Upcoming Events
ILLUMAN OF THE OZARKS “WAY OF COUNCIL” ALONG THE BEAUTIFUL MERAMAC RIVER.
Greetings everyone.
Illuman's convener together with Co-Convener Alan Jonagan invites all of you to a council meeting, "Council along the beautiful Meramac River"
DATE - 18TH MAY, 2024
TIME- 10AM-3PM
Theme: “Embracing The Sacred Feminine”
Mark Berry’s address is
5823 Keller Road 63128
Easy access to the river with a nice green space where we could have a fire (if not flooded). Mark has enough chairs inside, but if the weather is nice, sitting outside is an option, too. If that were the case, it’d be a good idea for the men to bring a camp/lawn chair.
Please consider bringing a donation to help cover the cost.
Please bring a side dish and/or, dessert, sweet/unsweetened tea, sodas, breads, chips etc.
Questions & Clarifications? Contact Jack Nobles
@ 636.375.0605
DRUM BIRTHING RETREAT
Join us this May for our Drum Birthing Event, a unique experience for men on a spiritual journey.
INVITATION! INVITATION! INVITATION!!
Greetings everyone!
Brothers, Illuman of the Ozarks will meet on Saturday, March 23rd from 10am -3pm. Belden asked his permission and we received approval to meet at the foot of Grandfather in his University City park. Note this is a new location for us on this special day. We will honor the spring equinox, the shouting stones and branches of Palm Sunday and other vernal traditions. Belden will grace us with an hour-long ritual with Grandfather.
We also have a rare and special opportunity to welcome a special guest to our circle. Dan Harris, who is a convener of Illuman DC and Chairman of Illuman International, will join us! He will be interested in learning from our Illuman of the Ozarks and to hear your thoughts for Illuman as we grow and evolve together. He shares our passion for the First Rites of Passage for adolescent men and our Sons & Fathers Retreats. Lots to talk about.
Since we are meeting in a public space, we will meet quietly so no drumming this time. Please bring a comfortable lawn chair if you have one; Jack is graciously bringing folding chairs if you need one. We will order a variety of tacos and soup from a nice local Mexican restaurant so please bring money to chip in for the meal. Some extra dollars to support our chapter's expenses will be appreciated too.
As we are ordering lunch in advance, please rsvp to Paul at pk24601@yahoo.com
We hope to see you there!! Bring your best friend!
Paul and Alan, co-conveners
P.S. Sunday early afternoon, Dan and Paul will head to Lake Williamson, IL to check out our Awaken retreat space for our great annual gathering. Illuman of the Ozark is considered a host chapter to welcome our 300 closest brothers. You are welcome to join them if you like.
Illuman of the Ozarks
This month’s Theme in recognition of the traditional Veterans/Armistice Day:
Discharging the Loyal Soldier: Honor, Surrender, Resurrection
IllumanOzarks elder and Vietnam veteran Jack Nobles will share his journey/story and inviting others to consider a future loyal soldier dismissal ceremony. He says the process took him five months before he could even name it.
There are parallels. Perhaps you are a coach needing to retire your whistle and jersey, a doctor hanging up his coat, an engineer needing to lay down your mechanical pencil, a teacher who needs to clear his desk. God is especially present in these generative life transitions. Jack will lead us in some contemplative leather work to chart our paths.
We are hosted by the Making Memories/Pool/27 acres by Amy – Airbnb. Come for the day or overnight lodging for Friday and/or Saturday night is available. There are 5 regular bedrooms and one bunk room with 3 beds with a pull out. 27 acres are waiting if someone wants to camp.
Amy is a generous Illuman supporter. She is providing lunch for us and is not charging us fees for the space. Please bring a voluntary donation for lunch and for the lodging if you are staying. Refrigerators and a kitchen are available and all are welcome to use them for special diet or additional meals
RSVP by Nov. 9, especially for lunch and lodging reservations to Paul Koch at pk24601@yahoo.com or 636-221-7065.
ILLUMAN OF THE OZARKS COUNCIL MEETING
Greetings everyone.
SPECIAL LABOR DAY WEEKEND Illuman of the Ozarks Council is set.
"Beyond Human Doing, Who Are You Being?"
Upon meeting someone, we are typically asked, "What do you do for a living?" Is this the crux for relationship or the most crucial thing to understand about another? What happens when we retire or our jobs go astray? Come, be seen for who you are!
On a weekend set aside to celebrate our productivity, we will gather to look at our identities, and possibly incorporate or transform our occupations or vocations into our whole selves.
