Blue River Quarterly

2018 Fall Gathering
2018-09-21 - 2018-09-23 | DuBois Center, 2651 Quarry Road, DuBois, IL, 62831, United States
Please join F/friends at Dubois Center in Southern Illinois. We gather Friday evening through Sunday lunch.
Theme: Cooperation and Gratitude
Forms
Program and Registration Form
Please register by September 8. There is a $20 late fee after that date.
Health Info and Permission Form
This form is required for all individuals who will be participating in any activities led by DuBois Center staff — that means horses and canoeing.

2019 Spring Gathering
2019-04-12 19:00 - 2019-04-14 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Camp CILCA, 4124 Camp CILCA Road, Cantrall, IL, 62625, United States
Our 2019 Spring Gathering will be held April 12–14 at Camp CILCA, near Cantrall, Illinois.
Adult program includes a presentation by Danielle Chynoweth on her experiences using township government to serve the interests of marginalized people and provide material relief to those in need. Middle school program includes Saturday lunch preparation and fun activities. Younger kids’ program on the theme of Meeting for Worship and Animals.
Registrations are due by March 30. Click here for registration form

200th Anniversary Gathering -- Fall 2019
2019-09-27 19:00 - 2019-09-29 13:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | Old Blue River Meetinghouse, JW9H+WF, Salem, IN, 47167, United States
September 27–29, 2019 will be a special celebration of the 200th anniversary of the establishment of the Blue River Quarterly Meeting. We will hold our sessions in the original Blue River Meetinghouse, near Salem, Indiana, where the quarterly meeting first met in 1819.
Friends from throughout Illinois Yearly Meeting and beyond are invited.
Built in 1815, the Old Blue River Meetinghouse is believed to be the oldest Friends Meetinghouse in Indiana.
Overnight accommodations, meals, and other activities will be at Pyoca Camp and Retreat Center, about 25 miles north of Salem.
To order the commemorative book Two Hundred Years of Blue River Quarterly Meeting, click here.

Schedule

Friday Evening
Friends arrive at Pyoca
Saturday
8:00AM – 9:00AM breakfast
9:30AM – 11:30AM adult program (presentation by Peter Lasersohn on the history of BRQ)/children’s program at Pyoca
12:00PM – 1:00PM lunch
1:15PM – 3:15PM kids & adults not going to the meetinghouse: Free time, including waterfront and climbing wall.
1:15PM adults drive to the meetinghouse
2:00PM – 3:00PM presentation by Drew Wright on the origins of the Friends settlement at Blue River, at the meetinghouse
3:00 – 4:30 business meeting at the meetinghouse
3:15PM – 5:15PM children’s program at Pyoca
4:30PM adults drive back to Pyoca
5:30PM – 6:30PM dinner
7:00PM – 9:00PM program at Pyoca (address by Tom Hamm, Professor of History, Earlham College)
Sunday
8:00AM – 9:00AM breakfast
9:30AM – 10:00AM pack and clean up
10:00AM everyone drives to the meetinghouse
10:45AM – 11:45AM meeting for worship, children’s program outside. Children in worship for last 15 minutes.
11:45AM – 12:00PM set up for lunch & socialize
12:00PM – 1:00PM lunch with local Friends
1:00PM depart directly from meetinghouse

Event Registration Form

2020 Spring Gathering
2020-04-03 19:00 - 2020-04-05 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Camp CILCA, 4124 Camp CILCA Road, Cantrall, IL, 62625, United States
Update: The Spring 2020 session of Blue River Quarterly Meeting has been canceled. Our next session will be in September 2020 at the DuBois Center.
The 2020 Spring Gathering of Blue River Quarterly Meeting is scheduled for April 3–5 at Camp CILCA, near Springfield, Illinois. Registration is due by March 22.
The theme is “Borders Don’t Stop Dreams,” and the program includes a viewing of the film ‘Ay Mariposa’, which tells a story of three characters in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas whose lives are upended by plans to build a US-Mexico border wall. As the director of the National Butterfly Center, Marianna Trevino Wright has become a leader of wall resistance in the Valley, a position that has resulted in violent threats from pro-wall factions and an emotional odyssey as she tries to navigate the ever-shifting sands of border policy. Zulema Hernandez, a life-long migrant worker, immigrant and great grandmother, has been a dedicated advocate for all migrants, both wild and human-kind. Meanwhile the butterfly, la mariposa, fights its own daily battle for survival in a landscape where more than 95 percent of its habitat is long gone and much of what remains lies directly in the path of the wall.

