Chairman’s Corner | Reflections | 75th Anniversary Celebration and Homecoming| Topsail Beach Post Office | Summer Youth Program | Mission Trip | Library |Women’s Summer Bible Study | Prayer Requests
CHAIRMAN’S CORNER
September is upon us with Fall just around the corner, but I am still reflecting on the amazing Summer Youth Program that meant so much to so many children and youth, the wonderful Summer Women’s Bible Study on Esther with the concluding Feast of Purim banquet, and the Chapel’s special celebration of 75 years.
During the worship service on June 22, 2025, a beautiful leather-bound Bible was placed in the sanctuary by the Board of Governors to commemorate this special 75th year. Rich Pollock dedicated the book during that service, and it now resides on the table in front of the pulpit. It will be an ongoing symbol for us all to seek truth from scriptures in all things pertaining to the life of EAMC and in our personal lives. Lately I have been thinking about that Bible!
Anne Graham Lotz says, “The Bible is a wonderful book of history and poetry and prophecy and ceremony. Anyone can be blessed by just reading this truly magnificent piece of literature that spans the years of human history. But there is a unique blessing that is reserved for those who prayerfully, earnestly, and humbly approach it by faith as the truth, seeking to go past the surface reading into the deeper meaning.”
The fact that the Bible is a compilation of 66 books and letters divided into the Old and New Testaments written by more than 40 authors during a period of approximately 1500 years is impressive. The Bible is the best-selling book of all times published in 2400 languages, but what really stands out to me is that it is “God-breathed”…the inspired Word of God. Mary Fairchild explains it this way, “The Bible unfolds as a divine love story between the Creator God and the object of his love, humankind. Many have called the Bible a guidebook for living the Christian faith.”
In addition to having the Holy Scriptures, believers are given the Holy Spirit to clarify the truth and guide us into understanding. How wonderful. As Herb Ormond stated in the Memories Book reprinted for this special year, “We are so grateful that God gave us His Word and His Spirit to lead and guide us into the next 75 years of Emma Anderson Memorial Chapel.”
The next time you are in the sanctuary, explore our new Bible. Feel free to turn the pages, read the scriptures, and enjoy the illustrations. If you have a special occasion at the Chapel like a wedding, baptism or memorial, consider reading from it during the service. It is a very special addition to our sanctuary for all to use, appreciate, and remember. Thanks be to God for His Holy Word!
In Him,
Julia Sherron
Julia Sherron, Board of Governors Chair – 2025-2026
jbsherron@gmail.com
REFLECTIONS
Our Thanksgiving Meal
When do you celebrate Thanksgiving? The obvious answer is the fourth Thursday in November, right? It has been a national holiday since 1863. It is a day that we in the United States gather around the dining room table (for those who still have a ‘dining room’) in our homes and give thanks to God for what we have.
But I am not referring to that Thanksgiving. I’m thinking of one that is more universal, international in scope and is also held once a year on the first Sunday in October. The fixings are not as elaborate as the American Thanksgiving, just bread and wine; but they are a lot more significant to those who are partaking.
Yes, I am referring to World Communion Sunday on October 5th. So, how is this a “Thanksgiving Meal?” The Latin word eucharist comes from the Koine Greek word, εὐχαριστία which literally means “thanksgiving”. It is the word the Apostle Paul used in his first letter to the Corinthians when he wrote:
“For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks (εὐχαριστήσας), he broke it, and said, “This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me” (1 Cor. 11:23-24).
Therefore, the early church for the first two centuries referred to this sacrament as the “Eucharist Meal”. After the Reformation, many in the church used terms like “Communion”, or “the Lord’s Supper”. Regardless of what term you use, it is a time of thanksgiving of what Christ has done for us. In fact, in that same letter, Paul tells us that “whenever we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes” (v. 26).
So, what exactly are we thankful for? What does Christ’s death accomplish for us? Jesus himself answers this for us. On the night before He was crucified at the Passover Meal in the Upper Room, Matthew tells us- “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to His disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is my body.’ Then He took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father’s kingdom.’ ” (Mt. 26:26-29, NIV).
Jesus is telling us that His death upon the cross is the sacrificial death of “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). He paid the price for our disobedience to God. We now owe God nothing, because we owe Jesus everything! This is certainly something to be thankful for!
