2024 Annual Sessions

Adult   Children   All    V (Virtual Option)

Groups for worship sharing will gather 1:30-2:15 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

Queries and guidelines that will be used during those groups follow below.

There will be programs and activities for children during the worship sharing time.

Signing up for a worship sharing group can be done in the check-in/registration area.

Worship Sharing Queries

Thursday

When we gather in silence to nurture the Spirit, what might happen?

Is there something you remember that was significant to you during silent worship?

Are there other times and places that you have experienced the Spirit? Where and when? Were you alone or with others?

Friday

People in meeting sit in a circle. What might the center space represent?

What is the Spirit calling you to lay down?

What is the Spirit calling you to take up?

Saturday

At rise of meeting do you set an intention to carry the Spirit forward when everyone goes their separate ways?

How can we carry the connection we experienced during meeting with us as we go out into the world?

Has nurturing the Spirit helped you to recognize leadings to reach out meaningfully to others?

Worship Sharing Guidelines

• Reach as deeply as you can into the sacred center of your life.
• Speak out of the silence, and leave a period of silence between speakers.
• Speak from your own experience, about your own experience. Concentrate on feelings and changes rather than on thoughts or theories.
• Do not respond to what anyone else has said, either to praise or to refute.
• Listen carefully and deeply to what is spoken.
• Expect to speak only once, until everyone has had a chance to speak.
• Respect the confidentiality of what is shared.

Workshops will be held 2:30-3:45 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

Sign up to attend workshops in the check-in/registration area.

Some workshops are designated as appropriate for children. There will be programs and activities for children during the workshop time.

Unless otherwise indicated, workshops are suitable for all interested Friends, and you are welcome to join in a workshop starting on any date. “Continuing” workshops will not repeat from the previous day, while “repeat” workshops will start afresh. To help things go smoothly, please sign up to attend workshops ahead of time.

Election Violence, Emily Provance (15th Street Meeting, New York). Most people in the United States do not want election violence, but many are afraid that people on the other end of the political spectrum do. In this conversation, we'll talk about the definition of election violence (which is not limited to Election Day), then learn about some of the environmental patterns that tend to make it more likely and what ordinary people can do to prevent it. (Thursday)

Serving Our Unhoused Neighbors, Quinn Parks (St. Louis Meeting). Exploring ways to to organize and energize various meetings to better serve their homeless and housing unstable neighbors. Topics will include: Identifying the population in need, trauma informed care, and program design. The goal of this workshop is for each participant to develop a proposal to take back to their home meeting. (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, continuing)

To Heal and Repair the World: Tapping the Power of Nonviolent Movements and Campaigns, Steve Chase (Friends Meeting of Washington). Want to join with your neighbors in collective action to achieve greater peace, justice, and sustainability in the world? This three-day workshop series will expand your toolkit by focusing on the power of nonviolent movements (day 1), exploring past successful campaigns (day 2), and learning some strategic planning tools for building more effective campaigns (day 3). The workshop series will include presentations, discussions, a short film, handouts, a group exercise or two, and resources for further learning. Appropriate for beginners and seasoned social movement activists. (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, continuing)

The Future of ILYM, David Shiner et al.  (The Working Group of Maintenance, Planning, and Envisioning). The Working Group tasked with proposing plans for the future of ILYM will meet with interested Friends to present information and ideas and solicit feedback. (Thursday, Friday, Saturday, repeats)

The Power of Enough, Megan Fair (Right Sharing of World Resources). How are your relationships and your use of time, energy, and “things” in right balance to free you to do God’s work? What is essential? Through personal reflection, discussion, and worship sharing, this workshop will explore queries to discover the power of enough. This workshop is grounded in Quaker experience, faith, and practice. The workshop allows participants to discuss their understanding of 'enough-ness'. These conversations can encourage: 1) recognition of how personal choices touch others, 2) allow you to reframe your perspective, 3) share your new insights with others. All ages. (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, repeats)

Cultivating Discernment for Activism and Beyond, Ann Jerome (Central Philadelphia Monthly Meeting). Friends intend our activism to spring not just from a secular standard of right and wrong, but from the higher, deeper, stronger place where the Eternal inspires our work. But how do we know? Faithful discernment entails subtle disciplines of mind and spirit that can be learned and practiced so that we become ever more skilled at reaching clarity. For activism, for conducting business, for individual and collective spiritual development, discernment is a challenging and reliable tool for living faithfully as Friends. This workshop will consider the challenges and provide concrete practices to develop our capacity for discernment. (Friday)

