There is quite a bit of information below
so bear with us. Since this is such a new experience for most of you, we want everyone to feel as prepared as possible for our time together.
We look forward to what God has in store for each of us as we journey together for the next two and a half years. If there is anything that has not been covered, don't hesitate to reply to this email!
Blessings, The TC18 Team
Arrival and Lodging
You will be staying in a private room at USML (University of St. Mary of the Lake). You can check in between 3:30pm and 5pm CST on Sunday, February 20, 2022.
The main entrance of University of St Mary of the Lake is closed at this time. When using an address to find the conference center, please use 300 Principal Ave, Mundelein, IL. Upon entering the USML campus at the University Drive entrance, follow signs to the Purple parking lot which will be on your left. NOTE: your GPS will probably bypass the Purple parking lot so watch carefully; the lot will not be a long distance from the entrance.Here is a map for easy reference. After parking in the purple parking lot, walk down the ramp from the lot to the Conference Center Lodging Building.
Check-in is from 3:30-5:00pm. You can check in at the registration window, then around the corner in the living room, find the Transforming Center check-in table. Please do not come to our Wheaton Office!
The TC check-in table will not be ready prior to 3:30pm. USML will make every effort to accommodate you if you arrive early, but we are not able to guarantee early check-in. The first session begins at 5pm.
COVID protocols at USML require the use of masks while indoors. We will be providing high quality masks for everyone to wear in place of a cloth mask. You will receive this at the welcome table when you check in. For more information regarding campus guidelines and accommodations, click here.
Helpful things to bring
Your Bible
A journal so that you have plenty of writing space to process your times with God and take notes in the teaching session
Any spiritual reading God is using in your life right no
Anything that adds to your comfort: slippers, your own pillow if you’d like, a meaningful religious symbol or artifact, a favorite snack, etc.
Casual, comfortable clothing and walking shoe
Invitation to a Journey by M. Robert Mulholland and Thirsty for God: A Brief History of Christian Spirituality by Bradley Holt, which Ruth has asked you to read in preparation for this first retreat
Basic toiletries, a hair dryer and alarm clock are provided in each room
Please leave behind
Work or study materials. The purpose of the retreat is to attend to your relationship with God in simplicity and quiet
Your computer. When we enter into retreat as a way of creating space for God’s activity in our lives, it is best to “unplug” – literally – by turning off cell phones and by not having a computer available. (No laptops or electronic pads and tablets allowed in teaching sessions.) Ruth will talk about this more fully when we are together. We will also ask you to turn off your cell phones for a good portion of the retreat. It would be helpful if you could alert family members and work associates ahead of time that you will be unavailable during much of the retreat. We know this is a challenging request; however, we have learned from experience that you will be able to more fully make space for God when you trust God to take care of these relationships and responsibilities while you're away.
If there is an emergency during the retreat, those at home may call 630-644-7681 to reach the onsite TC contact and they will find you. Please give this number to your family members and associates before you leave. If there are changes to your plans on the day of the retreat, please call the same number so the team will know your situation and be able to assist if possible.
Departure on Tuesday
As you make travel plans, please schedule your departure (including travel time to the airports) so that you will be on retreat all the way to 1:00pm on Tuesday. The Leaving Service is a very important part of the retreat as it contains one of the teaching sessions.
Retreat Payments
Your first monthly payment is due. If you've already started payments, thank you! If you have not begun your payments, please reply to this email to get set up.
Mailed checks (made out to Transforming Center) or automatic payments from your bank should be mailed to: 400 W Roosevelt Rd STE 100, Wheaton, IL 60187 (please make your payment on a consistent date each month).
Recurring payments via credit card or online banking system. If you paid the registration fee online with a credit card and answered “yes” that you want to use this card to begin your monthly payments, we will automatically set that up for you. You will receive an emailed receipt when your first payment goes through.
Communications
You will receive email communications from the Transforming Center throughout the two and half years. It will be important to have some way of saving these to refer to, both for the facts they contain and also the spiritual guidance they will provide.
Bookmark this page so you have ready access to
it.
If you have not already provided us with a passport-like photo (selfie is fine), please email that as soon as possible. The leadership and serving community is praying for you!
