Lagniappe Country Emmaus Community
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Go to www.lcwe.org for the latest dates and information
A Journey With Christ
The Gospel of St. Luke relates the story of the risen Christ appearing to two who were going along the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus. Two friends were walking together, sharing their hearts' deepest concerns. The risen Christ joined them and explained the scriptures as they walked, how it was ordained that Christ should suffer and so enter his glory. This experience on the road was a heart-warming experience as the risen Christ walked and talked with them. The illuminating climax of the experience was when Christ took bread and said the blessing, then broke it and gave it to them. The two had their eyes opened and they recognized him as the risen Christ and they rushed back to Jerusalem to tell others. (Luke 24:13-35)
What is the Walk to Emmaus
The above story provides the image for Emmaus, an Upper Room program that calls forth and renews Christian discipleship. Like its predecessor, Cursillo de Christiandad (Spanish for "short course in Christianity"), the Walk to Emmaus is a three-day experience which takes a New Testament look at Christianity as a lifestyle. It is a highly structured weekend designed to strengthen and renew the faith of Christian people, and through them their families, congregations and the world in which they live. Emmaus is a combined effort of laity and clergy toward the renewal of the church.
What Happens at Emmaus?
The "Walk to Emmaus" is a 72-hour experience. The weekend begins on Thursday evening and ends Sunday evening. At Emmaus you will spend three busy but very enjoyable days, in retreat. You will live and study together in singing, prayer, worship, and discussion. Discussions center around fifteen talks given by Laity and clergy. These talks present the theme of God's grace, and how that grace comes alive in the Christian Community and expresses itself in the world. You'll also discover how grace is real in your life, and how you can live in the life of grace, bringing grace to others. You will have the opportunity to participate in the daily celebration of Holy Communion, and to begin to understand more fully the presence of Christ in his body of believers. You will experience God's grace personally through prayers and acts of service of a living support community.
Purpose of Emmaus
The Focus of Emmaus is God as Known in Jesus Christ and how that finds expression in the local church. The objective of Emmaus is to inspire, challenge, and equip local church members for Christian action in their homes, churches, and places of work. Emmaus lifts up the way for our grace-filled life to be lived and shared with others.
Who Should Go To Emmaus
According to the Emmaus flyer published by the Upper room (1981), the Walk to Emmaus is for the development of Christian Leaders. They point out that pilgrims can be:
Individuals wishing to strengthen their spiritual lives
Christians who may have unanswered questions about prayer, study, evangelism/witnessing
Men and women who understand that being a Christian involves responsibility
Individuals willing to dedicate their everyday lives to God
Men and women in positions of responsibility in the church and world
More information about Emmaus can also be found on the National Upper Room Emmaus website.
The local Emmaus community, the Lagniappe Country Walk to Emmaus invites all who are interested in attending a Walk. Walks are held on the campus of Broadmoor United Methodist Church. For more information on upcoming Walk dates, contact information and application forms, visit the Lagniappe Country Walk to Emmaus web site www.lcwe.org , or contact BUMC member,
Dan Hill
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lagniappe - A Cajun word defined by Rev. Msgr. Jules O. Daigle, M.A., S.T.L. in A Dictionary of the Cajun Language as: "Tip, small gift made by seller to buyer as a reward (especially to children), any bonus or tip." Many of us in South Louisiana have come to use the term to mean "a little something extra."
