting in January 2008:
The Spiritual Director shall:
Be the theological and spiritual leader of the Board.
Have veto power on any suggested walk Spiritual Director.
Maintain the programmatic intent and integrity of the Upper Room Walk to Emmaus.
New Life Lay Director(s) – One year term (normally extended to two years) starting in January 2008:
Be the Chief administrative office of the Board and Community.
Call all meetings of the Board and preside over such meetings.
Be responsible and responsive to the Board for all administrative decisions made on behalf of the Board.
Maintain the programmatic intent and integrity of the Upper Room Walk to Emmaus.
Preside over all Community Gatherings.
Schedule and make arrangements for all Community Gatherings.
And perform other such duties as directed by the Board.
Asst New Life Lay Director(s) – One year term (normally extended to two years) starting in January 2008:
Preside at Board meetings or Community Gatherings in the absence and/or at the pleasure of the Lay Director(s).
Maintain the programmatic intent and integrity of the Upper Room Walk to Emmaus.
Perform other such duties as directed by the Lay Director(s) of the Board.
Treasurer – One year term starting in January 2008.
The Treasurer shall:
Serve as Chairman of the Finance/Budget Committee.
Submit a financial report at each Community Gathering and Board Meeting as requested.
Maintain the programmatic intent and integrity of the Upper Room Walk to Emmaus.
Assist Walk Lay Directors in final accountings of each walk.
Maintain all financial records/checking account for the Community.
Distribute scholarship and other monies for the Community.
And perform other such duties as directed by the Lay Director(s) of the Board.
Secretary – One year term starting in January 2008:
The Secretary shall:
Keep and distribute the minutes of the Board meetings.
Preside at Board Meetings/Gatherings in the absence of the Lay Director(s) or LDIT.
Maintain the programmatic intent and integrity of the Upper Room Walk to Emmaus.
And perform other such duties as directed by the Lay Director(s) of the Board.
Team Selection (Male) – Two year term starting in January 2008:
Team Selection representatives shall:
Meet at least six (6) months prior to each Walk with the Community Board
Representative and Lay Director to oversee selection
of each team in accordance with Upper Room Guidelines.
Maintain a list of interested people as prospective team members.
Maintain the programmatic intent and integrity of the Upper Room Walk to Emmaus.
Perform other such duties as directed by the Lay Director(s) of the Board.
Team Selection (Female) – Two year term starting in January 2008:
Team Selection representatives shall:
Meet at least six (6) months prior to each Walk with the Community Board
Representative and Lay Director to oversee selection
of each team in accordance with Upper Room Guidelines.
Maintain a list of interested people as prospective team members.
Maintain the programmatic intent and integrity of the Upper Room Walk to Emmaus.
Perform other such duties as directed by the Lay Director(s) of the Board.
Agape Chairperson – One year term starting in January 2008:
The Agape chairperson shall:
Distribute agape letters to Lay Directors of Walks to Emmaus.
Maintain the programmatic intent and integrity of the Upper Room Walk to Emmaus.
And perform other such duties as directed by the Lay Director(s) of the Board.
Prayer Vigil Coordinator – One year term starting in January 2008:
The Prayer Vigil chairperson shall:
Distribute all prayer vigils received to the Local Communities.
Maintain the programmatic intent and integrity of the Upper Room Walk to Emmaus.
And perform other such duties as directed by the Lay Director(s) of the Board.
Newsletter Editor – One year term starting in January 2008:
Develop the monthly New life Newsletter Editor
And perform other such duties as directed by the Lay Director(s) of the Board.
Board Representative – Three year term starting in January 2008. Qualifications and duties listed below:
1. Must have served as a prior Walk Lay Director
2. The Board Representative shall:
Responsibilities to the Southwest Texas Conference Board:
Attend quarterly meetings of the Conference Board or notify an alternate
representative from the Community Board of Directors to attend the meeting
in your absence.
Responsibilities of Community:
Attend monthly gatherings of Community and report to representatives of
other communities in your district.
Report to gathering on actions taken by the Conference Board.
Write articles for local newsletter of Board action and other pertinent
information.
Responsibilities to the Upper Room Contract Agreement:
Aid in making decisions and setting policy.
Protect the integrity of the Emmaus Program.
Additional responsibilities:
Attend quarterly meetings of the Board, or notify your alternate board representative to attend the meeting in your absence.
Request preferred dates and locations of local Fourth Day Groups Walks
Notify Board of Lay Directors, Spiritual Directors and Board Representatives for your Fourth Day Group scheduled Walks, 6 months prior to the Walk.
Ascertain date(s) of participation of Lay Directors and Board Representatives in Emmaus Leadership Training Seminars (within 15 months of scheduled Walk).
Ascertain date(s) of participation of Spiritual Directors in Emmaus Leadership Training Seminars (within three years of scheduled Walk).
Serve as New Life Representative to the quarterly Board Meeting for the Emmaus Southwest Texas Conference. All information must be brought back to our Fourth Day Group - New
Life.
If you fit the requirements, please prayerfully consider one of these opportunities for service. Christ is counting on faithful servants to step forward to continue the work of this Emmaus Community.
Calling All Future Lay Directors: – The New Life Board will be tentatively be selecting our Lay Directors for 2009 early in 2008. Additionally we will start to chart out potential Lay Directors for 2010 and 2011. If you have expressed an interest in being a future Lay Director, even if you are not sure about 2009, please make sure you get your Lay Director interest form turned in to our Board Rep no later than the end of January 2008. Forms can be downloaded from the New Life WEB Site at http://www.gbgm-umc.org/newlife-sanantonio/forms.htm
EVERYDAY-USE TIP OF THE MONTH: Sears - Of All Companies (sent in anonymously)
How does Sears treat its employees who are called up for military duty? By law, they are required to hold their jobs open and available, but nothing more. Usually, people take a big pay cut and lose benefits as a result of being called up.
