COMPANIONS IN CHRIST
Robust, dynamic, savory, passionate, warm, full of life, self-motivated, lively, diverse – are these words you think of when someone says Bible study?!?! If you had to choose a study that would appeal and allow growth for individuals at all different places on the spiritual journey, where would you turn? Can you imagine filling 28 weeks with reading, meditating, listening, praying, following, trusting, sharing, even arts and crafts? And can you imagine finishing up after that study with 10-15 new friends who all love Christ?
If you participated in Companions In Christ, you know that this is all possible. Let me share with you some of the comments made by participants in the most recent classes.
“In looking back on the course just completed, I now recognize that this opportunity is the closest I have come to experiencing what the band of disciples must have felt being together those three years with Jesus and the time after his resurrection until they split up to answer the call they had been given. I was surprised at the diversity in the group yet we were able to blend and mesh. We accepted the diversity and shared the common ground. I expressed passionately on some things and found acceptance but also the other perspective. We all gained love for each other and a deeper understanding of our relationship with God, Jesus and each other. There were moments of intimacy and feeling very close to Christ. We celebrated our gifts and graces and became more like Christ. Chances like this are rare and I am so glad I said yes.” - Anne Jordan
“ ‘Companions in Christ’ has allowed me to deepen my faith through group study. Journeying with companions who bring different faith stories and experiences was very rewarding. It was incredible to learn more the faith of others in our congregation and to share my story. Companions helped me to bring a spiritual and meditative aspect to my prayers. I also learned to be more thoughtful in my bible study, which has allowed me to deepen my understanding of the scriptures. The Companions group was outstanding and very welcoming to someone who is relatively new to the church. You will gain from this study no matter what point you have reached in your faith journey.” - Daryl Taylor
“Through the study, Christ has shown me a world outside of myself that I need to grow in to. The questions at the end of the chapters helped to bring the study into our day and time and engage us. I liked examining my inner self and developing the breath prayer. Finding out our spiritual gifts and having each name what they saw in us was enlightening. I learned forgiveness on a deeper level. The bible study not only teaches us the past, but brings Christ teachings into our world and helps us figure out ways of showing Him to today's society.” - Ellen Downs
"I enjoyed the class because it was another time other than Sunday to come together with fellow Christians. It was a time to learn from not only the book and Diane, but from one another. Diane was an excellent teacher and gave us a safe environment for discussing our ideas, thoughts, and faith. This was an interactive Bible study like no other I have ever known." - Cheryl Griner
“Companions in Christ was truly a light in my darkness. The opportunity to
reflect on my faith while being supported by the others was a gift. I would encourage others that are in difficult, life changing situations to
take Companions. They won't be sorry.” - Patsy Hinson Mullis
“Companions allowed me to experience Christ in new ways. My mind was opened to new ideas, concepts and disciplines. Companions offers great fellowship and sharing. I highly recommend the class to anybody who wants to grow in their faith.” - Kim Shafer
“One of the most powerful parts of the whole class was each of us telling our faith story. There were differences and similarities, but the last word is that we are all Christians traveling this journey together. It was great to be able to tell your story and remember how each one of us got where we are in our faith journey.” - Ann Trammell
Do you remember where you were when you were first aware of God’s presence? Do you have memories of faithful teachers or mentors? Is your talent best expressed through words, music, or art? No matter your answer, you will find Companions In Christ will bring out unexpected gifts and memories.
Join us on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. beginning September 9th. Contact Dianne Donald at ddonald@hgumc.com if you would like to take part of this experience!
| EMMAUS COMMUNITY
What is Emmaus?
The Walk to Emmaus was established to develop Christian leadership in the local church and discipleship in the world around us. It encourages a closer relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. The weekend is for adults over the age of 18. There is a weekend designed for youth called Chrysalis. The weekend itself is a 72 hour experience beginning Thursday evening through Sunday evening. Fifteen talks are given by clergy and lay speakers. Participants study, discuss, and experience God's grace and how that grace comes alive in the Christian community. Read the Upper Room's more detailed description here.
History of EmmausThe Walk to Emmaus is based on the story of two disciples walking along the road between Jerusalem and the village of Emmaus shortly after Christ's resurrection. As the two were discussing the events of the past few days, the risen Christ joined them. But they were kept from recognizing him. He explained that the Christ must suffer before receiving his glory. Later he joined the two for supper. As he blessed and broke the bread, the eyes of the disciples were opened and they recognized this stranger as the risen Christ. But then he disappeared from their sight. They immediately returned to Jerusalem to spread the word that Christ had indeed risen. (Luke 24:13-35)
This story is the background for the Walk to Emmaus weekend. Just as Christ appeared to the disciples and explained the Scriptures to them, pilgrims on their walk learn, strengthen, and renew the faith of Christian people. This is done in an atmosphere of love, friendship, and prayer. The Walk to Emmaus program began in the US in 1977 and is overseen internationally by The Upper Room in Nashville, TN. Its format comes from church renewal, called Cursillo de Christiandad or "short course in Christianity," begun in 1949 in Spain. Millions of persons the world over have made a Cursillo weekend. Click here for the original story of how Cursillo de Christiandad got started. There are similar programs: Cursillo, Tres Dias, Via de Cristo, DeColores Ministries, or Kairos (prison ministries). Also, related weekends are held in many areas for youth and college-aged folks under such names as Chrysalis, Happenings, Rainbow, Vida Nueva, Epiphany (youth prison ministry), and others. Should I attend?You might be interested in hearing what others have said about their weekend experience. Read the testimonies of several people who have been on one of these weekends. If you decide you are interested in attending an Emmaus weekend, you will first need to find a sponsor. Anyone who has attended a weekend described above (Emmaus, Chrysalis, Cursillo, etc.) can sponsor you. Your sponsor should be someone who knows you well. Sponsorship is an important duty, and not one to be taken lightly. They will work with you to guide you through the application process, answer any questions you have, and envelop you in prayer before, during, and after your weekend. Central Carolinas Emmaus Community is a body of believers who stand ready to help you in your faith journey. Still have questions?We want to help you in your faith journey and church leadership role. If you have questions about attending a specific weekend, finding a sponsor, or Emmaus in general, please contact us for more information. FELLOWSHIP DINNER GROUPS Join a Fellowship Dinner Group today!
Groups of 8-10 individuals or couples will be organized to meet for dinner once a month for 6 months. That’s it! Just good people, good food, and a guaranteed good time. After filling out this form, please place in the offering plate or in the Family Life box by August 19th. Your group coordinator will contact you regarding your first Fellowship Dinner Group meeting. |