Men of the Northern Illinois Conference, you're invited to join the Northern Illinois Conference UMM for the Spiritual Congress (annual men’s spiritual retreat) to be held September 13-15 in Williams Bay, WI on scenic Lake Geneva.  

Spiritual Congress is presented by the NICUMM for spiritual development, training, and fellowship with brothers from around the conference. The topic of this year’s Spiritual Congress is “Changing the Game.” Last year we highlighted YoungER Men's Ministry and this year we are continuing in the same vein. 

Our Keynote speakers will be: Rev. Dr Norval Brown, senior pastor at Christ UMC in Deerfield, a favorite spiritual leader of the NICUMM; and Mark Lubbock, deployed staff of the GCUMM, a national speaker, trainer, and leader in men’s ministry.  Other noted speakers for the weekend include Steve Nailor, National President of the UMM and Mark Dehority, GCUMM deployed staff who has introduced us to many new programs.  Bishop Hee-Soo Jung (WI) will be providing a message and officiating communion.  There will also be information on Youth Services (aka Scouting), the new Upper Room Prayer Wall, etc..  The Alleluia Quartet will provide us with special music.

Please prayerfully consider committing to this weekend of spiritual rejuvenation. For those of you who have attended before, you know that it is sure to be a spirit-filled, life-changing weekend, so bring another man with you -  Every Man brings a Man. Older men should bring their sons or younger men from their church. Younger men should bring their dads or other men from your church. You don't need to be an active member of the UMM to attend. The cost of attending this for the weekend, Friday evening through Sunday morning, finishing with church, is $170.00 which includes everything - lodging, food, some outdoor activities, and the conference. (Saturday rates are available.)

Mike McIntosh, St. Andrew UMC, testified about Spiritual Congress: “It's cathartic and recharges my batteries every year.”… “This is a non-judgmental gathering, where I get to be me around other men.”… “I am thankful for the time and the conversations with other men at the Spiritual Congress that has helped cement my faith.”… “I (first) went to Spiritual Congress a broken man. There I met men who were diametric opposites from me. They accepted me for who I am.”… “Every year some part of me grows.”

For more information and to register, please go to nicumm.org for the conference flyer and agenda, download registration materials and/or to register online. 

This is an event you won't want to miss. Print out the Flyer and put it on the bulletin boards in your church. Invite your friends or a group of men and bring a carload for the weekend, or for a single day.  Please register each attendee (the sooner the better) so we can have housing and meals available.

See you at Williams Bay!

George Groves
President, Northern Illinois Conference UMM