Please join us on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2023 at Springs Ecozoic Center from 10:00am - 3:00pm. Please bring a picnic item to share (drink, side, dish, dessert...)
A donation to leave for Springs will be highly appreciated.
RSVPs to Paul Koch pk24601@yahoo.com as we get closer to the date. Invite your buddies.
Come to a Special Illuman of the Ozarks Council Gathering!!! Saturday July 15, 2023 10:00-3:00 at Shannodale Outdoor Ministries
Come to a Special Illuman of the Ozarks Council Gathering!!!
Saturday July 15, 2023 10:00-3:00 at Shannodale Outdoor MinistriesFathers and Sons of all ages are especially encouraged to come together – including men who are father/son/brother figures to each other.
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All Circle activities will be held at Troublesome Hollow, a historic Civil War site and unique ecological biome deep in the Ozark wilderness on the Current River. Sit among rare bird and flower species, an Artesian well, natural watercress, a dammed-up spring for swimming, and pure peace. A keepsake project is completed together. Bring potluck items for lunch, swimsuit/cutoffs and a towel. Free! But a small donation to Shannondale is appreciated.
Shannondale is located 22 miles south of Salem, MO (gps: Timber) It is a 4,000 acre registered tree farm for sustainable harvest, hosts local artisans through a craft ministry that provides income to the townspeople.
Weekend overnight lodge accommodations are offered at $60 a night for two men (Friday / Saturday) or $40 each. Camper hookups or tent camping are available for lesser charge.
The extended 40-hour weekend schedule is as follows:
Friday – Gather at Timber Lodge in Shannondale at 1:00. “Last-chance lunch” is in Salem. We will explore Alley Spring, Rocky Falls, Blue Spring & Klepzig Mill - part of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Dinner is at J&T Restaurant in Eminence for an all you can eat catfish, shrimp and fixins dinner (on your own). Friday evening includes a bonfire and ritual storytelling.
Saturday – Enjoy a hearty breakfast! Four-wheel-it down to Troublesome for Council. (Bring a swimsuit/cutoffs and towel). Return for supper followed by another bonfire and sharing.
Sunday – Another hearty breakfast! Optional church service at Shannondale UCC or individual free time for further exploration or holy wandering. Enjoy a leftovers lunch at Shannondale. We will head to Round Spring and take the Cave tour. Those who wish will conclude by also visiting
Devil’s Lake, Aker’s Ferry, and Welsh Spring (and turn of the century healing hospital.)
RSVPs for overnight lodging are essential and appreciated for council circle at Troublesome. Contact Paul Koch at 636-221-7065 or pk24601@yahoo.com.
JUNE 3RD GATHERING
THEME: THE WAY OF WATER
Water can be momentarily contained but ultimately is uncontrollable... When poured out, water nourishes and spreads out in total equity over the contours of the land... Water exists in all three forms of matter.... We are water...
Details for our next Illuman of the Ozarks gathering are ready! Join us Saturday, June 3, 2023 from 10-3
Craig Hamby welcomes us to his home at 712 Shady Lane, Freeburg IL 62243.
Especially for distant travelers, Craig has three bedrooms and two large sofas available for those arriving Friday evening. There is one restaurant nearby open for dinner. He will need a count to reserve a table, so please RSVP if you need lodging; he is happy to host breakfast.
We will have our normal potluck for lunch so please bring an item or beverage to share. Feel free to bring swimwear. An optional steam room meditation experience will be provided.... and the pool may be ready. Bring a lawn chair if you have one. Please don't park in the yard, he has a long drive to park in.
RSVPs are appreciated, and as always, bring your best buddy to join us.
EROP REGISTRATION OPEN NOW!!
Application process for the next Elders' Rites of Passage, May 3-7 at Ekone Ranch in Goldendale WA is now open. We do expect the trip to fill up sooner rather than later, so don't delay!
The information about the EROP in general is here
Information about registration is here
Information about preparation and follow-up is here
To apply as a returning elder go here
More information about the EROP Journey course, an additional offering that goes hand in hand beautifully with the EROP itself, will be forthcoming as well. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out. The website has a lot on it, but not everything!
ILLUMAN OF THE OZARKS GATHERING
No fooling🙂as the usual second Saturday is Easter weekend and isn't available for scheduling.
We will take full advantage of the coincidental April Fool's Day to honor the Trickster Energy within us. Special summoning the Trickster, Coyote, and Jester will take place. If you have a Trickster Tale, legend, joke, comedy, dance, or song, please come prepared to share.
Adrian has graciously agreed to fix us his Stone Soup; please bring a side dish, soup fixin', muffins, dessert or drink to share. A $10 contribution for soup costs and to give to Springs Ecozoic as a thank you for their space is appreciated.
