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Dallas Men's #257
4/16-19, 2015
Sabine Creek
Dallas Women's #258
6/25-28, 2015
Mount Lebanon
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If you know any woman who would benefit from Kairos Outside, and visit the Guest tab for the reservation form. |
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Dallas #257 Men
4/16-19, 2015
Sabine Creek
Dallas #258 Women
6/25-28, 2015
Camp Copass
Click here to view Walk Rosters
The Community is encouraged to attend the following events:
Send-off which starts at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday.
Candlelight begins at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday.
Closing will start around 4:00 p.m. on Sunday.
Please be careful not to arrive earlier than 7:15 p.m. if just attending the Candlelight services on Saturday.
The online Prayer Vigil supplements (but does not replace) the paper Prayer Vigil passed around at Candlelights and other DEC events for signature. Both Prayer Vigils are posted during Walks for Pilgrims to see who has been praying for them.
The Prayer Vigils are now available online for the 2015 Walks. Please click go to the Walk Roster and click on the Prayer Vigil to add your name and pray for the Pilgrims!
Please prayerfully consider if you are being called to sponsor
a friend or member of your congregation.
"The aim of sponsorship is to build up the body of Christ."
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2015-2016 Dallas Emmaus Community Board Elections
Your Dallas Emmaus Board of Directors consists of twelve elected Community lay members, each serving a three-year term. Each year, four new lay members are elected to the Board, and four lay members roll off. Similar to a Walk team, each member of the Board has a specific role, and it takes all members of the Board working together for all of the work to be done.
Ballots are now available for the 2015-2016 DEC Board elections. Two men and two women will be elected.
Candidates for the men's slots are (in alphabetical order):
Keith Chapman, Lee Hansley, Nathan Howard, & Bill Obetheir .
Candidates for the women's slots are (also in alphabetical order):
Pam S. Davis, Carlene Knebel, Donna Price, & Kathy RIchmond.
Voting can be done in one of two ways:
- Download and print out your ballots (Click here to download - DEC ballot), mark your selections, sign the ballot, and mail it back to Dallas Emmaus Community, P.O. Box 2361, Rockwall, Texas 75087
- Ballots may be picked up, completed and turned in at the Candlelights for Women's Walks #256 at Mt. Lebanon, Saturday, February 21, and the Boy's Chrysalis Flight at Briarwood Retreat Center on February 15.
PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THAT ALL BALLOTS MUST BE RECEIVED IN PERSON OR POSTMARKED BY MARCH 31, 2015!!!
Our community is blessed with willing volunteers and elected servants who give of their time and talents for the Lord. Please do your part. Please take a moment now to pray about and then vote for the four new members of your choice for the 2015-2016 DEC Board of Directors. Deadline for ballots is March 31, 2015.
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Chrysalis Training/Workday
Saturday, March 14, 2015
at First UMC Frisco
7659 Preston Rd, Frisco, TX 75034
What you need to know:
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (estimate)
Where: 1st UMC Frisco, Family Life Center
(building with the gym)
Bring: Any notes, thoughts, or ideas you have
Cost: $5 for lunch, please RSVP to Cathy Partridge
at pastorcathyp@gmail.com
Who: Anyone in the Emmaus/Chrysalis community who is interested in helping with Chrysalis
If: You cannot attend and have any comments or suggestions, please email Cathy Partridge at pastorcathyp@gmail.com
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T-Shirts!
Available for sale at any Dallas Emmaus Community Gathering
Help your neighbors stay on track while singing our Emmaus version of The Lord's Prayer!
Short Sleeves - $15
Long Sleeves - $20
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Brokenness is something we all feel at some time in our lives. We feel like things never seem to go the way we want them to; we feel like there's a space in our heart that just can't be filled; we feel like life is always out of focus; we feel hopeless. This was me three months ago.
