Happenings || Emmaus United Church of Christ

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Happenings, February 2008

A Message from Reverend Bill

I always want to cancel Lent. What a gloomy season!

Give me instead the anticipation and comfort of Advent, the star filled nights of Epiphany, the greening and blooming of Easter and the delicious ordinary time of Pentecost!

Lent, as it is traditionally understood, is about mortality, sin and guilt. It is about the voluntary wearing of sackcloth and ashes as we repent our ways of selfishness and apathy.

Must Lent be so morose?

Actually, it doesn’t have to be. Lent can be a time of preparation for the ascent of Easter, the feast of the invincible rising of Love from the grave of all that would destroy it.

Lent can be a time of looking inwards so that we might look outwards. It can be a time of unflinching self-examination so that we might bear responsibility into God’s world.

Lent is a time of going down deep, as deep as Hell. Hell is not far from us these days. Hell comes to us in images of war and terror, poverty and destruction. Hell comes to us in our broken relationships, and in the haunting memories of shame and betrayal.

Lent can be a time of learning how to bear all that is not Love in the name of Love.

Jesus himself in those days before the first Easter, went into the depths, first at Gethsemane on Maundy Thursday and then in Hell itself on Holy Saturday

Gethsemane and Hell are not popular destinations but we seem to spend a bit more time in them than we care to believe.

Let us this Lent begin to plumb the depths of these Gethsemane and Holy Saturday moments. Having looked deeply at them, without fear, and always with the transforming power of Love, we can set our hope on that moment when the Christ breaks all barriers of time and space, and points to the glorious beyond that yet permeates and infuses this world.

Always peace,
many blessings,

Rev. Bill

Worship Schedule

All services begin at 10:30 a.m., unless otherwise noted.

2/3   “Paper Visions on Holy Mountain”
         The Feast of the Transfiguration
         Holy Communion

2/6 Ash Wednesday7 p.m.
A Service of Healing with Ash & Oil

2/10 “Why Not Fall Into Temptation?”

2/17 “Hindu Insights for Christians”
Doug Norell Preaching

2/24 “Welling Tears”

All sermons will be available for downloading.

Christian Education News

Emmaus Sunday School Needs You!
As many of you know, the Emmaus Sunday School program is an important part of our church. Each month members of our church devote their time to lead a Sunday workshop. I hear over and over again how rewarding it is to work so closely with the children.

In order to continue to make the program a success, we need you. Leaders are needed for all workshops through June. If you have been a member of Emmaus for at least six months, please consider volunteering your time. The workshop rotations are one-month long. However, each workshop meets only three times. Lesson plans are easy to follow and the materials are provided.

To volunteer, please contact Maryanne Warrick. Sign-up sheets are also available in the Narthex.

February Workshops
This month, the children will be learning about Zacchaeus and his miraculous transformation from a greedy man to a man whose heart opened to God's love. The children will learn how the transformative power of God can make dramatic differences in their lives. Workshop activities include creating personal jigsaw puzzles, making tree mobiles and baking cookies. We hope you join us!

Maryanne Warrick

Snow Policy

Emmaus United Church of Christ's first priority is the safety and well-being of its members, friends, and visitors. It is our policy that we will always err on the side of discretion in inclement weather, particularly around snow.

In the event of snow, or an impending snow incident, the following policy will go into effect.

1. The Senior Minister, in consultation with the Chair of the Board of Deacons and the Moderator, will determine whether a Sunday worship service will take place that day by 7:30 a.m.

2. People will have been informed to check their e-mail beginning at 7:30 a.m., and the advisory will have been posted. If there had been a prediction of snow, e-mail advisories will have been sent daily with the instructions to check e-mail beginning 7:30 a.m. Sunday.

3. Alternately, people may call the Church Office, and a recorded message will announce whether there is a service or not.

4. Very few people do not have access to e-mail in our congregation. They will be notified by telephone by the Chair of the Board of Deacons, or the Senior Minister.

5. For visitors who may not be on any of the lists or who do not know the protocol, they would most likely watch the news or listen to the radio for closings.

6. As our Web mistress may not be available to update our church Web site, we will rely on e-mail to inform the congregation of the status of Sunday morning worship.

The Web site may be updated, but e-mail will be the mode of sharing up-to-the-minute calendar information.

Board of Deacons

From the Board of Deacons on Administrative Matters

Emmaus runs by the “Blue Book.” Our “Blue Book” is the master calendar that tracks all building use at Emmaus. This book is located in the church office on the credenza opposite from Christian’s desk. Please continue to log any and all building uses you, your Board, or fellowship gathering may have that involves the use of our facilities. If you make an in-person notation in the “Blue Book,” when office staff is not present, please follow up with the church office. You may also make building use additions to the “Blue Book” via e-mail to Christian Burneko, Administrative Assistant. Please remember to “cc” Reverend Bill on your building use e-mails to Christian. Thank you for your continued effort to ensure that Emmaus runs by the “Blue Book.”

