Rooster Tales. U p p e r R o o m M i n i s t r i es. Dick and Netha Pipho, Community Lay Directors

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1 Rooster Tales U p p e r R o o m M i n i s t r i es Dick and Netha Pipho, Community Lay Directors January 2018 Inside this issue: Community Lay Directors 1 Community Spiritual Co Director 2 General Information and 2018 Upcoming Events Face to Face 4 Chrysalis 5 Lay Directors 6 Conference Room Team 7 Agape Team 8 Community Service Information 9 Connect with us! 10 3 Friends, by the grace of God, we bid farewell to 2017 and usher in It is that time of the year when the Christian world goes into resolution mode, has just celebrated the first coming of the Savior of the world, Luke 2, and prepares to welcome Him at His second coming in glory. Because during the year we sometimes lose focus and go down numerous paths, the new year comes to us as a gift, offering an opportunity to revisit and reconnect with Christ s calling on our individual and collective lives. This year will be no different. We have several Walks, Flights and a new Encounter to prepare for as well as a new structure to adapt to, but with new trainers to help us as well. This reality prompts us to invite you, during this time of preparation for numerous events in 2018, to join us, the IWTE Board, in a time of discernment and prayer, that we might notice the gap between where God wants us to be and where we are, and that we might find the grace, the joy and determination to make up the difference. In light of the new One Community concept being encouraged and recommended by The Upper Room, and with our newly adopted Face to Face ministry (Introduced in the following pages), as well as other various compelling reasons, The Iowa Walk To Emmaus (IWTE) Board of Directors has adopted the improved organizational and operating structure. This structure encompasses the Walk To Emmaus, Chrysalis, and Face to Face ministries into one total community. The Iowa Walk To Emmaus (IWTE) will have one central Board of Directors, Community Lay Director, Community Spiritual Director, Treasurer, and Community Trainer (also a new addition), with a Standing Committee for each of the Chrysalis and Face to Face ministries, all of which are elected/appointed by the IWTE Board. Most of these changes will be fairly invisible to us individually, but the weekend Walks, Flights & Encounters will continue to be as exciting and fruitful as always. We look forward to working with all of you in these exciting ministry events in the coming year. May peace, goodwill and blessings abound in all of your lives in service to Christ in

2 U p p e r R o o m M i n i s t r i es Rev. Dennis Shepherd, Community Spiritual Co-Director During sermon prep for the last Sunday of 2017 I got to thinking about all the various individuals that God spoke to and/or influenced to tell others about the promise to deliver a savior to turn around the strife of the people of Israel we often call God s Chosen. Back to the ancient teachings of the Jewish tradition of faith there were prophets that began to share their stories from God to plant seeds in the minds of God s followers of the promise of the deliverance of a difference maker in their lives. Led by faith, these prophets stories continued to be around to give the marginalized people of Israel hope for a better future, even during strife and captivity and exile. All this before the scriptures of the Hebrew writings, we know more commonly as the Old Testament, came to be available to readers. Years later we read in the New Testament of more recent prophets whom God has given messages to share. Among them we hear from Zechariah, the husband of Elizabeth, who upon realizing the pregnancy of Elizabeth receives the information that they will have a son (John the baptizer) that will prepare the way for the coming Messiah (Luke 1). Their prophecy is to share this exciting news about the part their son will play in readying the believers for this new leader and Savior. The shepherds in the field and the Magi are also influenced to honor the birth of this special Son of Man. Then we are introduced to two more common people in Luke 2, as prophets Simeon and Anna appear to bless the presentation of Jesus Christ at the Temple in Jerusalem. Their prophesies from God are to share the news that the scripture s promise of the new Messiah has truly happened. As Christian believers and members of the Walk to Emmaus community we have the opportunity to be prophet-like and share the good news of what the Iowa Emmaus community is offering for the New Year. Let us take the advantage of new structuring of our Board that we might together find positive energy working together to allow improved and new things to happen in the joy of Christ and our ministries to our Emmaus communities. It can be easy to poo-poo change, but let us accept this as opportunity for the positive. Along with change and learning new structure often comes additional work. Let us look beyond this mode of thinking and seek to see energy arise from new minds of thought that are ready to take ownership in a brighter future. I personally, especially in my more experienced years, prefer not to undergo changes, but history has proven for me that new things bring with them the opportunity for positive outcomes. Let us be positively vocal in our love of Christ. Let us go out into the world and prepare the way for new Pilgrims and Butterflies. (Let us) together find positive energy working together to allow improved and new things to happen in the joy of Christ and our ministries to our Emmaus communities. 2

