03/13/20

Update to Gathering and Walk 134

Richmond Emmaus Community,

We are in unchartered territory right now as the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus has become a state of emergency in our Commonwealth, nation and world So, it is imperative that we, the Body of Christ, respond with wisdom and faithfulness and with a sense of calmness during these days of uncertainty and fear.

Pastor Jay Carey contacted me to let me know the Bishop has suspended all activities in the district. See below:

“So effective today (March 13th), ALL WORSHIP SERVICES, MEETINGS, ACTIVITIES, CLASSES AND GATHERINGS OF ANY SIZE SCHEDULED TO MEET AT Bethia UMC ARE NOW CANCELLED UNTIL MONDAY MARCH 23 (Unless, if necessary, extended to a later date for health reasons).

This includes ALL OUTSIDE GROUPS that use our church facility for their meetings and gatherings.”

GATHERING TOMORROW HAS BEEN CANCELED AND THE NEXT GATHERING WILL BE APRIL 18TH AT BETHIA AND 4TH DAY TRAINING WILL BE PRIOR. Details to follow.

The board had already voted to cancel gathering prior to this information in the interest of safety for our community. 

The UPPER ROOM issued a statement recommending all retreats be cancelled until the end of April. The board reviewed this and all information relating to this situation and made the decision to postpone Richmond 135 to June 4-7 which was the next available date at the retreat.

R135 HAS BE POSTPONED UNTIL JUNE 4-7

God has this! Let’s look at this as an opportunity to add more pilgrims to R135!

I am sharing brief devotion from today as it made me smile and reminded me that even though I do not see this as a “pit” He is in control.

Today’s Scripture

“…He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God…”  (Psalm 40:2-3,NIV)

Be a Pit Praiser

When God sees you praising Him in the pit, praising Him in the storm, praising Him in the loss, that’s what He calls “a sacrifice of praise.” He knows it’s not easy and you feel like quitting. When you praise Him in the pit that moves Him in a greater way. Its one thing to be grateful when things are going your way, but when you have a song of praise in your heart when every circumstance says you should be depressed, get ready for God to show out in your life. David said in today’s Scripture that praise brings you out of the pit. Praise when it’s sunny, and praise when it’s rainy. Praise when business is up, and praise when it’s down. David said in Psalm 34, “I will bless the Lord at all times. His praise will continually be in my mouth.” God is looking for some pit praisers, people who praise no matter what happens.

A Prayer for Today

“Father, thank you that the pits I find myself in are only temporary stops along the way to my final destination. Thank You that I can offer You a sacrifice of praise because You hold victory in store for the upright. I believe that You’ll get me to where I’m supposed to be. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”  – 

Please feel to reach to me directly if you have questions or concerns at 804-787-4214.

God Bless

Kevin

Richmond Emmaus Community Lay Director

03/12/20

March CLD Message and Virus Update

[Test] March CLD Message and Virus Update – freakaboutsafety@gmail.com – Gmail

Richmond Emmaus Community,
 
Welcome to March!  Please take a moment to read this entire message as it contains important information regarding upcoming activities and the Covid -19 virus. Before we discuss that, I have to say WOW God showed up in a big way last week at Women’s walk. I am sure he will do the same during the Men’s Walk next weekend.  We hope everyone can come and support the men.
 
We look forward to seeing you this Saturday at 6:30 at Bethia UMC for our gathering.
 
What – Gathering
When – Saturday 6:30 PM (Note time change)
Where – Bethia UMC
10700 Winterpock Rd, Chesterfield, VA 23832
 
We will be introducing our newest community members from Richmond 134 and introducing the men’s team from Richmond 135.
 
Thank you all for stepping up and signing up to pray on the prayer wheel.  It is completely full.  I’m sure all the team members and pilgrims will feel the love and prayer next weekend. 
 
Speaking of prayers, we have a couple prayer request:

>Bill Phillips needs your prayers as he has been on the transplant list for some time so please keep him in prayer.
>In building on our relationship with South Side, please pray that God brings them the pilgrims they need for their upcoming Men’s walk.  Let’s do all we can to support them.
>Please pray for the end of the Covid-19 virus.  

In response to Covid-19 virus, the Richmond Emmaus board is implementing the following changes until further notice to mitigate any risk of exposure to this or any other flu like viruses:

>There will be NO potluck dinner.  Gathering will start at 6:30 instead of 6:00.
>Communion juice will be received in individual cups rather than the traditional method.
>Circling up and locking arms or touching elbows will replace holding hand. 

The board will continue to assess the situation and follow or exceed recommendations from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and local health agencies. Richmond 135 is still planned as scheduled and similar precautions will be implemented. Please continue to monitor our website and social media for any changes
 
If you are experiencing any symptoms or respiratory issues, please remain home and know that as a community that you are loved and we are praying for you.

