Planted at the corner of Summit and Yout for over fifty years, Emmaus has seen change going on all around us. The make up of our neighborhood has changed, and we are being challenged to continue to reach out to those around us in new ways. Little did we expect outside “missionaries” like Nancy Smith and Jhon Freddy Correa to arrive from out of the state and out of the country to help us accomplish our task of spreading the Good News to all of God’s people. We give God thanks for their tireless work in spreading the Gospel message.

This past weekend was a big step for Emmaus. In the midst of economic uncertainty all around us, the vote at the congregational meeting was to extend a three-year term call to Jhon Freddy Correa. Some of the initial funding will come from the generous $45,000 grant from the Bethania LACE endowment fund. Other support comes from the Greater Milwaukee Synod, area ELCA congregations and from the national church. Our current operating budget will not fund this ministry, with the exception of providing the church building and parsonage. While we do not yet know how this new endea-vor will be sustained in the long term, work is already taking place to be creative to support this ministry for the long haul. We are trusting that God will continue to provide as we move forward.

As I stated at the congregational meeting the last Sunday in June, our most challenging work may very well be that of communication, relationship building and becoming the wider community God calls us to be. I am very aware that there are concerns, both on the part of the longtime Emmaus members as well as of those who are worshiping in the Latino community. It is the stated goal of our leaders to make it a priority to listen and to be attentive to the needs of everyone. We do not want anyone to be left out—whether it be a lifelong member who now may be homebound or a Spanish speaking person who is new to the Lutheran church. There is room enough for all in the Kingdom of God, and we are now committed to model that on the corner of Summit and Yout.

This moving forward wouldn't be possible without the prayers, support and encouragement of so many, including our bishop and our national church leaders. They, together with members of Emmaus and other ELCA congregations in Racine, have expressed support for our expanding ministry at Emmaus. May we remember that it is our God who leads us on this faith journey and who will guide and care for us along the way.

Your traveling partner,