From the Community Lay Director
I write this in the midst of Holy Week. Palm Sunday was a couple of days ago. The congregation waved palm branches as our children marched up and down the aisles waving palm branches. We remember that the Jews of Biblical times welcomed the hoped-for Messiah into Jerusalem. A Messiah they thought would throw off the bondage of Roman occupation, never understanding the much more complete bondage of their sin. I recently had a conversation with a friend about what we thought was the most meaningful church time of year. I know for many it is Christmas as we remember the arrival of Jesus to walk among us. But if Jesus had just spent His time among us as carpenter and teacher, would history have remembered Him? It was not His birth that set Him apart. It was the cross. Remembering Good Friday causes me much emotional and spiritual pain. If “Were you there when they crucified my Lord” is sung during Good Friday service, my answer is Yes. Not my person, but my sin was there. A couple of years ago we did a Last Supper reenactment at church. Each of the disciples at the Last Supper spoke, including mentioning the prediction of Jesus that He would be betrayed by someone sitting at the table. At the end of their monologue, each disciple asked "Is it I?" I had to practice my lines out loud many, many times before I could say "Is it I?" without breaking down. Both because playing the role of Peter, I knew it would be me, and also knowing as Michael, I have betrayed and will betray my Lord again in the future. So, Easter is my most meaningful time of the church year. Assured that my sins are forgiven and that eternal life awaits me.
I don't pretend to understand grace. My Emmaus experience since Walk 89 has helped to bring grace into clearer focus and a much greater appreciation of the grace God has bestowed on me in this life. It is an honor and privilege to participate in the small ways that I have participated in the Walks since Walk 89 to provide the opportunity for others to come into a closer relationship with their Lord and Savior.
Men's Walk 156 is coming up soon, April 23-26. Walk 156 will be held at Asbury Seminary. Team training has started. If you want to be part of something amazing, please let a Board of Directors member, or Wally Briggs, Walk 156 Lay Director, know.
Women's Walk 157 is scheduled for October 15-18, 2026, at Asbury Seminary. A Women's Walk Lay Director has not been identified yet. We await the direction of the Holy Spirit.
Looking forward to seeing you at Gathering, April 10, at Georgetown Methodist Church. As part of that Gathering, there will be a commissioning service for Walk 156 team members.
If you participated in Chrysalis Flight 41 back in February and you are missing -- a pillow with a striped pillowcase, what looks to be a king-size bed sheet, a "Nightmare Before Christmas" hoodie, a UK hoodie, a green "Project Launch" carry bag, or a blue "Jesus Loves You" drawstring carry bag -- they will be at the April Gathering for you to claim.
DeColores!!
Michael Watts
Community Lay Director
Lexington Emmaus Community
Mission Statement
Renewing Christian Disciples
Strengthening Local Churches
Rejoice, Rejoice, and again I say Rejoice!