Emmaus Road

GROUNDWORKS SUNDAY, JANUARY 29

2012-01-27T10:36:00.000-08:00

We become Church Beyond the Building this Sunday!

Arrive at 10:30am;

serve for a couple hours;

enjoy food and fellowship.

Why do we do this on fifth Sundays? Read more...

Places and Projects

Hammond House: clear and clean storage area.
Simons Senior Apartments: clean; host beloved Bingo Tournament with prizes/snacks (kid friendly!)
New Horizons: expanding curtains; paint metal work; clean, sort (kid friendly!)

WELCOME ADRIAN AND MYA

2012-01-14T11:52:00.000-08:00

We welcome Adrian Wallace Vander Linden, born to Aaron and Kristen on December 18,

and Mya Rose Lightfeather, born to Robert and Kristin on January 2.

Thank God for healthy babies and parents!

Adrian sleeps.

Mya sleeps.

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY UPDATE

2012-01-12T12:25:00.000-08:00

from Deacon Teresa E.

During the last round of volunteer scheduling, several additional people stepped in to volunteer in the children's programs--thank-you! This is encouraging to see and means that we have enough volunteers to maintain a healthy rotation in each role of Children's ministry (Nursery, Godly Play, and Big Kids Bible Workshop).

Big Kids Bible Workshop will continue to meet on the first and third Sundays, with the exception of this Sunday, January 15; due to teacher schedules and the need for a bit more time to transition new teachers, we must postpone things for a week or two.

BEGINNING 2012

2011-12-28T22:26:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Some things to eagerly anticipate as 2012 begins:

Regular 10:30am worship, New Years Sunday, January 1; ALL AGES SUNDAY (mostly music, kids stay with congregation to worship together)
Elders - Tuesday, January 3, 7pm Belltown
Crown Hill Group - New Horizons, Wednesday, January 4
Groundworks Sunday - January 29

BUDGET HANDOUT FOR ROAD CREW 11/13/11

2011-11-10T09:12:00.000-08:00

Review the budget prior to Sunday's Road Crew meeting here.

GROUNDWORKS NUMBERS - CHURCH BIG

2011-11-05T14:03:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday we become Church Beyond the Building. Though not a big church, we were CHURCH BIG: 4 apartments cleaned, 8 bingo players at Simon Seniors'; 700 sorted pairs of shoes at Redeeming Soles; 75 chairs, 4 sofas cleansed, 1 huge mess sorted at New Horizons Ministries; 8+ pizzas consumed - all with only 23 people!

FROM LAGOS, NEWS ABOUT ASABE

2011-10-26T22:16:00.000-07:00

If you missed Cynthia's update on Asabe a few Sundays ago, here is the message Cynthia read from her brother, who recently visited Asabe in Lagos, Nigeria.

"Hi Cynthia.
Asabe is doing very well and is healthy thanks to consistently taking her medication and the fact that she is able to work less than before. She still has a part time job as a nanny for a missionary family, but not the kind of strenuous work she had in the past. Her children are doing well. Two of her daughters are married and she now has 5 grandchildren. The third daughter Naomi (Cynthia) lives in Lagos with an uncle. Her three sons all live at home with her to look after her and provide protection. Her neighborhood has been hit periodically with spurts of violence with several homes around her's burned down. The two older sons -- Iliya and Silas -- aren't married and are both partially employed. The youngest son Matthew is still in secondary school."

GROUNDWORK SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30

2011-10-26T15:46:00.001-07:00

This Sunday we become Church Beyond the Building, as we have every "fifth Sunday" since March 2009. At Simon Senior Apartments, Kristen VanderLinden has arranged for us to host bingo and clean some neighbors' spaces. Kids are welcome to play bingo with a parent; the seniors loved it last time (as did our children). David Anema can lead three to five people (adults only) to Redeeming Soles to clean and sort gently worn shoes for homeless in Belltown. Kurt Munson will oversee further painting, and Biff will have a project at New Horizons. Linda will be bringing pizza and pop. Bring cleaning gloves if you have them; arrive prior to 10:30am. Look forward to this day; do not stay home. This is a great opportunity to continue building relationships and awareness of the gospel community in Belltown.

BEDLAM @ COUNCIL, OR COUNCIL @ BEDLAM?

2011-10-19T14:23:00.000-07:00

Does the Emmaus Road Church Council get any work done? Appearances can be misleading; the October 4 meeting in the back room at Bedlam Coffee in Belltown was productive. See meeting notes here....

YOUTH SERVING YOUTH

2011-10-19T14:18:00.001-07:00

One of our youths invited two friends along a few Wednesdays ago, introducing them to the work of New Horizons Ministries, as well as to the reality of homeless teens in Seattle. They had fun together while serving dinner to street-involved youth. When your small group has a turn serving dinner on the 1st Wednesday, consider inviting a friend along.

BIG KIDS BIBLE WORKSHOP: LEADERSHIP ROLES

2011-10-19T14:16:00.000-07:00

Have you wondered what leading a Big Kids Bible Workshop session would be like? As our trial program progresses, leadership roles are emerging more clearly. Find out more here...

BELLTOWN'S DEALERS ARE PEOPLE, TOO

2011-10-18T15:07:00.000-07:00

Something new has come to the streets of Belltown: it is a program called LEAD, and it offers much hope.

DESPAIR

In Emmaus Road's neighborhood of gathering, few topics draw as much attention or outcry as the issue of public safety. Belltown residents and business owners often show up to community forums in much greater numbers to plead their case, protest policy, or at least offer feedback to the official du jour. Media stories on Belltown are also slanted toward crime coverage. Certain themes are repeated: not enough police presence, too great a concentration of "problem" people, etc. The common culprit for Belltown's misery is often identified, not by name, but by label: "dealer." The dealer is on the corner, in the club, down the alley. The dealer is intimidating, armed and dangerous, and has no concern for neighbors. The dealer must be removed and locked up.

When we reach the point of condemning someone who belongs to a detestable group, associating them by behavior or appearance, yet know nothing more about them, much has been lost. They are a label. They are less than human. We approach them as we might a problem pest, an illness, or some other impersonal force of nature. Their story, name, background, are all set aside so we can efficiently, forcefully, and righteously respond to the problems they cause us. The dealer is causes misery; the dealer must be removed.

But the dealer does have a name and a story. The dealer, like any of us, is a person. When the dealer is arrested, do officials they encounter in courts and corrections see them as a person? Are the individual, environmental, human factors that contribute to their lifestyle of lawlessness being addressed?

HOPE

A fresh attempt is being made to approach dealers differently in Belltown: the cycle of arrest, incarceration, failed rehabilitation, repeated offense and recidivism, is being challenged by a program allowing people to speak to dealers as... people. The Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) program is new, experimental, and being tested in Belltown. Details can be found here. The learning curve for LEAD will be steep; hard lessons will be learned. However difficult the journey, there is promise and hope in this direction.

