May 2026
CALENDAR
May 3 Worship Service at VGUMC at 11:00 AM
Holy Communion; Noisy Offering for Habitat
May 1 Visiting Hope UMC, worship at 11:00 am
May 17 Ascension Sunday; Visiting Gardnertown UMC, worship at11:00 AM
May 24 Pentecost Sunday;
Joint EOCP worship service at Gardnertown UMC at 10:00 AM
May 31 Worship Service at VGUMC at 11:00 AM
June 7 Possible visiting day at Hope or Gardnertown
June 14 Worship Service at VGUMC at 11:00 AM
Holy Communion; Noisy Offering for Habitat
Missions
We will continue to collect items for the Newburgh Ministry. Items needed include: coffee, tea bags, sugar packets, creamers, as well as blankets, pillows, etc. Monetary donations are also accepted.
From the pastor
THE EMMAUS EXPERIENCE FOR EMPOWERMENT
The term “Emmaus” is widely recognized among United Methodists and potentially
among other Evangelical congregations, serving as a symbolic tool for renewing faith. Its origin lies in a passage from Luke 24:13-35, specifically verse 13. This passage recounts a post-resurrection event in which Jesus’ two disciples are depicted walking along the road to a village called “Emmaus.” It is well known among all Christians that Jesus was resurrected early on a Sunday morning. The passage describes the encounter between the two disciples and the Risen Lord in Emmaus, an experience regarded as profoundly inspiring.
As the two disciples strolled, they shared their despair, believing that their Master had been defeated. They observed how Jesus was mistreated by both the political and religious authorities of the period. Jesus was arrested, beaten, crucified, suffered, and died. The trauma of the crucifixion was profoundly devastating. The disciples believed they had lost their Lord. Unaware, the Resurrected Lord joined their walk and inquired about their conversation. Cleofas, one of the two disciples, asked, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that happened there in recent days?” Jesus asked what trouble the entire community. They shared that Jesus was a remarkable man in both word and deed, a prophet and teacher, who performed many miraculous acts for the community. He healed the sick, enabled the lame to walk, restored sight to the blind, fed the hungry, and performed many other wondrous deeds. However, the religious and political authorities caused him to suffer. They crucified him. He died and was subsequently buried. They believed they had lost their leader. They expressed their disillusionment, having expected the Messiah to be the one to liberate Israel from its enemies. Jesus elucidated to them that it is written in the Scriptures, from Moses to the prophets, that the Messiah must suffer and die for redemption’s sake and will rise again.
As evening approached, the two disciples invited Jesus to remain with them overnight. Upon breaking the bread, their eyes were opened, and they recognized Jesus. At that moment of recognition, the passage narrates that Jesus vanished from their sight. The two disciples then recalled their experience, stating, “Were not our hearts burning within us as He spoke with us on the road and opened the Scriptures unto us?”
The Risen Lord provided the disciples with a profoundly uplifting experience. During a period of confusion and despair, Jesus approached them, walked with them, conversed with them, and enlightened them, offering a heartwarming experience that uplifted their spirits. The presence of the Risen Lord empowered them, offered comfort and hope, and fostered a deeply moving moment. This uplifting encounter revitalized their faith, rekindled their passion, and restored their sense of mission. Today, let us embrace the love and power of the Living Christ to nurture our faith, ignite our hearts, and empower us to fulfill God’s work and ministry in the world. Glory to the Risen Lord and power to God’s people.
Blessings,
Pastor Willie