2020 Fall Gathering
2020-09-18 19:00 - 2020-09-20 11:00 (America/Chicago) | IL
Our 2020 Fall Gathering will be a virtual, on-line gathering held via Zoom, September 18–20.

Friday, Sept. 18, 7:00-8:00 pm: Workshop or worship-sharing organized by Brad Laird
Saturday, Sept. 19, 9:30-10:30 am: Presentation on Project Lakota by Candy Boyd
Saturday, Sept. 19, 11:00 am – 12 noon: ILYM planning meeting
Saturday, Sept. 19, 3:00-5:00 pm: BRQ meeting for business
Saturday, Sept. 19, 7:00-8:00 pm: Presentation on Quaker Palestine Israel Network by Steve Tamari
Sunday, Sept. 20, 10:00-11:00 am: Meeting for worship

Advance registration is not required, but it would be appreciated if all those planning to attend would let Peter Lasersohn know at peter.lasersohn@gmail.com.
Zoom links:
Topic: Workshop or worship-sharing organized by Brad Laird
Time: Sep 18, 2020 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/6181111650?pwd=[REDACTED]

Meeting ID: 618 111 1650
Passcode: [REDACTED]
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,6181111650#,,,,,,0#,,869273# US (Chicago)
+13017158592,,6181111650#,,,,,,0#,,869273# US (Germantown)

Dial by your location
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
Meeting ID: 618 111 1650
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Topic: Presentation on Project Lakota by Candy Boyd
Time: Sep 19, 2020 09:30 AM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/6181111650?pwd=[REDACTED]

Meeting ID: 618 111 1650
Passcode: [REDACTED]
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,6181111650#,,,,,,0#,,869273# US (Chicago)
+13017158592,,6181111650#,,,,,,0#,,869273# US (Germantown)

Dial by your location
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
Meeting ID: 618 111 1650
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Topic: ILYM planning meeting
Time: Sep 19, 2020 11:00 AM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/6181111650?pwd=[REDACTED]

Meeting ID: 618 111 1650
Passcode: [REDACTED]
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,6181111650#,,,,,,0#,,869273# US (Chicago)
+13017158592,,6181111650#,,,,,,0#,,869273# US (Germantown)

Dial by your location
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
Meeting ID: 618 111 1650
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Topic: BRQ meeting for business
Time: Sep 19, 2020 03:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/6181111650?pwd=[REDACTED]

Meeting ID: 618 111 1650
Passcode: [REDACTED]
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,6181111650#,,,,,,0#,,869273# US (Chicago)
+13017158592,,6181111650#,,,,,,0#,,869273# US (Germantown)

Dial by your location
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
Meeting ID: 618 111 1650
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Topic: Presentation on Quaker Palestine Israel Network by Steve Tamari
Time: Sep 19, 2020 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/6181111650?pwd=[REDACTED]

Meeting ID: 618 111 1650
Passcode: [REDACTED]
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,6181111650#,,,,,,0#,,869273# US (Chicago)
+13017158592,,6181111650#,,,,,,0#,,869273# US (Germantown)

Dial by your location
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
Meeting ID: 618 111 1650
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Topic: Meeting for worship
Time: Sep 20, 2020 10:00 AM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/6181111650?pwd=[REDACTED]

Meeting ID: 618 111 1650
Passcode: [REDACTED]
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,6181111650#,,,,,,0#,,869273# US (Chicago)
+13017158592,,6181111650#,,,,,,0#,,869273# US (Germantown)

Dial by your location
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
Meeting ID: 618 111 1650
Passcode: [REDACTED]

2021 Spring Gathering
2021-04-09 19:00 - 2021-04-11 19:00 (America/Chicago) | IL
BRQ Spring Gathering 2021
Living in Harmony with Nature

