Gathering the body scattered: Developing a prototype process to deepen commitment and belonging for St. John's, Waterbury

This paper outlines the design, rationale and results of a two day retreat experience based on Luke's story of the Emmaus Journey (Luke 24.13-35). These "Emmaus Events" are designed to provide and opportunity for the members of St. John's Episcopal Church in Waterbury, Connecticut, to examine and expand both their own spiritual lives and their commitment to their community of faith.; The need for such a process of commitment and belonging is a result of St. John's remarkable diversity (in terms of class, race, educational background and economic conditions) and scatteredness--members come from 19 different towns in central Connecticut. That need is outlined and described in the opening chapter.; The design process is described and evaluated in terms of those involved and the theological content of the Emmaus Events. The design team included the author and eight members of the parish. The design took nearly a year.; The two foci of the paper are how the Emmaus Events seek to cross the boundaries between the three cultural groups outlined by Tex Sample in U.S. Lifestyles and Mainline Churches (Westminster Press, 1990) and how Anglican theology is accessible in the embedded practice of Prayer Book piety.; There have been four Emmas Events, involving 70 members of the parish since the design was completed. The first two events are evaluated in the penultimate chapter of the paper. Those early results seem to indicate that the retreats do deepen both the individual spirituality of the participants and their commitment to St. John's.; This paper deals with issues of building community in diverse congregations, the value of retreat experiences in developing individual spirituality, the unique contribution of Anglican piety to spiritual development and the theological ramifications of each of the other three issues.