Emmaus Road

GROUNDWORKS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22

noreply@blogger.com (Emmaus Road) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:55:00 +0000

The Holidays approach, along with the typical dread that weighs you down this time of year. While the ache of loneliness is constant, pangs of anxiety lurk around each corner. Looming over it all, the very real threat of eviction casts a gloomy shadow: unless the filth and clutter of your apartment - manifestations of your confusion and despair - unless all this is thoroughly cleaned for inspection, you and all your possessions will be thrown out. You will be sent back to those cold, wet streets, by Thanksgiving weekend. Cleaning one's apartment does not sound too daunting. But the depression and darkness are crushing; it feels impossible to get out from under the burden. You are overwhelmed and frozen with inertia. But when the kindness of strangers appears, offering a few hours of help, cleaning and conversing, you are given a much needed glimmer of hope, at the edge of an otherwise gloomy horizon.

Join Emmaus Road this Sunday, 10:30AM, to help out some neighbors in need. Come in work clothes with any cleaning supplies you can spare, and give a few hours of your time at the beginning of this Holiday season. We will gather at New Horizons and go out in groups, some to Noel House, others to Jefferson Terrace; some can help sort, clean, and paint @ New Horizons.

CONCERT FOR STREET BEAN, SATURDAY NOVEMBER 21

noreply@blogger.com (Emmaus Road) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:11:00 +0000

Fundraising concert

for Street Bean Espresso,
THIS SATURDAY, November 21, 5-7PM.
Join together with musicians

from Emmaus Road and another supporting church,

to worship and rock.

WELCOME BRYNN ELIZABETH ENGEL

noreply@blogger.com (Emmaus Road) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:43:00 +0000

Born to Ryan and Kristin Engel, November 13
CONGRATULATIONS!
We thank God along with you for the blessing of a healthy baby.

GROUNDWORKS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22

noreply@blogger.com (Emmaus Road) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:38:00 +0000

SISTER CHURCH HIT HARD IN GREENWOOD

noreply@blogger.com (Emmaus Road) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 00:49:00 +0000

I was awakened around 4AM this morning by multiple sirens near our home in Greenwood. The smell of smoke was so pungent, Alicia and I thought something might be burning in our house. We soon realized it was smoke from outside. Turning on the TV, we were shocked to see live footage of flames engulfing the Green Bean Coffee House and three other businesses. Within a few hours, three family owned restaurants and a valued community gathering spot, the entire Eleanor Roosevelt Building on N. 85th Street, had burned to the ground.

A big fire always presents dramatic loss; thankfully, no fatalities or serious injuries were involved in this one. For many of us, though, the sadness brought on by this fire is close and personal. The Green Bean Coffee House has been a familiar ministry meeting place for many, including several Emmaus Road people. David Anema and Eric Likkel met there the day before, planning community development steps and discussing ministry issues. The Green Bean had become a thriving non-profit outreach, launched and nurtured by our sister Christian Reformed congregation in Greenwood, Sanctuary Church. People we know and love have poured their lives into this neighborhood through the hospitality and generosity shared there.

The Taproot Theater building, where the congregation worships next door to the Greenbean, was also severely damaged, causing Sanctuary to become temporarily "homeless." But according to Dr. Randy Rowland, CEO of the Green Bean Coffee House and pastor of Sanctuary, “A church and a community development organization are about people, not about buildings. The people are unharmed and we remain resolute in our vision and mission in Greenwood. We are here to love God and love our neighbors as ourselves. None of that will change. We will carry on beginning today.”

Pray for all involved, including the families who lost their businesses and livelihoods along with the Green Bean.

Websites will be updated regularly with relevant information.
www.sanctuarycrc.org
www.greenbeancoffee.org

CHURCH CAMP PIX

noreply@blogger.com (Emmaus Road) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 20:40:00 +0000

Church Camp was great! All of us who were able to make it out to South Whidbey Island State Park found this group camp site to be scenic, nicely sequestered from the rest of the campground, and well equipped for us to enjoy ourselves. Even though we had to contend with a lot of rain, along with hoards of slugs, we made the most of our time. Plans are underway for July 2010, same location. To see all the pictures, go here....

CRWRC RESPONDS TO PHILIPPINES TYPHOON

noreply@blogger.com (Emmaus Road) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:25:00 +0000

The Christian Reformed Relief Committee (CRWRC) is working with local churches and disaster response teams in metro Manila to distribute emergency supplies to survivors of Typhoon Ketsana in the Philippines. Read more here...