3 General Information 2018 BOARD OF DIRECTORS: (MEETING) The Board of Directors will meet at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, Jan 20 th, following practice. If you have any thoughts or ideas, share them with any one of these directors. Please pray for them that they will serve with diligence and faithfulness in the coming year. Community Lay Directors; Dick and Netha Pipho (Grimes) Community Spiritual Directors: Pastor Dennis Shepherd (Panora) and Pastor Evelyn Lewiston (Ogden) Members: Jeff and Toni Anderson (Belmond)(Trainers), Jim and Linda Burk (Minburn), Brad & Luanne Gafford (Grimes)(Chrysalis) Brent Gibbons (Minburn), Gary Harris (Belmond), David Mock (Ankeny), Steve Nielsen (Ankeny), Dawn Parker (Perry)(Face To Face), Jeff and Mary Patterson (Lohrville), Mark and Cindy Willson (Johnston), Rosie Wurpts (Odgen) NEW COMMUNITY TRAINERS! As a part of the One Community concept, a new position of Community Trainer(s) was created. Their mission is to support the functioning of the local Emmaus Ministries Community, in accordance with the Upper Room model, by facilitating required training (and other training as necessary) for the local Board and other community leaders and members. A member of the local community is to be appointed to this position by its Board of Directors following consultation and concurrence with the Upper Room. We re happy to inform the IWTE Community that Jeff and Toni Anderson have graciously accepted this appointment from the Board. God bless their constant willingness to serve more and more! 2018 COMMUNITY EVENTS: Winter Walks: West Des Moines UMC Men s (#132) Feb 8 11, LD - Jerry Spencer Women s (#133) Feb 15 18, LD - Rhonda Giebelstein Chrysalis Flight: Clarion UMC, Apr 6 8, Boys LD s: Pending Girls LD s: Amy Jo Kerr Face To Face Encounter: Granger UMC, May 14, 17, 21 & 24, Coach Dawn Parker Summer Walks: Faith UMC, Humboldt, Men s (#134), July 19 22, LD - John Lizer Women s (#135), July 26 29, LD Kristi Bihrer Fall Walks: Ankeny First UMC Men s (#136) Oct 18 21, LD Leonard Willis Women s (#137) Oct 25 28, LD Jackie Riccio 3

4 Dawn Parker, Sr. Coach Greeting Brothers and Sisters in Christ! How often have you heard from prospective pilgrims, I would love to do an Emmaus walk but I can t sleep on a cot for 3 nights? Well thanks to the insight of the board we have a new alternative. Introducing- Emmaus Face to Face. A Face to Face Encounter is for pilgrims over 60. Iowa Walk to Emmaus is going to have our very first Encounter in May at the Granger United Methodist church. The date are May 14, 17, 21, and 24.Times 9:00 to 3:30-4:00. The conference room will have men and women pilgrims together with a mixed conference room team as well. The conference room team will consist of members 60 and older but the Agape team can be all ages. While there are differences in the format, the Emmaus message is the same- God wants a personal relationship with all of us. Jane Shepherd will be our Spiritual director for this Encounter and I will have the privilege to be Lay Director. Team selection is underway and we are very excited. Please keep us in your prayers as we and God put together this new venture. 4

5 Brad & Luanne Gafford, Chrysalis Lay Director TO OUR YOUNGER FRIENDS IN CHRIST; Would you like to strengthen your spiritual life? How about experiencing God s love and grace in a new way? Do you want to meet other people who are sharing God s love in the world? Could you use a little more love and grace in your life? If you answer yes to any of these, then Chrysalis is for you. If you are between years old, sometimes ask questions about your faith, and think about God in your everyday life, please join us to share some of these questions and, perhaps share some answers too. On a Chrysalis weekend, we will sing, reflect, pray, worship, learn, share Holy Communion and participate in small groups. We will experience God s love and grace in community and in the world seeing Christian love in action. ADULTS: Do you have a friend, relative or any teenager who might be asking the same questions or having the same thoughts? Do them a huge favor while at the same time, obeying the Lord s command, and sponsor them. Their life will be changed and they will thank you forever. The next Flight will be hosted by the Clarion Methodist and Christian churches, April 6 8. We hope to see many of you there. 5

