Did you know that EAMC has a mission statement? It can be found in our weekly worship bulletin, on our website, in the preamble to our Statement of Faith and in our By Laws. It goes like this:
Emma Anderson Memorial Chapel is an ecumenical, non-denominational Christian church that gathers for worship and fellowship. Our body of believers is devoted to prayer as well as the preaching and teaching of God’s Word. Our mission is to glorify God and to proclaim to all that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior.
Mission statements are created for businesses, corporations, churches, nonprofits, schools, teams, and the list goes on. Recently one of our visiting pastors shared that his family has one! It has been called a guiding light, a plumb line, a bull’s eye, and a road map. Wikipedia says it is a short statement that defines an organization’s primary purpose and guides its strategic direction and day‑to‑day decision‑making.
Tommy J. Williams writes in an article about faith-based organizations that “a well-crafted mission and vision statement sets the foundation for your church’s direction, helping shape decisions and inspire your congregation. These statements show your church’s values and describe its desired future impact”. FaithInTheDivine.com says “the purpose of a mission statement is to unify the congregation around a common goal and foster a sense of purpose and direction. It provides clarity to both members and visitors about what the church stands for and the impact it aims to make in the world.”
EAMC’s mission statement was first created in 2014 by a committee of Chapel affiliates. I happened to be a part of that group and learned that creating a mission statement is no easy task. We met for hours, weeks and months. We had in depth conversations about every single word. We prayed. We searched scripture. We wrote and rewrote until we had consensus. That statement was used until a couple of years ago when during a By Laws review, we realized “prayer” had been left out! Oh, no. With board approval, on May 18, 2024, “devoted to prayer” was added. Anytime I read our mission statement, I have a sense of clarity, direction and purpose. It is a guiding light.
According to Forbes magazine, the following questions must be answered in a mission statement. “What do we do?” “How do we do it?” “Whom do we do it for?” I believe the Chapel’s mission statement answers these questions all to the glory of God. I hope you will reflect on it and be inspired.
Submitted by:Julia Sherron, Chairman, Board of Governors
REFLECTIONS
250 Years of Celebration
This July Fourth our nation will be celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. This celebration is officially known as the United States Semiquincentennial (that’s a mouthful!). This yearlong commemoration marks two and a half centuries of American independence from Great Britain. There are two federal initiatives which are spearheading various events throughout the year. One is America 250 a non-partisan, congressional commission established in 2016 focusing on public service and grassroots community events. The other is Freedom 250 established by a White House task force to create a public-private partnership to organize large-scale, national festivities with the theme: “Salute to America.” Individual states (North Carolina being one of them) have also formed individual commissions to highlight local revolutionary and regional contributions to our country’s multi-century journey of freedom. So, what exactly are we celebrating?
To answer that question, we should start by looking at the original document that started all this – The Declaration of Independence. Allow me to quote just the first three sentences:
When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and ofNature’s Godentitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which imped them to separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they areendowed by their Creatorwith certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from theconsent of the governed,…
This document goes on to say that whenever “any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it and institute a new government.” It goes on to list over 18 ways that King George abused his governing powers, became “a Tyrant” and as such became “unfit to be the ruler of a free people.”
To further explain what we are celebrating, let us turn to another historical text – The Pledge of Allegiance. Originally it was written in August of 1892 by a Baptist minister by the name of Frances Bellamy. In 1923 the U.S. Congress changed the term “my Flag” to the phrase “the Flag of the United States of America” so that everyone (native and immigrant) knew to which country they were pledging their loyalty. In 1954, during the height of the Cold War with the atheistic U.S.S.R., President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill into law that added the words “under God” to once again show America’s faith in her Creator.
So, from the very beginning of the founding of our country and throughout our 250-year history, the USA has at least acknowledged a belief in “our Creator” or “God” in reference to the Judeo-Christian God of the Bible. Those of us who believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior believe in a personal God who is very much involved in the affairs of human history. Therefore, this summer as we think about ways to safely celebrate our country’s 250th birthday, individually and corporately let us remember God’s promise to us in 2 Chronicles 7:14 – “Ifmy people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and will healtheir land.” Have a peaceful and happy Fourth of July!