CONGRATULATIONS NEWLYWEDS

noreply@blogger.com (Emmaus Road) — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 05:22:00 +0000

Joshua and Kara Gillanders * August 9, 2009

Aaron and Kristen Vander Linden * September 12, 2009

SEATTLE SWEEP, SATURDAY OCTOBER 17

noreply@blogger.com (Emmaus Road) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 21:20:00 +0000

Imagine Christians across a city, cooperating in service one day a year. This happened in Portland; their Season of Service, an unlikely partnership between churches and city, made headlines in USA Today and Reader's Digest. This has also happened in Santa Rosa; one church began Spring Clean with fifty youth and expanded to involve over forty congregations. Could this happen in our city? This year, God is empowering several leaders to begin gathering Jesus' people in Seattle to do the same. It will begin small at first, but the hope is to persist each year, expanding the witness of the Church across our city as we serve our neighbors. Saturday, October 17 is the day. Emmaus Road has been invited to serve at Union Gospel Mission Men's Shelter, painting the third floor. Other church groups will be outside, cleaning up some of the city's neglected parks. Everyone and anyone is welcome to join the Church that day! Contact Pastor Eric Likkel for more details.

JOB SEARCH ASSISTANCE

noreply@blogger.com (Emmaus Road) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 22:35:00 +0000

Erin Fullner works with students at Seattle University School of Law, helping them identify and develop tools for career success, and would be happy to do the same for job seekers at Emmaus Road. She is available to help with resumes, cover letters, applications, and advice on interviewing, informational interviewing, and networking. If you would like to meet with Erin to discuss your job search, please email her at erinfullner@yahoo.com.

GREAT GROUNDWORK on AUGUST 30

noreply@blogger.com (Emmaus Road) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 18:35:00 +0000

Emmaus Road showed up in decent numbers and made a big impact this past Groundworks Sunday! New Horizons is cleaner and more donations have been sorted. New relationships are forming with Belltown neighbors at the Noel House and the Simons Senior Apartments, as we pursued new pathways of service. Here are some pix from our time at Noel House:

Note on Noel House door: at first we went to the wrong location; glad we finally found the right place; they were expecting us!

Moving mattresses, getting ready to vacuum

Finished with one side, ready for the other.

Getting to know each other during a break.

NEXT GROUNDWORKS SUNDAY: NOVEMBER 29
In the meantime, "Seattle Sweep" day is Saturday, October 17

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

noreply@blogger.com (Emmaus Road) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 21:45:00 +0000

No, not for the wrong reasons: Dave Steffens and J.P. Benoit have both been featured in the local news recently. Here are their stories...

MARATHON TIPS - Dave Steffens on Q13FOX NEWS

BREAKING THE PAYDAY-LENDER CYCLE - J.P. Benoit in the Seattle Times

EMMAUS ROAD PARENT PARTY, SATURDAY, 5PM

noreply@blogger.com (Emmaus Road) — Fri, 01 May 2009 06:14:00 +0000

5PM, Saturday, May 23rd

Likkels' backyard

Map here...

MAUNDY THURSDAY APRIL 9, 7PM

noreply@blogger.com (Emmaus Road) — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 02:33:00 +0000

As we did last year, Emmaus Road will observe Maundy Thursday, April 9, at 7PM. We will meet at the Ellington Room, at Andrew & Chandra's building (on 1st between Clay and Broad).

What is Maundy Thursday and why should you care?

First, Maundy Thursday has become established as one of the "Holy Days" in much of the Christian world throughout the ages. "Maundy" is an old word signifying "commandment," and "Thursday".... you know, that's the fifth day of the week. So, "commandment Thursday"? Yes. According to the Scriptures, it was around the table of the Passover Feast, the Thursday before the day of resurrection, that Jesus washed his disciples' feet and gave them this prime directive: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." John 13:34

Second, you should care because the brightness of Easter morning is more clearly seen set against the dark backdrop of betrayal and suffering Jesus first endured. The joy of an empty tomb and risen Lord is more intense after the contemplation of death and loss. Like a Lenten fast and disciplined denial, Maundy Thursday offers an occasion to glimpse the depth of sacrificial love we believe the Lord reveals in his willing descent. We also remember the love he has called us to demonstrate, as his disciples.

