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Newsletter
April 2007
  Gathering
Community Spiro
Coffee Shop
Walk #109 Report
How can you help
Bookstall
Fiji Development Fund
Newcastle Chrysalis
Gathering – Changeover of Spiritual Director back to top
When:
Where:
Saturday 14th April
Turramurra Uniting Church (Turramurra Avenue, Turramurra – car park entrance off Gilroy Lane))
Time: Community Gathering with a shared tea at 6:15pm (please bring a plate of food to share)
followed by the Worship Service at 7:00pm
From the Community Spiritual Director
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After more than five years it is time to hand over my role to someone else and move on to other things within Emmaus and I trust that you will greet Peter Thomas as the new Spiritual Director of the Sydney Community when he takes over in April.  It has been a joy to serve the Community in this way and work with special people on the Board who just love to be involved.  I will miss our times together but look forward to the day when we can announce that Emmaus is heading to Fiji and the first Walks are to be held.

My small group is currently studying Rick Warren's '40 Days of Community', the sequel to '40 Days of Purpose'.  In it we are reminded of the love within the community that binds us together and the relationship of Christ and his father and the love that drives us on because of the love that flows to those who believe in Jesus.  At this Easter time we are reminded of the sacrificial love that that was poured out for us as Jesus faced the cross and in obedience did his father's will.  Jesus prepared his disciples for his leaving when he charged them with a new commandment: 'to love one another as I have loved you. By this will all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another' (adapted from John 13: 34-5).  One of the great joys I have experienced in Emmaus is the love that binds us to one another, that was so evident on my Walk, that builds our teams, that unites our Board and encourages people into greater service in Christ's name.  I would ask you therefore to reflect on what Emmaus has meant to you in your journey and what Christ is saying to you about how this love can be used to change people's lives within your church.

Vinaka vokalevu, or, a big thank you to everyone.

Your servant in Christ,

Brian Jago

Coffee Shop Gathering 10th March 2007 back to top

Did you spen d another boring Saturday evening alone at home? Then you should have been at the Coffee Shop Night at our last Gathering on 10 March!

What a refreshing change to the way Gatherings were conducted in the past! Careful planning and consideration were given to re-create an authentic atmosphere. Soft lighting enhanced the Spirit-filled mood and agape items on the various tables added that special touch of love. The famous Emmaus delicacies that usually accompany a cuppa also did not disappoint. It was truly heart-warming to witness the bonding of new friends and the renewal of existing friendships over a relaxing cup of coffee.

Peter Francis delighted us with his soulful rendition of a well-known chorus during Communion. But the definite highlight of the evening was Lisa Kingdom sharing her Fourth Day experiences. Her moving testimony stirred our hearts and blessed our souls. What an honour and privilege to be encouraged and challenged by this remarkable young daughter in Christ. Thumbs up to ALL involved in making this a most memorable evening.

Don't miss out on this unique blessing again! Come on down to our next Gathering on 14 April and join us in fellowship and worship. You have to be there to appreciate it! We look forward to your company.

De Colores,

Berni Joubert - Walk 101

Walk #109 Report
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Hi all. The first day of training at South Turramurra was a real blessing although it was very warm.  The three talks presented were received without too much critiquing - I'm looking forward to the second training day on the 28 April at Turramurra Uniting Church . 

Blessings,

Bob Smith – Lay Director Men's Walk 109

How can you help with the upcoming Walks? back to top

Kitchen

There are lots of vacancies on the kitchen roster for the next two walks. I would love to hear from you if you can help serve the pilgrims and team.

Look up the roster on the web, email: kitchen@sydneyemmaus.org.au or phone 9452 3793.

Tova Swadling – Kitchen Co-ordinator

Sponsoring

I WANT TO SPONSOR A PERSON TO COME ON AN EMMAUS WALK  -  BUT I'M NOT SURE WHAT I HAVE TO DO

SPONSORSHIP - means praying and being attentive to God's leading as to whom we ask and talk to about participating in an Emmaus Walk.  A SPONSOR is one who takes responsibility for another.

WHO TO INVITE  - Consider sponsoring persons who are committed to living a life that is pleasing to God, those who want to grow and increase their knowledge and understanding of God and His will. The program is designed to encourage Christians and to equip them for service in the Church. Invite Church Leaders, Pastors, and Christians who are keen to grow spiritually. Invite couples and singles.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SPONSORING
contact Registrar - Elva Harris registrar@sydneyemmaus.org.au     Phone 9636 1381

Bookstall
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Hi, I am Robyn Harvey and have taken on the role of Bookstall and Entertainment rep on the Board.

Has anyone read a good book lately with a message from Jesus?

OR seen a good movie on DVD that tells of someone's journey with Jesus?

OR heard some great songs on a CD praising Jesus?

I can hear some people saying “YES” out there. Great, I would like to know all the details of those books, DVD and CD's so I can have them on the Bookstall at the upcoming Emmaus walks for our pilgrims to buy and take home. Please send all the information to me on either my home number 9817 5755 or email robyn.49@bigpond.net.au

De Colores,

Robyn Harvey – Bookstall and Entertainment Co-ordinator
Fiji Development Fund back to top

With the Walks coming up in June and July this year the Board is hoping to be able to sponsor up to 15 men and women from Fiji to join the 7 in Fiji that we have already sponsored.  Those coming from Fiji have to pay for flights, visas to enter Australia , the cost of the Walk and incidentals while here. 

We would like to be in a position where we can cover at least the cost of the Walk for all participants and perhaps some of the flight and visa costs through the Sydney Community.  The political situation in Fiji has caused some difficulties but when we get a Community of 20 in Fiji we can then write to Nashville and get them to form a Steering Committee that will start the process for the first Walks in Fiji .

If you are able to join us in this vision donations can be placed in the Gathering offering as separately marked items or can be sent to the treasurer, Ross Swadling, at 55 Pringle Ave, Belrose NSW 2085.  Thank you for this ongoing support that has helped us get this far.

Brian Jago – Spiritual Director

Newcastle / Central Coast Chrysalis
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This information is for anyone who might be interested in sponsoring a young person to Chrysalis. Due to Sydney not having any Chrysalis Flights for the coming year we thought that if you do have someone in mind for Chrysalis they are welcome to go to the following:

When: Friday 8:30am 29th June to Sunday 6:00pm 1st July
Where: Bethshan, Wyee (near Morriset, NSW)
Cost: $150
Age: 16 to 23

The boys' and the girls' flights will be run concurrently. Separate teams, conference rooms, prayer chapels, and communion. They will come together for recreation, meals, Candlelighting and Closing.

Please feel free to find out more:

Enquiries: Jenny Burns     4950 5441     jenny.burns@optusnet.com.au
or registrar Di Atkinson     4950 5955     diandraya@idl.net.au

The closing date for applications is 14 days before the Chrysalis weekend commences.

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