Hear ye, hear ye:
Blue River Quarterly Meeting, taking place on Zoom, Friday evening April 9 thru Sunday noon, April 11, 2021.
In addition to our business sessions, taking place Saturday morning and afternoon, we will have a program focused on Living in Harmony with Nature.
The lay-out is as follows:
Friday 7:00-8:30 Intergenerational sharing (this may include readers’ theater of a short play by our own Tom Leverett, Southern Illinois Quaker Meeting, based on events in the life of 18th century Quaker botanist, John Bartram—if we can get 8 volunteers to do the reading).
Friday Evening: Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/97077853020?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 970 7785 3020
Passcode: [REDACTED]
For voice/audio participation:
One tap mobile (tapping the link below will place the call, pause for prompts, enter the prompts for you, and connect you to the meeting as a phone call)
+13126266799,,97077853020#,,,,*[REDACTED]#
Or manually dial +1 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 970 7785 3020
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Saturday 9:30—10:45 Talk by Shannan Mason, graduate student in history, SIUE, on the life of John Bartram, and the meaning of his work.
Saturday Program: Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/94548014507?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 945 4801 4507
Passcode: [REDACTED]
For voice/audio participation:
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,94548014507#,,,,*[REDACTED]#
Or dial manually +1 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 945 4801 4507
Passcode: [REDACTED]
11:00—12:00 Planning for Illinois Yearly Meeting
Sat ILYM Planning: Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/96400833784?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 964 0083 3784
Passcode: [REDACTED]
For voice/audio participation:
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,96400833784#,,,,*[REDACTED]#
Or dial manually +1 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 964 0083 3784
Passcode: [REDACTED]
11:00—12:00 Children’s program, led by Pamela Hosler of St. Louis Meeting; this is for children of reading age and up, and may include some outdoor activities, weather permitting.
Sat Youth Meeting 1: Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/97634452405?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 976 3445 2405
Passcode: [REDACTED]
For voice/audio:
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,97634452405#,,,,*[REDACTED]#
Or dial manually +1 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 976 3445 2405
Passcode: [REDACTED]
3:00—4:30 Blue River Quarterly meeting with a concern for business
Sat Meeting for Worship + Business: Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/93109697450?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 931 0969 7450
Passcode: [REDACTED]
For voice/audio:
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,93109697450#,,,,*[REDACTED]#
Or dial manually +1 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 931 0969 7450
Passcode: [REDACTED]
3:00—4:30 Continuation of Children’s program
Sat Youth Meeting 2: Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/92296080788?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 922 9608 0788
Passcode: [REDACTED]
For voice/audio:
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,92296080788#,,,,*[REDACTED]#
Or dial manually +1 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 922 9608 0788
Passcode: [REDACTED]
7:00—8:15 Illustrated talk by Adrian Ayres Fisher, Oak Park Meeting, on native plant land-scaping, and its benefits, ecological and spiritual, with Q and A session
Saturday Evening Program: Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/93996972168?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 939 9697 2168
Passcode: [REDACTED]
For voice/audio:
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,93996972168#,,,,*[REDACTED]#
Or dial manually +1 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 939 9697 2168
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Sunday 10:00–11:00 Meeting for worship
Sunday Meeting for Worship Hosted by SIQM: Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/6181111650?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 618 111 1650
Passcode: [REDACTED]
For voice/audio:
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,6181111650#,,,,*[REDACTED]#
Or dial manually +1 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 618 111 1650
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Please notify Pamela Hosler pamhosler@hotmail.com if you expect your children to attend, so she can adjust her plans if need be.
Please notify Margaret Katranides maggieweeder@gmail.com if you are willing to be a reader in Tom’s play. (No costumes, and no acting skills required.)

2021 Fall Gathering
2021-09-18 09:30 - 2021-09-19 11:45 (America/Chicago) | IL
The Fall 2021 gathering of Blue River Quarterly Meeting is scheduled for September 18–19, online via Zoom.
Program
Saturday, September 18

9:30–10:30 am: Worship-sharing on queries related to the Covid-19 pandemic, and what Friends have learned from it.
11:00 am – 12:00 noon: ILYM planning
2:00–3:00 pm: Social time
3:00–5:00 pm: Meeting for Business

Sunday, September 19

10:00–11:00 am: Meeting for Worship (with Southern Illinois Meeting)
11:00–11:45 am: Opportunity to share personal news, concerns, etc. with one another.

We will use the same Zoom link for all sessions, and will keep the Zoom sessions open between scheduled events. Here is the Zoom link and dial-in information:

Topic: Fall Blue River Quarterly Morning Session
Time: Sep 18, 2021 09:30 AM Central Time
Topic: Fall Blue River Quarterly Afternoon Session
Time: Sep 18, 2021 02:00 PM Central Time
Topic: First Day Worship – BRQ and Southern IL
Time: Sep 19, 2021 10:00 AM Central Time

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/6181111650?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 618 111 1650
Passcode: [REDACTED]
For audio/phone only:

One tap mobile link
+13126266799,,6181111650#,,,,*[REDACTED]#
Or Dial manually
+1 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 618 111 1650
Passcode: [REDACTED]

