First United Methodist Church Richardson, Texas

Then Jesus said ... “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” - John 8:31-32

Walk to Emmaus... A Journey with Christ

"While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and walked with them." - Luke 24:15

The walk to Emmaus is:
• An experience of Christian spiritual renewal and formation that begins with a three-day short course in Christianity
• An opportunity to meet Jesus Christ in a new way as God’s grace and love is revealed to you through other believers

What is the Walk to Emmaus?

The Walk to Emmaus experience begins with the prayerful discernment and invitation from a sponsor. After one accepts this invitation, one completes an application. The Emmaus leaders prayerfully consider each applicant and in God’s time, the person is invited to attend a three-day experience of New Testament Christianity as a lifestyle.

Following the three-day experience, participants are joined together in small groups to support each other in their ongoing walk with Christ.

Through the formational process of accountable discipleship in small groups and participation in the Emmaus community, each participant’s individual gifts and servant-leadership skills are developed for use in the local church and its mission. Participants are encouraged to find ways to live out their individual call to discipleship in their home, church, and community.

The objective of Emmaus is to inspire, challenge, and equip the local church members for Christian action in their homes, churches, communities and places of work. Emmaus lifts up a way for our grace-filled lives to be lived and shared with others.

What happens on the Emmaus Weekend?

Participants enjoy three days of singing, learning, laughing, worshiping, reflecting, praying and participating in small groups. Discussions center around fifteen talks given by laity and clergy. These talks present the theme of God’s grace, how that grace comes alive in the Christian community and how it is expressed in the world. Participants will also discover how grace is real, how to a life of grace, and how to bring that grace to others.

Holy Communion is celebrated daily. Participants' understanding of the body of Christ and God's grace grows through the prayers and acts of anonymous service offered by the Emmaus community.

Particpants leave with an experience of Christian love in action that equip them for new levels of grace-filled service and leadership.

Who should go to Emmaus?

Emmaus is open to members of any Christian denomination. Emmaus is for the development of Christian leaders who:

• Are members of a local church
• Have a desire to strengthen their spiritual lives
• May have unanswered questions about their faith
• Understand that being a Christian involves responsibility
• Are willing to dedicate their everyday lives to God in an ongoing manner

How to Attend a Walk

A sponsor who has already attended an Emmaus weekend is required. If you are interested in learning more about attending, you may contact Dale Grantham - dmgrantham@gmail.com, 214-507-0419. He can answer questions and help you find a sponsor. Many of our church members have attended weekends and will be happy to sponsor you!

When

For schedule and an application, please go to the Dallas Emmaus Community website www.dallasemmaus.org.

What Happens After the Emmaus Weekend?

You are invited to have a closer walk with Christ for the rest of your life; this is called the Fourth Day. Those who attend a Walk to Emmaus are encouraged to:
• Expand their own spiritual lives through worship, study and active participation in their local church
• Become more active disciples of Christ in service to the world

To nurture this process of discipleship, the Emmaus movement offers specific opportunities:
   1. Groups of four to six people meet weekly to reflect on their spiritual journey and encourage one another in accountable discipleship.
   2. Monthly community gatherings enable Emmaus participants to meet for fellowship, worship and instruction.
   3. Community members are regularly informed of the support needs of upcoming Walk to Emmaus weekends, and other opportunities for servant leadership.