This October, I invite you to come to the table, the “Thanksgiving table,” and join believers from around the world giving thanks to Him who died for us so that we, too may die to sin and live for Him! As the Apostle Paul told the church in Rome, “The death Jesus died, He died to sin once for all; but the life He lives, He lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus” (Romans 6:10-11).
immediately following the worship service…side yard
September 20Board of Governors meeting
Fellowship House Upper Room..9:00am
September 21Annual Congregational Meeting
immediately following worship
October 5 World Communion Sunday
October 12Distribution of boxes for Operation Christmas Child
October 19Deadline for 2026 Minister Applications
75th ANNIVERSARY AND HOMECOMING
Our very own Chandler Hatch has created this wonderful video giving us an overview of the Chapel for the past 75 years. Thank you, Chandler!
BENEVOLENCE COMMITTEE
Two members of the Benevolence Committee had the pleasure of meeting Jessica Blackburn at Lauren’s Hope this month. We had a tour of the facility, were informed about their four-phase plan and listened to their mission statement. We did a “walk through” as if we were a young mom with an unplanned pregnancy walking through their doors. Lauren’s Hope mission statement aligns with God’s Word and Emma Anderson’s statement of faith.
Their greatest volunteer needs are listed below:
Male Mentors-24/7 Dad Program needs a mentor to encourage young men to be Godly fathers and men whether they are a dad now or will be in the future.
Client Advocates-Walk alongside women facing unplanned pregnancies, offering emotional and spiritual support, practical help, and encouragement.
The Benevolence Committee continues to help clients with rental assistance needs, internet payments for students taking online classes, gas cards and more. We appreciate the generosity of all affiliates of EAMC. We are changing lives by loving those in need, praying with them, and financially assisting them with individual needs.
Sarah Cox, Chair of Benevolence Committee
2025 SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAM
The 2025 Summer Youth Program was packed with fun and fellowship! This year’s theme, ANCHORED, inspired by Hebrews 6:19-20, made for a solid foundation for Karlie and Addie to share the gospel with the children and youth that attended the many creative activities. Check out this video overview of summer 2025!!
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD 2025
It’s hard to believe, but it’s almost time for OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD at Emma Anderson. This ministry is so very special for many, many children around the world.
We will begin announcements in late September and early October, with boxes being distributed to the congregation on Sunday, October 12.
Start collecting your special gifts and treasures so you are ready to fill those boxes in October.
Our goal for 2025 is to deliver 150 boxes from Emma Anderson. We fell a bit below that last year; so, I’m hopeful we can meet that goal in 2025.
Happy packing and thank you for your participation!
As you probably know by now, the Topsail Beach Post Office will close permanently on September 30, 2025.
Emma Anderson Memorial Chapel will soon be erecting a secure mailbox at the chapel and closing our P.O. Box. Therefore, all mail should be sent to:
1040 S. Anderson Blvd.
Topsail Beach, NC 28445
If you currently have a P.O. Box at Topsail Beach and receive mail from Emma Anderson, (like year-end statements) please remember to change your address if necessary.
If you will be changing your address, don’t forget the directory! You only need to change in one place – the directory app or the online directory.
Directory app:
At the bottom of the page, select “Profile”
Then, “Edit Affiliate Info”
Enter/Edit address, and press “Update”
–OR —
Online directory:
Log into the Online Directory. Click on the HELP tab at top of page, then click FAQ, then click MY PROFILE and follow instructions there.
For additional information/help, reach out to Karen Roberts at kroberts2665@gmail.com
GUATEMALA MISSION TRIP
November 1 through November 8, 2025
If you have an interest in joining this mission team, please contact Jim King at (252) 341-4535 or jimkingscorner@aol.com
EAMC LIBRARY
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.
The library’s September and October featured books focus on grace, including “In the Grip of Grace” by Max Lucado and Joyce Meyer’s “Grace of God,” among others on display.
For additional information about the library, please contact Karen Gavigan, gavigankw@gmail.com or 336-260-3297.
WOMEN’S SUMMER BIBLE STUDY
The ladies in the Summer Women’s Bible Study had a memorable time learning all of the Biblical Truths packed in Kelly Minter’s study of the book of Esther. In addition to wonderful videos by Kelly, the ladies had rich discussions each week as we reviewed the lessons. Like the Jews, who have celebrated God’s faithfulness at the feast of Purim every year since Esther was queen, we too celebrated with our own banquet at the conclusion of our study.
Submitted by:Judy Brock
PRAYER REQUESTS
If you have prayer requests, please submit those through our website on the “Prayer Request” tab or clickhere.
If you wish to join those affiliates that pray regularly for others, please click at the bottom of the Prayer Request form.
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.
