Matthew Lucio with AI*
ILC Assistant to the President for Communication
The goal of the Young Adult Retreat (November 1-3) was simple yet profound: to give young adults around the Chicagoland area a space to connect, form friendships, and worship together. Held at the scenic Cottages on Petite Lake, this retreat has seen growing attendance each year. This year, some 52 young adults registered, representing 13 different churches.
A Focus on Mental Health: “Your Mind Matters”
This year’s retreat theme, “Your Mind Matters,” featured Dr. Harvey Burnett as the keynote speaker. Dr. Burnett, Chair of the School of Social & Behavioral Sciences at Andrews University, brings an extensive background in mental health, crisis response, and law enforcement. With over 15 years on the Berrien County Critical Incident Stress Management team and two decades in law enforcement—including roles as a Chief of Police and crisis negotiator—Dr. Burnett’s experience provided deep insight into critical mental health challenges.
The retreat’s sessions addressed the significance of mental well-being, with a focus on understanding addiction, combating negative thought patterns, and recognizing the psychological warfare between good and evil that impacts our minds daily. Through these four sessions, Dr. Burnett offered both practical tools and spiritual insights for managing mental health, fostering a conversation around topics that are increasingly relevant in today’s society.
A Culinary Experience with Chef Michael Montero
The retreat took on a unique flavor with the addition of Chef Michael Montero, a professional chef trained at the renowned Hofmann Culinary School in Barcelona. With experience in Michelin-starred kitchens and fine dining across Europe and the U.S., Chef Montero elevated the culinary experience for all attendees. From homemade pizza on Friday night to traditional Spanish paella for Sabbath lunch, his dishes delighted participants and added a memorable layer to the retreat. Many young adults expressed their excitement and appreciation for the chance to experience gourmet cooking in such a relaxed setting.
A Weekend of Worship, Fellowship, and Reflection
The retreat kicked off on Friday night with Chef Montero’s pizza and Dr. Burnett’s first session on addiction. On Sabbath, attendees gathered for three more sessions focused on mental health and the spiritual battle within our minds. After a fulfilling lunch of paella, the group spent the afternoon in various activities: some hiked, others relaxed by the cottages, and a few gathered for a spontaneous time of music and fellowship.
The weekend concluded with an open discussion, giving young adults a chance to share their thoughts and hopes for the future of the Conference Young Adult Ministry. Many young adults said they wanted monthly gatherings to worship together, while others expressed interest in spring retreats and mission projects. This conversation not only highlighted the importance of these gatherings but also revealed a hunger for more regular opportunities to connect and serve as a community.
Moving Forward: Planning for Growth
As planning begins for the next retreat, the ministry aims to expand capacity to welcome even more young adults into this transformative experience.
The Young Adult Retreat is about more than a weekend getaway. It’s about building a community where young adults can grow in faith, foster authentic connections, and find the support they need for life’s challenges. As the ministry continues to expand, these retreats will remain a cornerstone for Adventist young adults across the Chicagoland area, offering them a place to find friendship, hope, and purpose.
P.S., the Youth Department would like to give a special shout-out to the volunteers who helped make this retreat possible!
Please send any news items of what God is doing around the Illinois Conference to communication@ilcsda.org.
*ILC AI POLICY (DEVELOPING)
The Illinois Conference of Seventh-day Adventists are committed to using AI technology responsibly and ethically.