Bi-Monthly Newsletter of the Nashville Emmaus Community
April 2017
DeColores to one and all! Wow! What an event-filled first three months we have had this year! The 2017 Board of Directors is quickly getting down to business to move the community forward toward our future in grace. Last newsletter I shared the blessings of our outgoing and incoming board members. This newsletter I want to share the board’s goals and actions planned for the coming year. First let’s talk about success! By the time we see this edition published, we will have conducted successful men’s and women’s walks. Let us praise God right now for the new lives, renewed lives, and newfound focus among the many pilgrims. Let’s continue to pray for these new community members and encourage them to stay involved. The Nashville Emmaus Community is one of many Emmaus communities that achieve the purpose of the Walk to Emmaus, the renewal of disciples to influence the local church, realized in the 4th day. This really means we keep on with the Emmaus program, according to the models given. This is not legalism, because the Emmaus Handbook describes this as keeping our heart and mind on Christ, not satisfying our human tendencies to do it our way. By following the models, we can focus on the 4th day activities and continue to grow interest, enthusiasm and unity in the community that the 2017 board has created. I believe there are three core goals and supporting tasks to achieve. #1 goal and line of effort is information and communications. This goal has two primary tasks, having a useable database, and developing a new website. The database is our #1 critical asset that will allow direct and personal communications with community members. We are unable to function without it. The website is important to project to the community and the more general public with information affecting groups and communities. #2 goal and effort is the selection of leaders and teams. Goal #1 is directly related to and an enabler of this goal. Timely selection of leaders and teams allows team and relationship building, cohesion, and strengthens the community by these relationships and associations. #3 goal and effort is to review and validate the bylaws and standing guidelines. It is important that we operate within the community according to the guidelines, but the guidelines should nest with the Emmaus model and reflect how we actually operate, not something that is unattainable and unsustainable. The board is already actively working these tasks. A team is working the data base day to day. We are seeking someone to completely rework the www.nashvilleemmaus.org website. We can use your help with referrals to community members who can help with this technical task. The team selection committee is working on the fall walk rosters right now, and a special committee was established to work on the bylaws and community guidelines. You, the community, have the opportunity to contribute in the strengthening of our community. Please continue to pray for Nashville Emmaus, Nashville Chrysalis, Face to Face, and the work the board is putting forth. Support the community by serving on a walk, flight, encounter, or consider serving on the board. Sponsor a pilgrim or caterpillar. Let’s work together toward our goals. Please take the opportunity to be involved and participate. Onward, Christian Soldiers! DeColores, Steve Zuercher Walk 142, Table of Mark 931-436-7479