A Gift FROM THE LAY DIRECTOR...

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Matthew Lynch
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As I was doing this mental exercise recently, I came

1 December News FROM THE LAY DIRECTOR... A Gift As Christmas approaches, most of us are busy making lists of those we intend to give a gift to and what that gift will be. As I was doing this mental exercise recently, I came to the realization that a very important name wasn't on the list Jesus. In fact, I must admit, that I have

Gloria Lear Asst. Spiritual Director Rev.

2 CBE Board of Directors Lay Director Jim Schuchardt Spiritual Director Rev. Greg Hackett Asst. Lay Director Bob Forbes Asst. Spiritual Director Rev. Gloria Lear Asst. Spiritual Director Rev. Jason Fry Secretary Jan Ayliffe Treasurer/Newsletter Coordinator Shana Larson Agape Coordinator Donna G Devlin Logistics Brian Calhoun Music Coordinator Lyle Mathews Conference Board Representative Team Selection Harold Bjella Kairos Coordinator Paul Hood Past LayDirector/ Communications Judi Oestreich At Large Dottie Ewing Tommy Baker Other Volunteer Leadership Prayer Vigil Coordinator Betty Workman Master Database Gale Bridgeman Candlelight Coordinator Marshall Westmoreland Gathering Coordinator Darla Wiggins Reunion Groups Wanda Matthews been guilty of the same omission in past years, as well. And the solution is so easy and your bank account won't suffer either! Don't you think it makes Jesus smile when you live as His child today and bring Him honor and glory in all that you say and do? I do! By living as His child I think it demonstrates that you do love Him with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. And that you do love your neighbor as yourselves. (Mark 12:29 31) So, I suggest that you put Jesus on your gift list and that you honor Him by living your life as Christlike as possible as a gift to Him. After all, He made the ultimate sacrifice for us on the cross. Merry CHRISTmas, Jim Schuchardt Community LD CLERGY NOTES... "Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand." The Skin Horse to the Rabbit: The Velveteen Rabbit How do we prepare for Christmas? We set up the tree again. We string the lights again. We hang the stockings by the chimney with care... again. We shop beyond dropping again. Wait a minute! Is this what Christmas is all about?! In one sense, no, because we exhaust ourselves in a flurry of holiday cheer, trying to meet the

CONTACTS Coastal Bend Emmaus Jim Schuchardt Lay Director Home 361 643 8079 Cell 361 533 0696 Jschuchardt@doradooil.com Coastal Bend Emmaus P.O. Box 273 CC, TX 78403 Kairos Outside expectations that the season brings.

But, as the Skin Horse tells us, this is all a process of "becoming". We "become real" as we go through the process, the ritual, the work of Christmas.

Work of standing up for Christ, and standing with Christ. Love is working until your "hair gets rubbed off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints.

3 CONTACTS Coastal Bend Emmaus Jim Schuchardt Lay Director Home Cell Coastal Bend Emmaus P.O. Box 273 CC, TX Kairos Outside expectations that the season brings. Trying to make this Christmas the "best of all", and in the process, we become much like the Skin Horse in the aforementioned quote. But, as the Skin Horse tells us, this is all a process of "becoming". We "become real" as we go through the process, the ritual, the work of Christmas. Love is not something that is just given to us, although we wish it would be so. Love is hard work: work of faith and fortitude and fearlessness. Work of standing up for Christ, and standing with Christ. Love is working until your "hair gets rubbed off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints." In this Christmas season, we remember that love indeed came down at Christmas, love indeed bore the cross, love indeed carried our sin, and love indeed frees us to love as he loved us. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory..."(john 1: 1, 14a). Merry Christmas! Greg Hackett Community SD JoAnn Hood Council Chair Joannhood@hotmail.com Kairos Outside P.O.Box 773 CC, TX Kairos Inside Paul Hood Joannhood@hotmail.com GET INVOLVED IN 2016 ~ BE A SPONSOR Sponsorship does not involve paying the $230 Walk fee (although in some cases some people want to), but rather ensuring the pilgrim gains the most spiritual benefit from the Walk. This is a commitment that should not be taken lightly and can only be fulfilled by someone who has been on a Walk. This should be done prayerfully and in consultation with your Reunion Group and the relevant Pastor/Minister, as to ascertain that this applicant will benefit from the week end experience and

is at present spiritually and emotionally suitable for this. REUNION GROUPS To find a Reunion Group, or find one that fits your schedule, contact: Wanda Matthews 361 441 3191 matthews.w@sbcglobal.

Below are some words about prayer. It's time to start praying how YOU can get involved with the Walk to Emmaus next year by being the "Best Sponsor Ever!" And asking God WHO He wants on that Walk.

