All about Agape
Remember all those wonderful things that were done for you during your Walk to Emmaus, Face to Face Encounter or Chrysalis Flight? Those were the physical hands and feet of God reaching down to you! Pay it forward (and get blessed) by working a weekend/event yourself. You will be amazed everything that is done and it will even give your event even more special meaning!
How do I sign up?
If you have attended a previous Walk to Emmaus, Face to Face Encounter or Chrysalis Flight, then you are eligible to come and work. Men work the Men’s weekends & likewise, women work the Women’s weekends. Anyone can work a Face to Face Encounter or Chrysalis Flight.
An Agape Director is assigned to lead the Agape team for each Event (a different volunteer for each). He/she has a team of Agape leaders to head up the different areas & then people like you show up & serve.
We’d like you to register so we can do a little better job planning - for the Agape Directors & Cooks! Click on the ‘Sign UP to Work Agape’ button above the photo, complete & submit. However, if you aren’t sure and don’t get signed up, don’t let that stop you - just show up!
How do I know where the Walk/Encounter is located?
Check out the ‘Events’ tab above for the corresponding event you are looking for. You can also find us on Facebook (search for the Iowa Walk to Emmaus or Iowa Chrysalis page) and ‘Like’ the page to receive updates on your newsfeed. You can also check out the Rooster Tales newsletter (available electronically or on this website - Resources>Newsletter) for all kinds of information on upcoming Events.
I know where the event is located, but where do I go once I get to the church?
Emmaus: Come to the host church anytime from Thursday evening to Sunday afternoon. The room location of the Agape headquarters (fancy term for our ‘Agape hang-out’ room) varies, but if you are coming on Thursday evening between 6-7pm, come to the Registration location for Pilgrims. Both Pilgrims and Agape register at the table and they will get you headed in the right direction. If you come later on Thursday night or any other time on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, come in a main door of the church and ask the first person you see where the Agape group is meeting. If you don’t see anyone, use your nose to find the kitchen & ask the cooks where you should go.
Face to Face: Come to the host church anytime during the event. The room location of the Agape headquarters (fancy term for our ‘Agape hang-out’ room) varies, but if you are coming on the first day of the event, come to the Registration location for Pilgrims. Both Pilgrims and Agape register at the table and they will get you headed in the right direction. If you come anytime after registration, come in a main door of the church and ask the first person you see where the Agape group is meeting. If you don’t see anyone, use your nose to find the kitchen & ask the cooks where you should go.
Chrysalis: Come to the host church anytime from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon. The room location of the Agape headquarters (fancy term for our ‘Agape hang-out’ room) varies, but if you are coming on Friday evening between 6-7pm, come to the Registration location for Caterpillars. Both Caterpillars and Agape register at the table and they will get you headed in the right direction. If you come later on Friday night or any other time on Saturday or Sunday, come in a main door of the church and ask the first person you see where the Agape group is meeting. If you don’t see anyone, use your nose to find the kitchen & ask the cooks where you should go.
What should I bring?
Comfy clothes and shoes; your Bible; and bedding/pillow/toiletries/towel. Basically, bring the same kinds of things you brought as a Pilgrim or Caterpillar.
Agape spends quite a bit of time on their feet, so bring your most comfortable shoes.
If you will be there on the banquet day, please bring a white top, black bottoms, & black shoes to wear while we sing & serve. These clothes are NOT required, but if you have them, please bring them.
We also suggest that, if able, bring 2-liters of pop and some snacks to share. These can be homemade goodies or store-bought. Just think back to what you liked as a Pilgrim or Caterpillar & bring something along those lines.
What will I be doing on Agape?
You will be doing a variety of things to serve the Pilgrims/Caterpillars over the course of the weekend. Tasks vary from serving meals, cleaning bathrooms, vacuuming, praying, setting up rooms, taking down beds, carting around coffee, carrying luggage, setting tables, clearing tables, serving snacks, doing dishes, mopping floors, unloading/loading the trailer, singing, driving pilgrims to showers, smiling, helping, assisting as needed, etc., etc., etc., etc.
The work is varied, but very rewarding as we serve the Lord by serving these Pilgrims/Caterpillars during the events. There is also time scheduled when Agape will gather together for worship, prayer, communion, and fellowship.
How much does it cost?
Cost to serve the weekend as Agape is a suggested donation of $35. This helps cover the cost of meals that you will eat while working. If you come for just part of the event, a suggested donation of $5 per meal is requested.
You may pay:
Online - click the ‘Donate/Pay’ button above. Bring email receipt with you to your event.
At Registration - Pay the Registrar at the Registration Table if you arrive during registration
During the Event - Give your money to the Agape director or Agape computer person when you arrive
Please make checks payable to: Iowa Walk to Emmaus
Should I bring mail for Pilgrims & Caterpillars and/or table or pillow Agape gifts?
Yes! If you would like to bring mail for the Pilgrims/Caterpillars & Conference Room team, we encourage you to do so. A typical number in a (full) Conference Room is 60. (Approx 35 Pilgrims/Caterpillars & 25 team members). If you would like to bring table or pillow Agape, that is also encouraged! 60 is a good number to bring for Agape gifts. Bring them to the Agape headquarters room & label the container with number of items & desired use. Also include the date of the Event (i.e. 60 bookmarks for Table Agape/ Women’s Walk/ Feb 2022). See the Events tab for the current list of Pilgrims/Caterpillars & team if you would like to personalize your mail.
Please remember that gifts aren’t permitted to be given to Pilgrims/Caterpillars thru the Emmaus mail system. We encourage you to give those gifts after the weekend/event.
What if I have a physical limitation?
No problem! We have a variety of jobs on the Agape team & will have plenty for you to do even if you can’t walk around too much during the day. Praying in speakers in the Agape chapel; praying in the 72 hour prayer vigil room; discussing talks during the day; helping with computer tasks or mailroom tasks as needed; organizing Agape gifts; etc. are just some of the jobs that are needed during a weekend. We welcome you to come even if you feel you will be limited physically in helping.
Does it really matter if I come to work?
YES IT DOES . . . let’s say that again . . . YES IT DOES! It matters to the Lord & it matters to those you will come to serve & serve alongside. It’s not glamorous work, but it is worthwhile! The work done behind-the-scenes at the Events takes a lot of planning, a lot of time, and many, many people. “ Many hands make light work” is so true when it comes to working Agape.
Agape can be a wonderful time of fellowshipping with other believers & also a great time of sacrificial service to the Lord & His people. Agape is one way to show others the love of Jesus, which He so extravagantly shows us.
Philippians 2: 3-4 “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
I still have a question or two; how can I get in touch with someone?
Please email us at: iowaemmaus@gmail.com or leave us a message on Facebook. We will do our best to answer any questions you still have!
We can’t wait to see you at an upcoming event!
Our Team Resolution
The Iowa Walk to Emmaus Board of Directors Resolves to “Serve within the structures and guidelines of The Upper Room Emmaus Ministries programs." The IaWTE affirms that the Emmaus Ministries programs are founded on the Faith of The Gospel of Christ, focuses on the foundational features of Christian faith with the goal of living life in grace, and a new life based on a renewed relationship with God.
All Emmaus ministry leaders, lay and clergy, will be selected based on their assurance that they subscribe to this affirmation. They will be further admonished that there is not allowed any discussions, at tables or en mass, about any "hot button" or controversial social issues, such as abortion, homosexuality, political aspirations, immigration, and the like. The team leaders will ensure that team members agree to serve within these boundaries.