For Christians, the assertion that Belltown's dealers are people, too, may remind us of the way Jesus approached the "problem people" of his time and place: "tax collectors and sinners." Jesus showed his followers how people respond differently when they are recognized as... people. Jesus called these people by name. He ate their food. He remembered they had been created in the image of God. Something - several things - had gone terribly wrong, and that image has been obscured. They had wandered into darkness. Yet Jesus never lost sight of God's image in people. He approached them with hope. In the face of his mercy, people could safely acknowledge their wrongs - this is confession. But rather than ending with despair and punishment, this encounter led to the promise of new life.

Jesus still approaches people this way. Let us follow.

STREET BEAN ESPRESSO AMPED

2011-09-29T17:22:00.000-07:00

Remember the Dr. TEK & the PREACH'R fundraiser in May? After that auspicious beginning, more musicians lent their hands and voices over the summer, helping Street Bean Espresso reach their goal to buy sound equipment and invite artists to their stage. Our own Mark Nelson was asked to purchase the equipment; he recently ran the first artist showcase using the new gear. It was the advent of many nights of music at the corner of 3rd and Cedar, a much needed, positive new activity in this corner of Belltown. Look for another Dr. TEK & the PREACH'R night at the Street Bean soon.

TWO IRONIC SONS

2011-09-28T23:19:00.000-07:00

Notice anything special about the Gospel According to Matthew? Though once a tax collector and outcast, Matthew writes the story of Jesus’ ministry for a devoutly Jewish readership. He calls attention to Jesus as the promised Messiah, fulfilling the Law, bridging the era’s of what we call the “Old Testament” and “New”. Within Matthew’s narrative, Jesus’ parables have a distinctive tone: emphasis is given to the implicit warnings in the Lord’s teaching, warnings spoken specifically to the religious establishment of that time and place. Though we are not of that time, the established church from every age must listen carefully to Matthew’s message; warnings to the religious remain relevant. Even among the Gospel crowd, God's Good News can be resisted with fear and selfishness. Matthew records this conflict via an encounter between Jesus and Jerusalem’s religious elite, along with Mark and Luke, though the Parable of the Two Ironic Sons is found only here, in the second part of Matthew 21:23-32.

Jesus was frustrated: “And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.” Is it possible to see, yet not believe? Usually, it’s the other way around. Here, the tables have turned: Jesus’ enemies have seen – along with everyone else in the region - John the Baptizer’s ministry of preaching and baptism in the desert. They saw the crowds repent and respond. Though they saw, they would not believe. They resisted.

More tables are turned. Having already turned the tables of moneychangers in the temple courts, Jesus turns the tables on his questioners, meeting their question with his own. He flips expectations further, contrasting a polite son who rebels with an insolent son who changes his mind and obeys. “Which of the two did what his father wanted?” The father had wanted his sons to work the vineyard – a biblical metaphor Jesus employs from Isaiah and Jeremiah, signifying the work of God's servants among God’s beloved. Jesus’ implication is that the first son, like so many self-serving leaders of Israel over the ages, does not care for God’s people, God’s vineyard, nor God himself. Jesus again turns tables, prophesying about the kingdom; the least likely to enter lead the way; tax collectors and prostitutes go ahead of priests.

They did not like his parable, nor his prophecy. Do we? The tale of these two sons is aimed at those who say the right words, perform the proper rituals, yet avoid service and true ministry; those who supposedly love “truth,” yet scorn people. Outwardly pious, yet inwardly rebellious and apathetic to the Spirit’s leading, they are unwilling to work in the Father’s vineyard. Those who truly love God demonstrate devotion and faith through love of others, a willingness to tend to the vineyard.

Tax collector, prostitute, or priest: who needs God’s grace? All of us. At some point, the tables must turn for us to understand, to realize God’s grace is given, not earned. We must see the low lifted high, and acknowledge the humblest who lead the way. As this becomes clear, we are led to carry the message of God’s love and power to save – to tend the vineyard – beyond the confines of church ritual and congregational comfort. Evangelism happens beyond Sunday. We are led out into the wilderness where John baptized sinners, far beyond the Jerusalem Temple. We follow Jesus to the tables of tax collectors like Matthew. Good news results in good works. God’s love for us empowers our love for others.

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY 2011/12 LAUNCHED

2011-09-22T13:11:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday, September 18, our Godly Play storyteller, Mr. Matt, resumed the weekly routine of stories and play during worship. Simultaneously, we launched a trial program for an older group of children. Angie R. led the first session of this new program Sunday with four children, telling the story of Noah, remembering Adam and Eve, and how God began to make his Covenant known to us. To view a schedule of stories and read the story Angie used this past Sunday, read more.

JEALOUS OF GENEROSITY

2011-09-22T12:30:00.000-07:00

Jesus spoke many comforting, now popular words: “Blessed are the poor…”; “Let the little children come to me….”; “He who hath no sin, let him cast the first stone…”; “Today you will be with me in paradise…”; “Love one another…” These are words we like. They inspire and make us feel good.

How many of us like his story about the landowner,
from Matthew 20:1-16?

What is this story about? Since Jesus begins, “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner…”, it’s safe to say this story is about the kingdom, God’s kingdom. By association, it is about the king himself, here portrayed as a landowner. Right away, this landowner stands out as peculiar: his concern for profit seems marginal. His bottom line is unconventional. He is obsessed with gathering, employing, and paying, as many workers as possible. He violates worldly wisdom regarding efficiency, merit pay, and seniority. Furthermore, he pays the workers in a backward, vexing manner. As we consider how odd this landowner is, how unrealistic his behavior, we realize there is something familiar about him. Remember the character of the master from the parable of the Unmerciful Servant? He was similarly outstanding in his extreme generosity, completely canceling a servant’s massive debt. Another example is the father in the parable of the Prodigal Son/Forgiving Father, who also behaves in an abnormally forgiving and generous manner. According to Jesus, God is extraordinarily, even scandalously, generous and forgiving.

Scandal is the appropriate term, for when God behaves this way, observe people’s response! While some are blessed, others are greatly upset. The early workers grumble about how unfairly the landowner treats them. They resent his same-wages-for-all policy. These Johnny-come-lately drifters do not deserve equal pay! While it is sometimes nice to be gracious and generous, this is insulting! We have seen this attitude elsewhere, this scorn for God’s grace. Remember the end of the story about Jonah? Jonah criticizes God for being such “a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.” This prophet did all he could to avoid preaching repentance to the wicked people of Nineveh, craving their destruction. God’s patience and generosity disappointed and angered him. Remember, also, how the father of the prodigal son is begrudged by his older, responsible son, who is resentful of the father’s unconditional love and acceptance of his screwed up younger brother.

Naturally speaking, these people of the bible should be upset with God. As an Israelite, Jonah may have feared, perhaps even suffered, at the hands of people from Nineveh. At the very least, he was likely an upstanding Jew, a careful follower of the Law, in contrast to these violent barbarians. God’s love should be reserved for people like him. In the Prodigal Son story, the older brother/son had every reason to be upset; his father had depended on him to be the responsible one after his younger brother rebelled and squandered a small fortune. Are not the responsible, righteous people of this world entitled to greater reward than lowlifes who have done nothing to earn God’s favor? God could be cast as an enabler of the weak and morally lax. By blessing both as if they are the same, he devalues the work of the faithful. What about the vineyard workers’ rights, those who bore the bulk of the burden through the heat of the day?

