Emmaus Blog

Monday, February 23, 2026:  This is the beginning of the Holy Month of Ramadan Before reflecting on the holy month of Ramadan, JoAnn asked me to publish Luis Janssen's new address. Today is his 90th birthday and I'm sure he would appreciate emails, cards or  notes: Luis Janssen:  Phone: (707) 331-6045 Email: LJJanssen@aol.com Mailing address: 3729 E. Strawberry Drive Gilbert,  Arizona 85298 Reflection on Ramadan by Friends of Sabeel: During his ministry on earth, Jesus often ran into trouble with his own people by associating with those of different tribes and groups and by challenging the notions of a “chosen people” who were better than others.  He recognized the humanity of all, and freely associated with the gentiles, the Samaritans, the women, the vulnerable and those rejected by his society as less worthy of respect and dignity. As his followers, we can do no less. It is in this spirit that we view all people with dignity and respect and wish our Muslim si...

Sunday, February 22, 2026: Join the Emmaus Community for our celebration This Afternoon: The 22nd of February, 2026 Everyone is welcome to our table. Please join us in person at Christ Church United Methodist, Classroom 8 in Santa Rosa. We begin our celebration at 1:45 with a welcoming and then liturgy (the work of the people) – Steve Lyman, Pat O’Connor and all of us at 2:00.  Join Zoom Meeting using this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5193158573?omn=82705164138 Passcode: 1234 Or open Zoom on your browser and use this  Meeting ID: 519 315 8573 Passcode: 1234 Join us by Phone: Dial  +1(669) 900 6833,,5193158573# US (San Jose) +1(669) 444 9171,,5193158573# US Emmaus Liturgy February 22nd, 2026 The First Sunday of Lent:   THE NATURE OF GOD IS LOVE  Pat: Ring the Singing Bell:  Moment of Silence for us to Arrive WELCOME/INTRODUCTION :  Pat: Creating a Lenten Sacred Space:  Steve: Introduction to Today’s Liturgy  OPENING SONG:  HE’S G...

Saturday, February 21, 2026: Join the Emmaus Community for our celebration tomorrow – Sunday, The 22nd of February, 2026 Everyone is welcome to our table. Please join us in person at Christ Church United Methodist, Classroom 8 in Santa Rosa. We begin our celebration at 1:45 with a welcoming and then liturgy (the work of the people) – Steve Lyman, Pat O’Connor and all of us at 2:00.  Join Zoom Meeting using this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5193158573?omn=82705164138 Passcode: 1234 Or open Zoom on your browser and use this Meeting ID: 519 315 8573 Passcode: 1234 Join us by Phone:  Dial  +1(669) 900 6833,,5193158573# US (San Jose) +1(669) 444 9171,,5193158573# US Emmaus Liturgy February 22nd, 2026 The First Sunday of Lent:   THE NATURE OF GOD IS LOVE  Pat: Ring the Singing Bell:  Moment of Silence for us to Arrive WELCOME/INTRODUCTION:  Pat: Creating a Lenten Sacred Space:  Steve: Introduction to Today’s Liturgy  OPENING SONG:  HE’...

 Friday, February 20, 2026: That Constitution is founded in values, American values. We treat people with dignity and respect. Retired US special forces officer, Lt. Col. Anthony Aguilar A retired US special forces officer, Lt. Col. Anthony Aguilar (Ret), has revealed to the BBC why he resigned from his work with US- and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) aid distribution centers. 'I witnessed war crimes' in Gaza, former aid worker tells BBC "I witnessed the Israeli Defense Forces shooting at the crowds of Palestinians," Anthony Aguilar told the BBC. He added that in his entire career he has never witnessed such a level of "brutality and use of indiscriminate and unnecessary force against a civilian population, an unarmed, starving population". Lt. Col. Anthony Aguilar (Ret.): “After 25 years of service in the United States Army, I hung up my uniform, but I did not hang up my oath. My oath is to the Constitution of the United States. That Const...

Thursday, February 19, 2026: anything can be solved at a table with a good meal, along with a slice of apple pie the way you like it warm from the oven From Calling Humanity to the Table by Brenda Bishop In the old ways, power was never loud. It did not scream or demand allegiance. Power lived in hands that knew how to feed others. Power lived where fire was tended and ingredients were honored. My grandmother once said that anything could be solved at a table with a good meal, along with a slice of apple pie the way you like it warm from the oven smelling of cinnamon and vanilla, hearty foods. Not erased. Not forgiven. But softened enough to be faced. Hunger sharpens fear. Nourishment lowers defenses. When people eat, they remember themselves. So, the table becomes sacred space.  The pot becomes a cauldron. The recipe becomes a spell passed down, not written. Butter Bean Curry is made for winter nights when the world feels brittle and split at the seams. Creamy coconut milk holds ...

Wednesday, February 16, 2026:  Lent: a lengthening; a leaning and a stretching. A pull towards a better kind of light. A Blessing by  John O'Donohue: Blessed be the longing that brought you here and that quickens your soul with wonder. May you have the courage to befriend your eternal longing. May you enjoy the critical and creative companionship of the question  "Who am I?" and may it brighten your longing. May a secret Providence guide your thought and shelter your feeling. May your mind inhabit your life with the same sureness with which your body belongs to the world. May the sense of something absent enlarge your life. May your soul be as free as the ever-new waves of the sea. May you succumb to the danger of growth. May you live in the neighborhood of wonder. May you belong to love with wildness of Dance. May you know that you are ever embraced in the kind circle of God.   Meditation on Lent and Light: I’m observing Lent for the first time in twenty years, tent...