As a community we can continue to pray for:
> All suffering from this and all illnesses
>All providing care to the sick
>All combating the spread of infection
>All who are currently feeling anxious 

In this time of uncertainty let us remember that Richmond Emmaus has by the grace of God been that “city build on a hill” for 134 walks and through his grace will continue to shine Christ light for 134 more. 

Romans 15:13 –  May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
 
God Bless and hope to see you Saturday
 
Kevin
Richmond Emmaus Community Lay Director
03/6/20

Candlelight

Good Afternoon,  It is day 1 for Richmond 134 Women’s walk so please continue to pray for the team, pilgrims and their families the next 3 days and beyond.

Please join us for Candlelight on Saturday. We start Gathering at 7:30 to sign the place mats and worship will start around 8. As we reflect on the impact candlelight had on us, spread the word to others in the community and invite them to attend.

The location is the Virginia Nazarene Retreat Center, 1151 High School Road, Buckingham, VA 23921

Matthew 5- 14-16
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”


God Bless
Kevin
03/3/20

R134 Women’s Walk, Pilgrim List

The following are the Pilgrims of R134 – Womens Walk, Please continue to pray over each of them.

First NameLast NameChurch
TammyAgeeWest End AOG
LauraBooneBerea Baptist Church
ShirleyBrownSt. Matthews 25th Church
MelissaCostleyParkway Baptist Church
SandyDrahmsBethia UMC
TrinaEstesWoodlake UMC
KristieFaisonSt. Mark’s UMC
LorrieFloresBethia UMC
LisaFosterSt. Matthews 25th Church
JudyGalpertCrewe Baptist
SherryGravesBethia UMC
MicheleHix-MosbyPeaks Baptist
JeanHobbsCrestwood Presbyterian
LauraHunterCommunity West Church
JulieMarshallCentral Baptist
MelanieMooreJourney (Three Chopt)
BeckyNewcombParham Road Baptist
MariePalisanoJourney Christian
RachellePetersChester Christian Church
RoxannReganCloverhill Church
JanetSpradlinJourney (Three Chopt)
BrendaTrentParham Road Baptist

Agape Reminder:
The bed and table agape should not be signed except by reunion groups and churches.  Please prepare enough pieces for each pilgrim plus 2 or 3 extra.

Thank you,

03/1/20

March Prayer List

MARCH PRAYER LIST
March 1        Pray that God will reveal Himself to someone you know this month.
March 2         Pray for those battling cancer.
March 3         Pray for the Kairos ministry.
March 4         Pray for members of the military stationed abroad.
March 5        Pray for the team of Richmond 134 as they prepare for the pilgrims.
March 6         Pray for the pilgrims of Richmond 134 as they begin their walk.
March 7        Pray for the Va. General Assembly as the 2020 session adjourns.
March 8        Pray for all who are suffering because of a broken relationship.
March 9        Pray for the pilgrims of Richmond 134 as they begin their 4 th day.
March 10       Pray for those controlled by fear. Fear is a liar.
March 11       Pray to be a blessing to a stranger this month.
March 12      Pray as spring begins, and God creates new life.
March 13       Pray for all first responders.
March 14       Pray for the Epiphany ministry.
March 15       Pray for teachers and everyone involved in educating our children.
March 16       Pray for our nations leaders.
March 17       Pray for our own hard hearts.
March 18       Pray for the Holy Spirit to come upon us and calm our hearts.
March 19       Pray for the team of Richmond 135 as they prepare for the pilgrims
March 20       Pray for the pilgrims of Richmond 135 as they begin their walk.
March 21       Pray for all people involved in health care.
March 22       Pray for the unemployed and the under employed.
March 23       Pray for the pilgrims of Richmond 135 as they begin their 4th day.
March 24       Pray for families that care for children with special needs.
March 25       Pray for your pastor.
March 26       Pray for the homeless.
March 27       Pray for the lay leaders in your church.
March 28       Pray for all children who suffer abuse.
March 29       Pray for a revival in churches in the US and around the world.
March 30       Pray for Christians who suffer because of their faith.
March 31       Pray for the Richmond Emmaus community.
Presented by R135 Team
02/27/20

Prayers for Bryan Lane’s Family

Please keep Brian Lane and his family in your thoughts and prayers as his father passed on February 26th after a long battle with cancer. Please lift up the family during this difficult time. Arrangements are below:

Woody’s Funeral Home

1771 North Parham Road

Richmond, VA 23229

Viewing: Monday, 3/2/20     2-4 pm & 6-8 pm

Service: Tuesday, 3/3/20     11:00 am

Processional: Greenwood Memorial Garden     (Mausoleum to the left of the pond)

                         12609 Patterson Avenue

                          Richmond, VA   23238

02/24/20

Prayer Request


Everyone,

I ask for prayers for my mom, Sarah Collins as she goes through surgery tomorrow (Feb. 25) to remove a cancerous lump.  Please pray for guidance for the surgeon, and all medical personnel involved with this procedure, that they may remove all the cancerous cells.  Pray for God to grant her speedy recovery from this procedure, and (if it be His will) that she will not have any re-occurrence.

