Have you ever been hungry?

Have you experienced hunger that goes beyond the "I believe it's time for lunch" hunger to a deep hunger that you could not satisfy? Few in our American culture ever experience this sort of deep hunger -- but there are those who do: the single mom who goes without so her children will have enough, the senior adult who has to choose between medications and food, the homeless man no one will hire because of his circumstances, and so many more in all of our communities.

Have you ever hungered for God?

Have you ever experienced the deep longing in your soul that goes beyond that one hour on Sunday morning to a hunger for God's presence in your life every day, moment by moment? Few of us are willing to acknowledge our dependence on God to that degree -- but there are those who do: those who feel overwhelmed by the demands of work and family, those struggling in today's economy and realizing (perhaps for the first time) that they cannot make it on their own ability alone, those disillusioned by "religion" and wondering if there is supposed to be more than what they see in the lives of the Christians they know.

Come and be filled.

Jesus offers us the Bread of Life. At Feasting on Christ and Sharing the Meal you will receive that bread through celebration of the Lord's Supper (Holy Communion), and you will share that bread with others through active participation with some of our physically hungry neighbors. Through times of teaching, action, and reflection, as well as the inspiring preaching of our own Bishop Gregory V. Palmer, you will be filled, equipped and challenged to deepen your relationship with God and your neighbor.

Event Schedule

Child care

Child care will be provided at Peoria First UMC by reservation only. The cost will be $25 per child, which includes Friday dinner, and Saturday breakfast and lunch. Children will participate in learning activities related to the event theme.  Contact Sue Koeppel for further information or by calling 309-673-3641.  Deadline for child care registration is Saturday, Aug. 15.

Certified Lay Speakers

This event counts for renewal of your certificate. In order to receive credit, you must attend the entire event and complete a reading and reflection assignment prior to the event. More information is available through your District Director of Lay Speaking.

Cost

$40 per person ($35 if registered before Aug. 15)
Registration is limited to the first 100 registrants.

Registration includes Friday dinner and Saturday continental breakfast and lunch, as well as all the materials.

Lodging

Participants are responsible for their own hotel arrangements. A block of hotel rooms is reserved at the following hotel:

Holiday Inn City Centre (20 rooms in block)
500 Hamilton Blvd.
Peoria, IL
Phone: 309-674-2500
Room Block Name: United Methodist Conference
Room Rate: $95 (block will be released Aug.11)

Helpful Tips

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes on Saturday. We will be serving with Loaves and Fish, Peoria First UMC's feeding ministry. Some will be working in the kitchen with food preparation, and this involves a lot of standing.

Leave valuables locked in the trunk of your car. Do not bring them in on Saturday while serving at Loaves and Fish.

Click here for more information on Loaves and Fish.