One Black Family and their Quaker Allies: 1820s to 1860s, Judith Jager (Evanston Friends Meeting). Genealogical research on his African American family has led Rev. Nabors to the unexpected discovery of historic (1820s to 1860s) family alliances with Quakers. There will be a presentation and time for discussion in the workshop, by Rev. Dr. Michael Nabors, Pastor, Second Baptist Church of Evanston. Ages 12 and up, maximum number is 25. (Saturday)

Annual Sessions is a gathering of Friends that is supportive of families with children. Children’s Sessions provide the opportunity for children to experience various aspects of Quaker faith and life. There is no registration fee for children and youth ages 18 and under. A separate Children's Sessions Registration Form should be filled out for each child.

Wee Friends through Middle School

Morning Program: Small age-appropriate groups with two teachers, developed to be meaningful while giving children an opportunity to connect with other Friends of their age. During this time parents can attend Meeting for Business.

Afternoon Program: A variety of activities on different days include a craft tent, swimming, recreation on the lawn, and all-ages workshops. During this time adults can participate in workshops and/or worship sharing.

Evening Programs: Programs include games (Wednesday) and campfires with s’mores and songs (Saturday). During this time parents can attend the evening plenary programs. Friday evening is all-ages folk dancing on the lawn.

Sunday Morning Program: All children participate in the Epistles Reading. Middle Schoolers attend the Plummer Lecture and Sunday Meeting for Worship. After the Epistles Reading, 5th grade and under will be supervised by the babysitters/childcare and join everyone for the last minutes of worship.

Babysitting and Childcare
Babysitting and childcare will be available for children too young to attend Children’s Sessions programs. Additionally, babysitting and supervised play area time will be available during morning Meeting for Worship (8:00-9:00 am) and worship sharing and workshop time (1:15-4:00 pm). Please consult the schedule at the check-in/registration table for a full listing of times and programs.

Expectations for Young Friends & Families

In an effort to make Annual Sessions a joyful spiritual experience for all Friends, the following guidelines are intended to clarify expectations during our time together.

Parents/sponsors are responsible for supervision of their child/children during all times, except for Children’s Sessions. Parents/sponsors supervision includes meals, all-ages programs, and overnight. Families are encouraged to share in the care of their children—taking turns supervising children will allow the children to play and the adults to have their own time.

• The Children’s Sessions programs are planned assuming all registered young Friends will participate.
• Parents/sponsors should notify the Children’s Sessions staff if their child will not attend any of the sessions indicated on the submitted registration form.
• If children choose not to attend or participate in any of the Children’s Sessions programs, their parents/sponsors are responsible for them while the Children’s Sessions program is held.
• Parents/sponsors should accompany children to Children’s Sessions programs, sign them in, and return to sign them out when the program is over.
• Parents/sponsors are expected to be on the ILYM campus at all times their child/children are in a program unless specific arrangements are made.
• If any young Friend has special needs (allergies, dietary, physical, emotional, behavioral, etc.) that may require special attention, please advise the Children’s Sessions staff and teachers responsible for that age group.
• A healthy simple snack will be provided during the morning and evening sessions.
• It is important for adult Friends to start and finish programs promptly; as otherwise parents/sponsors may have to leave the adult program before it is over.
• It is important to remember that Children’s Sessions are an integral program of Annual Sessions and not merely a service to accommodate adults while they attend programs.
• Medical Release Forms must be filled out for all children under 18 .Please use on-line form or fill out a printed form and mail with the registration form or bring with you.

High School Program

The Youth Oversight Committee and High School Friends (entering grade 9 through recent high school graduates) plan the program. Consult the Youth Coordinator for program specifics.

Adult Young Friends

The Adult Young Friends of ILYM are a group of 18 to 35 year old Friends led to maintain a sense of community. While a subgroup of adult Friends, AYFs participate as active adult members of ILYM. They welcome new members with open arms.

ILYM Annual Sessions is a gathering of approximately 200 people at the beautiful Illinois Yearly Meeting campus which is surrounded, to the horizon, by corn and soybean fields. On the south side of “Quaker Lane” is the meetinghouse, parking areas, several large tents, a farmhouse, and several outbuildings. The tents are used for the children’s programs, workshops, and outdoor dining. On the north side of the road is a campground which includes a parking area, a showerhouse, space for tents, 6 small cabins, and buildings used for High School and Middle School Friends.