“Right” is an interesting word in this story. When the landowner hired his second round of workers, he said, “I will pay you whatever is right.” Later responding to the protest of an early worker, the landowner says, “I want to give the man who was hired last the same as I gave you. Don't I have the right to do what I want with my own money?” In Jesus’ story, what is right is determined by the landowner, as opposed to tradition, economic convention, or anything else. Over the spiteful worker’s feelings of entitlement, the landowner reminds him that the vineyard and the opportunity to work there belong to the landowner, and he has decided to be exceptionally generous. He reminds the man that their agreement about the days wages have been honored. The man’s real problem is not that his rights have been violated; rather, he is jealous of the landowner’s generosity. Though he saw himself as first, he is paid last; though he saw himself as more, he is shown to be less. At the end of the story, Jesus’ prophetic words, "So the last will be first, and the first will be last,” reveal the reversal some will experience at the coming of God’s kingdom.

Does this story speak to us? Yes. It speaks to our confusion, when our walk with God has been supplanted by a loveless, joyless set of rituals and moral battles, bearing a burden of obedience through the “heat of the day.” Working for God is something we HAVE TO do; having worked for so long, we feel entitled to special treatment and status. Faith has been usurped by zeal for achievement in a spiritual meritocracy or search for status. We resent the church’s extension of God’s generous hospitality; we are cold to “eleventh hour” newcomers who have not proven themselves. We are jealous of God’s grace. When we no longer enjoy the Good News, that joining God’s kingdom work is something we GET TO do, because he has called, liberated, and forgiven us, this parable has a way of stirring, even stinging, us awake. If we have fully received and experienced God’s generous grace beyond measure, can we honestly be jealous to see him bestow it on others, as he sees fit? Are we the first who will be last? Let us enjoy fellowship with God, and with each other, whether early or late-comers to the vineyard.

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY & PARENTING BEYOND SUNDAY

2011-09-14T16:01:00.000-07:00

Our final ALL AGES SUNDAY for the summer was followed by a Road Crew lunch and brief presentation by Pastor Likkel. The presentation focused on the upcoming launch of Children's Minsitry programs and some Parenting Beyond Sunday ideas. Thanks to Cynthia Tanis, who volunteered to provide our lunch!

Presentation Points:

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

September 18 launch of new Big Kids' Bible Workshop along with Godly Play; how we arrived at this point and where we go from here.

PARENTING BEYOND SUNDAY

Two issues related to Parenting Beyond Sunday: recognizing our role as Christian parents and how our own relationship with God can become transparent to our children; two ways of addressing these issues which were offered include the sharing of stories, and learning events, such as Children in the Faith Community: Continuing the Conversation, Thursday, October 13, 11:30am - 1:30pm, Saint Paul's Episcopal Church, Seattle and Children, Youth and Family Ministry in the 21st Century, Monday, October 24 · 6:30pm - 9:00pm, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Lynwood.

Read all the Road Crew meeting minutes here...

WELCOME TEAGAN GRACE ENGEL

2011-09-14T15:58:00.000-07:00

We share praise and thanks to God with the Engel family as they welcome Teagan Grace into their lives. Congratulations to Ryan, Kristin, and big sister Brynn, as Teagan was born the morning of September 14.

NEW KIDS PROGRAM: SAMPLE STORY

2011-09-03T14:08:00.000-07:00

Last week, an announcement was posted about a new kids program being developed for the fall. A selection of bible stories is still being chosen for September through November, but here is a sample of material that could be used for Advent:

Advent story 1:

1st part of "He's Here!" (from Luke 1-2) Credit to the Jesus Storybook Bible

"Everything was ready. The moment God had been waiting for was here at last! God was coming to help his people, just as he promised in the beginning.
But how would he come? What would he be like? What would he do?
Mountains would have bowed down. Seas would have roared. Trees would have clapped their hands. But the earth held its breath. As silent as snow falling, he came in. And when no one was looking, in the darkness, he came.

There was a young girl who was engaged to a man named Joseph. One morning, this girl was minding her own business when, suddenly, a great warrior of light appeared - right there in her bedroom. He was Gabriel and he was an angel, a special messenger from heaven. When she saw the tall shining man standing there, Mary was frightened.
'You don't need to be scared', Gabriel said. 'God is very happy with you!'
Mary looking around to see if perhaps he was talking to someone else.
'Mary,' Gabriel said, and he laughed with such gladness that Mary's eyes filled with sudden tears.
'Mary, you're going to have a baby. A little boy. You will call him Jesus. He is God's own Son. He's the One! He's the rescuer!'
The God who flung planets into space and kept them whirling around and around, the God who made the universe with just a world, the one who could do anything at all - was making himself small. And coming down...as a baby.
Wait. God was sending a baby to rescue the world?
'But it's too wonderful!' Mary said and felt her heart beating hard. 'How can it be true?'
'Is anything too wonderful for God?' Gabriel asked.
So Mary trusted God more than what her eyes could see. And she believed. 'I am God's servant,' she said. 'Whatever God says, I will do.' "

Advent story 2:

"The light of the whole world" (The story of the Shepherds from Luke 2)

Advent story 3:

"The king of all kings" (The story of the Wise Men from Matthew 2)

NEW KIDS PROGRAM

2011-08-25T10:26:00.000-07:00

During the sermon and prayer parts of our worship services, typically from 11-11:30AM, our youngest kids have been invited upstairs to participate in Godly Play. This year, kids who are a little older will also have an option to participate in a new program we are creating. Our hope is to launch this new program simultaneously with Godly Play on Sunday, September 18.

Here is a little background:

Following a July 26 brainstorm session, a proposal was brought to the August 4 Council meeting and approved. Deacon Teresa Elenbaas and Angie R. are leading coordination and planning.
Rationale to add program for older kids: We love having children with us in worship; they enjoy the music, and they add to the worship experience for all of us. But lecture style sermons and extended prayer times do not always engage them. This new program, like Godly Play for the younger children, will be another avenue for them to receive, engage, wonder, and respond to biblical narratives in some age appropriate ways.
Details: new program will include elements we value from Godly Play and other curricula - hands on, creative response to stories; individual kids' kits to which children can return each Sunday they are present; grouping stories with overarching themes.
Frequency: volunteer levels will help determine whether this is weekly, three times a month, or an every other Sunday program.

Samples of stories and curriculum will be posted next week after Teresa and Angie have opportunity to make some choices. If you have ideas, concerns, or want to offer your help, please contact Teresa with feedback until about September 6; Teresa and Angie will be fine tuning program details between September 6 and September 11, which is the Sunday we announce and celebrate the beginning of our next Children and Parent Ministry season. September 18 will the be the first Sunday for Godly Play and this new program.

URBAN MINISTRY; KID FRIENDLY?

2011-08-19T17:09:00.000-07:00

While there are some ministry settings in which it is difficult, even inappropriate, to include little kids, we have experienced a few success stories recently. This is important for us to acknowledge, for we have been blessed with families, yet located to serve a neighborhood largely bereft of children, or kid friendly places and spaces.