For your convenience, the church office will now make available “memo sheets” designed to collect your thoughts for the church office when staff is not present, such as on Sunday mornings. Please feel free to leave your memo in the container provided.

Jayne McLaughlin

Introducing James Estes

I have been invited to take the opportunity to use Happenings as a way of introducing myself as your new ministerial intern. I am happy to write a few words about myself, but I hope that this will only be part of our introduction to each other. I am sure we will have many opportunities to get to know each other better!

Let’s begin with some basics: I’m a native of the Washington area—born, raised, and educated in the nation’s capital region. My undergraduate degree in religion is from The George Washington University. I have a graduate degree in Library Science, and I worked for ten years as a librarian in a special information center dealing with education policy. I have a graduate degree from GW in counseling, where my training was in grief and bereavement, and I have worked as a contract therapist for the William Wendt Center for Loss and Healing. Most recently, I studied at Wesley Theological Seminary, where I focused on church history and spirituality. I am currently a doctoral student at Catholic University, where I am studying the history of Christian spirituality. My personal areas of interest involve the study of conversion, vocation, and spiritual direction as well as studying the writings of the medieval mystics.

I am a member of First Church UCC in downtown Washington, where I am In Care with the Potomac Association (that is, I’m in the UCC’s local ministerial formation program). My vocational interests, as I head toward ordination, are theological education—being involved in the teaching ministry of the church, clergy and laity alike, with a particular interest in teaching at a seminary.

Given this academic background, why am I doing an internship at Emmaus? I’ll offer a couple of reasons. First, it’s a matter of creating a solid ministry. All ministers in the United Church of Christ, no matter what their area of practice, have to have a grounding in pastoral ministry. The local church is the unit of authority in the UCC, and ordained ministers have to be rooted in the life of the congregation. Even though I am not currently pursuing a parish-based vocation, I have to have an understanding of it as lived experience.

Second, my interests are important not because I want to be a collector of arcane bits of Church history, but because I believe that what I am studying has relevance for the church today. What Augustine of Hippo (4th century) and what Julian of Norwich (14th century) believed and taught in many ways still matter today! So my goal is to translate the ancient to the modern, to learn to connect the classroom to the sanctuary.

I heard numerous times at the church planning retreat that there was an interest in spirituality and spiritual care. I genuinely believe I’m joining the pastoral staff at an excellent time in the life of the church. If I can help Emmaus explore the mystery and the wonder of the Christian spiritual tradition, then we all will benefit. I am hopeful that my love of our ancient tradition will become contagious!

Rev. Bill and I have discussed an internship that helps mentor me in the pastoral, liturgical, and practical arts of ministry. It is a journey we will all take together, as we continue to celebrate the Gospel message of God’s abiding love. Thank you for allowing me to share this portion of my ministerial formation with you!

James Estes

Health and Wellness Corner

Women's Red Tent Book Group
Our next book group gathering is scheduled for Sunday after church, March 9, for a potluck brunch at Ruthie Moe’s. Nancy Johnson will facilitate discussion on People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks. This is a new, hardcover book on the bestseller’s list and but you should have time to reserve the book at the library or purchase a discounted copy. If you have any questions, would like to join our book gatherings, or be placed on the reminder electronic mailing list, please call me or send an e-mail. We warmly welcome newcomers to the group. We had two new folks at our enlightening book discussion in January and welcome others to join us.

Blood Contributions
If you were unable to participate in our collaborative effort with Lewinsville Presbyterian Church in McLean last month, I do hope that for this heart month of February, you will consider donating at one of the Inova Blood Donor Services sites. Please remember that the need for blood is 200 units a day!

February is “Healthy Heart Month”
Following is an excerpt from Inova’s Congregational Health Partnership’s monthly “For Your Health” article in their February 2008 issue on “Say What? Communicate Effectively.” With February being “Healthy Heart Month,” the ability to express yourself – your feelings, desires, thoughts, etc – keeps your heart and spirit healthy. So whether you are talking to your physician, a family member or friend, it is important to say what you mean clearly and listen well. People use many methods to try to figure out what you are saying or meaning to say. The words that you use are only part of the picture. Experts say that the degree of understanding what someone else is saying is based on the following: What is said (words) 7%; how it’s said (volume, pitch, rhythm, etc) 38%; and body language (facial expressions, posture, hand position, etc) 55%. Did you know that it takes 26 muscles to smile and 62 muscles to frown? And did you know that from the distance of a football field (100 yards or 360 feet), the only facial characteristic we can notice is a person’s smile?

