What is Chrysalis?
Before it becomes a butterfly, a caterpillar goes through a growth stage during which it is called a “chrysalis.” On the surface it may not look like much is happening, but the delicate chrysalis process changes the fuzzy caterpillar into an awesome butterfly with wings of intricate designs and intense colours. The chrysalis process symbolizes how Christ can transform you into something beyond your dreams. It happens when you growbeyond yourself, opening your life to Jesus’ power and love.
Chrysalis is the name that was chosen for the youth/young adult version of The Walk to Emmaus, its parent movement. The Emmaus movement is based on the story of the two followers who encountered the risen Christ on the road to Emmaus in Luke 24:13-35. A Chrysalis Flight/Journey is a three day spiritual renewal event, which provides participants with an opportunity to grow in their faith. It is a time to experience Christian love and make new commitments. The focus will be on how, through the prayers and actions of other Christians, one can experience Jesus as a friend. The point is to inspire, challenge and equip you for a closer friendship with Christ and for Christian action at home, church, school and community.
What happens at Chrysalis?
You’ll spend three days with other people your age in worship, prayer, fellowship, creative expression, recreation, singing and discussion. You’ll experience the love of God through prayers and the acts of service from a loving support community. Think of it as three days for you to discover or re-discover your spiritual self, to analyse and realize who you are in Christ. You’ll hear talks that focus on the needs of maturing youth and young adults, the message of the gospel and the love and example of Jesus Christ. Each day speakers present topics with life examples, followed by discussion, reflection and creative expression of how these messages can encourage your personal faith.
What happens after Chrysalis?
One of the primary strengths of Chrysalis is the follow-up. Your journey/flight lasts a weekend, but you are invited to build on it for the rest of your life through:
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Expanding your spiritual life through study, prayer and church participation
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Becoming more active as a disciple of Christ in the world through your home church
To nurture this discipleship, Chrysalis offers specific opportunities:
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A “reunion group” that meets weekly to maintain spiritual accountability
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Monthly Community gatherings for fellowship and worship
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Opportunities and training to support and participate in leading future Chrysalis Flights.
Who should go to Chrysalis?
Chrysalis is for the development of Christian youth and young adults, of any denomination, between the ages of 16 and 28. It is for those who wish to strengthen their friendship with Jesus Christ, may have unanswered questions about their faith, understand that being a Christian involves responsibility, are open to dedicating their everyday life to God.
Chrysalis Journeys are for Young Adults who are post Matric (Grade 12) up till 28 years of age (+28 on discretion). Chrysalis Flights are for teenagers between 16 and 18 years and are still in school.
Costs to attend the weekend?
The Flight/Journey fees for 2022 are R1200.
How to apply to participate in Chrysalis?
The Chrysalis Pilgrim application form needs to be completed by all of the following if it is to be considered:
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The Applicant.
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The Spiritual Sponsor. This is someone who has attended a Chrysalis Flight/Journey or Walk to Emmaus and who will undertake to explain the weekend as well as pray for the participant and assist in practical requirements.
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The Applicant’s own Minister or Pastor, must complete and sign the application form, as the applicant is under submission to the home church (If the Minister or Pastor requires more details, the Chrysalis Spiritual Director can be contacted).
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The SPRITUAL SPONSOR then needs to e-mail the completed form to: sonvalleychrysalis@gmail.com. Your application will be prayerfully considered and you will be informed of your acceptance. In the event of cancellation or query, please contact the Registrar.
For more information contact:
Assistant Community Lay Director:
Edward Hofmeyr
Cell: 072 537 5758 / Email: ald.chrysalis@sonvalley.emsa.org.za
Community Spiritual Director:
Lafras Lombard
Cell: 079 881 6244 / Email: csd@sonvalley.emsa.org.za