The summer youth program is off to a great start! From color wars, movie nights, pickleball and fishing, there is something for every youth to enjoy! It has been a blessing to see the fellowship and growth of our students this summer. Whether you live here full time, or are visiting from afar, bring your friends and family! All are welcome!
Submitted by: Karlie Hickson, Summer Youth Minister
SUMMER BEACH SERVICE
Sunday, June 14th kicked off our new summer worship service on the beach at 8:00AM. Over 100 folks gathered at access #12 with chairs and towels to fellowship, sing, and receive an inspirational message from Pastor William Branch. A special thanks to Andrew Benhaley for providing our special music. This new service will continue every Sunday morning through August 9th. Come join us!
EAMC LIBRARY
Select Some Summer Reading Titles at the Emma Anderson Memorial Chapel Library
This summer, the EAMC library is featuring books about angels, including inspiring titles by Billy Graham, David Jeremiah, and Anne Neilson. These authors offer insights, encouragement, and reflections on God’s heavenly messengers and their role in our lives.
Whether you’re seeking spiritual inspiration, a meaningful devotional, a beach read, or a book to share with your children or grandchildren, we invite you to visit and explore the library collection.
The Emma Anderson Memorial Chapel Library is on the second floor of the EAMC Fellowship House. It operates as a self-service library, open Sundays from 8:50 to 9:30 a.m., and at other times when the Fellowship House is accessible. The library’s collection contains books suitable for all age groups. Instructions for checking out materials are located at the check-out desk.
For additional information about the library, please contact Karen Gavigan,gavigankw@gmail.comor 336-260-3297.
CHAPEL HISTORY
What’s So Special AboutJuly 22,1951?
JG Anderson, Sr whose brick house stands just across the street from the Chapel came to Topsail in 1948 with a vision. “He pictured a church-not just any church, but a place where vacationers and summer homeowners could assemble and worship God and ministers could find respite.” In February 1949, he announced that all of Block 20 of his project would be reserved for a non-denominational church. On December 5, 1950, it was official; a deed was signed and notarized. Because of this important date in1950, we celebrated our 75thAnniversary of Emma Anderson Memorial Chapel last summer! It was a wonderful time of reflection.
This summer we have another important date to celebrate. Even though the deed was signed in 1950, the chapel construction was not finished until the following year. OnJuly 22, 1951, the first worship service was held at 11:00am in the newly built sanctuary. Sixty-eight children and adults were present! So, this year we are celebrating the 75thAnniversary of the first service held in our Chapel. To commemorate this special day, we decided to re-post the wonderful documentary that was created by Chandler Hatch telling the story of Emma Anderson Memorial Chapel. Click the arrow below to view!
KINGDOM CRAFTERS
The ladies have been knitting up a storm. Nothing seems to stop their creations. So, the box we use for Knit for Kids, or World Vision, was exploding with items, which got sent. They are dispersed as needed either in the USA or abroad – probably to Ukraine, by World Vision.
We sent: two baby blankets, five sweaters, two hat and sweater sets, two blankets, seven scarves, seven pairs of mittens, and five adult hats.
We continue to make washcloths for the OCC boxes. We will certainly have a HUGE packing party this fall, that’s for sure!
If anyone would like to come to Kingdom Crafters and learn to knit or crochet, we have plenty of teachers. For July, we will be meeting 9:00-10:30 on Wednesdays. We will go back to 10:00-11:30 in August.
Submitted by:Julia Pollock, Kingdom Crafters
SOCIAL COMMITTEE
The June 16 Covered Dish was Birthday themed. There were 57 people in attendance.
We will be hosting another Covered Dish Dinner on Wednesday,July 22at the Assembly Building at6:00pm. The July Dinner will be highlighting our Youth Program.