2022 Spring Gathering
2022-04-08 19:00 - 2022-04-10 13:00 (America/Chicago) | IL
The 2022 Spring Gathering of Blue River Quarterly Meeting is scheduled for the weekend of April 8–10.
Program
Saturday, April 9, 2022

9:30–10:30 am: Worship-sharing
11:00 am – 12:00 noon: ILYM planning
2:00–3:00 pm: Social time
3:00–5:00 pm: Meeting for Business

Sunday, April 10, 2022

10:00–11:00 am: Meeting for Worship (with Southern Illinois Meeting)

The Zoom links should be the same for everything, but here are the scheduled sessions. We’ll just leave them open during the topic switch / breaks.
Topic: Fall Blue River Quarterly Morning Session
Time: Saturday, April 9, 2022, 9:30 AM Central Time
Topic: Fall Blue River Quarterly Afternoon Session
Time: Saturday, April 9, 2022, 2:00 PM Central Time
Topic: First Day Worship – BRQ and Southern IL
Time: Sunday, April 10, 2022, 10:00 AM Central Time
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/6181111650?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 618 111 1650
Passcode: [REDACTED]

For audio/phone only:
One tap mobile link
+13126266799,,6181111650#,,,,*[REDACTED]#
Or Dial manually
+1 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 618 111 1650
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Mute/unmute with *6 (star-six)

2022 Fall Gathering
2022-09-16 19:00 - 2022-09-18 13:00 (America/Chicago) | DuBois Center, 2651 Quarry Road, DuBois, IL, 62831, United States
The Fall 2022 Gathering of Blue River Quarterly Meeting is scheduled for September 16–18 at the DuBois Center near Mt. Vernon, Illinois.
Registration form (click here)
Theme: Borders Don’t Stop Dreams
Adult/Intergenerational Program:
We will be watching and then discussing the film Ay Mariposa, a film that tells a story of three characters in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas whose lives are upended by plans to build a US-Mexico border wall. As the director of the National Butterfly Center, Marianna Trevino Wright has become a leader of wall resistance in the Valley, a position that has resulted in violent threats from pro-wall factions and an emotional odyssey as she tries to navigate the ever-shifting sands of border policy. Zulema Hernandez, a life-long migrant worker, immigrant and great grandmother, has been a dedicated advocate for all migrants, both wild and human-kind. Meanwhile the butterfly, la mariposa, fights its own daily battle for survival in a landscape where more than 95 percent of its habitat is long gone and much of what remains lies directly in the path of the wall.
Younger children will attend the movie, but will have hands-on activities they can do as well during that time to hold their attention.
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. Some activities will be butterfly-related crafts, books related to immigration and/or butterflies, outdoor walks to search for butterfly habitats, and more.
Volunteers to help with the children’s program will be appreciated. There will be a signup sheet at registration.
Facilities and Housing: DuBois Center resides on over 300 acres of woods and two lakes. There is boating, hiking, a labyrinth, and a playground. Adult programming will take place in Oak Lodge and/or Hickory Lodge. Hickory Lodge will be the location for registration, sleeping, fellowship, and most children’s programs.
There are also dormitory-style cottages. Camping tent sites are available but there is no electricity and no shower access nearby. Linens are provided for Hickory Lodge (extras are available for a $4 fee). People staying in cottages 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: All meals are $12 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 2 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!
*********************************
*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.

Schedule
Friday, September 16th
5:00 – 7:30 Registration/Brown Bag Supper
7:30 – 9:00 Informal program/discussion time
Saturday, September 17th
7:15 – Early Worship
8:00 – Breakfast (Please arrive on time)
9:00 – 11:00 Intergenerational Program (video and discussion) (Hickory)
11:00 – 11:45 – Children’s program (Hickory)
11:15 – 11:45 – ILYM Planning (Hickory)
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 activity (Location TBA)
8:00 – Bonfire with singing & S’mores
Sunday, September 18th
8:00 – Breakfast (Please arrive on time)
9:00 – 10:15 – TBA
10:15 – 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, 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.