Annual Sessions is primarily planned and managed by volunteers, so we ask everyone to pitch in. All Friends over age 10 are asked to sign up for at least two volunteer jobs during Annual Sessions, which might include helping during a meal, cleaning a bathroom, or helping with childcare or the children’s programs. Volunteer sign-up sheets are located near the registration table.

Please do not bring pets. Do not smoke in the buildings or on the grounds (including campground). Keep noisy activities away from Friends who need quiet. Respect the surrounding farm crops and property.

DIRECTIONS: The meetinghouse address is: 14365 N. 350th Ave., McNabb, IL 61335.

• From Champaign-Urbana: Take I-74 west to Bloomington-Normal, then I-39 north to Rt. 18 west. Near Magnolia, take Rt. 89 north. After Edgewood Park Golf Club on the left, turn right at the “Friends Meetinghouse” sign (Co. Rd. 350N). After about ½ mile, the meetinghouse is the large white building on your right.
• From St. Louis: Take I-55 north to Bloomington/Normal, then I-39 north. From here, same as from Champaign-Urbana.
• From Chicago: Take I-80 west past Ottawa, then I-39 south to Rt. 71 west, then Rt. 89 south. Go past McNabb about 1½ miles, and look for the “Friends Meetinghouse” sign at the first cross-street (Co. Rd. 350N) and turn left. After about ½ mile, the meetinghouse is the large white building on your right.
• By Amtrak: Transportion between the Princeton, IL, station and the ILYM campus can be arranged via the registration form.

ACCESSIBILITY: The meetinghouse has a ramped entrance and wheelchair accessible restrooms. The showerhouse in the camping area is also accessible, but you must go through a grassy area to get to it. The dining room is in the basement and is not wheelchair accessible, but meals can be served in the dining tent. First floor of Clear Creek House is wheelchair accessible.

PARKING: There is parking for campers on the north side of the road at the front of the camping area. Vehicles should not be driven into the camping area. There is parking on the south side of the road for non-campers between the meetinghouse and Clear Creek House. This includes a marked parking area for Friends with disabilities.

PHONE: The meetinghouse & Clear Creek House number is 815-882-2214. Non-local calls must be collect only. The ILYM mobile number is 773-288-3066.

EMERGENCIES: Dial 911 for emergencies. The nearest emergency room is OSF Emergency Center, 111 Spring St, Streator, IL 61364 815-673-2311 (25 minutes/22 miles). Streator is south on 89, then east on 18. Additional Medical Locations: OSF PromptCare (Urgent Care), 1650 Midtown Road, Peru IL 61354, 815-538-1351 (22 minutes/ 22miles). Peru is north on 89, east on 63 then nnorth on 251 OSF PromptCare (Urgent Care), 535 Park Ave East, Princeton IL 61356, 815-875-4531. OSF Saint Clare Medical Center, 530 Park Ave East, Princeton IL 61356, 815-875-2811. Both 30 min/26 miles. Princeton is north on 89, west on 71 then north on I180.

FEES AND SUPPORTING THE COST OF SESSIONS: Realizing that attenders represent a diverse community of people, ILYM has adopted a pay as led approach to covering the costs of Annual Sessions and to allow it to be affordable to a greater number of people. A daily fee has been calculated related to the cost of holding sessions and an estimated number of adults attending sessions, additionally a daily fee has been calculated for those only attending sessions virtually. Attenders, whether on-site or virtual are asked to reflect on the cost ILYM incurs for their attendance at sessions and pay as led in relation to this cost and their ability to afford this cost.

REDUCE DIRTY DISHES: Bring your own coffee cup or drink bottle.

WHAT TO BRING: Musical instruments, recreational equipment, clothes for active wear, sun-screen, mosquito repellent, flashlight, rain gear, and linens (if staying in cabins or Clear Creek House). Showers are available for bathing. Coin-op laundry is available in Spring Valley.

VARIETY SHOW is on Saturday afternoon. This is a supportive group that is easily entertained.

NEW ATTENDERS MEETINGS: New attenders will be given an overview when checking-in. If you need information at any other time, check with the check-in/registration table.

TECHNOLOGY: There are no duplicating/printing facilities. Please bring what you will need. There is wireless internet available. The password will be displayed near the registration table.

