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CHAIRMAN’S CORNER January-February 2024
W. James Ormond, Board of Governors Chair – 2023-2024
james.ormond@ormondlandscape.com
REFLECTIONS
January 6 – Day of Epiphany!
Certain dates on our calendar are memorable because of something significant that happened on that day in history, for example July 4th, November 11th, December 7th and of course December 25th. But what is significant about January 6th?
On the Christian Church calendar, it is the Day of Epiphany whenthe Christ child is presented to the Gentiles as represented by the visit of the Magi (Matthew 2:1–12).
It is also the beginning of the “season of epiphany” in which we celebrate God presenting His one and only Son Jesus to the world; first with the visit of the wise men from the East, to the Babe in Bethlehem, then the baptism of Jesus in the river Jordan and the voice from heaven declaring Him “my Son, whom I love” (Mt. 3:13-17) and ending in the transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain where again the voice from above declares “this is my Son, whom I love. Listen to Him” (Mark 9:2-7). This season covers a period of six weeks on our church calendar and takes us up to the “season of Lent” and the preparation for Easter.
Allow me to focus on January 6th and what it represents in the life of the church. Who are these magi and what motivated them to travel to Bethlehem bearing gifts for a king? As best as we can tell from ancient historical evidence, these magi came from the ancient Parthian empire (old Persia). Just east of the Roman empire, the border appears to have been along the Euphrates River (currently in the country of Iraq). The Parthian religion was called “Aura Mazda,” and their priests were called “Magi”. They were known for both their magic and their study of the stars, astrology.
Historians claim that magi in that culture were very significant individuals. They would not have traveled by themselves, especially into a neighboring hostile empire. They probably had quite a caravan of people (servants and soldiers) carrying food and clothing and of course gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Remember when Herod heard about their coming, “he was greatly disturbed” (Mt. 2:3).
Three wise men on camels would not be very frightening, but a large entourage of people especially accompanied by soldiers would be. Also keep in mind that Matthew does not tell us how many Magi came to Bethlehem. We just assume three because of the three gifts.
Though the western church has designated January 6 as the day of their arrival, we do not know exactly when they arrived. Again, according to the Bible, they came to “the house” (Mt. 2:11) in Bethlehem and when they told Herod about the star, Herod figured out that at least two years had transpired (Mt. 2:16).
Now how did they know about this birth of a king in the first place? Remember these were religious men who studied both ancient writings and celestial stars. Ancient Jews had been taken captive into their country years, even centuries before (remember Daniel). Therefore, these magi would have had access to the Hebrew writings. They knew about the one who was to be born King of the Jews (Micah 5:2).
Finally, why the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh? To answer this, I turn to Dr. J. Vernon McGee who wrote, “Gold speaks of His birth. He is born a king. Frankincense speaks of the fragrance of His life. Myrrh speaks of His death. All of this is indicated in the gifts that were brought to Him as His first coming.” *
The magi finally understood who God was and that He cared for them. Though they brought gifts, God gave them the greatest gift of all – a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
*Dr. J. Vernon McGee. Thru the Bible. Nelson Publishing. 1983, vol. IV, p.16.
12:00 Noon – Luncheon at the Assembly Building, followed by a speaker and service of imposition of the ashes.
Watch for details in your Sunday bulletins.
CHURCH CONNECTION
Chairman’s Interview featuring Frances Keir
MISSIONARY SISTERS
Meet sisters Jane and Joan Schmitz. Between the two of them they have served as missionaries with ABWE for years. In 2021, Joan and their brother were our guests in The Respite Apartment. Though Jane’s last year abroad was this year, she came to thoroughly enjoy a week as her sister’s guest this past summer. They have graciously sent pictures and warm thank you notes to the Chapel after these visits. We love that they have been able to rest and enjoy sweet family time among us. Thank you for your faithful service and obedience to God’s calling.