GROUNDWORK SUNDAY: SIGN UP!

noreply@blogger.com (Emmaus Road) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 00:19:00 +0000

In case you haven't heard, Emmaus Road is practicing CHURCH BEYOND THE BUILDING this Sunday, March 29 (read more on the Road Crew page). Many of you signed up this past Sunday morning, but for those who haven't chosen one of the three projects, please comment below or email Pastor Eric eric@emmausroad.net. By signing up ahead of time, the GROUNDWORK SUNDAY "committee" (Pastor Likkel and member J. Henry - the cheerleader with pompoms this past Sunday), can coordinate the crews.

10:15AM arrive at New Horizons, enjoy some coffee, food,

10:30AM briefing; prayer

10:45AM hit the streets

If you're late, don't worry. All three projects are within blocks of New Horizons; it will not be difficult to find us.

Questions? Feel feel free to call or email Pastor Likkel.

PROJECT DETAILS:

Project 1: Greening and Cleaning on 2nd Ave
Neighbor contact: B. Davis
• Trimming
• Planting (donated plants)

Supplies
• Sturdy work gloves
• Clippers
• Rakes
• Garbage Bags

Project 2: Belltown P Patch
Neighbor contact: G. MacGilvra
• Pulling weeds
• Cottage Cleaning
• Painting of trim on Garden Cottage
• Massive drainage problem
• Removing trash

Supplies:
• Sturdy work gloves

Project 3: New Horizons Kitchen Cleaning
Neighbor contact: S. Hartell
• Deep, thorough cleaning

Supplies:
• Scrubbing brushes
• Scouring Pads
• Cleaning Gloves

ANNUAL SPRING RETREAT APRIL 18

noreply@blogger.com (Emmaus Road) — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 17:12:00 +0000

Saturday, April 18th @ 10am
Mars Hill Graduate School@ Elliott and Wall in Belltown, down the hill and a few blocks south of New Horizons near the water. Contact: chandra@emmausroad.net and/or reserve a spot online.

This year, the food, fellowship, and childcare will be just as great as last year, but the parking situation will be WAY BETTER! Having learned what we need (a couple valet volunteers on hand), and knowing the best parking lots nearby, we'll be ready. Like last year, our event will include time/space for going outside, walking and talking, at the P Patch across the street and the Olympic Sculpture Park down the road.

Theme: still being developed, but something having to do with this question: who do you see joining Emmaus Road? The Road Crew spent a lot of time and energy rewording and rethinking Emmaus Road's mission and purpose last year; this will be a time to look more closely at the personal implications of what we have declared as a community. Abstractly, this is about growth/evangelism, connecting/loving/serving friends/neighbors through the lens of the Gospel. God has this big plan to send out "fishers of men," and there's a huge "net" he continues to weave. Every congregation and every Christian around the world exist to be a part of that great net. Is Emmaus Road part of that net in Seattle? Are you participating in this process, are you part of this "net"? What are the consequences of dropping the net, neglecting the net, taking up a different net, etc.? How does this question, (and the answers of course), address dreams and fears about Emmaus Road's size, future, integrity, purpose? Thoughts, suggestions?

WELCOME BABIES

noreply@blogger.com (Emmaus Road) — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 20:47:00 +0000

TWO NEW BABIES, in one stormy week!

We celebrate with Mike and Teresa, the arrival of Marcus Bradley Elenbaas, born December 16.

We celebrate with Ben and Laura, the birth of Amelia Josephine Lappenga, born December 22!

All are doing well, and we look forward to meeting these new little ones very soon! Thanks be to God for these new members of our spiritual family.

ILLUMINATING CONVERSATIONS: MIDDLE SCHOOL

noreply@blogger.com (Emmaus Road) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 17:43:00 +0000

What Max, Ava, and Hedj were saying...

SPARK PLUGS AND GLUE: SOME FOLLOW-UP

noreply@blogger.com (Emmaus Road) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 21:51:00 +0000

Could Emmaus Road host an OPEN HOUSE for our neighbors? Could we GROW A GIVING GARDEN in Belltown? We couldn't accomplish much alone, but we could spark some holy activity in the neighborhood. To read more....

SUMMER SCENES

noreply@blogger.com (Emmaus Road) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 20:50:00 +0000

The Wallingford Group enjoyed a few meetings on the water. To see more pictures, click here.

The Youth Group went backpacking in the Cascades this summer. To see more pictures, click here.

SUMMER WEDDINGS

noreply@blogger.com (Emmaus Road) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 20:34:00 +0000

CONGRATULATIONS!

