St Paul’s currently runs three ‘Emmaus’ groups. The groups are led and made up of people from the congregation and elsewhere, both people who profess to have a Christian faith, and those who do not. All are welcome.

The name ‘Emmaus’ refers to a story in the Bible. After the crucifixion, and what seems like the dashing of all their hopes, two of Jesus’s disciples flee Jerusalem. On the road to Emmaus they meet with Jesus, but for some reason they do not recognise him. They talk with the stranger who unfolds the meaning of the scriptures and recent events to them. When he breaks bread at the table to share supper with them the scales fall from their eyes and they recognise the resurrected Christ.

The groups are called ‘Emmaus groups’ because they reflect the Emmaus story of being on a spiritual journey, and trying to comprehend what it means to be a follower of Jesus. While there is a specific resource for Churches to use called Emmaus, at St Paul’s the group leaders, with the group members, essentially decide what they would like to look at rather than follow a set pattern.

The groups meet every two weeks or so during an evening from about 7:30 to 9 at someone’s home. The format of the meetings vary depending on the material being used, but often include Bible readings, prayer and discussion. Meetings I have attended have also included videos, music, art and also general discussions of various topics of interest to the group.

One group member has described it thus -

as a place where you can listen to others’ experiences of faith and a chance to develop closer friendships. Rarely do we have the opportunity to discuss what we really believe and what we find hard to accept – I have found the group exciting, challenging and hugely enjoyable.

In the Emmaus story, after discovering that it was Jesus that was with them, the disciples say ‘Weren’t our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road’. The Emmaus groups are there for people who have felt this, and also for those who have not.

If you would like to discuss joining a group, or have any other questions, please phone Paul Roberts on 0117 377 1086, or email him on This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it for more details.