What would keep us smiling too is if heart disease was not public enemy No. 1, not just for men but for women too. In fact, coronary heart disease, which causes heart attack, is the leading cause of death for American women, not cancer as is so frequently thought. I am in the process of getting a speaker from Inova Fairfax Hospital’s Cardiac program to come speak to a group of us women on this topic some time in February, so stay tuned. In the meantime, please join the “Red” movement and “Go Red” for women on February 1, Wear Red Day. Find your personal way to take part in the fight against heart disease in women: visit your health care provider, take the Go Red Heart Check Up, eat a healthy diet, exercise more, purchase Go Red products to support the cause and wear red on February 1. For more information, visit www.goredforwomen.org or call 1-888-My-HEART (888-694-3278).

Blessings to all for a heart-healthy month,

Marsha Komandt
Health and Wellness Coordinator

Personnel Committee

The Personnel Committee met January 9, 2008 to wrap up its work for 2007 and to transition to 2008. In accordance with Emmaus’ Constitution and Bylaws, the Committee supports the Pastor in fulfilling his responsibilities for managing and completing periodic and annual evaluation of Emmaus’ paid and volunteer staff. This evaluation includes an assessment by the Committee of how the Pastor’s performance is regarded by the congregation, the Pastor’s degree of job satisfaction, and the Pastor’s assessment of the performance of the members of the Congregation in the assumption of their roles. In accordance with Emmaus’ Bylaws, the 2008 Committee is comprised of the moderator (Karla Weeks), the last past moderator (Susan Rees); two deacons (Clyde Mathews, also appointed as Chair by the moderator; and Laurie Barber, who also serves as the music committee representative); the senior minister’s selectee (Kim Engman), and a representative from Christian Ed (Kristen Overturf).

During 2007, Bill Bruck served as Committee Chair and Julie Holec was the Christian Ed representative. During 2007 updated position descriptions, contracts for the paid staff, and an appraisal process were put in place. In addition, the senior minister’s annual evaluation, a simultaneous review of 2007’s accomplishments with suggestions for additional focus in 2008, was completed. That evaluation will be used in conjunction with the responsibilities and duties of the Board and Officers described in the Emmaus Constitution as a blueprint for Council/Board actions in 2008.

Clyde Mathews

Concerts at Emmaus

Two concerts have been planned for the Emmaus Concert Series. The first concert will be held on Saturday, February 9 at 4:00 pm and features the Harmony Heritage Singers. They are a barbershop-style chorus, directed by Bob Wachter, which performs many of the familiar songs using the rich harmonies that are a hallmark of the barbershop tradition. Our own Boyd Post is a member!

Our second concert is scheduled for Palm Sunday, March 16 at 7:00 pm. Winchester Music Vivawill present a program of Lenten music. Under the direction of Dr. Kenneth Nafziger, Winchester Music Viva is a chamber choir enjoying its 27th season. Their program will include works from Haydn’s The Creation, settings of Psalms for Lent and Holy Week, and a vocal piece by Bobby McFerrrin.

The concerts are free and open to the public. There will be an offering taken during the concerts with the proceeds going to the Service and Mission projects of Emmaus. Following the performances, receptions will be held in the parlor. Please invite your friends, neighbors and co-workers to join you at the concerts!

Laurie Barber

Shrove Tuesday and Pancake Supper

Shrove Tuesday is February 5th, the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. The word shrove is a past tense of the verb “shrive,” which means to obtain absolution from one’s sins by confessing and doing penance. Shrove Tuesday gets its name from the confession and absolution that Christians were expected to receive immediately before Lent.

The origin of Shrove Tuesday comes from the idea of consuming rich ingredients in the household because once the Lenten season began, only the plainest foods should be eaten. Therefore, rich ingredients such as eggs, milk, and sugar are disposed of immediately prior to the beginning of the fast. Pancakes and doughnuts were an efficient way of using up perishable goods, in addition to providing a minor celebration feast prior to the fast from which one planned to abstain during Lent. We serve pancakes to connect us to the customs of a time when flour, eggs, milk, butter and other food items were all on the Lenten abstinence list. These days we celebrate the evening before Ash Wednesday as a foretaste of the feast to come at Easter.

Come and enjoy a Shrove Tuesday pancake feast on Tuesday, February 5, 5:30-7:30 p.m. sponsored by the Emmaus Senior High Group in the Fellowship Hall. This is an Emmaus tradition that you do not want to miss. You can enjoy pancakes, French toast, ham, decaf coffee, and Tang for the best deal in town! Children are $5, Adults $8, and Families $25. See Mary Barrino-Smith, Mike Roach or Patrick Andrews if you have any questions.

Mary Barrino-Smith

Help Wanted

We need someone who can make cards from the digital pictures Judy Smith took after we decorated the church with Christmas flowers. The cards will be sold at events such as the tag sale in May to raise money for Property Maintenance Reserve fund and possibly the Music Fund. We may do the same thing at Easter. If you are interested, please contact Judy Smith.