Three months ago, I struggled with loving who I was. Three months ago, I didn't take care of myself; I skipped meals, I skipped church, I skipped family time. Three months ago, my faith was in tatters. Although I grew up in a Christian household, I never really had a very good relationship with Christ. I went to church every Sunday, I had Christian friends, heck, my mom was a Sunday school teacher, but I just didn't put forth the effort. I didn't try. Because I didn't believe I was God's child, I didn't love myself like God's child. Like I said, this was three months ago.
A lot can happen in three months. In three months, you can change schools (or jobs), move across the country; join a band; start a relationship; any number of life-changing events can happen. My life-changing event was Chrysalis; this one thing rocked my entire world.
When I accepted my pastor's invitation to attend Chrysalis, I didn't really know what I was getting myself into. I thought it was just another church retreat where you hang out with friends, sing a few worship songs, you know, the usual. Wow I was wrong. I didn't know I was going to truly connect with Christ for the first time. I didn't know I was going to grow more in three days than I had in three years. I definitely didn't know I was going to be standing on so many chairs. All I knew was that I would be without my phone for three days (I don't know if you know this, but a phone for a teenage girl is pretty much like another limb). I never expected what was to come.
What came was an emotional rollercoaster. I have not cried so much in so short of a time period ever. There were happy tears, sad tears, angry tears, confused tears - you name it and I probably cried about it. Never have I ever seen so much love in one place than I did at Chrysalis. I felt supported and protected and taken care of, all by servants of God. These people showed me Christ in their every action and I knew God was speaking to me. I had spent so long ignoring what He had to say that I was utterly shocked when I finally took my walls down and listened. What I heard was the outpouring of His love: His love for me, for others, for His creation. When I started letting Him in, I realized that if God loved me so much that he sent his only Son to die for me, to be crucified for me, why didn't I love myself that much?
Since Chrysalis, I have been praying like it's nobody's business, reading my Bible like it's an instruction manual for life (oh wait, it is), taking care of myself like He takes care of me, and I've tried my hardest to show others the unconditional love God has for us like Jesus did when He walked the earth. I am no longer ashamed to call myself a strong believer in. I highly recommend Chrysalis for anyone who is willing to take that leap in his or her faith. Everyone deserves to know Christ and the amazing love He has for us, His children, and to know that you can't be broken if God is holding you together.
-De Colores,
Kelly Gillette
Chrysalis Flight #101
Table of the J Quintet (Jazzy Gingers that praise Jesus while sipping on Juice in Jerusalem)
Applications and forms for future Chrysalis flights can be found at
www.thebutterflyer.org/documents/chrysalisapp.pdf
Chrysalis is the youth version of the Walk to Emmaus and is open to young people ages 15-24 who have completed the 9th grade.
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Message from the Community Spiritual Director
"You Know That I Love You"
When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my lambs." A second time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Tend my sheep." He said to him the third time, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" And he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep." (John 21:15-17)
This exchange between Jesus and the Apostle Peter is both interesting and perplexing. Upon reading it, one of my first questions was: "Didn't Jesus already know that Peter loved him?" Yes, certainly, Jesus knew what the answer would be - his question was "rhetorical." In other words, Jesus was asking Peter the question not to get an answer but, rather, for Peter to learn something about the nature of love. This is clear both from the nature of the exchange as well as from the context in which we find it.
The second question which popped into my mind when I first read this passage was: "Why did Jesus ask Peter the same question three times ... especially when Peter answered him back the same way?" It does seem a little pedantic, doesn't it? Or, perhaps Jesus is just getting a little hard of hearing? No. To put it simply, Peter's response elicited Jesus' repeated questions because Peter wasn't really answering Jesus.
"Huh? But he was answering Jesus! After all, he said "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.""