COUNCIL MEETING
Mark your calendar for this council meeting which will be held on Saturday 11th Feb, 2023 starting from 9am to 3pm. Do Not Miss!
ILLUMAN OF THE OZARKS BOARD RETREAT
Illuman of the Ozarks Board will be having annual planning retreat council from Friday night, Feb. 10th-Sunday morning, Feb. 12th. Rooms will be available at Springs. All board members please make note, and if you see yourself wanting to grow through our chapter, please join us as well. There will be a modest cost for the housing and meals.
For any queries kindly contact the convener through pk2601@yahoo.com
SAVE THE DATES
Reminder! Reminder! Reminder!
lluman of the Ozarks to Reflect Deeply into Darkness and Light
Illuman of the Ozarks will gather December 17 from 10am-3pm at Springs Ecozoic Center in House Springs, MO, outside of Eureka/St. Louis.
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While Christians are living into Advent and Jews into Channukah, we recognize that almost all global traditions in North America find meaning around this season of winter solstice. We will explore our lives in “the dark wood” and the coming light. Jerry will lead us in a centering exercise. A contribution of $10 for the lunch main dish and a facility love offering is appreciated. Please bring a side item, drink, or dessert to share.
Please note that with holiday scheduling conflicts, we are meeting the third Saturday of December and not the second per usual.
All men are invited to bring with them a light, lamp, lighter, or candle that is important to them to talk about in a circle. Perhaps this is a wedding candle, Dad’s shop light, Grandfather’s Zippo lighter, Mom’s candle sticks…. Please RSVP to Paul Koch through pk24601@yahoo.com for more information and what you might bring for our potluck meal.
Please also be aware of these future events in the New Year.
Illuman Men in Ohio invite you to a retreat that Paul Koch is leading, March 17-19. Paul can provide transportation. (More information will be coming soon)
Men’s Rites of Passage, Osprey Wilds Environmental Center, Sandstone, Minnesota, June 21-26 (includes travel days; Paul, Jack and Dan are helping to lead and will take a van for all participating. To register, go to www.illumanofmn.org
ILLUMAN OF THE OZARKS GATHERING
Please hold the dates for our next December and February Illuman of the Ozarks gatherings at Springs Ecozoic Center. There are a couple of changes and enhancements you need to know.
Our December gathering will be the THIRD Saturday, December 17, because of scheduling conflicts - and generally, people are less committed later in the season than during the first two weeks of December. I hope you can join us from 10am-3pm! We will take advantage of the date mark the coming Winter Solstice four days later on Dec. 21st by dwelling in the liminal space between darkness and light. Christianity in Advent, Judaism in Chanukah, Islam in Eid, and indigenous traditions live into this awareness as well. Come bring your light - specifically a candle, lamp, laser, or light fixture that has a message for you! We will share these. Please RSVP especially for a lunch count.
For any queries kindly get intouch through pk2601@yahoo.com
ILLUMAN OF THE OZARKS COUNCIL MEETING INVITATION
You are invited to a council meeting which will be held this coming saturday, 8th of October at springs ecozoic centre, 7621 Rivermont Trail , from 10AM to 3PM. Adrian Stillman, Mark Kean and Thompson Jerry will lead the program around the theme of Home. All Illuman members and their partners are requested to stay for an evening bonfire. Soup will be provided, you are requested to kindly bring a complimentary side item, drinks or dessert.
We are looking forward to hosting many members this time.
For any inquiries, feel free to contact;
Paul Koch; pk24601@yahoo.com
Adrian Stillman; stillmanclan.com
Oval Nobles; orvalmnobles@gmail.com
A Hero's Journal
You don't have to think of yourself as a poet to greatly benefit from this Illuman writing retreat. The weekend is open to men of all writing experiences—from complete novice to published author. We mainly focus on free-verse, open-form poetry. You won't have to worry about rhyming, cadence, nor other aspects of some classical poetry. In fact, you don't even have to write poetry. You could choose to do a series of journal entries instead, or some combination of journaling and poetry.
Illuman of the Ozarks In-Person Council Gathering - Rungs on the Sacred Descent / Steps for Holy Ascent
Rungs on the Sacred Descent / Steps for Holy Ascent (In-Person Gathering)
Illuman of the Ozarks will gather Saturday, Dec. 11 from 10:00-3:00 at Bethany Hall in Columbia. Bethany Hall is the separate annex building to First Christian Church in Columbia. It is next to their north parking lot at 101 N. 10th Street, Columbia, MO 65201. Men from the Columbia area are especially invited to give us a try. Please email Co-Convener Paul Koch at paul.ccma@sbcgloblal.net to RSVP (for lunch count) and more information.
