The institute is open to all youth ages 14-21 throughout Northern Illinois Conference who are entering high school, attending high school, College or University. The mission of this institute is to recruit, train, and nurture youth and young adults in the United Methodist churches for Ministry both lay and Ordained. The program is entirely directed toward today’s youth and young adults. Besides studying, other activities include swimming on Lake Geneva, smores, marshmallow roasting, sports, games, and new existing ways of worshiping.

Sponsored by Chicago Black Methodists for Church Renewal, the Rev. Dr. Harry B. Gibson Jr. Memorial Institute will be held, Sunday, July 20th through Friday July 25th, 2008 at the Wesley Woods retreat and Conference Center, 250 Stam St., Williams Bay, WI 53191; Office: (262) 245-6631; Fax: 262-245-6649.

This year’s theme is I Hear, I Go, We Serve (Acts 9:26-28).

The cost is $75 per person and registration forms are being sent to all churches in the conference. Registration deadline is July 13th. Contact: Sirchester Jackson, St Mark UMC, 8441 S St Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60619; (773) 846-2992; email: sirchester.jackson@garrett.edu.