Sears is voluntarily paying the difference in salaries and maintaining all benefits, including medical insurance and bonus programs, for all called up reservist employees for up to two years.
I submit that Sears is an exemplary corporate citizen and should be recognized for its contribution. I suggest we all shop at Sears, and be sure to find a manager to tell them why we are there so the company gets the positive reinforcement it well deserves.
I decided to check this before I sent it forward, so I sent the following e-mail to the Sears Customer Service Department:
“I received this e-mail and I would like to know if it is true. If it is, the Internet may have just become one very good source of advertisement for your company. I know I would go out of my way to buy products from Sears instead of another store for a like item, even if it's cheaper at that store.”
This is their answer to my e-mail:
Dear Customer:
Thank you for contacting Sears. The information is factual. We appreciate your positive feedback.
Sears regards service to our country as one of greatest sacrifices our young men and women can make. We are happy to do our pat to lessen the burden they bear at this time.
Bill Thorn
Sears Customer Care
>>webcenter@sears.com
1-800-349-4358
Please pass this on to all your friends. Sears needs to be recognized for this outstanding contribution and we need to show them as Americans, we do appreciate what they are doing for our military!!!
PRAYER REQUESTS – In order to provide timely response in this area, we request that you forward any prayer requests that you have by “reply” to this letter. Those requests will be sent out VIA immediate distribution to all members of the New Life e-mail chain. Please be in prayer for Bill Sullivan. Bill was put in McKenna Hospital Tuesday with viral pneumonia. He has been very sick for the past 10 days, but was only diagnosed yesterday. Please keep him in your prayers! Faye Sullivan FUMC, New Braunfels………….Please add Guy Abbott Sr. to your prayer list. Guy is the brother- in- law of Judy & Dean Adams. Guy has apparently suffered several mini strokes lately. He will undergo more testing on Thursday. This family has had many medical problems over the last ten years, and this seems to be one more battle for a very war weary family to fight. Please also lift up his wife, Sabre, as she continues to battle her ongoing illnesses. Thank you, and God bless you, Dean & Judy Adams
PRAYER VIGILS – If you are a Prayer Vigil coordinator for your local church, don’t hesitate to reply to this email if you are having trouble filling your requests. We’ll put out an e-mail alert and get them filled ASAP.
NEW LIFE WEB SITE – Check it out at http://www.gbgm-umc.org/newlife-sanantonio .
CLOSING THOUGHTS – “Rose” – sent in by Neil Bys
The first day of college our professor introduced himself and challenged us to get to know someone we didn't already know. I stood up to look around when a gentle hand touched my shoulder.
I turned around to find a wrinkled, little old lady beaming up at me with a smile that lit up her entire being.
She said, 'Hi handsome. My name is Rose. I'm eighty-seven years old. Can I give you a hug?'
I laughed and enthusiastically responded; 'Of course you may!' and she gave me a giant squeeze. 'Why are you in college at such a young, innocent age?' I asked. She jokingly replied, 'I'm here to meet a rich husband, get married, and have a couple of kids...'
'No seriously,' I asked. I was curious what may have motivated her to be taking on this challenge at her age. 'I always dreamed of having a college education and now I'm getting one!' she told me. After class we walked to the student union building and shared a chocolate milkshake. We became instant friends. Every day for the next three months we would leave class together and talk nonstop. I was always mesmerized listening to this 'time machine' as she shared her wisdom and experience with me.
Over the course of the year, Rose became a campus icon and she easily made friends wherever she went. She loved to dress up and she reveled in the attention bestowed upon her from the other students. She was living it up.
At the end of the semester we invited Rose to speak at our football banquet. I'll never forget what she taught us. She was introduced and stepped up to the podium. As she began to deliver her prepared speech, she dropped her three by five cards on the floor. Frustrated and a little embarrassed she leaned into the microphone and simply said, 'I'm sorry I'm so jittery. I gave up beer for Lent and this whiskey is killing me! I'll never get my speech back in order so let me just tell you what I know.'
As we laughed she cleared her throat and began, '! We do not stop playing because we are old; we grow old because we stop playing. There are only four secrets to staying young, being happy and achieving success. You have to laugh and find humor every day. You've got to have a dream. When you lose your dreams, you die.
We have so many people walking around who are dead and don't even know it! There is a huge difference between growing older and growing up.
If you are nineteen years old and lie in bed for one full year and don't do one productive thing, you will turn twenty years old. If I am eighty-seven years old and stay in bed for a year and never do anything I will turn eighty-eight.
Anybody can grow older. That doesn't take any talent or ability. The idea is to grow up by always finding opportunity in change. Have no regrets. The elderly usually don't have regrets for what we did, but rather for things we did not do. The only people who fear death are those with regrets.' She concluded her speech by courageously singing 'The Rose.'
She challenged each of us to study the lyrics and live them out in our daily lives. At the year's end Rose finished the college degree she had begun all those years ago. One week after graduation Rose died peacefully in her sleep. Over two thousand college students attended her funeral in tribute to the wonderful woman who taught by example that it's never too late to be all you can possibly be.
These words have been passed along in loving memory of ROSE. REMEMBER, GROWING OLDER IS MANDATORY. GROWING UP IS OPTIONAL. < I> we make a Living by what we get. We make a Life by what we give. God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage. If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.
'Good friends are like stars.........You don't always see them, but you know they are always there.'