Elders at the Gate
Utilizing story, image, ritual, and council, men are led, shoulder-to-shoulder, through a journey of self-exploration and understanding. Elders at the Gate brings men to the threshold of liminal space, a space where authentic sharing of one's life and story catalyzes spiritual transformation in themselves and others.
Illuman Watering Hole Event with Theologian & Episcopal Priest Matthew Fox
In the words of Matthew Fox: One way men transform is by finding “the nobility inside.” I learned this rich phrase from a Native American prison chaplain who approached me after a talk I gave shortly after my book on The Hidden Spirituality of Men: Ten Metaphors to Awaken the Sacred Masculine was published.
Men's Rites of Passage 2021 (Western U.S.)
The Rites of Passage (Rites) employ carefully designed rituals, small group discussion, and private time spent in extensive wilderness that surrounds the retreat center. The effectiveness of this approach is confirmed through 25 years of delivery with thousands of initiated men, in many countries. They tell us the Rites help then go deeper in understanding themselves and their relationship with the divine.
Soularize 2021
Join us for Soularize 2021, as we come back together as men transforming men, shoulder to shoulder once again. We will reconnect in ways that offer healing and wholeness, new life and possibility for each other and the wider world. Our bodies carry wisdom and shame, trauma and holiness, bias and blessing. And they ache for re-connection. We’ll tend to them and to each other as we explore our relationships with other bodies, including the Earth and the deep union that is beneath.Through drumming, story, nature, and council, we will re-embody inner work that makes a difference in the world.
Hyatt Regency Tamaya
October 21 - 24, 2021
Soularize 2021+
Join us at Soularize 2021+!
Details & Schedule
Departing Tuesday, October 19 and returning Saturday, October 30, 2021
Destinations:
Hyatt Regency Tamaya for Soularize 2021
Ghost Ranch for post Soularize rest and relaxation
Organizer: Paul Koch (Convener for Illuman of the Ozarks)
Illuman of the Ozarks - In-Person Council Gathering
Our next Illuman of the Ozarks in-person council and gathering will take place Saturday, October 9 from 10am - 3pm.
In preparation for our trip to Soularize and Ghost Ranch in New Mexico, our theme for the day will be taken from the writings of our Illuman Brother, Belden C. Lane and his book Backpacking With The Saints: Wilderness Hiking as Spiritual Practice, Oxford University Press (2015).
Sharing Wisdom (Webinar)
WEBINAR:
Sharing Wisdom, Resilence,
and a Well-Rounded Perspective
September 16, 2021
7-8pm on Zoom
Please join us!
Everyone is invited to join in a lively conversation about how men, young and old, have shaped and will shape our lives and communities.
How might older men find their place through light and darkness, on the male spiritual journey?
Which physical and spiritual changes are unique to older men?
Illuman of the Ozarks - In-Person Council Gathering
Our next Illuman of the Ozarks in-person council and gathering will take place Saturday, August 28 from 10am - 3pm. Stay tuned for our location but please save the date on your calendars.
Of Sound Mind and Heart (Virtual Writing Retreat)
Men Writing 2021:Of Sound Mind and Heart
(Virtual Writing Retreat)
Sponsored by Ohio Chapter of Illuman
January 8-9,& January 16, 2021
Join the Ohio Chapter of Illuman for our 2021 Virtual Writing Retreat. We do this early in the year at a traditional time of reflection and resolution. Men with all levels of writing experience are welcome. - LEARN MORE→
ELDERS AT THE GATE
Presented by NorCal MALEs, Elders at the Gate is a three-day virtual experience inviting men into deeper brotherhood with themselves, others, and the Spirit.
Utilizing story, image, ritual, and council, men are led, shoulder-to-shoulder, through a journey of self-exploration and understanding. Elders at the Gate brings men to the threshold of liminal space, space where authentic sharing of one's life and story catalyzes spiritual transformation in themselves and others. - LEARN MORE→
Soularize 2020 - The Masculine Path to Healing
ILLUMAN OF THE OZARKS Invites You to
Soularize 2020: The Masculine Path to Healing
Details & Schedule
Featuring globally recognized teacher Fr. Richard Rohr.
Thursday, October 15 - Sunday, October 18, 2020
This event will be held virtually on Zoom.
Cost for registration is only $99.
All men are welcome, regardless of ethnicity, class, education, sexual orientation, or religious affiliation. No previous attendance at a Men’s Rites of Passage is required.
Event registration is NOW OPEN!