Agape on an Emmaus Walk are the items and letters given to pilgrims and team members to surround them in love doing the walk. This can be divided into three parts: the small items given during the walk and placed on the dining table or beds, the personal letters expressing agape love to them, and the snacks provided for them during the walk.

Agape can be left with team leadership or any board member prior to the walk.

Table/Bed Agape

These are the small items for everyone which usually include a Bible verse or saying designed to encourage the pilgrim or team member. They may be placed on the beds or at individual dining settings. These items are presented by churches, reunion groups, or individuals. Churches and reunion groups may have the name of the sender on the agape; however, individuals should give their agape anonymously, in love.

Please supply 75 pieces of table or Bed Agape for use on a walk.

Letter Agape

Agape letters can express feelings for a pilgrim or team member on the walk. These letters should be placed in an envelope no larger than a standard business envelope. These letters should have the recipient’s complete name on the envelope and of course, should be signed by the sender. If the letter is for someone close to you mark the envelope with an F in the upper left hand corner and circle it to help the Agape Chapel properly sort them.  When the letters are given to walk participants on Sunday afternoon, letters marked with an F (for family) will be put on the top of the pile so that they will get looked at first.

Please remember that gifts for individuals are entirely inappropriate and should not be delivered to the team to be given during the walk. Gifts for pilgrims should always be given at an appropriate time before or after the walk.

Snack Agape

Snack agape are the drinks and snacks provided for use in the conference room and during breaks. Many items are hand made. Anyone is welcome to provide this agape -please plan to bring it to the retreat center before 7:00 p.m. on Thursday night if at all possible.  Fresh baked goods and the like can be brought to the Agape Chapel during the walk; but please be sensitive to the possibility of being noticed by pilgrims.  If you plan to bring snacks during the walk, please work out the best time to arrive with team leadership prior to the walk.  Food gifts should always be given in the spirit of anonymous agape love.

In many retreat locations, there has been a large need for bottled water, however some conference centers do provide water in the conference room so not as much is needed.  Please check with a board member or team leadership before you plan to donate bottled water to be certain there is a need.

The object of Agape gifts is to surround the pilgrims and team in love during the entire 72 hours. Remember, “Christ is counting on You.”