One success story is the way our church kids have been participating at New Horizons. Every month, on the first Wednesday evening, Emmaus Road serves dinner to street involved youth at New Horizons. A small group from the church shows up around 6PM; someone is designated to buy food; everyone pitches in to prepare. We serve dinner and clean up, usually leaving by 8:30PM. Kids from around kindergarten age on up enjoy this ministry opportunity; they usually like the food, feel important serving from behind the counter, and receive smiles and positive comments from the youth. Adults and parents in the kitchen supervise, while New Horizons staff members are out on the floor with the youth. It's a reasonably safe and positive atmosphere, and the children of the church are gaining hands on ministry experience.

Another success story comes from our most recent Groundworks Sunday, July 31. One of our Deacons, Kristen VanderLinden, along with David Anema, an Elder and Americorps Member, have been coordinating volunteer efforts with Simon Senior Apartments down the street on 3rd Ave. With the help of Catholic Community Services, we have been able to help several elderly, low income neighbors with cleaning. This most recent effort, however, included a social activity, as we hosted a bingo tournament with snacks during the time several church members were cleaning. A number of our children played the game with their parents and the neighbors, and had a lot of fun! The presence of young children was a welcome part of our morning there, and the kids spoke up about enjoying their time.

It takes creativity and patience, but pursuing kid friendly urban ministry is possible and worthwhile. God has opened up some doors for us to build longterm relationships with neighbors, and to raise kids who learn a lifestyle of hands on service in the city where they live.

BELLTOWN FESTIVAL SKIPS A YEAR

2011-07-19T14:53:00.001-07:00

Sometimes it's better to postpone an event than to try to pull it off without doing it justice. That is the sentiment for postponing Belltown's Founders Day Festival. Last summer, the first ever neighborhood festival for Belltown launched with great weather and good support. This summer, the festival committee has not had ample time to establish new non-profit status NOR fundraise to host the event this summer ($20k grant was available last summer; not this time). We can hope for the sake of the neighborhood that the Founders Day Festival returns next summer. Read more.

ROAD CREW SUNDAY & OTHER NEWS

2011-06-09T22:59:00.000-07:00

The final Road Crew meeting of the season IS THIS SUNDAY, June 12, Pentecost Sunday. See the agenda; read through the NINE SIGNS OF GROWTH, or NINE PIECES OF VISION; find out how to participate.

SUMMER SUNDAYS & LITTLE ONES: what shall we do this summer after Godly Play is over for the season? Read about what some are planning; find out how you can help.

The ELDER CANDIDATE list has been published; if you are a professed Road Crew member, see the list; communicate your nominations by next Sunday, June 19.

KOMEN RACE FOR CURE; PARKING CHALLENGE

2011-06-03T08:06:00.000-07:00

For obvious reasons, it's a great thing the Komen Race for the Cure happens every year. It also presents some navigational challenges for Belltown residents and visitors. This Sunday morning, June 5, come to Emmaus Road a little earlier; do not attempt to cross or park along the streets outlined in the map.

GROUNDWORKS LAST SUNDAY

2011-06-01T15:18:00.001-07:00

Thanks to all who joined the Groundworks Sunday effort! We had a modest but powerful group of folks. Ezra and Josiah and a host of kids worked outside to clean up around the New Horizons center. Together, they filled seventeen bags with garbage and landscape trimmings! Others worked over at the Simon Senior apartments and helped some neighbors with specific needs. Next Groundworks Sunday: July 31

ALONG LORI'S JOURNEY

2011-05-29T14:23:00.001-07:00

Lori was with us a few Sundays ago. She explained the purpose of her pilgrimage along The Camino Francés from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France to Santiago de Compostela, Spain. It is 500 miles; it will take her 5 weeks to walk. You can follow Lori ALONG THE JOURNEY, her blog about the people, places, and experiences of her pilgrimage to the end of the world.

EMMAUS ROAD'S FUTURE; BEYOND 40 DAYS

2011-05-28T14:48:00.000-07:00

Over "40 Days" we asked God to guide us; we took time to listen; we gathered to speak. What did he say? Read more.

WELCOME RYDER NELSON, BORN MAY 18!

2011-05-26T10:05:00.001-07:00

Emmaus Road thanks God for another healthy child! We celebrate with Mark, Christina, and big sister Ella, the birth of Ryder John Bradlee Nelson, born May 18.

GROUNDWORKS MAY 29; KIDS; MEANING

2011-05-26T08:53:00.001-07:00

This Sunday May 29 we will be Church Beyond the Building together in Belltown. When churches venture into new territory, an inevitable question arises: "What about the children!?" Last Groundworks Sunday, one of our moms, Beth, organized a task for kids, along the lines of previous efforts to create kid-friendly, adult supervised volunteer work. Recently, Beth shared with me that her daughter Quinn asked, "Mom, when am I going to get to go out and pick up trash with you and Dad again?" It dawned on Beth that what Quinn most enjoyed about Groundworks Sundays was working side by side with the adults; the event had a special energy and excitement that Quinn was able to catch. She drew this picture after going along with her parents to work along 2nd Avenue. Beth shared with me how her daughter's question resulted in an epiphany for her as a parent, about what a great opportunity this is to disciple our children, let them experience Church Beyond the Building as a normative part of their faith family, see another form of love of neighbor, and see the needs of our city up close. This Sunday, rather than organize a special activity for kids, I encourage parents to find and choose something to do with your child(ren). I acknowledge, and know from personal experience, the challenge this is for parents of toddlers, but I have taken a long view: as our children grow and Emmaus Road continues to honor this opportunity, they are shaped by what they see and hear around them. Even if all you can realistically manage is a little cleaning or straightening up inside New Horizons or around the parking lot, they benefit from the joy and enthusiasm they see among the crowd (not to mention the 11:45am pizza). Kids who are a little older can come along with parents who venture further out from Third/Cedar to clean and landscape around the 'hood.

We began devoting "fifth Sundays" to neighborhood service, foregoing worship liturgy, to serve and connect with people outside our worship crowd, hoping to lay the "groundwork" for long lasting relationships with neighbors (read more). Response has been positive. Along with our Americorps volunteer David Anema, I have the privilege of meeting neighborhood activists and ministry partners on an ongoing basis; I hear appreciation for our volunteer service on these Sundays. More importantly, individuals from Belltown have been greatly encouraged to have met several of you from the church (read more). We know God works in our lives through multiple, diverse encounters with his people; we trust he uses our service and love of neighbor - even those we do not know very well - to bless them.

10:30am Arrive as usual

10:45am groups disperse:

BRING GARDENING OR CLEANING SUPPLIES!

Simon Senior Apartments to assist residents with deep cleaning - Kristen VanderLinden
Street cleaning/landscaping around 2nd/Bell - David Anema
Painting @ New Horizons - Kurt Munson
Cleaning, sorting, maintenance @ New Horizons - Biff Gaitan and Cornell Blackwell

11:45am Pizzas emerge from oven

12:00PM Groups begin wrapping up, returning

THE WALK: NEW HORIZONS ANNUAL FUNDRAISER

2011-05-10T16:36:00.000-07:00

Saturday June 4, 10am

This is one of New Horizons Ministries' annual fundraising events. It is a great opportunity to support the work going on among street-involved youth. In case you haven't been for a few years, the WALK now takes place in Belltown, from the ministry center north along the water.