2023 Spring Gathering
2023-04-14 19:00 - 2023-04-16 13:00 (America/Chicago) | Camp CILCA, 4124 Camp CILCA Road, Cantrall, IL, 62625, United States
The 2023 Spring Gathering of Blue River Quarterly Meeting is scheduled for April 14–16 at Camp CILCA near Springfield, Illinois.
Click here for brochure and registration form.
Put on YOUR Oxygen First!
Taking Care of Yourself in the Midst of Taking Care of Others

Adult/Intergenerational Program:
Many of us have found, or will find, ourselves in the position of caring for others. Where do we get the “oxygen” we need in order to do that? What are the stories we need to tell? How do we nourish ourselves in the midst of service to others? This program will offer ideas about caring for ourselves and caring for others including time for listening, journaling, sharing stories, opportunities to create and share our own works of art, and for meditation, exercise and movement as well as a discussion of how to set and keep boundaries.
High School Friends
will attend adult programming.

Children’s Program:
Wee Friends through 7th grade will attend intergenerational program and will do activities at children’s program times. Volunteers to help with the children’s program are needed. There will be a signup sheet at registration, but please let us know asap if you’re willing!
Our facilitators:
Amanda Thompson has worked for several years for various Catholic institutions and has presented workshops on this topic at parishes throughout the Chicagoland area. She also currently works part-time as Chaplain at Lutheran General and Illinois Masonic Hospitals. She has experienced the stress of caring for children and aging parents at the same time while working a fulltime job! Judy Wolicki is no stranger to BRQ. A former ILYM Field Secretary, she has been a hospital chaplain since 2001, currently working at Lutheran General and Good Samaritan Hospitals in Chicagoland. As a chaplain, Judy often needs to figure out how to take care of herself while taking care of others who are facing stressful situations.
BRQ SCHEDULE
Friday, April 14th
5:00 – 7:00 Registration/Brown Bag Supper
7:30 – 9:00 Social time
Saturday, April 15th
7:15 – Early Worship 8:00 – Breakfast (Please arrive on time)
9:00 – 11:00 Adult Program “Finding the Oxygen, Remembering to Breathe”
9:00 – 11:45 – Children’s program
11:15 – 11:45 – ILYM Planning Noon – Lunch (Please arrive on time)
1:00 – 3:00 – Free Time
3:00 – 5:00 – Children’s Program
3:15 – 4:45 – BRQ Business (Please bring State of Society Reports)
5:00 – 5:30 – Young Friends will come to share their experiences
5:30 – Dinner (Please arrive on time)
7:00 – 8:00 – Intergenerational Activity “The Joys of Caregiving” creative activities
8:00 – Bonfire with singing & S’mores
Sunday, April 16th
8:00 – Breakfast (Please arrive on time)
9:00 – 10:15 – Adult Program “Setting and Keeping Boundaries”
9:00 – 11:15 – Children’s Program
10:30 – 11:30 – Meeting for Worship
11:15 – Younger Children join Worship
12:00 – Lunch (Please arrive on time)
1:00 – Clean up and goodbyes
All meals and adult and intergenerational programs/meetings will be in the Christian Growth Center [CGC]. Youth programs will be in the Retreat Center during adult program times.
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.
Bring or send a medical emergency form for each person under 18!
Housing:
Christian Growth Center (CGC) has 14 bedrooms with 1 double bed & 1 set of bunk beds, with a bathroom. Cost is $65 per room/night. Bedding and towels provided. Let us know if you are willing to share a room.
Retreat Center has Men’s Dorm & Women’s Dorm, and a half-bath on the first floor, and shower/bathrooms in the basement. Retreat Center cost is $19 adult/night. Bring your own bedding.
There are cabins (sleep 6 each) with heat and A/C but no running water, for $45/night. Please indicate if willing to share. Bring your own bedding.
Tent Camping is $10 per night. RV camping is $15 per night.
Meal Costs:
Breakfast: $6.50; Lunch: $7.50; Dinner: $8.50. BRQ absorbs all costs of participants under age 19. Please donate as you can to cover them. All meals will be in the Christian Growth Center.
Alternative Meals: If anyone wishes to prepare their own meals in the Retreat Center, we have use of the small kitchen with stove, fridge, and dishes.
Registration:
Please send by March 30 to Margie Haworth-Davis, margiehd8@hotmail.com, or 43 CR 2150N, Mahomet, IL 61853
Make checks payable to Blue River Quarterly.
*********************************
Possible Things to Bring: Snacks to share, 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.

2023 Fall Gathering
2023-09-15 19:00 - 2023-09-17 13:00 (America/Chicago) | DuBois Center, 2651 Quarry Road, DuBois, IL, 62831, United States
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!
*********************************
*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.

