The first walk to Emmaus took place a couple of thousand years ago. Two “pilgrims” were walking a seven mile stretch of road from Jerusalem to a village called Emmaus when a stranger appeared and inquired as to what they were discussing. They reviewed the events of the past days: a prophet, Jesus of Nazareth, was crucified unjustly by the Roman government and was laid in a tomb three days before. They had thought him to be the redeemer of Israel. However, now that he was dead, all hope was lost. Suddenly they realized they were being visited by the risen Christ. After he was gone they said, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked to us on the road?"

Ready for some heart burn of your own? Maybe you should take a walk to Emmaus.

That account of the first Walk to Emmaus was recorded by an ancient physician named Luke. (The Gospel of Luke, Chapter 24, verses 13-35.) The story ends with the pilgrims exclaiming, “The Lord is risen indeed…” Their experience led them to move from seeing Jesus as a mere prophet to being the risen Lord. Perhaps you would benefit from such a transforming experience and energized spiritual vision. Maybe you really should take a walk to Emmaus.

The Walk To Emmaus is a product of The Upper Room, an agency of the United Methodist Church located in Nashville, TN. However, people from many denominations go on each walk. The Walk to Emmaus is ecumenical, or nondenominational. The essentials of the Christian faith are celebrated with an accent on those features that Christians have traditionally held in common. Similar the Cursillo movement within the Roman Catholic and Episcopalian churches which originated in Spain, the Walk to Emmaus is for the intended purpose of “the development of Christian disciples and leaders.” Since the late 1970's the Walk to Emmaus has been occurring in Iowa, just one part of a world-wide movement.

Upcoming walks:

Men: February 20-23

Women: February 27-March 2

Both at West Des Moines United Methodist Church,

720 Grand Ave. West Des Moines, IA. 

Downloadable Application(Please fill out page one and submit to the office)    

More Information       

If you have any questions please feel free to ask the many people of Gowrie UMC that have attended a walk. (Contact the office for a list.)