The Ohio Chapter of Illuman
We're a community of men transforming other men through a power greater than ourselves.
The Ohio Chapter of Illuman is a nonprofit organization for men who are simply interested in becoming better, more authentic men. We welcome all men to our work without regard for your ethnicity, class, education, sexual orientation, religion or any other characteristic that might make you feel excluded. Our programs and offerings focus on providing men with an opportunity to do their โinner workโ in the company of other men. We use ritual, teaching and ways of communicating that allow men to create an environment where men can explore what matters to them most. โ Contact Us
We foster an environment where:
- Men can speak without being judged or shamed
- Men can both speak about their emotions and be emotional
- Men can forge real and authentic relationships with other men
- Men can discuss real life challenges of the different roles we play โ husband/partner, father, grandfather, provider, businessman, worker etc.
- Men who participate in our work receive support as they journey through life and face some of lifeโs toughest challenges and transitions. Our programs are centered in ritual experiences rather than in conceptual teachings. Illuman creates opportunities for men that we know they canโt find on their own or anywhere else.
The Ohio Chapter of Illuman holds and sponsors a variety of events throughout the year. These include monthly meetings, quarterly gatherings, wanderings in nature, and special events. Please check here often, or follow us on Facebook for the latest schedule of activities and events.
A cinematic retelling of the parable of the prodigal son, interwoven with true testimonials of personal and sexual brokenness. Narrative storytelling and documentary filmmaking combine to reveal the compassionate heart of God that illuminates an age-old truth: shame is not a barrier to God's love, but a bridge to absolute transformation, victory, freedom and hope.
Join your Brothers in Akron, Ohio for their monthly gathering for council.
Details
- Sunday, April 22, 2018 @ 2pm - 4:00pm
- 484 Overwood Road
Akron, OH, 44313 - Contact Chuck Rihm for details
Join together with other men also on a spiritual journey for an interfaith retreat revolving around the four male archetypes: King, Warrior, Magician, and Lover. The concept of archetypes (male and female) has been around for millennia, and most cultures have woven this concept into their traditions, rituals, literature, art and mythology.
Join your Brothers in Akron, Ohio for their monthly gathering for council.
Details
- Sunday, May 13, 2018 @ 2pm - 4:00pm
- 484 Overwood Road
Akron, OH, 44313 - Contact Chuck Rihm for details
Islam 101 and the American Muslim Experience
Neighbors can get to know each other, learn about the Islamic faith and its traditions, and ultimately dispel stereotypes and break down barriers.
The annual meeting of the Ohio Illuman Board of Directors will take place on Monday, March 4, 2019 @ 12pm in Columbus, Ohio.
The Ohio Illuman Board of Directors met in March to plot our course for 2018. I would like to welcome three new brothers to the board: Brian Mueller, Rich Horton, and Jonathon Farmerie. They will be joining vice president Bob Farmerie, treasurer Tom Simmonds, secretary Shawn Witmer, and me as your president...
We in Illuman believe we have an alternative to this dangerous form of toxic masculinity...
What do all the recent shooting incidents have in common? What is going on with men, and particularly young men, in our country? Why do so many men feel so isolated and angry that the only way for them to express themselves is through violence and killing?
We in Illuman believe we have an alternative to this dangerous form of toxic masculinity...
Iโd like to begin by thanking Brian Mueller for organizing and leading the Men Writing for Change retreat last month. We had a great turnout, and I think this retreat was very well received. Brian showed us how to write poetry to access our inner knowledge and facilitate transformation. Those who were willing, were asked to share their poetry in Council. This inspired me to create a closed Facebook group on the Ohio Chapter of Illuman page to facilitate sharing of poetry, thoughts, and feelings in a safe environment. If this sounds inviting to you, please request to join the Journey of Illumination closed group...
Ohio Illuman offers a Men's Rites of Passage for younger men called Crossings Ohio. Chuck Rihm, Convener for Ohio Illuman was asked to offer some of his reflections and insights based on his personal experiences with the young menโs rites... In the following piece, Chuck describes the origin and process of Crossings Ohio. He also shares his experience of participating in the rites and how this has deepened the lessons from his own MROP in 2008.
Today we post the eighth and final installment of an eight-part series consisting of three total sermons delivered by Henri Nouwen in 1992, around the time his book Life of the Beloved was published. In this sermon Henri helps us to understand community. He talks about people creating a fellowship of the weak and of the poor so that we may discover our own poverty, brokenness and weakness, and not be afraid of it...
The first sermon addressed Being the Beloved. The second sermon speaks to Becoming the Beloved. This final sermon invites us to become Disciples of the Beloved. You are invited to follow along in this self-paced study and spiritual reflection as Nouwen delivers an inspired and powerful testament to the love of God for all peoples...
Today we post the seventh installment of an eight-part series consisting of three total sermons delivered by Henri Nouwen in 1992, around the time his book Life of the Beloved was published. In this sermon Henri helps us to understand community. He talks about people coming together in their mutual belovedness to create new life, new friendships where guests are welcomed, and even the space where a child is born...
The first sermon addressed Being the Beloved. The second sermon speaks to Becoming the Beloved. This final sermon invites us to become Disciples of the Beloved. You are invited to follow along in this self-paced study and spiritual reflection as Nouwen delivers an inspired and powerful testament to the love of God for all peoples...
Today we post the sixth installment of an eight-part series consisting of three total sermons delivered by Henri Nouwen in 1992, around the time his book Life of the Beloved was published. In this sermon Henri invites us to spend some time with God alone in order to be told who who we really are...
The first sermon addressed Being the Beloved. The second sermon speaks to Becoming the Beloved. The final sermon invites us to become Disciples of the Beloved. You are invited to follow along in this self-paced study and spiritual reflection as Nouwen delivers an inspired and powerful testament to the love of God for all peoples...
Today we post the fifth installment of an eight-part series consisting of three total sermons delivered by Henri Nouwen in 1992, around the time his book Life of the Beloved was published. This part contains the call for us to give our gifts to others and in doing so fulfill our blessed and belovedness in God...
As the first part addressed Being the Beloved, this sermon speaks to Becoming the Beloved. You are invited to follow along in this self-paced study and spiritual reflection as Nouwen delivers an inspired and powerful testament to the love of God for all peoples...
Today we post the fourth installment of an eight-part series consisting of three total sermons delivered by Henri Nouwen in 1992, around the time his book Life of the Beloved was published. This part contains a beautiful story of blessings and recognizing the beauty and belovedness of all human beings...
Today we post the third installment of an eight-part series consisting of three total sermons delivered by Henri Nouwen in 1992, around the time his book Life of the Beloved was published. As the first part addressed Being the Beloved, this sermon speaks to Becoming the Beloved. You are invited to follow along in this self-paced study and spiritual reflection as Nouwen delivers an inspired and powerful testament to the love of God for all peoples...
Worldwide Illuman Chapters
Illuman has many chapters throughout the United States and Internationally. Below are some helpful links and information. For most current information please see Connect ยป Illuman.
The Crossings is four days of formal male initiation for young men aged 18-30.