May God pour out His blessings on you all.

Charlie Brown
02/22/20

R134 and R135 Prayer Wheel Sign Ups Needed!

Hello Community Members,

With Walk R134 (Women’s March 5-8th) and Walk R135 (Men’s March 19-22nd) approaching, please take a minute to visit one of the links below to sign up for the 30 minute prayer wheel.

There are over 100 slots still available for the Women’s walk and about the same for the Men’s.  Your help is needed to fill these slots.  Please sign up!!
It is so important that this weekend be immersed in prayer and that is where EACH OF US is needed to be fervently praying for the pilgrim’s and team’s!

I am confident that the prayer slots for both the upcoming weekends can be filled within 24 hours if each person chooses one time slot!

Click here to go to the sign up page https://richmondemmaus.com/upcoming-walks/

02/19/20

A Message from Mark Rooks

Message from Mark Rooks – freakaboutsafety@gmail.com – Gmail

Dear Richmond Emmaus Community…

Thanks for all you do to make the ministry of Richmond Emmaus effective.  As you know the purpose of the Walk to Emmaus is to renew the Church through development of leaders and renewal of Christians as faithful, committed disciples of Jesus Christ.

Through the experience of the weekend and the ongoing 4th Day activities, individuals grow in their walk with God. 

For this to occur, men and women first participate in the weekend event.  
Our Community currently has two weekends upcoming:  
R134 (Women) scheduled for March 5-8 R135 (Men) scheduled for March 19-22.  Please be in prayer for the teams, pilgrims and weekend events.

Currently there are 23 women confirmed to attend R134.  For R135 there are only 13 men confirmed to attend.  The minimum number required in order to hold a weekend is 20 and the maximum is 36.  For many years our weekends were not only filled with 36 pilgrims, but there was a waiting list participate.

In recent years two trends have been occurring: 
1—Individual team members have had to take on a greater responsibility of finding pilgrims in order for the weekend to take place, and…
2—As a community, we have struggled to reach the minimum number of pilgrims for each weekend.  

This is where your help is urgently needed.
We are less than 2 weeks away from the women’s weekend and four weeks from the men’s weekend.  While there are enough women to hold the weekend, more are welcome.  For the men things are more critical.  It is absolutely imperative that we reach at least 20, but preferably 25-30 men to hold the weekend on March 19-22!!!

There are over 60 men and women giving of their time, and talents to serve on these two teams.  They have both been meeting every Friday evening for several weeks to prepare.  They are completely focused on their tasks as team members.  Now it is the responsibility of the Community to do the work of praying, discerning and asking good candidates to Walk to Emmaus in March.

Who are ideal candidates for a WTE? 
They:
-Are members of a local church-NOT in between churches
-Have a desire to strengthen their spiritual lives
-May have unanswered questions about their faith
-Understand that being a Christian involves responsibility
-Are willing to dedicate their everyday lives to God in an ongoing manner -Active and involved church leaders are often excellent candidates for WTE!

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE act on this today.  First pray, then listen to who God is leading you to speak with about joining a Walk in March.  Thank you.
Grace upon grace.

Rev. Mark Rooks
Community Spiritual Director
02/19/20

Upcoming Walk Information – Pilgrim Update

Upcoming Walks Information & Pilgrim Update

Exciting times as our Walks are just around the corner and so is spring!  
 
Richmond 134 and 135 walks:
R-134 (Women’s): March 5-8, 2020 – Sarah Zammett WLD
23 Confirmed Pilgrims
 
R-135 (Men’s): March 19-22, 2020 – Pete Tucker WLD
13 Confirmed Pilgrims
 
I am asking for the communities support with sponsoring pilgrims for the men’s walk.   

Ideas to find pilgrims:Pray, not just for pilgrims but for his will and for him to place a name on your heart or to put you in a situation to ask someone newIf you have lead a weekend or served on a team email the team and spread the wordTalk to your pastor at your church and see if they have any suggestions as every church could use more hands and feetTalk about it at your next reunion group meeting 
A man at church I did not know approached me on basketball court between games and ask me to go on my walk 7 years ago. I would have never known and cannot comprehend what my life would have been like as my walk changed my life forever.  We will always have 100% no responses from the people that were never ask.
 
Let’s keep that City ”our Emmaus community “ that was built on a hill growing and thriving.  Be that stranger that took a chance and asked like one did with me 7 years ago.
 
God Bless
 
 
Kevin