Submitted by:Rucker Eggleston, Social Committee Chair
FOREIGN MISSIONS OPPORTUNITY
The Missions and Evangelism Committee has scheduled a multi-mission project in partnership with Catalyst Resources International (CRI), traveling to Guatemala City from November 7th and returning November 14th, 2026. This will be the third consecutive year that an EAMC mission team has taken part in the Guatemala mission experience. In addition to assisting with the construction of two houses for residents in need in Santa Maria de Jesus, this year’s trip will also focus on education programs for children in the same town, which lies in the mountains about 45 minutes from Guatemala City, where our team will be staying at the CRI complex. Volunteers not wishing to work on one of the house construction teams will have ample opportunity to participate in morning and afternoon education and food service programs for school-age children in Santa Maria de Jesus.
The committee is seeking 16 to 24 volunteers to travel to Guatemala and serve its people on this mission trip. An informational meeting¹ will be held in late July or early August for all those interested in participating in this exciting opportunity. For more information about this trip, you may visit www.catalystresources.net and click on “TEAM PACKET,” or you may contact:
The Columbarium project is now complete. If you haven’t had a chance to visit the Columbarium and Memorial Prayer Garden, I would encourage you to take a minute the next time you’re at the Chapel and take a look. I think you’ll be pleased. It’s also quite beautiful at night. Application packets for both theColumbarium NichesandMemorial Wall Plaquesare included here and are also available on the EAMC webpage under either Ministries or Committees.
Rev. Kyle Graham, Associate Pastor of Mission and Church Formation
Bayleaf Baptist Church – Raleigh, NC
Sponsor: Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Hart
19
Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Sholar, Lead Pastor
Aversboro Road Baptist Church – Garner, NC
Sponsor: Mr. and Mrs. Craig Roberts
26
Youth Sunday
August
2
Worship at 10:00 am
Rev. Dr. Zeb Cook, Lead Pastor
Apex Baptist Church – Apex, NC
Sponsor: Mr. and Mrs. Ray Teachey
9
Mrs. Tabitha Martin – VP of Ministry Development
Orchard Alliance – Warren, OH
Sponsor: Mr. and Mrs. Rodney Dillman
16
Rev. Dr. Michael Lea, Pastor
First Baptist Church – West Jefferson, NC
Sponsor: Mr. and Mrs. Stewart Bell
23
Rev. Davide Colletta, Sr. Leader/Lead Pastor
Mission Community Church – Charlotte, NC
Sponsor: Mr. and Mrs. James Ormond
30
Rev. Grant Staubs, Lead Pastor
Mid-Way Baptist Church – Raleigh, NC
Sponsor: Mr. and Mrs. Bill Bryan
REMINDERS
Sunday School:Adult Christian Life Class.8:45-9:45 a.m. Fellowship and food at 8:45; Class begins at 9:00 a.m.
Fellowship House – Top Floor
Missionary Apartment Respite:If you know of a missionary who is on assignment abroad and will be coming stateside on furlough then returning to his or her assignment, please let him or her know about our Missionary Ministry. A family of six (max.) can enjoy a respite for six nights at no charge in ourMissionary Apartment.We especially welcome referrals from affiliates who know of missionaries associated with their home churches. Spread the word!
Chancel Flowers:Sign up on the calendar in the south wing of the chapel or contact Ginny Barnett by phone, 919-414-6832 or Penny Burrell at 919-539-5816.
Bereavement Notices:If you are a Chapel affiliate (you’ve attended services at least once) and would like to have an announcement sent to affiliates regarding a death in your family, please contactSandra Davis.
Library Hours:Sundays, 8:50 – 9:30 AM, and by request
Location: Fellowship Hall – 2nd Floor
Suggestions for additional book titles are welcome.
Church Directory:You can be included in our online directory at any time. Email Karen Roberts at kroberts2665@gmail.com with your name(s), home/beach address (plus 2nd address, if you have one), email addresses), home/beach phone numbers), cell phone numbers), and a photo. Please make sure the photo is in landscape (horizontal) orientation and if you are a couple, please allow space between you, so it can be cropped for individual profile photos.
EAMC Emails:To continue receiving our newsletter and other announcements, remember to notify us if you change your email address. To prevent our email from being snagged by your spam folder, addnewsletter@eachapel.orgto your address book.