4 is at present spiritually and emotionally suitable for this. REUNION GROUPS To find a Reunion Group, or find one that fits your schedule, contact: Wanda Matthews matthews.w@sbcglobal.net Remember the Walk to Emmaus is for the development of Christian leaders and to prepare Disciples of Christ to be kingdom builders. Listen to what God tells you about WHO to sponsor. Below are some words about prayer. It's time to start praying how YOU can get involved with the Walk to Emmaus next year by being the "Best Sponsor Ever!" And asking God WHO He wants on that Walk. Prayer Vigil Sign up for the Prayer Vigil for upcoming Walks Prayer Vigil Sign Up 2016 WALKS Women's Walk #1840 June 23 26, 2016 LD: Anne Mosiman SD: Allen Mosiman BR: Gale Bridgeman Men's Walk #1849 July 28 31, 2016 LD: Bill Beck SD: Jason Teague BR: Bob Forbes Side Heading A Reminder of Who is in Charge From Max Lucado's Book "Max on Life" Prayer reminds us of who is in charge. You don't take your requests to someone with less authority. You take them to someone who outranks you in the solutions department. The same is true in prayer. You don't pray just to let God know what's going on. He's way ahead of you on that one. You pray to transfer "my will be done" to "God's will be done." And, since he's in charge, he knows the best solution. Prayer transfers the burden to God and He lightens your load. Prayer pushes us through life's slumps, propels us over the humps, and pulls us out of the dumps. Prayer is the oomph we need to get the answers we seek. So, pray...today! Many of us think about the loved ones who are not here at this special 㭄 me of year but it is extremely hard on

Sponsorship is an act of Love... For God, for the pilgrims, for the church and for the Coastal Bend Emmaus. It is a demonstration of Agape love. It is making oneself an instrument of prevenient Grace.

5 Sponsorship is an act of Love... For God, for the pilgrims, for the church and for the Coastal Bend Emmaus. It is a demonstration of Agape love. It is making oneself an instrument of prevenient Grace. Prayerfully become someone's sponsor today. Side Heading FORWARD THIS NEWSLETTER We would like to make sure you and your friends are receiving the Rainbow Bend Newsletter. If you got this one, please send to all your friends who have been on a Walk to Emmaus. They may be in our database, but have their "Spam Blocker" on. Please ask them to add cbemmaus@gmail.com to their address book so the newsletter will go directly to their inbox. Prayer Vigil Coordinator Needed Call Betty Workman at (361) for more information and/or to volunteer. You can also us your contact number at cbemmaus@gmail.com Song Books Needed individuals and families who are facing the first Christmas with an empty chair at the table. This poem is for those who wonder what that loved one is doing this Christmas. "First Christmas in Heaven" I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below with tiny light, like Heavens, reflecting on the snow. The sight is so spectacular; please wipe away the tear, For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year. I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear. But the sounds of music can't compare with the Christmas Choir up here. I have no words to tell you, the joy the voices bring, For it's beyond description, to hear the angels sing. I know how much you miss me. I see the pain inside your heart. But I am not so far away, we really aren't apart. So be happy for me, dear ones, You know I hold you dear, And be glad, I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

"SONGS" by Yohann Anderson. We recently bought 75 new ones and our goal is to get at least another 100. We are accepting donations so that we can purchase more.

I sent you each a memory of my undying love. After all, love is more precious than pure gold. It was always more important in the stories Jesus told.

6 "SONGS" by Yohann Anderson. We recently bought 75 new ones and our goal is to get at least another 100. We are accepting donations so that we can purchase more. Just send a check in any amount with SONGS in the memo line to Coastal Bend Emmaus, P.O. Box 273, Corpus Christi, TX I sent you each a special gift, from my heavenly home above. I sent you each a memory of my undying love. After all, love is more precious than pure gold. It was always more important in the stories Jesus told. Please love and keep each other, as my Father said to do. For I can't count the blessings of love He has for each of you. So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear, Remember, I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year. READING WITH CHILDREN... a way to slow down and enjoy the holidays For many years the Christmas season has been too much about hustle and bustle just to spend a few hours with friends and or family. We urge you to slow down, relax, go to worship as much as possible and remember what this season is really all about. Take time in the next 3 weeks to spend some quiet and cozy

7 evenings with your loved ones and read these charming stories about Christmas. Over the years, Christmas has inspired many authors to write about its spirit and significance. The spirit that embodies charity, forgiveness, friendship, unselfish love and generosity. In the stories that follow, you will find many examples of what makes the Christmas Spirit so unique and special. Though most of these stories have been written for children, readers of all ages will enjoy these skillfully told tales. There are many, many other Christmas stories you are familiar with (maybe by title alone) but I have chosen a few you may not heard of or have not read for a long time. These stories are a great way for kids and adults to learn more about Christmas, its meaning and message, and why it is the most special holiday of the year. DeColores! Judi Oestreich Communications Coordinator 1. THE CHRISTMAS CUCKOO BY FRANCES BROWNE Frances Browne (January 16, ) was a blind Irish poet and novelist, best remembered for her collection of short stories for children: Granny's Wonderful Chair, of which The Christmas Cuckoo is a part. It is a richly imaginative book of fairy stories and has been translated into many languages. In Granny's Wonderful Chair there are seven stories, set in an interesting framework that tells of the adventures of the little girl Snowflower and her chair at the court of King Winwealth. From beginning to end it is filled with pictures; each little tale has its own picturesque setting, its own vividly realized scenery. 2. THE OTHER WISE MAN BY HENRY VAN DYKE. Four Wise men followed the star in the east, but only three arrived in Bethlehem on time. This is the

