March Emmaus Gathering
March 6, 2010 at
First United Methodist Church in Jonesboro
with potluck at noon

A Journey with Christ

The Gospel of Luke relates the story of two disciples of Jesus who were going along the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus. As these two friends were walking together, they shared their hearts’ deepest concerns about the death of Jesus. An unknown person joined them and explained the scriptures as they walked.  Toward the end of the day’s travel, they urged the stranger to eat with them.  As the stranger took bread, blessed, broke and shared it with them, their eyes were opened, and they recognized the risen Christ. Then they rushed back to Jerusalem to share the Good News with others. (Luke 24:13-35)

How Do We Sponsor a Pilgrim?

1.    Pray for God’s leading in selection of a candidate. Pray for the person’s openness to God’s call to discipleship, not how to get him or her to go on a walk. 2.    Make an appointment with the person or couple for the purpose of discussing participation in Emmaus. 3.    Extend the invitation. Invite the prospective Pilgrim to attend for the sake of a more vital relationship with Christ. 4.    Ask the person to make a commitment by filling out the registration form. If the person is married, speak with both partners and encourage an equal commitment by both. 5.    Continue to pray for the prospective Pilgrim. 6.    Support the Walk through your prayers during the 72-Hour Prayer Vigil and your presence at Send-Off, Sponsor’s Hour, Candlelight and Closing.  Ask if you can help them while away from home. 7.    Encourage the Pilgrim in his or her Fourth Day involvement. Take the Pilgrim to Gatherings and help them find a Reunion Group. 8.    Help the Pilgrim apply their enthusiasm in Christian service. 9.    Inform the Pilgrim of ways to serve future Walks. 10.  Help the Pilgrim sponsor others.