In English it does appear as though Peter answered Jesus in the affirmative. But, in fact, the English language lacks the precision necessary to convey the essential meaning of the Greek words being used for "love." In the passage Jesus asked Peter, three times, if he loved him. The first two times he asked the question Jesus used the Greek word for the ultimate, divine form of love. In English letters that word is agapao (the verb form of the noun agape). Each time Jesus asked the question, he was asking if Peter had the divine form of love ... the form of love that God has for us and which sent Jesus to the cross to die for our sins. Peter's response was not with agape love, but with the earthly, humanly, brotherly form of the Greek word for love. In English letters that word is
phileo.
It's as if, each time Jesus asked, "do you love me?" Peter's response was: "Yes, Lord, you know that I like you." Twice Peter showed that he didn't have the ability to respond to Jesus with the unlimited, divine, self-giving love that Jesus was searching for in Peter's heart. The grace for you and me - and the grace which Jesus had for Peter - comes in the fact that Jesus didn't just drop Peter and turn to another disciple, nor did Jesus just leave him with phileo love. No, the third time Jesus asked him he stooped down to where Peter was and asked: "Do you love [phileo] me?" Jesus was willing to reach down to where Peter was, at that specific point in his life, and relate with Peter in a way that this rugged fisherman could accept. And, yet again, Peter's response was, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love [phileo] you."
There is an indication of God's sanctifying grace in this - grace that was present for Peter throughout his life and, indeed, which is present for us in our lives today. Jesus didn't leave Peter in the state of being able to express only phileo love. Much later on in his life we discover that Peter had grown in grace to the point where he was able to write:
Although you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy... (1 Peter 1:8)
Here, we find the apostle using agape, not phileo, to assert that even those who had never seen Jesus nevertheless love him. This is an amazing recognition and affirmation on Peter's part for, even though he had seen Jesus, he himself had been slow to come to the point where he could use agape to describe his attitude toward Jesus. In many respects it must have been a very humbling experience to find that those who had never met Jesus in the flesh nevertheless expressed true agape for the Lord. It was also an experience of the Sanctifying grace of God, which does not leave us alone, but will transform and empower us for greater and greater expressions of the power and presence of Jesus in our lives.
We are called to have this divine form of love for God - a love that is more than just the human love of phileo, which is given in order to receive. We are called to have divine love not only for God, but also for our brothers and sisters in Christ and, indeed, for the whole world. May we be open to God's grace to transform us so that we can answer Jesus' question: "You know that I agapao you."
DeColores
Rev. Greg Neal
Community Spiritual Director
Dallas Men's Walk #97
Table of Luke
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Message from the Community Communications Chair
Step by Step
"So let's not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don't give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith."
Galatians 6:9, (The Message Bible)
I attended my Walk to Emmaus quite a long time ago now. It was in March of 2000 and I attended a walk at Lake Lavon. What a lot of changes have happened since that time, both in our Emmaus Community and in me.
On my walk, I, like every other pilgrim, was bombarded with wonderful messages on discipleship and Christian action, God's mercy and grace, my need to grow spiritually through study, and all the other absolutely wonderful but somewhat overwhelming messages in the talks. At the time I attended my walk, I was a reluctant pilgrim. I had been asked repeatedly to go by friends, but hesitated to step out of my spiritual "comfort zone". The decision to go was finally made, after several years, because those I knew who had attended a Walk were infectiously excited about their faith and about God. Once there on my Walk, my understanding and excitement level began slowly but grew as the weekend progressed. When the Walk was over, I went home to let those messages sink in and return back to my normal life, or so I thought. Over time, however, it became obvious what a transforming experience the Walk to Emmaus had really been in my life.
