The Illinois DCE Retreat, sponsored by the Central, Northern & Southern Illinois Districts, is for all those who serve in non-ordained roles in parish ministry.
The retreat will be held from Monday, November 3, 2025 (beginning at 1:00 p.m. with the opportunity to arrive as early as 11:00 a.m.) through Wednesday, November 5, 2025 (closing at 1:00 p.m. with the opportunity to hang out a bit more until 3:00 p.m. if you wish) at the Shallowbrook Farm Retreat & Conference Center in Bradford, IL (about 45 minutes southwest of LaSalle and 40 minutes north of Peoria). We are pleased to have time to connect together, be in God’s Word and mutual fellowship, enjoy a time of rest and respite, and have a time of teaching.
The teaching time will focus on balancing our various vocations as led by Rev. Dr. Jeff Leininger, author of the book “Callings for Life : God’s Plan, Your Purpose.” Pastor Jeff served for over 20 years as campus pastor at Concordia Chicago, and now is back in the parish at First St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Chicago. Each participant will receive a copy of Dr. Leininger’s book.
The cost for the retreat is only $75. A generous grant through the three Illinois LCMS districts is providing financial support for the retreat and covers a portion of lodging and program costs.
Lodging at the Shallowbrook Center will be in ten various bedrooms setups (and with ten sets of bathrooms with showers) including twin beds, queen & king beds, and air mattresses with all linens/pillows provided. Some examples of the room options are shown above.
We are invited to live into a more communal sense as the family of God – less fancy than a hotel, yet a bit nicer than a camp with bunk beds. If you are open to sharing a room with twin beds or okay with sharing a queen/king bed with someone, please indicate that in the registration notes (including the first/last name of the person you intend to share with – please make sure they are registering for the retreat and indicate your first/last name in their registration).
If you have questions about the lodging details, please contact DCE Scott Rauch, Trinity-Peoria, at scottmrauch@trinitypeoria.com / 309-251-2623.
Our meal menus are being designed by DCE Christy Malinowski from Trinity-Bloomington, but their preparation will be by all who enjoy cooking and supported by all with setup and cleanup.
The Shallowbrook Center includes a significant basement gameroom with a pool table, ping pong table, foosball table, card/game table, fireplace, TV, and stereo. There is also a wrap-around deck with a grill & chairs and an extensive yard area with a basketball/tennis/paddleball lighted court, volleyball setup, and lawn for walking.
Please make plans to join us as Shallowbrook Farm!