Thank you to the families who sponsored the twenty families who stayed with us in 2023. As always, missionaries leave with wonderful memories of your generosity, the apartment, Topsail, and their opportunity to recharge before heading back to their next calling. Thank you to David and Dianne Barnes, Bob and Ginny Barnett, Hunter and Shannon Bell, John and Edna Dougher, Jay and Sue Ferber, Grier and Kristin Fleischhauer, Kay Grady, Jerry and Nancy Green, Eddie and Patty Hatch, Richard and Norfleet Herring, Jim and Freddie King, Kevin and Kay McKloskey, Dave and Ann Miller, James and Laura Ormond, Mike and Frances Penick, Mary Susan Phillips, Rich and Julia Pollock, Steve and Edna Smith, Rick and Janine Stidley, and Henry and BJ Warren for loving on our guests this year. 2023’s missionaries served in two undisclosed re-gions of the Middle East, Israel, West Togo, North Cyprus, six in Kenya, Japan, two in India, The Gambia, two in England, Cambodia and two in Germany. Ten of the families were guests for the first time. To the whole EAMC family, thank you for your generous support of missions and for spreading the word of our unique opportunity.
MEMBER DIRECTORY
You are encouraged to join or update your directory information. Help is always available at:
directory@eachapel.org
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
Emma Anderson Memorial Chapel had a very successful year participating in the Operation Christmas Child mission. We had 126 boxes filled by our affiliates and the Summer Youth Program that were delivered to our drop-off location in November. In addition, some affiliates filled their boxes online at the OCC website.
In December, 24 affiliates made the trip to Boone to work in the OCC Processing Center over a three-day period. Our boxes this year were headed to an unknown country, not disclosed to us because of the security risks in that country. It is estimated our groups processed approximately 3,000 boxes during our shifts. It truly was a very moving experience for all of us, realizing many children receiving these boxes are getting gifts they otherwise would never have, as well as the opportunity to come to know our Savior, Jesus Christ.
We are very thankful for everyone who participated this year in this wonderful mission. It is a great time of fellowship and fun while serving our Lord. EAMC has been participating in this work at the OCC Processing Center since 2009. Please consider joining us for this mission trip in December 2024.
Submitted by: Tina Kirby, Chairperson
KINGDOM CRAFTERS
Photos courtesy of Julia Pollock
We sent 21 preemie hats to Wake Med.
One member took five baby blankets to Onslow Pregnancy Center.
We were able to put out over 100 washcloths for people to pick up for their OCC boxes, and 100 bears, along with purses and new items we’re trying out. I found a Facebook group that makes all sorts of items for OCC, so next year we may have a store of items you can choose from. Just amazes me what people can make out of socks and t-shirts (jump ropes). Therefore, if you have old t-shirts that still have some stretch to them (probably not 100% cotton), we may work with the youth this summer to make jump ropes to put in the boxes next year.
We took four ponchos in string bags and 11 lap/baby blankets to Onslow Community Outreach.
Thirty scarves were mailed to Operation Gratitude as they have an increase of requests for care packages. Postage is another expense they have. If anyone would like to donate to the cause of shipping these care packages to those in the service, please contact me and I will gladly give you that information.
We had bears and washcloths left over and we took them to Boone with us. Samaritan’s Purse allowed us to use them at our table to fill boxes that needed extra items.
After the holidays, we are back in full swing if anyone would like to join us. We have some sewing projects that can be taken home (t-shirt dresses) and might be able to go to Guatemala if there’s luggage space.
Part of the Benevolence Committee handles holiday-related activities as part of CHAPS (Community Holiday Assistant Program). Sarah Cox is the chairperson and the other members are Nancy Cooper, Maggie Parrish, and Beth Holder.
We have just finished very successful Thanksgiving and Christmas projects, which could not be done without your help.
At Thanksgiving, 315 families or 1200 people were fed Harris Teeter Thanksgiving meals, thanks to your generous donations of money and Harris Teeter gift cards.
At Christmas, the parents of over 1200 children were able to shop at the toy store and select items to ensure their families had a very Merry Christmas. Many members of our church volunteered over 3 days to set up the toy store and help families make selections to brighten up their children’s Christmas.
Thank you for all you do for our church and our community!
“CONNECT” EVENT
On Sunday, November 19, 2023, the Social Committee hosted another “Connect” Event. Affiliates and visitors enjoyed this time together.