When the disciples walked with Jesus down the Emmaus road, he instructed them in the Holy Scriptures as they went, step by step, all the while revealing to them how the Scriptures pointed to him. Step by step. What did that look like for me after my walk? I began by volunteering in small ways, by making agape, attending Candlelights, and by signing those very important prayer vigils as they passed by. Another step was to begin sponsoring pilgrims and then to volunteer for 4th Day team service, where I learned the value of team meetings and being well prepared. From there I gradually progressed through each new position, faith growing with each new step. Step by step, Jesus and I were still walking the road to Emmaus together. Confidence growing. Faith growing, step by step. While serving on conference room teams, my unexpected joy was that I was privileged to hear again, over and over, the messages of the Emmaus talks and learned that with each new hearing, the message seeped more and more into my being. Step by step, Jesus was instructing me. Along the road came the opportunity to conquer fear and to "find my voice" by sharing what God had done in my life. Step by step, Jesus and me together, giving a "talk". Step by step, giving back, along the road to Emmaus.
Many, many people attend a Walk to Emmaus, hear the messages, enjoy the experience and then return home, the better for it, but then never participate again. For the Emmaus movement to continue strong, there must be people who are willing to continue the journey by volunteering to serve, in any capacity, as God calls. There must be sponsors for pilgrims so the walks can be full. There must be men and women setting up tables and putting out signs, making agape and holding candles. There must be willing prayers and willing speakers. There must be willing disciples continuing to walk down the Emmaus road. Step by step, no job to small, no job unimportant.
Does the road ever end? I don't think so. Walking with the Master means going wherever he wants to go, until someday we see Jesus face to face and walk with him in person.
If you are new to the Emmaus movement, the entry point for team service is to serve on a 4th Day team. If you have not been active for a while, then volunteering for a 4th Day team is a good way to become active again. One way to volunteer for 4th Day team service is to go to the Emmaus web site www.dallasemmaus.org to find the list of walks and send an email to the 4th Day Directors. Another way is to attend a Candlelight and add your name to the sign up lists that are regularly passed around there. It's not hard to begin. Simply take a step.
De Colores
Melinda Propes
DEC Communications Chair
Dallas Women's Walk #133
Table of Rachel
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Message from the Community Lay Director
Something Was Going On
I am sure anytime one of us has the opportunity to attend one of our candlelight ceremony we get to re-experience a very magical and spiritual time when we once stood up there as pilgrims. This past candlelight was no exception. But after this candlelight I walked away with something else on my mind and it was just not the pilgrims.
It was all the happenings before the pilgrims walked into the room. It was watching and being a part of setting up and preparing the conference room for the pilgrims. The hustle and bustle of the 4th Day Team, the TA's, Metro Committee members and anyone who was just arriving to pitch in and help. It was also enjoyable watching the musicians warming up. Individuals working together. People helping people. Friends meeting with friends and new friends being made.
Something was happening that I just could not put my finger on but it was fun to be a part of all the goings on in the room. All in attendance were smiling, shaking hands, sharing hugs and enjoying the fellowship. The Emcee for the night brought the gathering together as one. He added some humor, announcements were made and it was time to begin the Communion Service. Everything was going great and everyone in the room were together as one. I was still trying to understand the magical and spiritual feeling I was experiencing because we had not sung the "Jesus Song" 1000 times yet and the pilgrims had not entered the room.
Then it hit me like a ton of bricks. The pastor had delivered a thought provoking message earlier in the service. The magical and spiritual emotions we experience with the pilgrims during candlelight is so much more than just that one moment in time. All those feelings I was experiencing earlier in the evening's activities was actually my brothers and sisters in Christ sharing those words that each of us have said before "Christ is counting on you and I am counting on Christ".
Isn't that what Emmaus is all about? "Christ is counting on you and I am counting on Christ". That just about sums it all up.
De Colores
Mike Pappas
Community Lay Directory
Mens Walk #138, Table of John
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Message from the Board
Good Sponsorship
Good sponsorship is vital to the integrity of the Walk to Emmaus. A lot of people take sponsorship for granted; they assume that everyone knows the how and why of sponsorship. Sponsorship is the most important job in Emmaus. It is so much more than just "signing up people" or "filling up a Walk". The quality of sponsorship influences the pilgrim, the health of the Emmaus Movement, and the Church affected by the pilgrim attending the Walk.
