Notes From The Lay Director

    Sept. 27th, 2011

    AS THE FLAMES RAGED ON...

    As the flames raged on, so did our emotions. There was denial, anger, horror, sadness, despair, hopelessness, loss and raw pain. It occurred to me that the disciples on the road to Emmaus must have experienced the same emotions following Jesus’ crucifixion. Maybe they didn’t recognize our Lord because their eyes were clouded with tears.

    We tend to remember that their eyes were opened at the breaking and giving of the bread. But we forget the most important part of that act. The very first thing is always prayer. Jesus took the break, blessed it... And part of blessing our food is giving thanks to God. I think maybe in giving thanks, our eyes are opened to His presence among us.

    With all the terrible destruction and the size and speed of this fire, there were two fatalities. We wish there were none, but I’m amazed there were only two. I thank God that we now have Reverse 911 technology. Evacuating the number of people involved in so little time was indeed a miracle from God.

    Then, there were the volunteer firefighters. Training has taken place throughout the United States so that responders from, say, Utah or Colorado, could arrive and work with those already there as if they had been a team for years.

    The outpouring of both service and contributions has been miraculous. The hands and feet of Christ were, and remain, very evident.

    To those of you who have suffered loss, please know your Emmaus brothers and sisters stand with you and are ready to help in any way we can. We ask that you allow us to be blessed by serving you. Whatever you need, small or large, please, please, please ask. Even a subtle hint will do!

    Now to him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you without blemish before the presence of his glory with rejoicing, to the only God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and for ever. Amen. (Jude 1:24-25)

    Peace and love,
    Fritzi

    Hi, There!

    Your new board met on June 16th and elected officers.

    A list of your board members and their contact information has been posted under the “Board Member Reps” tab.

    Click Here for the listing of the Board Members.

    You may notice that there are some “blanks” on the Board Member listing.
    We lack two members from Haynie Chapel and Smithville has no representatives!

    Won’t you help us “fill in the blanks?”

    I won’t lie to you and tell you that Board Members don’t have to do anything – we are a working board.

    But, let me explain just what that means:

    1. Board members are elected for a 3-year term and are expected to meet monthly in Bastrop on the 3rd Thursday of each month to consider the business of the 4th Day Group. These meetings start at 7:00 p.m. and last for one hour or less.

    And

    2. Board members are also expected to chair a committee.
    These committees could include a Nominating Committee, Facility Set-Up Committee, Music, Candlelight/Sponsor’s Hour, Group Reunions, Gatherings, Newsletter, Prayer Vigil, and Group Training. Most of the committees relate to Walks, although some relate to the ongoing life of the Group. And the chairing board member is expected to recruit others to work with them to accomplish the goal of each committee – not to do everything themselves.

    For instance, last year I chaired the Gatherings Committee and worked with the local coordinators in an effort to make the Gatherings more responsive to the Community’s needs and to make them fun!

    So you see serving on the board probably takes less time than putting up and taking down your Christmas decorations. (Of course, there are those Scrooge-types who refuse to decorate just to make me a liar!)

    Please pray about volunteering to fill one of the vacancies. We would welcome you!

    For more information please contact me at;
    fritzisimon@hotmail.com Thanks!

    De colores,
    Fritzi
    ABC 4th Day Lay Director

Article by Linda Moos

 

2011