CHICAGO, IL (March 24, 2011) – Although he has been a leader in churches for years, Gary Walter, president of the Evangelical Covenant Church, says he expects to learn and begin developing new spiritual practices when he attends the Feast in June.

“No matter how long you have been a Christian, there always is something valuable we can discover about opening ourselves to God and experiencing the life he intends for us,” says Walter. “I’m looking forward to growing spiritually alongside Covenanters who come from around the world to participate.”

Walter has other motivations for attending. “I’m looking forward to the challenge courses,” he says, laughing. “I don’t have enough challenges.”

The denominational gathering is slated for June 25-28 and will be hosted at the YMCA of the Rockies camp in beautiful Estes Park, some 65 miles northwest of Denver. Activities are planned for people of all ages.

While some of the activities will be age-specific, others will enable everyone to participate. Marti Burger, a member of the planning team, observes, “The world is always separating us. We need to be asking how we can interact together – how do I learn from a 72-year-old and an eight-year-old?”

The days will begin with Awakenings, opportunities for quiet reflection or gathering in groups to participate in different spiritual practices. Workshops, worship and other activities are scheduled throughout each day.

Worship also will take place in the evenings followed by Afterglow, a time when people can gather at campfires across the campus and share how God has been moving in their lives during the day.

Early registration is available through May 3. Visit the website for more information and to register.