2024 Spring Gathering
2024-04-12 19:00 - 2024-04-14 14:00 (America/Chicago) | East Bay Camp and Retreat Center, 24248 Ron Smith Memorial Hwy, Hudson, 61748
The 2024 Spring Gathering of Blue River Quarterly Meeting is scheduled for April 12–14, 2024, at East Bay Camp and Retreat Center, near Bloomington.
Click here for brochure and registration form
George Fox’s 400th Birthday!!

Adult/Intergenerational Program:
The year 2024 marks the 400th birthday of Quaker co-founder George Fox, whose life continues to serve as an inspiration to Friends around the world. Our program will feature activities designed to help us deepen our connections to each other and our spiritual heritage as we learn more about the beginning of Quakerism and Fox’s life, weaving entries from his journal with stories from our own experience. And, of course, no birthday celebration would be complete without an intergenerational bash including cake, games, and singing, so we hope you’ll show up ready to PARTY! High School Friends will attend adult programming.
Children’s Program:
Wee Friends through 7 th grade will attend intergenerational program and will do activities at children’s program times. They will read the story of George Fox and Margaret Fell, make peg doll Fox and Fells, make happy birthday George Fox cards, and plan a “what would Fox say?” skit.
Volunteers to help with the children’s program are needed. There will be a signup sheet at registration, but please let us know asap if you’re willing!
BRQ SCHEDULE
Friday, April 12th
5:00 – 7:00 Registration/Brown Bag Supper
7:30 – 9:00 Social time and Activities
Saturday, April 13th
7:15 – Early Worship
8:00 – Breakfast (Please arrive on time)
9:00 – 11:00 Adult Program
9:00 – 11:45 – Children’s program
11:15 – 11:45 – ILYM Planning
Noon – Lunch (Please arrive on time)
1:00 – 3:00 – Free Time
3:00 – 5:00 – Children’s Program
3:15 – 4:45 – BRQ Business (Please bring State of Society Reports)
5:00 – Dinner (Please arrive on time)
6:30 – 8:00 – Intergenerational Activity “Birthday Party for George Fox”
Sunday, April 14th
8:00 – Breakfast (Please arrive on time)
9:00 – 10:15 – Business carryover if needed
9:00 – 11:15 – Children’s Program
10:30 – 11:30 – Meeting for Worship
11:15 – Younger Children join Worship
12:00 – Lunch (Please arrive on time)
1:00 – Clean up and goodbyes
All meals will be in the dining hall. Adult and intergenerational programs/meetings will be in Wesley Cabin. Youth programs will be in the Rec Center during adult program times.
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.
Bring or send a medical emergency form for each person under 18! Optional for adults.
Housing:
Please bring your own bedding and towels for all housing options.
All cabins are heated/cooled and have bathrooms. Rooms will be shared.
Wesley cabin is where adult programs will be held. It has 2 sleeping rooms with 4 bunkbeds each. This option is closest to parking area.
Birch and Oak cabins each also have 2 rooms with bunkbeds.
Tent Camping is possible, weather permitting, at $12 per person/night.
Meal Costs:
Breakfast and Lunch: $10.25; and Dinner: $11.25. All meals will be in the Dining Hall.
Children:
BRQ absorbs all costs of participants under age 19. Please donate as you can to cover them.
Free Time Activities:
There may be indoor swimming available if a lifeguard is available. Bring your swim suit! Boating may be available weather permitting.
Registration:
Please send by March 29 to Margie Haworth-Davis,
margiehd8@hotmail.com
OR
43 CR 2150N, Mahomet, IL 61853
Make checks payable to Blue River Quarterly.
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.
Possible Things to Bring:
Snacks to share, flashlights, hiking shoes, swim suit, 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.

2024 Fall Gathering
2024-09-20 19:00 - 2024-09-22 14:00 (America/Chicago) | DuBois Center, 2651 Quarry Road, DuBois, IL, 62831, United States
Blue River Quarterly will hold its fall gathering Sept. 20–22, at Camp DuBois near Mt.Vernon, Illinois.
Our adult program, brought to us by Judy Wolicki and Marcia Nelson, will be based on the Pendle Hill Pamphlet #442, “Meeting at the Center: Living Love and Reconciling One with Another” by Bruce Burchard. Steve and Jad Tamari and Dawn Crimson will be working with the children. We will be joined by ILYM High School Friends who will be holding a Quake that weekend. Free time activities will include horseback riding and canoeing, plus the opportunity to hike through the grounds of the camp.
Download the brochure and registration materials here.
All Friends are welcome to attend. Looking forward to seeing you at Camp DuBois!