Dr. T3K & the PREACH'R AMP UP THE BEAN MAY 20

2011-05-07T14:13:00.000-07:00

Emmaus Road's spawn, Dr. T3k & the Preach'r, will make noise to AMP UP THE BEAN, in an effort to raise $2000 this summer to buy sound equipment for Street Bean Espresso. This will empower Street Bean to fulfill an aspect of their mission, to become a vital neighborhood gathering place and artist showcase, featuring live music regularly. Come join the effort, Friday May 20, beginning at 7PM; cheer on your Emmaus Roadheads and offer some $ to bless and invest. No charge for admission; donations invited between sets.

2ND AVE. FOOD DRIVE

2011-05-05T15:05:00.000-07:00

This comes directly from Central Seattle News, Seattle Dept. of Neighborhoods and an Article from Seattle PI Blog

A BELLTOWN BLOCK IS HOSTING A MASSTIVE FOOD DRIVE

Belltown’s 2nd Ave is known as a street that has many nightlife options. Now, parts of 2nd Ave may be soon known for its generosity. Businesses on the 2200 block of 2nd Ave (between Bell and Blanchard) are hosting a mas- sive food drive that will send all collected items to North- west Harvest. Stop by one of the locations before May 14th and donate (see the recommended items below):

Concept One Apartments 2219 2nd Ave

Cafe Casbah 2219 2nd Ave

Belltown Barber 2219 2nd Ave

Bedlam Coffee 2231 2nd Avenue

Clever Bottle 2222 2nd Avenue

Pintxo 2207 2nd Ave

The Senior Center 2208 2nd Avenue

The Humphrey Apartments 2205 2nd Ave

INHABIT CONFERENCE INHABITING BELLTOWN

2011-04-26T16:00:00.000-07:00

Emmaus Road, hundreds of inhabiters will be inhabiting our neighborhood this weekend. Pastor Likkel and Elders Anema and Munson will be joining them, to learn how Emmaus Road is, or can be, connected to a growing movement among the greater church in North America. This conference - INHABIT - conveniently happening in Belltown down the hill at Mars Hill Graduate School (at least that's what it HAS been called... ), aims to bring leaders together who sense God is building a greater bond of love and service between congregations and people of a certain place. Several of our sister CRC congregations from the Seattle Cluster will be there with us.

This is related to how we speak of Emmaus Road as having a "neighborhood of gathering", and why we see ourselves as part of Belltown. We invest time and energy locally through New Horizons, partnering with Imagine Northwest, sponsoring an Americorps volunteer, convening the Belltown Covenant (e.g. belltownvolunteers.org), and Groundworks Sundays. We are not alone; countless congregations, old and new, are hearing "love thy neighbor" in fresh, dynamic ways. Friday and Saturday, April 29-30, a few of us from Emmaus Road will be able hearing and sharing stories.

BELLTOWNVOLUNTEERS.ORG

2011-04-12T16:56:00.000-07:00

BELLTOWNVOLUNTEERS.ORG, brought to you by the Belltown Covenant. What is it? An online resource to help Belltown residents connect with their neighbors by volunteering in their neighborhood. With the help of a Mars Hill Graduate student, and members of the Belltown Covenant, the project has finally moved from the development to the launch phase. Our Community Development volunteer, David Anema, is currently gathering data and "populating" the site with specific opportunities. Viewed through our own theological lense, this is more than a community development tool: it is a way to empower people to live out one of our core ministry values, to "love thy neighbor." We acknowledge the challenge people have in getting to know their neighbors, let alone love and serve them; belltownvolunteers.org is one small effort at removing barriers and opening a doors to healthy relationships and life.

WELCOME JASPER ELENBAAS

2011-03-29T11:33:00.000-07:00

We thank God for Jasper Dean Elenbaas, born to David and Jessie on St. Patrick's Day, March 17!

"40 DAYS" OF DISCERNMENT

2011-03-12T20:15:00.001-08:00

Emmaus Road is asking God for specific guidance. Read what these "40 DAYS" are all about on the Road Crew page.

IS EMMAUS ROAD A "GENTRI-CHURCH"?

2011-02-16T22:12:00.000-08:00

Read this blog post from FCS (focused community strategies) by Bob Lupton. Does this description of the "gentri-church" apply to Emmaus Road and our ministry context?

ANTHONY KING MEMORIAL

2011-02-09T13:24:00.000-08:00

We are invited to honor Anthony and the Lord who brought him home as we join with Lori and Anthony's family and friends at Blessed Sacrament Church at Noon this Saturday, February 12. Lori asks people to consider a remembrance to The National Brain Tumor Society in lieu of flowers. Anyone inspired to contribute food to the reception following the memorial service may contact Christina Nelson at c.gerrish.nelson@gmail.com.

GROUNDWORKS SUNDAY JANUARY 30, 2011

2011-01-18T14:22:00.000-08:00

Emmaus Road devotes "fifth" Sundays to our neighborhood of gathering, Belltown. We call these fifth Sundays Groundworks Sundays, aiming to become church beyond the building. This Sunday, we gather at 10:30AM, volunteer for an hour or two, then consume pizza & pop from Noon- 1pm.

Our leadership team and volunteer tasks include:

Kristen Vander Linden - Simon Senior Apartments (need about 10 volunteers for two hours)
David Anema - street cleaning, landscaping in Belltown
Kurt Munson, Biff Gaitan - painting @ New Horizons
Cornell Blackwell & Biff Gaitan - cleaning, sorting @ New Horizons
Beth DeVries - kids' trip to Animal Shelter
Linda Bishop - Pizza and Pop

ANTHONY KING UPDATES

2011-01-08T23:18:00.000-08:00

Lori and another family member have posted updates online:

Ants Go Marching On and About Anthony

Keep Anthony and Lori in prayer.

CHRISTMAS EVE 7PM NEW HORIZONS

2010-12-23T21:49:00.000-08:00

Let us join together to recall and revel in the people and moments leading up to the Nativity of our Lord in Bethlehem! There will be carols, candles, and costumes!

This will be our worship gathering for the weekend; our next service will be Sunday January 2, regular time and place, 10:30am @ New Horizons.

REMEMBERING NANCY - FRIDAY DECEMBER 17, 7PM, NEW HORIZONS

2010-12-08T21:42:00.000-08:00

"The LORD watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow...", says the Psalmist from one of our weekly Lections, Psalm 146:9.

Nancy Morrow was as a widow among us, and we witnessed the Lord's watch over her. Sunday afternoon, December 5, Nancy's life here ended. We grieve together; Nancy's death is a great loss for us. We also remember the many ways she modeled faith and expressed God's love to us, her friends, and her neighbors. Nancy cherished her own two children, and she regarded the congregation of Emmaus Road as her family in Seattle.

Come honor Nancy's life,

share remembrances,

and acknowledge in faith together what Nancy treasured:

the Lord's presence in her life and in ours.

Friday, December 17

7-8PM

New Horizons

SERVING NEW HORIZONS DINNER - WHO, WHEN

2010-12-08T20:58:00.000-08:00

Emmaus Road serves dinner at New Horizons the FIRST WEDNESDAY of EACH MONTH, from 6-8PM. Here are the Groups and Leaders who alternate serving throughout the year.