Good sponsorship is your FIRST act of agape before a Walk ever begins. Begin to pray for your pilgrim before they even agree to go on the Walk. Prayer undergirds the whole weekend with sacrificial love for each pilgrim. Sponsorship includes the personal commitment of providing acts of agape during the three days for the pilgrims. These acts of agape include the sponsor's personal preparations, (agape is given out 18 times during the weekend), presence at Send Off, Sponsor's Hour, Candlelight, Closing and Follow-Up after the weekend. Helping your pilgrim to attend their first Candlelight is also your responsibility.
Good sponsorship is the foundation for a healthy and effective Emmaus movement that is fulfilling its true purpose...the development of Christian leaders and the renewal of the church in ministry. The aim of a sponsor is to bring spiritual revitalization to Christians, who in turn, will bring new life to the work of the church in the congregation, home, workplace and community. The aim of good sponsorship is to build up the Body of Christ.
Consider reading the sources: Sponsorship by Richard and Janine Gilmore and What Is Emmaus by Stephen Bryant before sponsoring someone. The Dallas Emmaus Website, www.dallasemmaus.org has a lot of valuable information in the drop down tabs on sponsorship, as well as a pilgrim letter form. Your sponsorship packet from Registration will have a Sponsorship Guideline form, a map, a copy of the letter your pilgrim received, and your sponsor letter. Please read these carefully and call Registration (214-520-4074) if you have any questions.
Remember, Emmaus is not a hospital to "fix" someone. Your pilgrim should be a Christian and be willing to grow and move forward on their pilgrimage, their journey of faith. You invest 72 hours during the Walk, continue to invest in the life of your pilgrim in their 4th Day.
DeColores,
Stephani Huffman
Dallas Emmaus Registration Chair
Amarillo Golden Spread Emmaus #59
Table of Sarah
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Successful Sponsorship
Are you interested in sponsoring a Pilgrim on an upcoming Walk? Be sure to check out the "Successful Sponsorship" video that was recently posted on YouTube. Whether you are a first-time sponsor or a seasoned veteran, you're sure to pick up some great tips to help your Pilgrims have the best sponsorship experience possible. To view the video, click here
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Help Wanted
 Working on a Fourth Day Team is a rewarding way to participate in the Emmaus weekend as as the hands and feet of Christ, and the easiest way to stay connected with the Community. To sign up, view the Walk Schedule to get in touch with the 4th Day Director for the walk you want to serve on. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See the email below from Kay Carroll, one of the 4th day directors, inviting you to the first team meeting to serve on the 4th day team.
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DEC is on FB
Next time you are on Facebook, search the Dallas Emmaus Community, then select the "Like" button to be updated on the latest news and events including Candlelights, potlucks, prayer requests and more. "Share" or "Suggest" the page to your friends so they can stay easily connected to the Dallas Emmaus Community too. As of Dec. 2014 there are 588 likes!
IMPORTANT TO NOTE: You do not have to be on Facebook to see what's going on... click here to see what's it is all about. Email Melinda O'Brien with any questions. 
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 You can easily donate money to the Dallas Emmaus Community at any time by clicking here. PayPal is a secured donations system which directly deposits all funds into the Dallas Emmaus Community account. This is a great way to make payment for a pilgrim you are sponsoring or to keep the cost affordable for others who may not otherwise have means to sponsor a friend or loved one. |
Looking for an opportunity to serve in a powerful ministry? Visit Kairos of Texas online to find out about the units and areas of ministiries near you.
Kairos is a prison ministry whose success is dependent on the community of faith support in providing agape such as prayer chain signatures, cookies, and financial donations. If you are interested in knowing more about how you can participate, or to find out how to attend a Kairos closing, email the editors for information.
"... whatever you did for the least of my brothers, you did for me."
~ Matthew 24:40
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Contact Information
214-502-4072
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