2025 Spring Gathering
2025-04-11 19:00 - 2025-04-13 13:00 (America/Chicago) | Camp CILCA, 4124 Camp CILCA Road, Cantrall, IL, 62625, United States
Blue River Quarterly will hold its spring gathering April 11–13, 2025 at Camp CILCA near Springfield, Illinois.
How do we seek to support social responsibility in trying times?

Facilitators: Mike and Jasmine Dennis
Download the Registration Form and Brochure
Adult/Intergenerational Program:
We are currently living in a time when the government and many individuals are seeking to further tax cuts funded by significant reductions in support for social responsibility causes including education, disaster relief, food assistance, medical assistance, refugees, peacemaking, and the environment/global climate instability. This runs counter to the common Quaker testimonies of Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality, and Stewardship (SPICES). We will work on how we can support those in our communities who still seek to act in socially responsible ways. This includes how we act ourselves to identify, celebrate and support causes, community leaders, and companies. Friday evening we will have a Getting to Know Each Other activity. Saturday morning’s workshop will speak to the theme. Sunday morning’s activity will be “Making Your Own Plans for Social Responsibility”. This intergenerational program will also be attended by the ILYM high school friends (HSF) teens (8th-12th graders).
High School Friends will attend adult programming.
Children’s Program:
Diane Clark Dennis and Choz Howard-McKinney will lead the Wee Friends through 7th grade program. They will attend the Saturday evening intergenerational program and will do activities related to the theme at children’s program times.
BRQ SCHEDULE
Friday, April 11th

5:00 – 7:00 Registration/Brown Bag Supper
7:30 – 9:00 Getting to Know Each Other Activity

Saturday, April 12th

7:15 – Early Worship 8:00 – Breakfast (Please arrive on time)
9:00 – 11:00 Adult & HSF Program
9:00 – 11:45 – Children’s program
11:15 – 11:45 – ILYM Planning
Noon – Lunch (Please arrive on time)
1:00 – 3:00 – Free Time
3:00 – 5:00 – Children’s Program
3:15 – 4:45 – BRQ Business (Please bring State of Society Reports)
5:00 – 5:30 – Young Friends will come to share their experiences
5:30 – Dinner (Please arrive on time)
7:00 – 8:00 – Intergenerational Activity
8:00 – Bonfire with singing & S’mores

Sunday, April 13th

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

All meals and adult and intergenerational programs/meetings will be in the Christian Growth Center [CGC]. Youth programs will be in the Retreat Center during adult program times.
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.
Bring or send a medical emergency form for each person under 18!
This year only the housing at Camp CILCA will be free!
Housing:

Christian Growth Center (CGC) has 14 bedrooms with 1 double bed & 1 set of bunk beds, with a bathroom. Bedding and towels provided. Depending on registration numbers rooms may be shared. Priority will be given to those with a need. Let us know if you have special needs or roommate preferences.
Retreat Center has Men’s Dorm & Women’s Dorm, and a half-bath on the first floor, and shower/bathrooms in the basement. Bring your own bedding.
There are cabins (sleep 8-12 each) with heat and A/C but no running water. Shared public restrooms are nearby. Please indicate if willing to share. Bring your own bedding.
Tent Camping and RV camping are also available.

Meal Costs: $10 per meal. BRQ absorbs all costs of participants under age 19. Please donate as you can to cover them. All meals will be in the Christian Growth Center.
Alternative Meals: If anyone wishes to prepare their own meals in the Retreat Center, we have use of the small kitchen with stove, fridge, and dishes.
Registration:
Please send by March 27 to Margie Haworth-Davis, margiehd8@hotmail.com, or 43 CR 2150N, Mahomet, IL 61853. Make checks payable to Blue River Quarterly.
Possible Things to Bring: Snacks to share, 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.