Small Group Name	Leader Contact Info	Next Serving Dates
Wallingford Group	Anna-Marie Chainus drawsalot@hotmail.com	January 5th, 2011 August 3rd, 2011
Downtown Group	Mark & Angie R. 206-245-0061	February 2nd, 2011 September 7th, 2011
Crown Hill Group	Beth DeVries bethdevries@msn.com	March 2nd, 2011 October 5th, 2011
Belltown Group	Ryan Engel rengel301@gmail.com	April 6th, 2011 November 2nd, 2011
Pioneer Square “Falcons” Group	Mike Colyn mike.colyn@gmail.com	May 4th, 2011 December 7th, 2011
South Park Group	Dan Ruiter bonekatt@gmail.com	June 1st, 2011 January 4th, 2012
Top Potters	Eric Likkel eric@emmausroad.net	July 6th, 2011 February 1st, 2012

CHRISTMAS PARTY DECEMBER 10

2010-11-29T14:22:00.000-08:00

An ecard by Smilebox

GROUNDWORKS SUNDAY OCTOBER 31

2010-10-23T23:10:00.000-07:00

Emmaus Road is devoting the fifth Sunday of the month to our neighborhood of gathering, Belltown. We devote fifth Sundays - Groundworks Sundays - to serving with neighbors, aiming to become church beyond the building. Gather at 10:30AM; plan to volunteer for an hour or two; look forward to pizza and pop around Noon.

Our leadership team and volunteer tasks include:

Lori King - projects in the neighborhood
David Anema - street cleaning, landscaping in Belltown
Kurt Munson - painting @ New Horizons
Cornell Blackwell & Biff Gaitan - cleaning, sorting @ New Horizons
Nell Colyn, Jade Likkel - kids' craft; Advent decorations for New Horizons
Linda Bishop - Pizza and Pop

A couple unique volunteer opps. include:

curtains @ New Horizons we use to surround main worship area are in need of repair; this requires a portable sewing machine
speakers @ New Horizons need repositioning on ceiling; Mark Nelson has details

For more information or to sign up, contact David Anema, our Americorps Volunteer for Community Development: 206-369-6534; david@emmausroad.net

Also, feel free to sign up simply by posting comments to this blog.

ROAD CREW MEETING THIS THURSDAY!

2010-09-22T15:16:00.000-07:00

Our Road Crew meeting is this week, Thursday September 23, NOT AT NEW HORIZONS, but at our Greenwood office on the corner of N.85th/Greenwood AveN.,

312 North 85th Street, Suite 101

Seattle, WA 98103

To see the full agenda, check out the Road Crew page...

EMMAUS ROAD AT FOUNDERS DAY

2010-09-10T13:17:00.001-07:00

Over the weekend of August 14-15, Belltown hosted it's first annual street festival, FOUNDERS DAY. About fifteen members of Emmaus Road showed up during the festival to help out. Belltown Covenant enjoyed being present at one of the non-profit booths, beginning the launch of "belltownvolunteers.org".

GROUNDWORKS WEEKEND, AUGUST 14-15

2010-08-08T07:12:00.000-07:00

Emmaus Road is taking the weekend of August 14-15 to invest in our neighborhood of gathering, Belltown, in a unique way. Normally, we use fifth Sundays - Groundworks Sundays - as opportunities to serve with neighbors, becoming church beyond the building. August happens to be the month that a group of neighbors have been able to launch something Belltown has not seen for a long time (or ever?): a local, neighborhood festival. Seattle Founders Day includes "two days of free music, crafts, and theater in the street, at Second and Bell." A detailed line-up and map can be found on this online poster page. Our own Americorps volunteer, David Anema, has been attending planning meetings for months, getting to know the organizers and neighbors involved with the launch of this festival. In addition, Belltown Covenant, of which Emmaus Road is part, plans to launch "belltownvolunteers.org" in concert with the street festival. This is a terrific opportunity for our church to serve and connect with a new circle of neighbors in the heart of an active corner of Belltown. We would be serving alongside members of Mars Hill Church (downtown campus); one of their deacons posted a well-written description of this event, it's significance for our neighborhood of gathering, and why it's good for their church to volunteer. In addition, every volunteer who registers four hours of service gets a Tshirt!

Here is what we can do over the Saturday and Sunday this Festival takes place:

volunteer for two to four hour shifts either day, which could begin as early as 8AM (setup) and end as late as 10PM (takedown). Shifts would include security duty (wearing Tshirt and carrying radio - no confrontation), and/or trash cleanup (by using volunteers, saving thousand of $).

Parents, KIDS are especially wanted (with you parents, of course), on SATURDAY 12-4PM, to make paper lanterns and join a parade at 3PM.

Contact David Anema, who will be there all day Saturday and Sunday: 206-369-6534

Signup below!

CHURCH CAMP 2010

2010-08-04T11:33:00.000-07:00

This past weekend an Emmaus Road crowd made the trek to South Whidbey Island State Park for Church Camp 2010; altogether, 14 adults and 7 kids joined the fun.

The food was WAY too good for camping; it made it seem more like glamping when it came time to eat. Some of us were fairly new to Emmaus Road and it was a great opportunity to slow down and get to know each other. We ended our time in prayer around the morning camp fire on Sunday. If you were one of the campers and you have pictures, send them my way!

CHURCH CAMP, JULY 30-AUGUST 1

2010-07-13T15:38:00.000-07:00

Friday July 30 through Sunday August 1, Emmaus Road is heading out of town for our second annual Church Camp. Food, fun, forest, foreshore (fancy word for beach that begins with letter "f"). Camp the entire weekend or come for a morning, afternoon, or evening. Worship will take place Sunday morning around the camp fire or down along the beach. The remainder of our time will be free for food and fun.

Location: South Whidbey State Park

4128 Smugglers Cove Rd.

Freeland, Wa. 98249

Directions:

Take I-5 N
Merge onto WA-525 N via Exit 182
Take Wa-525 N to Mukilteo-Clinton Ferry-(Whidbey Island Ferry)
As you depart the Ferry on Whidbey continue straight ahead on WA-525 forabout 10.5 miles- (just past the town of Freeland)
Turn L on E. Bush Point Rd. (E Bush Point Rd becomes S Smugglers Cove Rd)
South Whidbey St Pk will be on your left

Other details:

Cost per person is $2.50 per night (for tents). RV's would be more

Emmaus Road has a beautiful group site, same one as last year.

Park includes Beach access, BBQ grills, fire pit (wood available for small fee).

Full bathroom facilities available in park away from our group site; several port-a-potties and fresh water on group site.

Bring your own gear; if you need to borrow something and/or hitch a ride, feel free to comment on this blog post or contact Suellen Yerger or Pastor Eric Likkel to coordinate.

BAPTISM ON THE BAY SUNDAY JULY 18

2010-07-13T15:29:00.000-07:00

This Sunday, July 18, Emmaus Road gathers along the shore of Elliott Bay for Baptism, at the beach of Olympic Sculpture Park in Belltown. Do not go to New Horizons; come directly to the park.

