LuAnn Langford, Congregation Council Liaison
The mission of the Witness Ministry is to empower each other to live and share our faith through fellowship opportunities.
From gathering people for coffee and conversation after Sunday worship to making sure we keep in contact with members who are not able to attend church, and through the many activities listed below, this ministry helps us be community together.
Weekly Fellowship:
Coffee Hour: Every week after worship, we gather together in the Fellowship Hall to enjoy coffee and a few treats and greet each other. This is a joyful time of connection and relationship. We do this year-round, which means we are always welcoming of new people to help provide this vital service to our community—it’s pretty easy! If you’re willing to help, we’ll match you with an Emmaus kitchen veteran and they’ll show you the ropes.
Monthly Fellowship:
Zircle (Zoom Circle) is held on the second Tuesday of the month at 1:00 pm on Zoom and hosted by Dave Paulson. This is an opportunity for Emmaus members and alumni to connect. Contact Melinda for the link or see News & Notes.
2345: This group in their 20s–50s gathers monthly (typically on Saturday evenings) for connection, meals, and a variety of seasonal activities. Ask Melinda about getting on the email list to join our next gathering. Contact Kathleen Kerr with questions.
6789: This is an opportunity for folks in their 60s–90s to get together for a Friday potluck luncheon once a month. They often hear from a speaker during lunch, and have had guests share on a wide range of topics of interest.
ECBC: The Emmaus Choir Beer Club meets once a month—if you’re in the choir or know someone in the choir, you’re welcome to join in the fun!
Regular Annual Events:
January: Birthday Bash
Every January, we celebrate everyone’s birthday (or baptismal birthday!) one Sunday after church, from our esteemed elders to the tiniest ones among us. We eat cake and we have a good time!
February: Valentine’s Day Dinner
On or around February 14, we gather at a local restaurant (typically DickieJo’s Burgers) to celebrate fun, food, and friendship together. Come alone or bring a date!
March: Lenten Soup Dinners
During the season of Lent, we gather to enjoy potluck soups and conversation before vespers worship. Got a favorite soup recipe? Come share it with us!
St. Patrick’s Day Bunco Night
This much-beloved multigenerational event is hosted annually in our Fellowship Hall. We enjoy green food potluck-style and fun prizes while playing a crazy dice game!
April: Easter Brunch
The only thing better than Easter worship is Easter worship plus brunch! We enjoy a lovely potluck meal prepared by our members to mark this special Sunday.
May: New Member Welcome
We welcome new members twice a year (typically on Reformation Sunday in October and in May). Each time we do, we like to celebrate them! We like to spend time together to celebrate the joyful growth of our community. celebrate the joyful growth of our community.
June: Quilts for High School Graduates
Near graduation, we honor the our graduates as we gift them quilts lovingly stitched by the Emmaus Quilting Group.
August: Church Picnic
When the weather is hot, we like to have a multigenerational meal with fellowship, games, and ice cream for all! This is a great time to celebrate summer and connect with our church family.
September: God’s Work, Our Hands
God’s Work, Our Hands Sunday is a day of service that inaugurates our year-round practice of service to our neighbors. We make hearty snacks to fuel our volunteers before we begin special projects in and around the Emmaus community.
October: Trunk or Treat/Harvest Fest
Each year around Halloween, Central, United, and Emmaus Lutheran Churches join together to host a fun-for-all-ages event at Emmaus that festively marks the turning of the season.
Advent: Advent Soup Dinners
As in Lent, gather again with us to enjoy delicious soups and conversation prior to midweek vespers.
December: Christmas Caroling
In Christmas cheer, we walk around the neighborhood and sing carols to unsuspecting neighbors; that, or we’ll head to a nursing home to spread some holiday warmth and joy.
Care & Concerns
The Mission of the Care & Concerns Committee is to provide care and accompaniment for our homebound and older members and others who need temporary assistance. The services provided include communion for the homebound (eucharistic ministry), a card ministry, prayer shawls, a prayer chain, transportation support, home visits, and phone calls. Contact Valerie Sacks for more information.
The Knitting-Crocheting Group
Knitting-Crocheting meets, either in the fellowship hall or the library (check News & Notes for the location as it can change) on the first Thursday of the month from 10:30 am to noon. It’s fun and fascinating to see what everyone is working on. All levels, from beginner to experienced, are very welcome.
Sharing our interest in this handwork is fun and there’s help available if a person gets stuck. The conversation is encouraging and lively. Come and share and learn and have some fun. There’s room for everyone.
Prayer Shawl Pattern Links: