Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce Community Prayer Breakfast Promotes Message of Unity and Inclusion

Pekin, IL March 13, 2023- The Community Prayer Breakfast, presented by the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce, was a morning of uplifting inspiration and unity. Held Friday, March 10th, dozens of Pekin area residents, business professionals and those of the faith community gathered at Grace United Methodist Church for a catered breakfast, brief worship opportunity, and message delivered by area pastor and Executive Director of the United Way of Pekin: Heather Robertson.

This year's message expanded in how together we can transform our community.

Welcome speaker Eric Swanson of Grace United Methodist Church spoke of how partnerships have the potential to positively impact us when united under a common goal. He shared how his church looked within our own community to partner with District #108 schools, resulting in delivering thousands of pairs of socks and vouchers for shoes to k-8 children in need. Eric further challenged us to consider how we can continue to collectively transform and serve our community going forward.

Music was provided by talented Nathian Zapatas. Nathian represented Lighthouse Church of God and performed two arrangements during the breakfast.

Keynote speaker, Heather Robertson, gave a passionate message emphasizing inclusion and love as a guiding principle for serving the needs of our community. She brought together a radical vision of Pekin as the "City of Us", reaffirming the need for unity in our endeavors to serve. She challenged us to consider what needs we could meet right here in Pekin working together.

The morning included an opportunity to pray as a community for our community. Small groups shared pillars of a welcoming and inclusive "City of Us' with guidance from Cheryl Sherwood of Pekin First Church of the Nazarene.

The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce thanks all of our Pekin area believers for their dedication and heart to serve. You are a vital component of our thriving community.

The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce also would like to recognize artist Diana Ingles for her incredible creations, reflecting the morning's message and our community as a whole. Diana drew inspiration for imagery from the selected songs for worship and the delivered message. See her in action and glimpses of her completed work below. These one of a kind pieces will be available displayed at the Chamber later this Spring.