TIPS FOR FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN: You can bring your smaller children to the dining room 5 minutes before scheduled mealtimes to eat or you may go to the head of the line. It is hard for small children to wait in line when they are hungry. We suggest that you bring drinks and non-perishable snacks for times your children may be hungry or thirsty and perhaps breakfast food if your children find it hard to get up in time for breakfast in the dining room.

Come early and find out what fun it can be to work towards a common cause with a great bunch of people and be a part of transforming 12 acres of land into a most useful site for hundreds of people.

Site Prep takes place on the days before the beginning of Annual Sessions. All ILYM Friends are cordially invited to help get the campus ready before the main event begins. Meals and housing during Site Prep are free, so come and enjoy good comradeship while building up your sweat equity. Site Prep will begins Saturday June 15 and concludes after lunch on Wednesday, June 19th (you can arrive in the evening of Friday, June 14 but food service begins with lunch on Saturday). If you plan to attend, please contact Ted Kuhn using the information in the directory or fill out the online form. Information requested would be your expected days of attendance, your housing plans (tent, cabin, hotel, or Clear Creek House), and any dietary restrictions.

Site Clean-up: On Sunday, June 23, after the conclusion of the sessions, please plan to stay an hour or two after lunch and help with clean up. It is an easier job if we each do a part of cleaning up and closing down the site.

Note: Lodging in cabins and Clear Creek House cannot be guarunteed after June 2.

Camping: There is a campground on the north side of the road that has a showerhouse. There is additional “primitive” camping south of Clear Creek House. The primitive camping area has one port-a-potty. Campers will need to use the showerhouse in the other campground for all other needs. Children should not camp in the primitive camping area because of safety hazards in area outbuildings. If you want to camp and need electricity, please indicate on the registration form. Cords should not be run from buildings to tents.

Cabins: There are 6 cabins with room for 8 people each in bunkbeds. Cabins have no electricity. They may be filled to capacity depending on demand. Individuals with specific needs (e.g., mobility issues, small children, cannot camp, other special reasons) will be given preference for cabins. If you have a special reason for needing a cabin, include it on the registration form. Linens, blankets, and pillows should be brought.

Clear Creek House: There are 7 lodging spaces in the Clear Creek House for up to 16 people. Rooms may be shared. Individuals with specific needs (e.g., health and mobility issues) will be given preference. If you have a special reason for needing to stay in Clear Creek House, include it on the registration form. Linens should be brought.

High School Bunkhouse: There is a large bunkhouse which can hold up to 40 high school Friends and chaperons.

Motels

Off-Site Housing Information as of March 12. You may be able to find better rates and additional places. Rates listed are for 1 persons for one weekend night. Prices are subject to change and do not include tax. Some people have success calling them when a web booking indicated they are fully booked.

Stay informed about what is happening in ILYM. Get updates and further details on Annual Sessions programming Subscribe to the once-a-month e-newsletter.

Send a request via the Contact Us form. Please include your name and meeting along with your e-mail address.

Note: Lodging in cabins and Clear Creek House cannot be guarunteed after June 2.

After June 2 there is a late registration fee.

On-line registration closes June 14. You will be able to register for in-person attendance at the registration desk during sessions.

ILYM uses a pay as led approach to cover the costs of sessions. A per day adult fee of $55 reflects a representative amount if received by each adult attender that would be needed to cover the cost of Annual Sessions. There is an alternative representative fee of $15 per day adult fee for virtual-only attendees. ILYM does not assess a fee for children and high school attenders. Considered costs include expenses for meals, on-site housing, programs, and infrastructure for on-site and virtual components.

Individuals who will be attending in-person and virutally on the same day should register in-person for the day and then in the additional information box note which day you will also be attending virtually.

Link to on-line registration

Link to download PDF registration form

Link to download additional Medical Release and Children's Sessions forms

During on-campus Annual Sessions there is a series of folders on the entry table. These folders contain additional documents for use during Annual Sessions. Links to the content of these folders follow below. Links will be active when content is available.

• Minutes of business sessions updated 6/21

• State of Society Reports
• Memorial Minutes
• Minutes from Fall Continuing Committee and Spring Continuing Committee

• Late Arriving and Additional Documents updated 6/20

• Epistles from other yearly meetings

• Files for “Help Think about Next Year's Annual Sessions go to ilym.org/planning.
  • Site Overall Coordinator Form (Chicago South)
  • Program Overall Coordinator Form (BRQ)
  • Food Overall Coordinator Form (Chicago North)

• Instructions and Pointers for Joining On-line Sessions (Note: from 2020, so might be slightly different than current Zoom version).