The Academy is a place where Christian faith is challenged, deepened, stretched, and confirmed all in the context of a shared experience led by faculty presenters, who invite you to reflect on your own spiritual journey and how God is at work in your life. For more information, check out the Academy or call the church office.

Retreats offer us an opportunity to build an intimate relationship with Jesus by giving him our undivided attention for a week or weekend. This highly structured weekend is designed to strengthen and renew your faith and, through you, your families and congregations.

WHAT HAPPENS ON THE EMMAUS WEEKEND?

The Walk to Emmaus is a 72-hour experience of Christian spiritual renewal and formation. You will enjoy three busy days singing, learning, laughing, praying, worshiping, and participating in small groups. Discussions center around fifteen talks given by laity and clergy. The theme of each talk is God’s grace, how that grace comes alive in the Christian community, and how it expresses itself in the world. You’ll also discover how grace is real in your life, how you live a life of grace, and bring grace to others. You will have the opportunity to participate in the daily celebration of Holy Communion and to understand more fully the body of Christ. You will experience God’s grace through the prayers and acts of anonymous service offered by the Emmaus community. You will leave with an experience of Christian love in action that will equip you for new levels of grace-filled service and leadership.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTERWARD?

You are invited to walk with Christ for the rest of your life. Those who attend a Walk to Emmaus are encouraged to servant-leadership and 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. First, groups of four to six people meet weekly to reflect on their spiritual journey and encourage one another in accountable discipleship. Second, there are monthly community gatherings where Emmaus participants meet for fellowship, worship, and instruction. Third, through a newsletter, members become aware of support needs for upcoming Walks and other opportunities for servant-leadership.

THE PURPOSE OF EMMAUS

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

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.