Hoosier Hills Emmaus

 

 

Greetings Emmaus Community,

I hope you’ve all been enjoying your summer. As I write this, we’re closing out the last days of July, and it’s been a busy month for the board. I’d like to share some key updates.

As a board, we made the difficult decision to cancel the Fall 2026 Walks. We can’t overstate how hard this decision was, but we felt that in order to be successful going forward, we needed to first address the basics. In the months ahead, you’ll see our focus turn toward rebuilding our board team and renewing our training and development in several key areas. We continue to pray for your support and for God’s guidance as we strive to be the hands and feet of Jesus and move forward.

Board and Team Updates:

• New Trainer. The board has identified a new trainer candidate. The process involves the candidate submitting an application to the Upper Room, following a letter of endorsement from our board. From there, training begins, culminating in a certification test.
• New Board Members. The board has approved two new members — please help me welcome Jennifer Irwin and Randy Garcia! We’re excited for them to join, and grateful for the experience and commitment they bring to our community.
• Registrar Transition. Bonita Page has decided to pass the torch, and Rynn Strange and Kristi O’Dell have taken over the Registrar role. We’re deeply grateful for all Bonita has given over the years — she will be missed. Stay tuned for more from Rynn and Kristi as we get closer to the 2027 Spring Walks.
• New Treasurer. We’re pleased to announce that Phil Sell will be taking over as Treasurer. As we transition from Nina to Phil, please give him time to get his bearings.  A special thanks to Nina for all she has done for our community as treasurer.  
• Recruitment & Team Selection. Finally, and importantly, Amanda Wease and Larry Gehl will serve as co-heads of recruitment and team selection. They’ll manage the pipeline of those tracking toward Lay Director and support team selection for our Walks. They are looking for folks interested in serving on a team. We’ll continue to follow the “one-third” rule: 
  • one-third who have never servers on a walk
  • one-third who have served on a walk 1-3 times, limited experience.  
  • one-third who have served on multiple walks.

Important Dates:

Community Gathering

Date: Friday, August 7, 2026

Where: Orleans Wesleyan Camp, 1617 S Maple St, Orleans, IN 47452

Time: 6:00 PM

Meat will be provided 

This gathering will include a love offering to the camp, given that we had to cancel the Fall Walks. We’re grateful for your support — our goal is $500 minimum.

 

2027 Spring Walks

Men’s Walk — date TBA

Women’s Walk — date TBA

 

In closing, we are grateful for such a loving community as we work to rebuild and restore trust within our Hoosier Hills Emmaus family. Each one of you matters to the board, but more importantly, you matter to Jesus. With your continued support as we strive to be the hands and feet of Jesus in our community, new pilgrims can continue to experience the same gift you received on your Walk. Let’s keep inviting everyone to the table, celebrating our shared commitment, friendships, and love for Christ as the ecumenical community we have always been.

De Colores,

Anjee Browning, CLD

317-750-7591