2025 Fall Gathering
2025-09-19 19:00 - 2025-09-21 14:00 (America/Chicago) | DuBois Center, 2651 Quarry Road, DuBois, IL, 62831, United States
The 2025 Fall Gathering of Blue River Quarterly Meeting is scheduled for September 19–21 at DuBois Center, near Mt. Vernon.
Click here for the brochure and registration forms.
Theme: Hope

Adult/Intergenerational Program: The Saturday morning adult program will focus on the theme of Hope and will be facilitated by Mark McGinnis, one of the ILYM Field Secretaries. During the Saturday evening Intergenerational Program Steve Tamari will update us on AFSC programs related to the genocide in Gaza including Apartheid Free Communities that can be taken back to our monthly meetings.
High School Friends will be having a Quake at BRQ and will have their own programming but will attend intergenerational programming. They will bunk together in a cottage.
Children’s Program: Steve Tamari and Charles Howard-McKinney will lead the Children’s Program (for children through Middle School).
Free Time Activities: During free time (Saturday afternoon, 1-3 pm) there is horseback riding and boating available for a fee (see registration form). There is a limit of 20 people for horseback riding. First come first served.
BRQ SCHEDULE
Friday, September 20th
6:00 – 7:30 Registration/Brown Bag Supper
7:30 – 9:00 Informal socializing – Adults please bring a picture of yourself between the ages of 4 and 12, if possible. (Baby pictures only for the children in the Children’s program.)
Saturday, September 21st
7:15 – Early Worship
8:00 – Breakfast (Please arrive on time)
9:00 – 11:00 Adult Program (Oak)
9:00 – 11:45 – Children’s program (Hickory)
11:15 – 11:45 – ILYM Planning (Oak)
Noon – Lunch (Please arrive on time)
1:00 – 3:30 – Free Time
3:30 – 5:30 – Children’s Program (Hickory)
3:45 – 5:15 – BRQ Business (Oak)
5:30 – 6:00 – Young Friends will come to share their experiences (Oak) 6:00 – Dinner (Please arrive on time)
7:00 – 8:00 – Intergenerational Program for older children and adults (Oak)
7:00 – 8:00 Childcare for younger children
8:00 – Bonfire with singing & S’mores
Sunday, September 22nd
8:00 – Breakfast (Please arrive on time)
9:00 – 10:15 – Adult Program if needed (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 more remote, rustic cabins with showerhouse access. Camping tent sites are available but there is no electricity and no shower access nearby. We need a minimum of 2 adults for 2 nights for us to be able to use the cabins/campsite. 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. High schoolers will be housed in a cottage.
Please register in a timely manner and indicate any needs you have when sharing spaces.
Meal Costs: Breakfast-$11, Lunch-$13, and Dinner-$16 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 8 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!
Click here for the brochure and registration forms.
*********************************
*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.

2026 Spring Gathering
2026-04-17 19:00 - 2026-04-19 13:00 (America/Chicago) | East Bay Camp and Retreat Center, 24248 Ron Smith Memorial Hwy, Hudson, 61748
The 2026 Spring Gathering of Blue River Quarterly Meeting is scheduled for April 17-19 at East Bay Camp, Bloomington.
CLICK HERE for the brochure and registration form

Illinois Yearly Meeting Ministry & Advancement Committee will facilitate a program on Extended Worship, and all Illinois Yearly Meeting Friends are invited to participate. There will be a Children’s program for youth through middle school.
Friends under 19 participate free.
Schedule and details will be updated early in 2026. Note that the following changes are anticipated for facilitating this topic:

The Saturday morning program will run a little longer than usual (9:00 AM to 11:15 AM) followed by a break and a more-brief ILYM Planning meeting 11:30 AM to 11:45 AM
The Sunday morning “overflow” time period will be scheduled for a small group discussion about the experience of extended meeting for worship

The registration brochure will describe the gathering program more fully:
Hosted by the Illinois Yearly Meeting Ministry and Advancement committee, the adult program will explore extended meeting for worship. Meetings longer than an hour are rare today, but early Quakers often worshipped for hours, fully expectant and deeply patient for the Living Presence to do its work in the gathered body of Friends. These powerful experiences were central to Quaker convincement, personal transformation, and prophetic challenges to cultural behaviors and systems of power. Saturday morning’s adult program is intended to give each the gift of being gathered corporately, holding the communal and individual adventure of being led by the Spirit who beckons us, opening space for us to hear what we are being called to do. On Sunday morning, participants will be invited to share about their experiences with extended worship in small-group discussion. Intergenerational evening activities will include ice breakers on Friday and a game night on Saturday.
Promotional flyers to download, print and share!

V.1 Image
V.1 PDF

V.2 Image
V.2 PDF

2026 Spring flyer with flowers
V.3 Image
V.3 PDF

2026 Fall Gathering
2026-09-18 18:00 - 2026-09-20 13:00 (America/Chicago) | DuBois Center, 2651 Quarry Road, DuBois, IL, 62831, United States
The 2026 Fall Gathering of Blue River Quarterly Meeting will be held at DuBois Center, DuBois.
Details forthcoming.