8 legend of the fourth Wise Man Artaban and his journey in search of the King. Henry van Dyke ( ) was an American author, educator, and clergyman. He graduated from Princeton University in 1873 and from Princeton Theological Seminary, 1877 and served as a professor of English literature at Princeton between 1899 and In Dr. van Dyke was an American lecturer at the University of Paris. By appointment of President Wilson he became Minister to the Netherlands and Luxembourg in He was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Letters and received many other honors. 3. THE SELFISH GIANT BY OSCAR WILDE. Oscar Fingal O'Flahertie Wills Wilde (16 October November 1900) was an Irish writer, poet, and prominent aesthete. He became one of the most successful playwrights of the late Victorian era in London with a series of social satires which continue to be performed, especially his masterpiece The Importance of Being Earnest. Oscar Wilde's fairy tales have been dramatized, made into films, ballets, plays and adapted for radio. The Selfish Giant is a multi layered short story that will appeal to both children and adults because of the depth of its meaning. For young children it can be read literally about a giant who is mean and whose garden refuses to grow. For older readers the religious symbolism can also be reflected upon as discussing themes such as selfishness and forgiveness. The meaning of the wall around the garden, symbolic of people shutting each other out can also be debated upon. 4. THE CHRISTMAS ROSE BY LIZZIE DEAS. On a cold December night, everybody was coming to see their new Savior and brought Him all kinds of gifts and presents. A shepherd maiden had also come to see the Christ Child but she was very poor and had nothing to offer the child. She felt helpless and was quietly weeping outside the door. An angel took pity on her and gently brushed aside the snow at her feet, from where a beautiful cluster of waxen white winter roses sprang up with pink tipped petals. He softly whispered to her that these Christmas roses

9 are more valuable than any myrrh, frankincense or gold for they are pure and made of love. 5. PAPA PANOV'S SPECIAL CHRISTMAS BY LEO TOLSTOY. Leo Tolstoy, or Count Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy (September November ), was a Russian writer widely regarded as among the greatest of novelists. Tolstoy's further talents as essayist, dramatist, and educational reformer made him the most influential member of the aristocratic Tolstoy family. Papa Panov's Special Christmas was originally written in French by Ruben Saillens, and then translated into English by Tolstoy. This is a very thoughtful story, based on the Bible text 'I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me water' which Jesus used to make us understand how we should serve him by serving each other. The story of Papa Panov is an excellent way to introduce young chldren to the principles of kindness. 6. THE LITTLE MATCH GIRL BY HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSON. Hans Christian Andersen (April 2, 1805 August 4, 1875) was a Danish author and poet noted for his children's stories. During his lifetime he was acclaimed for having delighted children worldwide, and was feted by royalty. His poetry and stories have been translated into more than 150 languages. They have inspired motion pictures, plays, ballets, and animated films. Originally published as part of Andersen's fifth volume of Fairy Tales in 1848, The Little Match Girl is an original Andersen story inspired by a Johan Thomas Lundbye drawing and loosely based on an incident that happened to Andersen's mother when she was a child. Written nine years after Andersen's friend and colleague Charles Dickens finished Oliver Twist, The Little Match Girl shed a light on a very oppressed and silent group in Europe its children. 7. CHRISTMAS DAY IN THE MORNING BY PEARL S. BUCK. Originally published in 1955, Christmas Day in the Morning is a heartwarming story about sacrifice and the spirit of giving. Pearl S. Buck (June 26, 1892 March 6, 1973) was an award winning American writer who spent the majority of her life

in China. Her novel The Good Earth won the Pulitzer Prize in 1932.

10 in China. Her novel The Good Earth won the Pulitzer Prize in In 1938, she became the first American woman to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for her rich and truly epic descriptions of peasant life in China and for her biographical masterpieces. In Christmas Day in the Morning, Buck has captured the spirit of Christmas in this elegant, heartwarming story about a boy's gift of love. 8. THE HOLY NIGHT BY SELMA LAGERLOF. One cold winter's night, a cruel and hardhearted shepherd is amazed by some strange happenings. A man comes looking for wood for a fire to warm his wife and newborn baby, and following the man back to his cold grotto, the shepherd discovers the true spirit of Christmas. Selma Ottilia Lovisa Lagerlöf (20 November March 1940) was a Swedish author. She was the first female writer to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, and most widely known for her children's book The Wonderful Adventures of Nils. Merry Christmas from the Board and all the volunteers of the Coastal Bend Emmaus Community. We wish you Hope, Peace, Joy and Love in the New Year!

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Gracie Martin From: Sent: To: Subject: From: To: Sent: Subject: December 2016 News December 2016 News 1 CBE Board of Directors From the Lay Director THE REMARKABLE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A COMMITMENT OF 99% AND 100% I recently read the following piece and liked it so much I thought I would