THE WALK TO EMMAUS -- CHRYSALIS

The Walk to Emmaus is a spiritual renewal program intended to strengthen the local church through the development of Christian disciples and leaders.  The Upper Room, a ministry unit of the General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church, sponsors the Walk to Emmaus and offers it through local Emmaus groups around the world.  Although connected through The Upper Room to the United Methodist Church, the Walk to Emmaus is ecumenical.

The Walk to Emmaus experience begins with a 72-hour short course in Christianity, comprised of fifteen talks by lay and clergy on the themes of God's grace, disciplines of Christian discipleship, and what it means to be the church.  The course is wrapped in prayer and meditation, special times of worship and daily celebration of Holy Communion.  The "Emmaus community," made up of those who have attended an Emmaus or Chrysalis weekend, support the 72-hour experience with prayer, by preparing and serving meals, and other acts of love and self-giving.  The Emmaus Walk begins Thursday evening and concludes Sunday evening.  Men and women attend separate weekends.

After the three days, participants are encouraged to meet regularly in small groups.  The members of the small groups challenge and support one another in faithful living.  Several of these small groups have been meeting for several years in our church.  The three-day Emmaus experience and follow-up groups strengthen and renew Christian people as disciples of Jesus Christ and as active members of the body of Christ in mission to the world.

A program similar to Emmaus is available in our community for youth.  Chrysalis is for the development of Christian youth who wish to gain a fuller understanding of God's love, may have questions about prayer, study, and Christian action, understand that being a Christian involves responsibility, and are open to dedicating everyday life to God.

Our local Emmaus Community, the "Northern California/Nevada Walk to Emmaus," sponsors walks two or three times a year.

This experience is so fulfilling, that groups who have gone through maintain contact and have regular reunion meetings. 

If you are interested in attending a walk, talk to one of the many men and women in the congregation who have attended for more information.  If you are interested in attending a Chrysalis Flight, contact Pat or Kathy Redmond or one of the many youth from the congregation who have "flown with Christ."