6 I o w a W a l k t o E m m a u s Rhonda Giebelstein, Women s Lay Director Greetings! I am humbled and honored to be the Lay Director for the Women s winter Walk, February in West Des Moines. God has placed my team according to His will and plan for the pilgrims and I m so excited to see what He has in store for us. 1 Peter 4: Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. This verse speaks directly to each of us no matter where we are called to serve. Whether it be in the conference room, or agape, we are serving our Lord. As this walk approaches I pray that your gifts will be abundantly poured out to the pilgrims and their hearts will be open to a Christ-centered life. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. Jerry Spencer, Men s Lay Director I always look forward to the Walk to Emmaus. The time with my brothers recharges my batteries until the next Walk where I can recharge again. There is just something behind spending time with fellow believers truly focused on doing the Lord's work that can lift one up and put them in a good place in life. The Walk to Emmaus had taught me a lot in the time I have been active in it. One thing the Walk has taught me is to remain humble at all times. There have been many times I have been given the great responsibility of cleaning the bathrooms during the Walk. With toilet brush in hand, I go to work with a smile on my face. Not a chore that many line up to do, I step up and take on the task. One might ask, why are you smiling while doing such a task, my answer is this, it is a job that needs to be done for it serves a bigger need. The job also keeps me humble. Jesus reminds us to remain humble. In John 13:1-7 he showed us how to be humble when he washed the feet of his disciples. A job given to the lowest servant at the time for no one wanted to perform the job. Humbleness teaches us to think beyond ourselves and focus on others. We remember who we are and whom we serve. A heart of a servant knows the work they do serves a bigger need no matter the task. May we go to Walk # 132 with hearts of servants, humble and full of love. God Bless 6

7 Conference Room Positions Men s Walk Jerry Spencer John Lizer Leonard Willis Bob Culbertson David Mock Jim Burk John Lizer Craig Ferguson John Williams Steve Swenson Steve Nielsen Troy Strohman Bob Culbertson John Rose Chad Lierman Patrick Mulloy Jeff Anderson Doug Amis Chuck Yanders Jerry Spencer Leonard Willis Nate Warwick Todd Stevens Dana Langfitt Bob Thornton Lay Director ALD - 1 ALD - 2 ALD - 3 Conference Room Spiritual Director Music Leader Board Representative Talk -TL/ATL Priorities (ALD-1) Prevenient Grace (ASD) Priesthood --Believers (TL/ATL) Justifying Grace (ASD) Life Of Piety (TL/ATL) Growth Thru Study (TL/ATL) Means of Grace (SD) Christian Action (TL/ATL) Obstacles To Grace (ASD) Discipleship (TL/ATL) Changing Our World (TL/ATL) Sanctifying Grace (ASD) Body Of Christ (TL/ATL) Perseverance (LD) Fourth Day (ALD-2) ATL s Women s Walk Rhonda Giebelstein Kristi Bieher Jackie Riccio Haley Giebelstein Deb Parkison Tere Rohret Cindy Willson Kristi Bieher Ginni Otto Kathy Van Pelt Laurel Westercamp Alice Erb Kara Curry Deb Parkison Sue Wolter Bev Goodell Chrissy Seaholm Mary Patterson Dawn Freese Sarah Strohman Rhonda Giebelstein Jackie Riccio Bertie Dawster Shelly Boles Lyndsey Myers Jan Mason Evelyn Keen Kelli Kraft Norma Thierman 7

8 Agape Positions Men s Walk Women s Walk Brian DePrez Troy Hall Dick Pipho Jim Burk Agape Lay Director Asst. LD Asst LD Asst. Spiritual Director Spiritual Director Music Leader Head Cook Kitchen Asst's Kitchen Asst's Kitchen Asst's Housekeeping Prayer Chapel Dining Room 72 Hour Prayer Vigil Trailer Transport Community Agape Dir Amanda Carrel Ann Nygaard Crystal Streasick Leila Blackburn Jenny Gervais Jeri Goddell Sharon Mier Melody Husser Theresa Andrea Clausen Margie Finnegan Cathy Bugger Angela Manwarren Netha Pipho Dick Pipho Jim Burk ( ) YOU ARE NEEDED! Remember when you had your experience at Walk to Emmaus? How special you felt? We want others to have that same experience. We need all of you to come and work, cook, clean, PRAY! It takes a lot of helping hands working behind the scenes to keep this great ministry flourishing. We want and need it to continue to be what it always has been. I know everybody's lives are busy, but when the Walk is in your area please come help, we need you! If you are a newer 4 th dayer, this is a great time to become more involved and build friendships. If you are an old-timer 4 th dayer, you will want to welcome and partner with them. Welcome them, Include them, Love them! If we are in your area, you can even sleep in your own bed! Thank you for saying yes! Thank you for being the hands and feet of Jesus!!! 8

