About Sandhills Emmaus

 

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 weekend, support the 72-hour experience with a prayer vigil, by preparing and serving meals, and other acts of love and self-giving. The Emmaus Walk typically begins Thursday evening and concludes Sunday evening. Men and women attend separate weekends.

 

During and after the three days, Emmaus leaders encourage participants to meet regularly in small groups. The members of the small groups challenge and support one another in faithful living. Participants seek to Christianize their environments of family, job, and community through the ministry of their congregations. 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.

 

The main event begins on Thursday evening and ends Sunday evening, although the spiritual experience and fellowship continues.

 

There are usually 2 walks scheduled in the Spring (1 Men's Walk & 1 Women's Walk), and 2 in the Fall (1 Men's Walk & 1 Women's Walk). The men's walks usually occur 2 weeks prior to the women's.

 

The Sandhills Emmaus Community includes those living in the Sandhills region who have completed their "pilgrimage" on the Walk to Emmaus. Counties represented in our community include Scotland, Moore, Richmond, Lee, Chatham, Hoke, Robeson, Marlboro, and Cumberland.

 

To get involved in Emmaus, each person must have a sponsor who has already attended Emmaus him- or herself. If you have a friend who has been to Emmaus, ask your friend to tell you about his or her experience with the program, and if they would sponsor you.

 

If you don't know anyone who has been to Emmaus, contact one of the community's representative and ask him or her to help you consider attending Emmaus and finding a sponsor.