Port Elizabeth Emmaus Community

In Luke 24 we read the story of the Risen Christ appearing to two who were walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus. He explained the Scriptures and their hearts were warmed. Their eyes were only fully opened to recognise Him when Christ took bread, blessed and broke it. Filled with joy they rushed back to Jerusalem to share the news with the other disciples.

The story provides the image for the Emmaus movement which came to South Africa in 1990 from the United Methodist Church in the USA, which in turn developed it from the Spanish Roman Catholic Cursillo de Christiandad (a short course in Christianity) which started in the late 1940's. The movement is true to Protestant theology and is ecumenical in practice. God is using Emmaus in Southern Africa to bring reconciliation between races and renewal to Christians and their Church communities.

Emmaus aims to inspire, challenge and equip local church members for Christian Action in their homes, church communities and places of work. It provides a means by which we can grow together in love and servanthood as members of the Body of Christ.

The "Walk to Emmaus" is a 72 hour experience (Thursday evening to Sunday evening). The time is spent studying, discussing, worshipping and living together, beginning with a time of silent preparation from bedtime on Thursday night until breakfast on Friday morning. 15 Talks delivered by clergy and laity, form the basis of discussions and projects. These present the themes of God's Grace and how grace comes alive in the Christian Community and expresses itself in the world. You will have the opportunity to celebrate Holy Communion daily and begin to understand more fully the Presence of Christ in the Body of His Believers. This is enhanced by the prayers and acts of love of a living support community, locally and around the world.