Bring along picnic food to enjoy; our ceremony will be brief but our fellowship long. The beach is at the end of the sidewalk where Olympic Sculpture Park gives way to Myrtle Edwards Park.

For those driving in, parking is free in the neighborhood streets nearby.

Another option is to park further north in Myrtle Edwards territory and walk, skate, or ride down to the beach.

Regular worship resumes at New Horizons the following Sunday, July 25.

PARADE BLOCKING 4TH THIS SUNDAY

2010-06-23T13:00:00.001-07:00

This Sunday is Seattle's Gay Pride Parade. From Westlake Center to Seattle Center, a parade will travel along 4th Avenue through Belltown to Seattle Center beginning at 11AM. To reach New Horizons (3rd/Cedar) for our 10:30AM worship gathering, it is advisable to approach from the west, coming down Elliott and turning up Denny and onto 1st Ave, OR, coming down Aurora (or up Aurora if traveling from West Seattle or elsewhere south of downtown), and exiting the Western Ave. ramp (@south end of tunnel), from which you can approach 3rd/Cedar from the west, traveling up hill along Vine, Cedar, or Broad. Give yourself a few extra minutes!

GROUNDWORKS SUNDAY, MAY 23

2010-05-18T13:57:00.000-07:00

There are four meaningful opportunities for us to serve and interact with neighbors Sunday May 23rd. Invite friends. If possible, sign up ahead of time to help us prepare.

Sunset House (4 residents) & Simon Tower (7 residents); cleaning, etc.; (bring rubber gloves, like the yellow ones you use in your kitchen; a mop and bucket if you have one); Jennifer/Jaime leading
"Street-scaping" @ 2nd/Bell (bring gloves and landscaping tools); Daniel Tidwell & David Anema leading
New Horizons Kitchen Cleaning/donation sorting; Cornell Blackwell
New Horizons Painting; "accent" walls; 8-10 spots for UGM members; Kurt Munson leading

Parents and kids: If the weather cooperates, families can work outside at 2nd/Bell location with kids of all ages; little hands can help pull weeds! But if the weather is poor, we will have a craft/project @New Horizons to help beautify the drop-in center; Matt Park leading

12:00 PM Pizza available @ New Horizons!!

In case you're wondering how "Groundworks Sunday" fits into Emmaus Road's rhythm of ministry, here is a link explaining how this came about.

CHURCH CAMP, JULY 30-AUGUST 1

2010-05-12T14:49:00.000-07:00

Same place on Whidbey Island as last summer;

hopefully sunnier and drier!

Exact location: South Whidbey State Park

4128 Smugglers Cove Rd., Freeland, Wa. 98249

Cost per person = $2.50 per night for those in tents. RV's would be more.

We will enjoy the same beautiful group site we enjoyed last year.

In case you were unable to join last year, you can look forward to...

Beach access
BBQ grills
Short hikes
Full bathroom facilities as well as port-a-potties
Bring games or puzzles you enjoy to share with others
Sunday morning we will share a few moments around the Word and Sacrament.

Directions:

Take I-5 N
Merge onto WA-525 N via Exit 182
Take Wa-525 N to Mukilteo-Clinton Ferry-(Whidbey Island Ferry)
As you depart the Ferry on Whidbey continue straight ahead on WA-525 for about 10.5 miles- (just past the town of Freeland)
Turn L on E. Bush Point Rd. (E Bush Point Rd becomes S Smugglers Cove Rd)
South Whidbey St Pk will be on your left

LEARN ABOUT HOMELESS & STREET-INVOLVED YOUTH

2010-04-28T21:28:00.000-07:00

New Horizons Ministries, one of our partners of faith in Belltown, is hosting a training event. At this event, you can learn about issues of homeless and street-involved young people. New Horizons Ministries (NHM) is a Christian, interdenominational, non-profit agency that serves Seattle’s street youth. Training is happening Saturday, May 15 & 22 from 8:30-5:00. Topics will include Street Culture, Prostitution, Chemical Abuse, Relational Counseling, and Spiritual Formation. Whether you are interested in volunteering with NHM or simply want to learn more about young people involved in street culture, this is a great place to start! Registration fee is $75; partial scholarships are available. Contact Edward Sumner for more information: 206.374.0866 x 133 or edwards@nhmin.org.

Looking for a less time-intensive opportunity to support the ministry to homeless and street-involved youth? Consider joining THE WALK, or consider supporting Emmaus Road member and New Horizons volunteer Jennifer Henry.

Jennifer is putting together her team and also asking for financial support to help meet her team's ambitious goal of raising $2,000 by June 5th. She is happy to answer any questions or share stories about what happens through New Horizons; Jennifer can be reached via (425)306-6968.

To make a donation, go to this link www.nhmin.dojiggy.com, then click on "make a pledge" and you can do so under Jennifer's team name, THE Atomic Fireballs
If you would like to walk with THE Atomic Fireballs, click on "Register," then choose "Join a Team" under participation preference.

CHEER ON ELECTRON BOY

2010-04-23T21:38:00.000-07:00

Emmaus Road member Jessie Elenbaas invites us to cheer on Electron Boy as he rescues Seattle from Dr. Dark & Blackout Boy. Jessie, who works for Make-A-Wish Foundation, also asks us to pray for Erik as he hopes to live out this wish during his remaining days.

Thursday 4/29 1:45PM

SPACE NEEDLE

JOSH & KARA'S CONNECTION TO HELP HAITIANS

2010-04-21T20:10:00.000-07:00

Members Josh & Kara Gillanders, of Emmaus Road, have a direct connection to a team traveling to Haiti with help. Josh's brother Jake Gillanders, a paramedic in Kitsap County, is a member of Disaster Response Northwest, traveling to Haiti early in May. Here is Kara's invitation to our church, explaining how we can participate:

Dear Emmaus Road,

On behalf of Josh's brother (my brother-in-law) Jake, I'm sending out this message. Jake is a paramedic and firefighter in Kitsap County and part of an organization called Disaster Response Northwest. The group will be traveling to Haiti on May 11 to help with the medical needs of the community. Please know there is no requirement or expectation for participation. However, if you know of anyone who has soccer balls (new or used) that they would like to donate, or make other donations such as baby formula, Disaster Response Northwest would greatly appreciate it. Josh and I are willing to collect the donations and give them to Jake by May 5th.
Thanks,
Josh and Kara Gillanders

BELLTOWN ROOFTOP FARMER, DANIEL TIDWELL

2010-04-02T14:07:00.000-07:00

While finishing a masters of divinity degree from Mars Hill Graduate School, Belltowner Daniel Tidwell has been pursuing urban agriculture opportunities along with his wife, Jocelyn. Members of the Belltown P Patch and part of the Emmaus Road crowd, Daniel and Jocelyn have also become rooftop farmers. Within the last year, the Tidwells have seen how growing fresh produce with the intention to share has brought neighbors together. Check out this radio story from GREEN ACRE RADIO on KBCS, and listen to Daniel speak about rooftop farming and community development.