Judy Smith

Men’s Group Host a Men’s Night Out

In February, men of Emmaus will be invited to enjoy an evening out, which will include dinner in the Amphora Restaurant, good conversation on whatever subjects are of interest to the attendees, and finally, a discussion led by Skip Wolfe of some of the religions in the book "The 12 Religions of the Bible." After the date has been announced, those letting Bill Bruck know by e-mail that they would like to attend will receive a summary by e-mail of the particular religions to be discussed, giving them everything they'll need for the discussion. One religion that will be discussed centers around the prophets (the first whistle-blowers) of the Old Testament. As Winston Churchill saw it, Jewish ethics are the foundation of Western moral teachings, and the Jews had "grasped and proclaimed an idea of which all the genius of Greece and all the power of Rome were incapable."

Treat yourself to a night out and come join us! Please contact Bill Bruck or Skip Wolfe.

Skip Wolfe

Spiritual Creating

Spiritual Creating will be meeting again on February 10 in the Emmaus Parlor. Several exciting possibilities are planned for the newly re-organized group. One possibility is to knit or crochet squares which would be joined together to make a blanket or throw. This would involve several people working on the same project. Another idea is that some would choose to continue to create shawls as we had done last year. There will also be a chance to learn to crochet.

Emily Whitaker, has recently had shoulder surgery, and has cleverly learned to crochet left handed. She is willing to teach anyone this skill.

There are many opportunities to share the gifts which we create. Sometimes we know someone personally who would find comfort in receiving a shawl. Other possibilities are hospitals and nursing homes.

A book by Susan Jorgensen and Susan Izard called Knitting into the Mystery has generated a number of ideas and provided guidance. Since this is a group that is evolving, your ideas will be welcome. Please let us know if you are interested in coming this month on February 10th, at 7:00 p.m. by e-mailing Lisa Usher, JoAn Post, or Emily Whitaker.
JoAn Post

Emmaus Family News

We wanted our Emmaus family to know that Patrick McLaughlin has been officially accepted for admissions to Norwich University into the Corps of Cadets for the fall of 2008. Norwich is located in Northfield, Vermont about 10 miles south of Montpelier. “NU” is the oldest, private military college in the country (1819) and currently has traditional students and a Corps of Cadets for a total of 1,900 students. Norwich will give Pat the opportunity to fulfill his goal of becoming an officer in the US Marine Corps. Congratulations Pat!

Jim & Jayne McLaughlin

Spiritual Renewal/Prayer Space

January began with the wonderful vibration of Emmaus Bowls, using contributions from our members who now have a collection of Tibetan bowls in several sizes. We meditated on the possibilities in how to “navigate” through 2008 with renewed direction. We also related the vibrations of the bowls to the same vibrations that go out into the world in our thoughts and our words.

And now it’s time to think about February! Since we can’t make the world perfect, what should we do? Several wise people have made the point that the only thing we can change in the world is our own self. We were also motivated to think about love on Sunday, January 20th, when both Rev. Federici and our new moderator, KarlaWeeks made the point that “Love is the real point.”

Spiritual Renewal/Prayer Space will meet on February 3, and our discussion will focus on specific ideas of how to be loving in our daily actions. All are welcome to join us. The hour includes prayer, readings, meditation, and journaling. We will close with intercessory prayers for those people, places and situations we want to place in God’s care.

Here’s something we want to share. After meditating with the Bowls in January, we Marc Cardwell’s closing prayer blessed us all. Here’s his prayer:

“Dear Lord, thank you for this opportunity to gather together and ring in the New Year!
May the sounds of these bowls resonate in our hearts. Just as bells guide a boat through the fog, may these songs serve as beacons and points of inspiration as we seek to navigate with purpose and joy through the new year. Thank you for this time, this place, and the company of these fellow travelers on the road to discovery. Amen.”
Boyd and JoAn Post

March Happenings Deadline, Sunday, February 17, Noon

Learn more about Happenings and how to contribute.

Calendar of Emmaus Events

Sunday, February 3 – 10:30 am Worship Service; 7 pm Spiritual Renewal/Prayerspace
Tuesday, February 5 – 5:30 pm Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
Wednesday, February 6 – 7 pm Ash Wednesday Service
Saturday, February 9 – 4 pm Harmony Heritage Singers Concert
Sunday, February 10 – 10:30 Worship Service; 7 pm Spiritual Creating
Wednesday, February 20 – 12:30 pm TOBs
Sunday, February 17 – 10:30 am Worship Service
Sunday, February 24 –10:30 am Worship Service

(Please send all calendar items to Louise Baxter by February 17 at noon.)