No! While this program was designed and developed by Lutherans to be distinctly Lutheran, many non-Lutherans have attended and been greatly blessed by these spiritual renewal weekends ever since they began in 1991.
The WATCH Steering Committee, a group of laypersons representing different Lutheran congregations in the Greater Peoria Area, oversees all aspects of the program, under the supervision of an ordained minister. Members of the committee are chosen from the community of past WATCH team members and participants. In addition to scheduling retreats and choosing the team leader for each weekend, they continually evaluate needs of the ministry and coordinate everything from meals to music, security, technical needs, prayer support and more.
A WATCH Team Leader is prayerfully chosen by the WATCH Steering Committee. With the Lord’s guidance, the Leader then recruits assistants, sacristans, speakers and table leaders. All of those positions are filled by laypersons. A Spiritual Director is also appointed by the WATCH Steering Committee to handle pastoral duties and provide oversight.
You’ll hear talks by seven laypersons and two clergy who share their personal faith, covering subjects such as prayer, study, action, grace and forgiveness. You’ll participate in table discussions and activities, all in a fun and non-threatening style. There will be time for prayer and personal reflection, plus several worship and devotional services in an educational and uplifting setting. Your experience will be enhanced by uplifting music.
Yes! WATCH is renowned for its food! Some participants have even said the food reminds them of favorite times in their childhood. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided on Saturday, and breakfast and lunch are provided on Sunday. Plus, there’s a “bottomless bowl” of snacks and drinks, including (of course) coffee.
No! It’s true that overnight stays were required for many years – and participants benefitted greatly from bonding opportunities with each other after a day’s official activities were complete. But the pandemic in the early 2020s changed many things. For the foreseeable future, at least, the WATCH Steering Committee is committed to providing the full ministry experience while you can sleep in your own bed at night – or in a hotel if coming from out of the area.
These days, the site may vary. The Spalding Renewal Center in downtown Peoria was our home for virtually every WATCH weekend until the pandemic. When the center closed, the WATCH Steering Committee was forced to consider other alternatives. Christ Lutheran School was the site of the WATCH weekend in April 2023. The retreat scheduled for April 2024 will be at Redeemer Lutheran Church. Trinity Lutheran Church hosted the weekend on a trial basis in the early 2000s. Other venues may be considered in the future.
Download this form and print it out. Fill out the form, and send it with your registration fee to the address on the form.
Absolutely! WATCH weekends require a substantial support network. We need help in the kitchen and meal-serving, security detail, prayer-chapel warriors and more. Contact WSC members Charlie Berndt (309-347-7441) or Donna Campbell (309-657-1131) if you are willing to help out!
Peoria Lutheran WATCH Community
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