Emmaus Road celebrates the love and commitment two of our couples demonstrated this summer. Here a few pix to help us share the joy:

Ryan & Kristin Engel, married June 28, 2008

Candido & Anna-Marie Chainus, married August 9, 2008

EMMAUS ROAD IN THE NEWS

noreply@blogger.com (Emmaus Road) — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 23:27:00 +0000

Andrew and Chandra Mullenix recently participated in the Belltown Block Party, Tuesday August 5. Listen to Chandra, interviewed by KPLU, and Zander Batchelder, our friend on the Belltown Community Council, describing our church's neighborhood.

In other news, the July issue of The Banner (denominational magazine), featured a story on Young Adults and the Church. Emmaus Road was mentioned, with quotes from both Pastor Likkel and Brad Bishop. That same issue features another story briefly describing the Seattle Cluster of CRC congregations and leaders, of which Emmaus Road is part.

SEATTLE'S MOST HATED PUBLIC ART

noreply@blogger.com (Emmaus Road) — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 08:31:00 +0000

From December '07 TRAVERSE newsletter
On Wednesday, September 5, 2007, a Seattle Times headline caught my eye. It was about art gone awry in Belltown. Our neighborhood is often in the news. Belltown stages the clash between soaring skylines and rising incomes against street violence and sidewalk poverty. This urban experience captures the attention of local journalists and confronts some of our deepest concerns. What will become of Seattle as we increase, build in density, and attempt to solve problems we have never encountered? Northwest ideals are tenuously grasped in one hand, as the city faces new challenges and conducts experiments in the other. Meanwhile, some folks are caught in the center of the clash. Neighborhood churches should walk alongside those people.
Joe Corsi, a neighborhood apartment manager, is one such person. Trapped between the red-taped good intentions of the city’s art commission and drug dealers using a sculptured bench as a crack house, Joe struggled for years to overcome the hostility outside his front door. He was in the news that day, the victim of public art that had been hijacked, but a victim who was fighting back. His story intrigued and inspired me. Joe seemed exactly the kind of person the church should be praying for and getting to know.
I showed up at his door and asked about him, but he was not there, so I left a message. The following week, another neighbor who knew Joe introduced me to him. Joe recalled hearing about the neighborhood Pastor who had stopped by, and was willing to meet. Since then, we have spent time together. Joe recently asked Emmaus Road to pray for friends in the neighborhood. I have offered encouragement and willingness to advocate for Joe, and to help him organize and network with neighborhood resources I know about. Joe even inquired about our worship service and small group ministries (though he was careful to warn me against raising my hopes to high). I am simply glad that we’ve connected, wherever the Lord may lead us.
But that’s the point of this story: Joe is a person learning to do God’s work, and is rediscovering God in his life. But we would not have connected on a Sunday morning. After years of ministry in Seattle, it still seems to be the case that most people are not consciously looking for a church to attend. I believe deep down all people belong in worshiping community, but it’s not a felt need on the surface for most. Drawing people through the traditional front door of church, no matter how great that door is, will never be the primary way we connect with neighbors and their daily lives. But I am learning that when we get out of our Sunday morning box to walk alongside them, the way Jesus walks alongside us, the kingdom grows. Some will even walk back to Zion to worship Jesus with us. See the actual Seattle Times story online.

SPARK PLUGS AND GLUE

noreply@blogger.com (Emmaus Road) — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 08:29:00 +0000

From December '07 TRAVERSE newsletter
For a period of time, our “Twelve Spies” listened and learned. They focused attention on our community to find out how God is working, and to discover potential neighborhood strengths and assets, as well as needs.
What has come from all our listening and learning? SPARK PLUGS and GLUE. In many ways, we have observed that Belltown is a population, but not quite a neighborhood, at least not for many people. Most barely know or acknowledge each other, frequently new to the area, too busy, and wary or of strangers. We have met admirable activists, working in this or that corner, who do not always know or trust one another. Sometimes they are divided over differences in methodology, or prone to territorialism. We have also met selfless neighbors who harbor great goals and dreams, but worry no one will listen. They lack energy or faith to take initiative alone. While urban problems overwhelm, problem solvers remain lonely and isolated.
This community cries out for spiritual and social glue. It needs spiritual encouragement and spark. This is the mission edge for Emmaus Road, fulfilling a call to become spark plugs and glue. We Christians profess to have the unquenchable spark of the Spirit within us. We invite people to a uniquely safe table, where our Lord of Hosts welcomes and reconciles people who are lost. We are called and sent to demonstrate this good news beyond Sunday.