Emmaus Blog

Saturday, January 31, 2026:  Jesus repeatedly chose to teach through story and parable, revealing what God was “like” “We have come in accordance with the counsel of Jesus to cut down our arrogant swords of argument into plowshares, and we convert into sickles the spears we formerly used in fighting. For we no longer take swords against a nation, nor do we learn anymore to make war, having become sons of peace for the sake of Jesus, who is our Lord.” -  Origen of Alexandria Most Christians today don’t know that the early centuries of Christianity—through authoritative teachers like Origen, Cyril of Alexandria, Augustine, and Gregory the Great— encouraged as many as seven “senses” of Scripture.   The 1. literal,  2. historical, 3. allegorical, 4. moral, 5. symbolic, 6. eschatological (the trajectory of history and growth), and 7. “primordial” or archetypal (commonly agreed-upon symbolism) levels of a text were often given serious weight among scholars. These levels we...

Tuesday, January 27, 2026: We celebrate the brilliant life of Mary A. Dixon August 29, 1942 ~ December 13, 2025 (age 83) Mary Dixon lived a beautiful life, loved her family and friends deeply, and inspired many with her unwavering spirit.  On December 13th, Mary passed away peacefully in her home in Sonoma, surrounded by loved ones. She was 83 years old.   Those who knew Mary will remember her infectious smile, her gift for laughter, and her rare ability to brighten the day of anyone she met – whether through her ministry, at the local gym, or while walking the Sonoma bike path. Though her physical presence is gone, her spirit remains a light to all who knew her. A celebration of Mary’s life will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 1:30 pm at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 16290 Arnold Drive in Sonoma. Mary was born on August 29, 1942 in Chicago, Illinois to Elbert and Yvonne Padgett, the second of four daughters (Johanna, Carole, and Catherine). At age nine, the f...

Monday, January 26, 2026: Vigil for Alex Pretti in Santa Rosa: on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 Time: 5:30 (We have been asked to bring candles or a flashlight, glowsticks, tea candles  -- something to make light.  Where: 2285 Challenger Way in Santa Rosa - at the corner of Corporate Center Parkway. Victoria is definitely going to attend. Join her if you can!

Sunday, January 25, 2026: Please  Join us TODAY for our Sunday Celebration with our community greeting at 1:45 followed by liturgy at 2:00PM and a potluck and conversation after the liturgy. Everyone Welcome! In person at:  Christ Church United Methodist 1717 Yulupa Avenue, Santa Rosa, California 95405 Or Join us on Zoom:  Join Zoom Meeting using this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5193158573?omn=83090356325 Passcode: 1234 Or use open Zoom from your browser and use the Meeting ID and Passcode Meeting ID: 519 315 8573 Passcode: 1234 If joining by phone: One tap mobile +16699006833,,5193158573# US (San Jose) +16694449171,,5193158573# US Emmaus Intentional Eucharistic Community  Liturgical Order of Service for Sunday, January 25, 2026  Peter: Rings the singing bowl X 3 to gather everyone so that we may begin our liturgy. Welcomes all, introduces any new or visiting people.  Victoria Introduces our theme, “ Call ” for tonight’s liturgy with a few words.  ...

Saturday, January 24, 2026: Please  Join us tomorrow for our Sunday Celebration with our community greeting at 1:45 followed by liturgy at 2:00PM and a potluck and conversation after the liturgy. Everyone Welcome! In person at:  Christ Church United Methodist 1717 Yulupa Avenue, Santa Rosa, California 95405 Or Join us on Zoom:  Join Zoom Meeting using this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5193158573?omn=83090356325 Passcode: 1234 Or use open Zoom from your browser and use the Meeting ID and Passcode Meeting ID: 519 315 8573 Passcode: 1234 If joining by phone: One tap mobile +16699006833,,5193158573# US (San Jose) +16694449171,,5193158573# US Emmaus Intentional Eucharistic Community  Liturgical Order of Service for Sunday, January 25, 2026  Peter: Rings the singing bowl X 3 to gather everyone so that we may begin our liturgy. Welcomes all, introduces any new or visiting people.  Victoria Introduces our theme, “ Call ” for tonight’s liturgy with a few words....

Thursday, January 22, 2026: Our education Committee is  inviting us to participate in a 3rd video of their 4-part series entitled  Kataphatic Prayer: Opening to God Through Symbol and Story. Our Education Committee is inviting us to participate in a 3rd video of the 4-part series. This one focuses on Kataphatic Prayer: Opening to God Through Symbol and Story. Kataphatic Prayer is ofen referred to as  "Praying with your eyes open" as opposed to silent prayer or reflection: "praying with your eyes closed." Nancy and Bob McFarland have graciously offered their home once again as the site of the video and discussion. Date: 2/4/26 at 1pm.  All are invited.  Please let Nancy know ahead. By Phone: (707) 773-0904. or (707) 280-4705 Email: rnmcfar1938@yahoo.com Nancy and Bob live at 2404 Marylyn Circle,  Petaluma, CA 94954 The kataphatic, or affirmative, way of prayer seeks to describe God, and to express what or who God is in terms of what God is like, in order to...

Wednesday, January 21, 2026:  For those unfamiliar with the term, what is “Christian nationalism”? PART 3: James Talarico Interview with Ezra Klein:  For those unfamiliar with the term, what is “Christian nationalism”? You can define it a lot of different ways. I define it as the worship of power in the name of Christ. I define it that way because I want us to see it as part of a very long tradition. How do they define it? “They” being the people who would self-identify with it. I would think they would define it as wanting a Christian nation. But again, these politicians want a Christian nation — unless it means providing health care to the sick or funding food assistance for the hungry or raising the minimum wage for the poor. It seems like they want to base our laws on the Bible until they read the words of Jesus: Welcome the stranger, liberate the oppressed, put away your sword, sell all your possessions, and give the money to the poor. I mean, I’m not exactly sure a Chri...