Schedule of Events

“Enhanced Emmaus” is our name for the project designed to make more room for new people who visit Autumn Ridge Church each week.  For many people, their first introduction to the church is through the Celebration service at 10:30 on Sunday morning.  Fortunately, there are so many people worshiping at 10:30 that we need to make room.  It’s a great problem to have!

Many people have said that they would be willing to attend worship on Saturday night to help make room for visitors, but there are classes and ministries offered on Sunday that haven’t been available on Saturday.  Beginning on Saturday, September 19, “Enhanced Emmaus” means that most of the classes and ministries that currently meet on Sunday will also be available on Saturday night.

You might be thinking, “But I can’t wait until 8:00 to have dinner!”

We’ve always had a wonderful meal as a part of the Emmaus service experience, but now those meal options are going to be expanded to include a “Grab ‘n Go” box lunch for everyone.  This smaller portion meal (at a smaller price!) will allow you to grab a snack-sized meal and go straight to the class of your choice.  “Grab ‘n Go” will be available in several locations for children, youth, and adults.  The upstairs High School room will be converted to a dining area where you can enjoy your meal before going to your class or small group.  (Parents of older children will be asked to feed their kids and then take them to their 7:15 class.)

 

But wait…there’s more!

A special place for students
Students have always enjoyed a time of high energy worship and teaching on Monday nights.  With Enhanced Emmaus, that weekly meeting is moving to Saturday nights following the Emmaus Service.  Students who regularly attend worship on Sunday morning will still attend the Saturday night event, and they’re welcome to come early for dinner.

A special place for children
In the past, we’ve offered childcare for infants and preschoolers and a brief Bible class for children K - 5th grade.  With Enhanced Emmaus, the K – 5th grade children will be able to remain through the Emmaus worship service, enjoy a “Grab ‘n Go” meal with their parents, then attend a Bible class designed especially for them.  The same teaching lesson will be offered both hours to children K-5th.  Childcare for infants through preschool will be offered both hours.

A special place for adults
Adult education, discipleship and small groups will be greatly “enhanced” beginning September 19.  Our SHAPE classes, “Archways” (new members class) and Disciple U classes will now meet on Saturday night as well as Sunday morning.  There will also be the opportunity for adults to try a small group, knowing that their children are being cared for by trained leaders.
 
A special place for fellowship
The Emmaus Dinner in the Common Grounds Café has long been a special feature on Saturday nights.  While others are enjoying their “Grab ‘n Go” meals during a youth event or adult class, many people will continue to enjoy the same Emmaus dinner they’ve always enjoyed. 

 

The Enhanced Emmaus evening schedule

5:30 – 6:40      Emmaus Worship service in the sanctuary
6:40 – 7:10      Transition time:
     • Regular Emmaus Dinner in the Common Grounds Café
     • Parents with older children: “Grab ‘n Go” in the HS room
     • Students “Grab ‘n Go” in the HS or MS rooms
     • Adults “Grab ‘n Go” and proceed to class or small group

7:00ish-8:00   Adult small groups, discipleship classes, SHAPE, Archways, etc. begin with a meal and fellowship.
Students attend Youth Event with music and teaching time led by Pastors Nichols and Sanderson.
K – 5th grade children attend Bible class designed just for them.