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Menno Haven Winter Retreats are a time for:
• Quality worship and Biblically based input • Meaningful faith development • Fun times for youth groups and their youth sponsors • Relaxation with friends 2022 Information
Young Adult/High School - January 7-9* High School - January 14-16* Junior High - January 21-23* * We are planning and preparing for these events but due to COVID-19 these dates/events are dependent on the Illinois Department of Public Health and CDC recommendations. Email program@mennohaven.com for our guidelines for the weekend. High School:
Speaker: Thavisth Mounsithiraj Topic: The me I want to be: How God calls us and shapes us through the events of our lives Worship led by: Menno Haven Band Registration Fee: $125 per individual ($5 off before December 21st) 
Thavisith or Mr. T. Mounsithiraj is a longtime lover of camp ministry and teenagers. Ashley originally met him and his beautiful family while on a summer staff together back in 2012 and CAN.NOT. WAIT. for y'all to meet him.
He was born in Laos and his family of 8 immigrated as political refugees to the United States when he was 11. He received his Bachelor degree in Psychology from Goshen College and Master Degree in Counseling from Indiana University. He is a member of Toastmaster International. He had spoken in front of a 3500 people audience as well as a small group gathering with diverse backgrounds and life experiences. His compelling life story and humor make him a very captivating and inspiring speaker. He is a gifted storyteller that connects very well with his audience. When not spending time with his awesome family and telling story, he can be found pacing sidelines coaching soccer. Junior High:
Speaker: Kim Litwiller Topic: IMPACT Everyday we are impacted by what we encounter AND everyday we make an impact on those we encounter. But, what kind of impact does Jesus call us to make AND what kind of impact does He warn us to avoid? Worship led by: Menno Haven Registration Fee: $125 per individual ($5 off before December 21st) 
Kim Litwiller is no stranger to rough edges of faith. She has a heart for bringing the Word of God to those on the outskirts and loving God's people back to Him. She has been a youth pastor, lead pastor, as well as a former IMC conference minister. Kim lives in Hopedale, IL with her husband, 4 kids, and beloved pups Sadie, Samson and Jesse. She craves lake time with the family and delights in working out, sewing, and hiking if it's nice out.
Young Adult: Defined as for anyone post high school and up. This is a great retreat to come and hangout with young people - single or married - and young at heart people! There will be 4 worship times with input from the speaker and times for group discussions. There will be a variety of planned activities as well as free time to experience all Menno Haven facilities and outdoors has to offer. Speaker: Cyneatha Millsap Topic: Make Me An Instrument of Peace Worship led by Ashley Litwiller & Wesley Herschberger Registration Fee: $125 per individual ($5 off before December 21st) |
What is "Winter Retreat"?
Menno Haven's Winter Retreats are an opportunity for youth and young adults to experience a weekend of faith and friendship building with other youth and young adults in a retreat setting. High School and Junior High Winter Retreats are also a time for individual youth groups to grow closer together and to relate with other youth groups. What happens at Winter Retreats? Time at Winter Retreats is centered around worship, discipleship, and fun. There are 4 times of worship with speakers and time for group discussion. (One on Friday, two Saturday, and one Sunday morning.) Between worship times there is plenty of time for fun. Much of the time is left unstructured for games and outdoor winter adventures. Often youth leaders organize tournaments during this time. We have an indoor climbing wall, basketball, volleyball, and game room, as well as equipment for ice skating, tubing, and cross country skiing, weather permitting. Why should my youth group come to a Winter Retreat? One of our main objectives at Menno Haven, in regards to youth and young adults, is to partner with churches to help encourage the faith development of today's youth and young adults. Our speakers for winter retreats are encouraged to speak on topics related to discipleship, deepening faith and Christian identity. And as well as offering a place for spiritual growth, we recognize that as our society continues to become increasingly non-Christian, it can be refreshing for youth and young adults to be able to spend time with other youth and young adults who share their faith and beliefs. Our winter retreats provide for that opportunity. Do I have to be Mennonite to come? No! For many decades we have been doing winter retreats specifically for churches that have had ties to the "Mennonite" faith tradition, but the content is not necessarily denomination specific. Do I need to be with a youth group? Yes. All youth attending High School or Junior High Winter Retreats must have chaperones or adult sponsors. We ask at least 1 chaperone for every 5-10 youth and that each gender has at least one chaperone. If you are coming to the Young Adult Winter Retreat, you can come on your own or bring a group of young adults with you. What should I bring? You should bring: - Sleeping bag or bedding, including towels, pillows, etc - Toiletries - Flashlight - Note taking materials - Bible - Warm clothes - Other items your sponsor recommends |
Cyneatha Millsaps is the executive director for Mennonite Women USA. She has served as the lead pastor of a multicultural congregation just outside of Chicago and has been a columnist for The Mennonite. She is a community activist and advocate, focusing on the needs of women and children in the areas of violence, education and spiritual development. She is married to her loving husband of 25 years, Steven. Together they have seven children and 20 grandchildren.
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