EASTER BRUNCH APRIL 4

2010-03-25T09:41:00.000-07:00

That's right, Easter 2010 is right around the corner! Every year, Emmaus Road has enjoyed celebrating Christ's Resurrection with a great potluck brunch at New Horizons following worship. David Beckwith has volunteered to be our Brunch coordinator this year; please contact David - 605-295-0143 or Thirstybaby@gmail.com - and volunteer for the following tasks:

Food Contributions; a member volunteered to provide a ham; we need other hot dishes and baked goods.

Set-up and Food Prep

Cleanup

As always, "many hands make light work."

EMMAUS ROAD IN THE NEWS

2010-03-20T19:34:00.000-07:00

Under the heading Renewing Communities Together, a story is told about how the cluster of Christian Reformed congregations and "church plants" are involved in their Seattle neighborhoods. The emerging ministry known as Dust in South Lake Union is a neighboring sister church to Emmaus Road in Belltown.

Here is a link to the story in the February 2010 issue of the denominational monthly magazine, BANNER.

HAITI - PERSPECTIVE FROM CRWRC WORKERS

2010-03-20T19:10:00.000-07:00

The Christian Reformed World Relief Committee, known to denomination insiders as the "CRWRC," has had a presence in Haiti for many years. Here is a link to a recent update from some of those in the field today.

Struggling to Return to Ordinary Life in Luitor, Haiti
CRWRC Newsroom | March 18, 2010

Prior to the January 12 earthquake, Luitor, Haiti was a peaceful and productive village--although poor. The villagers farmed sugar cane, corn, beans, potatoes, plantain and peanuts. Some were fisherman and tradesman; some families owned chickens and goats. Children attended public or private schools nearby. Life in Luitor was enjoyable and few children left to seek their fortunes in the big city.

All of that changed on January 12.
Read the rest of the story

ANTHONY KING

2010-03-20T18:44:00.001-07:00

An update on how our friend is doing following his March 2 surgery.

From Lori, March 17:
It is two weeks after brain surgery and Anthony has been recovering well. He got the staples out last Friday. The incision is healing up quickly, and he is not in any pain. Everyone who has seen him post surgery is amazed at how great he looks. The body is truly amazing!

The goal of the surgery was to restore some function to his left hand. During the past two weeks of recovery, he has had good days and bad days. So, the jury is still out on whether surgery helped his hand. We are definitely holding out hope for improvement over time.

The results of pathology are in.

There were five samples in all submitted for review. Two samples were from the frontal cyst, which was mostly blood and fluid; however, the cyst wall contained some atypical cells that were suspicious. The next samples were collected from the corpus callosum tumor, which revealed there is viable tumor present. When compared with the biopsy from 2005, the tumor looks very similar except there has been a significant change in one area called MIB-1 Labeling Index. The MIB-1 index is used as a marker of cell proliferation in tumors. The lower the percentage of cancer cells in the evaluated area, the better. For Anthony's tumor, the MIB-1 index has grown from 2% in 2005 to 12%, which means the tumor has been upgraded from a Grade II to a Grade III. The pathologist did comment that it was difficult to assign a grade, but felt it was consistent with progression.

Obviously, this is not great news, but the neurosurgeon feels that we don't need to do anything wild yet because the tumor has been acting fairly stable since progression was noted on MRI last June. It certainly isn't behaving as an aggressive Grade III.

So, what's next?

Anthony will continue on oral chemotherapy for now. He will get another scan in a month and take it from there.

Anthony is already back at work part time this week and last. Next week, he will resume working full time, and start riding his trike to work. Luckily, the weather is getting warmer and it is staying light longer--something we can all rejoice in. We are looking forward to a trip to Cancún at the end of April for a week. We continue to feel grateful everyday because each day is truly a gift.

-Lori

GROUNDWORKS SUNDAY, JANUARY 31

2010-01-08T08:55:00.001-08:00

Here are five meaningful opportunities for us to serve and interact with neighbors Sunday January 31st. Invite friends. If possible, sign up ahead of time to help us prepare.

New Horizons Painting; "accent" walls; 8-10 spots for UGM members; Kurt Munson
Sunset House & Bell Tower; 15-20 people; cleaning, etc.; Jennifer/Jaime (bring rubber gloves, like the yellow ones you use in your kitchen; a mop and bucket if you have one).
Noel House woman's overnight shelter; 5-8 people; David Anema
New Horizons Kitchen Cleaning/donation sorting; unlimited; Cornell Blackwell
New Horizons Kids' Project; beautify the drop-in center; Teresa Elenbaas

12:30PM Pizza @ New Horizons!!

In case you're wondering how "Groundworks Sunday" fits into Emmaus Road's rhythm of ministry, here is a link explaining how this came about.

CHRISTMAS EVE 7PM @ NEW HORIZONS

2009-12-15T14:11:00.000-08:00

Last year we cancelled our Christmas Eve service in the midst of SNOWSTORMAGEDDON, but Christmas Eve 2009 looks good. Let us join together to celebrate the people and moments leading up to the Nativity of our Lord in Bethlehem! There will be carols, candles, and costumes!

BABY SIMONE RUITER HAS ARRIVED!

2009-12-03T10:01:00.000-08:00

Give thanks with Dan, Reba, and Gabriel Ruiter, as they celebrate the arrival of Simone Marion Irene, born 8:25PM Wednesday, December 2, 2009. She weighs 4lbs 11oz and measures 18 inches long. Both Reba and Simone are healthy and well.

CHRISTMAS PARTY 2009, DECEMBER 11

2009-12-01T22:10:00.000-08:00

Celebrate Christmas with us!

Friday, December 11, 7PM

Likkel House

206-380-5674 for directions

GROUNDWORKS SUNDAY UPDATE

2009-12-01T21:54:00.000-08:00

Well done, Emmaus Road!!

You sorted a mountain of donations,

scrubbed & organized the kitchen,

and painted the chapel of New Horizons;

you cleaned the entire floor of a women’s shelter,

and served nine neighbors @ Jefferson Terrace Apartments!

Next GROUNDWORKS SUNDAY: January 31

GROUNDWORKS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22

2009-11-17T15:55:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-17T15:11:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-17T14:43:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-05T14:38:00.000-08:00

SISTER CHURCH HIT HARD IN GREENWOOD

2009-10-23T17:49:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-01T13:40:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-01T07:25:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-26T22:22:00.000-07:00

Joshua and Kara Gillanders * August 9, 2009

Aaron and Kristen Vander Linden * September 12, 2009

SEATTLE SWEEP, SATURDAY OCTOBER 17

2009-09-23T14:20:00.001-07:00

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

2009-09-16T15:35:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-03T11:35:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-24T14:45:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-30T23:14:00.000-07:00

5PM, Saturday, May 23rd

Likkels' backyard

Map here...

MAUNDY THURSDAY APRIL 9, 7PM

2009-04-03T19:33:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-03-24T17:19:00.000-07:00

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

2009-02-07T09:12:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-24T12:47:00.001-08:00

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

2008-10-01T10:43:00.000-07:00

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

SPARK PLUGS AND GLUE: SOME FOLLOW-UP

2008-08-28T14:51:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-19T13:50:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-19T13:34:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-13T16:27:00.000-07:00

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

2007-12-19T00:31:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-19T00:29:00.000-08:00

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.