The focus of the Great Banquet is to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and to make him known. The objective of the Great Banquet is to continue the 3-day weekend by serving Christ in local churches, homes, and work places. The purpose of the Banquet is to live a life of grace and to respond to higher levels of Christian discipleship.

The Great Banquet is a 72-hour experience, beginning on Thursday evening and ending on Sunday evening. For three days, guests live and study together in a worshipful time of singing, prayer, and discussion. During each of fifteen talks given by laity and clergy, the theme of God’s grace is presented. Guests participate in the daily celebration of Holy Communion and examine more fully the presence of Christ in his body of believers. They personally experience his grace through the prayers and acts of a loving, Christian support community.

This weekend experience is for anyone who:

• wishes to strengthen his/her own spiritual life
• wants to have a better understanding of grace, prayer, baptism and communion, study, and Christian action
• strives to live a Christian life that bears fruit for God
• seeks to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and to make him known

One of the most important parts of the Great Banquet is the follow-up. Although the Banquet lasts only three days, guests are invited to use its lessons for the rest of their lives. After attending the Great Banquet, they are challenged to:

1. Strengthen their spiritual lives through study and active congregational participation.
2. Strive to become active disciples of Jesus Christ in the world through their church.

To assist in this discipleship, the Great Banquet offers specific opportunities.

1. Reunion groups meet weekly to examine goals of spiritual growth and to encourage one another to a life of discipleship.
2. There will be opportunities to assist in future Great Banquet weekends through prayer, support, and team involvement.
3. Guests are made aware of community needs through an e-newsletter of Great Banquet activities, both locally and regionally.

You will need to bring comfortable clothes for an informal weekend. Most of our time will be spent indoors. However, an occasional walk outdoors will necessitate the need for a sweater or jacket. Bring your own toiletry articles (soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.), towels, pillow, blanket and sheets. A twin size cot will be provided for you to sleep on, but you are welcome to bring a twin size air mattress as long as you provide your own means to inflate and deflate it. Some guests prefer to bring extra blankets or padding (such as a foam egg crate mattress topper) to make the cot even more comfortable. A robe and slippers or flip flops are suggested for going to and from the shower. **PLEASE do not bring any valuables to the weekend, including laptops or tablets.**

A detailed packing list will be sent with your confirmation letter.