Message from the Pastor

Dear Friends,

During the Easter season, we have heard the stories of Jesus' appearances to his followers, so they would understand he really meant what he said when he assured them that he would be with them; that even though he had died, God had raised him to new life. Two men on the road to Emmaus recognized him after he broke bread with them. Their eyes were opened to a new experience, a new way of life in the everyday, commonplace routine of eating together. They discovered something that has been passed down from generation to generation: that to spread the word, it will require using different methods. Jesus will always be with us as he was with them, but the methods we use to spread his teachings may take a different approach. It is necessary to embrace new possibilities, to step out in faith and shape a new form, using our foundation as a guide.

Emmanuel UCC is one of eight churches accepted into a new program offered by Penn Central Conference called the Road to Vitality. We, too, like the two on the road to Emmaus, are given the opportunity to embrace the possibilities of growth, vitality, and newness by using the teachings of Jesus. Four dedicated members of our congregation have made a three-year commitment to participate in this program. There will be four workshop presentations each year with the eight churches together. The really exciting part is that we will be assigned a coach to help us tailor the ideas to our particular congregation. I expect this to be a time of an Emmaus experience for us. I am so excited about what the future holds for us at Emmanuel. This is a great opportunity for us to grow in our individual spiritual lives, but also as a part of the body of Christ.

In Christ's Love,

Pastor Pat

Special Request: “Red” is the color the church has chosen to represent the “tongues of fire” present at on Pentecost 33 CE. Please wear red on that Sunday in remembrance of that event.