9 Community Service Information The Winter Walks, West DM United Methodist Church: Practice weekend will be held on Jan 19-20: This continues to be a joyful time of fellowship and support for our wonderful teams when talks are previewed for both the Men s and Women s Walks. It s a time of team building, prayer and support, and all team members should participate. Please join us in praying for the teams as well as the pilgrims who will be coming in a few weeks. The Men s Walk (132) will be Feb The Women s Walk (133) will be Feb 15 18, Jerry Spencer (Story City) and Rhonda Giebelstein (Ames) will lead these Walks as Lay Directors. Please join us in praying for them and their teams. You can participate in the Walks by working Agape, attending Sponsor s Hour, Candlelight and Closing. These are great opportunities for the community to support these pilgrims and teams. We invite all, especially newer 4 th dayers to join the Agape team for all or part of the weekend. This will help you learn and progress as you wish in this great ministry. Set-Up Time: By popular demand, we ve changed the time! We ll unload the trailer and set up for the walks on Thursday, Feb 8 th at 4:00 6:00 p.m. just preceding the Men s Walk, and reset on Thursday, Feb 15 th, 5:00 6:00 p.m. prior to the Women s Walk. Both Team and Agape members should participate and then remain for the pilgrims arrival and/or Sponsors Hour. This is also a great way for newer 4 th dayers to get even more acquainted, make more friends and be a part of the fellowship. Many hands make light work, so come and join us. Refreshments will be served at 5:30 p.m. Walk Set-up: Thursdays, Feb 8th, 4 6 p.m., & Feb 15th, 5 6 p.m.. Sponsor s Hour: 7:00 p.m. following set-up & pilgrims arrival or after pilgrims are called out. Candlelight: Saturdays, Feb 10th & 17th, arrive at 8:30 pm for service and communion. (Bring your mail for pilgrims and team Closing: Sundays, Feb 11th & 18th, arrive 4:00 pm for closing ceremonies, testimonies and community communion. Come and hear the testimonies of experiencing God s great grace and love! Trailer Reload: 3:00 p.m. Sun, Feb 18th. Come early for closing! A NEW ADDITION TO IAUMC CONFERENCE WEB SITE. In a recent meeting with the IA UMC Conference Communications Director, Rev. Dr. Art McClanahan blessed us with his willingness to add an Emmaus Community section to the conference web site, as well as including articles in appropriate periodical publications regarding upcoming walks, flights & encounters. The new section will include information about all of the communities in Iowa, which we will coordinate with their leaders. We believe that this additional promotion/ information will reach most pastors and many lay members, and could greatly improve support and participation in all of the community ministries. More information will be published in the March Chicken Chatter newsletter. A Fond Farewell to board members and past Community Lay Directors, Brad and Tami Leonard, whose terms on the Emmaus Board of Directors have come to an end, completing a 6-year period of truly commendable service to all of us and to our Lord & Savior. Their leadership, dedication and commitment to excellence remains evident in the God-led, Holy-Spirit-filled ministry that IWTE is today. They shared this: We want to thank you for the tremendous privilege of serving the community In this capacity. We are very humbled and very grateful for each of your friendships and multiple areas of assistance over those years We leave with many wonderful memories. God bless your family Brad & Tami We look forward to working with you many times in the future. The Board 9

10 Connect With Us LOOK for info on upcoming Walks, pilgrim and team lists, articles on Agape FAQ s, Sponsorship info, links to other Emmaus communities throughout Iowa, etc. Contact us via using Like our Facebook page to receive updates Remember to include Iowa in your search for our page. h t t p : / / w w w. i o w a w a l k t o e m m a u s. o r g / COME AND WORK AGAPE! 1 st timer? Haven t been back in awhile? Just need a refresher? Check out for more info on AGAPE Frequently Asked Questions about working behind the scenes. You will find Agape FAQ s under the About Us tab. Come for all or part of the weekend and enjoy the friendship and fellowship. We d love to see you. The purpose of Emmaus is to develop leaders for the church. Emmaus will inspire, challenge, and equip participants for Christian action in their homes, churches, and places of work. Emmaus lifts up a way for our grace-filled lives to be lived and shared with others. 10