SPONSORSHIP

Sponsorship is one of the most important activities we do for The Walk to Emmaus. It is the cornerstone of the movement because if we are not sponsoring pilgrims, we can’t have walks. Wise sponsorship is surrounded by prayer.

The purpose of Emmaus is to renew the Church as the body of the risen Christ in the world through the renewal of Christians as faithful and committed disciples of Jesus Christ. Emmaus expands participant’s spiritual lives, deepens their discipleship, and rekindles their gifts as Christian leaders in their churches and communities.

Qualities of a Good Candidate/Pilgrim

• He/She should already have a relationship with Jesus Christ and want to grow in their faith.
• He/She must be willing to give their full attention to the 72-hour Emmaus experience without being distracted by personal problems or needs at work or at home.

Steps of Sponsorship

1. Pray – Seek God’s direction in identifying candidates. Pray for the individual God directs you to and pray that the person will be open to God’s call to discipleship.
2. Make an Appointment – Meet personally to share your experience and discuss Emmaus. Offer Emmaus to married couples together. If one of the couple does not want to attend, and the couple is in agreement to allow the other to go, they may attend the walk.
3. Extend an Invitation – Invite the prospective pilgrim to attend. Share your faith and explain the basic elements of the Walk, its purpose, and follow-up including group reunions and gatherings.
4. Obtain a Commitment – Have a registration form with you and ask the person to complete the registration and answer any questions they may have. Mail the registration forms, with deposit, to the registrar as soon as the application is completed.
5. Pre-walk Preparation – Continue to pray for the pilgrim(s). Agape Letters – Ten to twelve agape letters from family and close friends are to be obtained by the sponsor. These letters are to be labeled “Spouse”, “Family”, “Close Friend” on the outside of the envelope, tied with bright colored ribbon and brought to the weekend no later than Saturday night. The special agape letters will be given Sunday afternoon. All other Friend/Family letters or general letters will be placed in an overflow bag and given to the sponsor at closing to give to the pilgrim on their way home. Ask the individuals writing letters to pray for the pilgrim. Contact their pastor and ask them to write a letter and pray for them too.
6. Week-end responsibilities
   1. Send-off- Sponsors are responsible for bringing the pilgrim to the Walk site. If the sponsor is unable to bring the pilgrim to send-off, arrangements should be made with someone else from the community to bring the pilgrim. Pilgrims should never drive themselves to the Walk. Assist your pilgrim in finding their room, making the bed and meeting people.
   2. Sponsor’s Hour- Each pilgrims’ cross is held and prayed over by the sponsor. If a sponsor cannot attend Sponsor’s Hour, arrangements should be made for someone to represent the sponsor.
   3. Candlelight- Attending candlelight shows your support for your pilgrim. However, a sponsor may need to provide child care for your pilgrims’ family so their spouse can attend candlelight.
   4. Closing- Sponsors are responsible for returning their pilgrim home after the Walk. Father their belonging, pick up their overflow letter agape bags and share in the Closing service and Communion service with you pilgrim.
   5. Support – support your pilgrim through your participation in the 72 hour prayer vigil. Support your pilgrims’ family and offer to help in any way you can.
7. Fourth Day Responsibilities – Spend some time with your pilgrim after their Walk and allow them to share their experience. Invite them to your Reunion Group or assist them in creating a new group. Bring them to the Follow-up meeting after their weekend. Take them with you to the first gathering after their walk. Encourage them in their walk with Christ. Inform your new fourth day person of ways to serve the Emmaus community and how to get involved in future walks. Share with them the meaning of agape service and love. Help them sponsor others. Make sure you have set the best example for them to follow.

Next Walk:

Men's #33:
June 21-24, 2012

Women's #34:
June 28-July 1, 2012

Candelight
Saturday, 8:30 p.m.

Closing
Sunday, 4:30 p.m.

Location:
Corning United Methodist Church