Photos courtesy of James Ormond and Robert Sprouse
SPOTLIGHT ON LOCAL CHARITIES
Submitted by Tommy Newton, M.D.
We are indeed blessed at Emma Anderson Memorial Chapel to have affiliates who are generous in many ways, including financially. As a result of affiliates’ generosity, the Benevolence Committee is able to offer contributions to several local, national and international entities that help spread the Word of God. In this series for our newsletter, local entities that we support as a church will tell us about their mission and activities. Each newsletter will feature a different organization that your Benevolence Committee has prayerfully chosen to support on your behalf.
YOUNG LIFE CAPE FEAR NORTH
Young Life is a ministry that was born out of the desire to close the gap between high school students and the local church. In the 1930’s a group of women in Texas, along with a pastor of local church, were acutely aware that high school students were not attending youth groups and showing up in church. They hired a guy named Jim Rayburn, a seminary student at the time, to help accomplish the goal of going beyond the walls of the church in order to bring the Good News of the Gospel to students. It was in his efforts, that Jim founded the mission of Young Life, believing that every kid had the right to hear the Gospel. The mission then remains the mission today, to introduce adolescents to Jesus Christ and help them grow in their faith.
The ministry of Young Life invites staff and volunteers to do the work of incarnational ministry. With Jesus as our model, we “put on skin and move into the neighborhood” (Jn 1:14), into the world of lost and disinterested teenagers through contact work, club, and campaigners. Contact work is the bread and butter of what we do. We show up in the lunch room and at sporting events and on their turf. Building genuine friendships and earning the right to be heard week in and week out, bringing Jesus with us as we go. Through club and campaigners, we share the Gospel and study the Word together. Alongside our Young Life leaders, a dedicated group of adults in the community called the committee help to ensure the ministry is healthy and functioning. These are people who care about teenagers and who are committed to Young Life’s mission. Each Summer and Fall we also get the opportunity to take students to a Young Life camp property, much like a resort these days. We get to experience adventure, make memories, and do life together. The best part is that students and leaders are together and all week long; students are getting a clear view of the Gospel. The hope in all of this, of course, is that as students come to know their Creator and that they will then make their way back into the local church.
Young Life at Topsail High School began in 2012 in much the same way. A group of adults believed that every teenager in Pender County deserved to hear the Gospel; so, with a lot of prayer and hard work, Young Life started here. Over the last 11 years, hundreds of kids have had the chance to hear the Gospel at club and camp. Students have opened the Bible with Young Life leaders and families have been forever changed because of the work that the Lord has done through the mission of Young Life. Currently, we are in a season of rebuilding and growth. With just a handful of kids and as of December Fifth, two leaders, we are working to meet students where they are. Leaders are showing up, as they always have with a bright future ahead.
Emma Anderson Memorial Chapel has been vital in sustaining the mission of Young Life here in Pender County and at Topsail High School over the last 11 years. Not only with your generosity in financial support, but also with your encouragement and mission mindedness as you have clearly cared for all people – adolescents and adults – to know the love of Christ. Having the support of the local church is of utmost importance as high school students say yes to Jesus. They need a place to go and belong and become a part of the body of Christ, and I take great comfort in knowing your church is place for exactly that! Thank you, with a deep and sincere heart for your support and partnership in bringing the Gospel to kids! We could not do it without you.
If you would like more information or to connect with the local Young Life staff, please do so via email at:
CapeFearNorthYL@gmail.com
or visit us at our website at
capefearnorth.younglife.org.
In Christ for all kids,
Hannah Potts, Area Director
PEACE – A CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION
On December 10, 2023, the Chancel Choir, under the direction of Merle Morris, presented “Peace – A Christmas Celebration” composed and arranged by Joel Raney
A Covered Dish Luncheon followed the Cantata at the Breezeway Restaurant.
Emma Anderson Memorial Chapel is a nondenominational church that gathers for worship, the preaching and teaching of God’s Word, and Christian fellowship.
Our mission is to glorify God and to proclaim Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior of all.
