The 2023 Fall Gathering of Blue River Quarterly Meeting is scheduled for September 15–17 at the DuBois Center near Mt. Vernon, Illinois.

Click here for brochure and registration form

Gratitude

Adult/Intergenerational Program:

Gratitude Revealed, from filmmaker Louie Schwartzberg, provides a cinematic experience of how to live a more meaningful life full of gratitude through conversations with everyday people and thought leaders, revealing gratitude is a proven pathway back from the disconnection we feel in our lives; disconnection from ourselves, our planet, and each other. The film provides an opportunity to open our hearts and see each other with compassion and understanding. Through a variety of activities this program will remind us of gratitude’s vital role in our lives and how we can work towards experiencing more of it daily, as it builds resilience, gives purpose, and provides health benefits. You will go home with new gratitude practices. Middle School and High School Friends will attend adult programming.

Children’s Program:

Wee Friends through middle school ages will attend intergenerational program and will do activities related to the theme at children’s program times.
Volunteers to help with the children’s program will be appreciated. There will be a signup sheet at registration.

BRQ SCHEDULE

Friday, September 15th

5:00 – 7:30 Registration/Brown Bag Supper
7:30 – 9:00 Intergenerational Seeds of Gratitude camp light gathering (bring LED candles or flashlights)

Saturday, September 16th

7:15 – Early Worship 8:00 – Breakfast (Please arrive on time)
9:00 – 11:00 Adult Program “Gratitude Revealed” film and worship sharing (Oak)
9:00 – 11:45 – Children’s program (Hickory)
11:15 – 11:45 – ILYM Planning (Oak)
Noon – Lunch (Please arrive on time)
1:00 – 3:00 – Free Time
3:00 – 5:00 – Children’s Program (Hickory)
3:15 – 4:45 – BRQ Business (Oak)
5:00 – 5:30 – Young Friends will come to share their experiences (Oak)
5:30 – Dinner (Please arrive on time)
7:00 – 8:00 –Intergenerational Active Gratitude (Oak)
8:00 – Bonfire with singing & S’mores

Sunday, September 18th

8:00 – Breakfast (Please arrive on time)
9:00 – 10:15 – Adult Program – Carrying Gratitude Forward (Oak)
9 – 11:15 – Children’s Program (Hickory)
10:30 – 11:30 – Meeting for Worship (Oak)
11:15 – Younger Children join Worship
12:00 – Lunch (Please arrive on time)
1:00 – Clean up and goodbyes

Parents are responsible for their children at all times other than during adult programs.

Volunteer Signup: Friends who are able are encouraged to sign up for volunteer activities (assisting children’s program, Sunday cleanup, etc.) at on-site registration.

Possible Things to Bring: Snacks to share, jeans for horseback riding, flashlights, hiking shoes, towel, fishing pole & tackle, organization displays, games and toys, musical instruments, and copies of music (especially Rise Up Singing), a sense of humor, a modicum of patience, and love to share.

Facilities and Housing:

DuBois Center resides on over 300 acres of woods and two lakes. There is horse trail riding, boating, hiking, a labyrinth, and a playground.

Adult programming will take place in Oak Lodge.

Hickory Lodge will be the location for registration, sleeping, fellowship, and most children’s programs.

There are also dormitory-style cottages with bathrooms, and rustic cabins with a showerhouse nearby.

Camping tent sites are available but there is no electricity and no shower access nearby.

Linens are provided for Hickory Lodge. People staying in cottages, cabins, or camping should bring their own linens and pillows. Bathrooms accommodate multiple users. Rooms may be shared depending on attendance.

Please register in a timely manner and indicate any needs you have when sharing spaces.

Meal Costs:

Breakfast-$10, Lunch-$12, and Dinner-$15 each.

BRQ absorbs all costs of participants under age 19. Please donate as you can to cover them. All meals will be in the Oak Lodge.

Alternative Meals: If anyone wishes to prepare their own meals in Hickory Lodge, we have use of the small kitchenette with microwave, fridge, and dishes.

Registration:

Please send by September 1 to Margie Haworth-Davis, margiehd8@hotmail.com, or 43 CR 2150N, Mahomet, IL 61853

Make checks payable to Blue River Quarterly.

Bring or send a medical emergency form for each person under 18!

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*Registration is $15 to 30 per adult on a sliding scale. No one should hesitate to attend because of financial reasons. Please just pay the amount you can afford, and join us.