Welcome to the Illinois Eckankar Members Area
Dear Fellow ECK Chela,
Welcome to Eckankar in Illinois and the Illinois Satsang Society!
In his book The Spiritual Laws of Life, Sri Harold Klemp states (page 175): "To serve is an expression of divine love." As the Mahanta, the Living ECK Master, it is Sri Harold’s mission to show Soul the way home to God. This simply means introducing Soul to the Mahanta and the ECK teachings. All areas of service support the Mahanta's mission. What do you love to do? How would you like to serve in the Illinois Satsang Society? Or perhaps you would like to talk to someone about ways you can serve.
Where do you start? I would suggest contacting your local director. You can go to the "Local Area Directors" tab in the table below to get their contact information. Check out our chela calendar for member events, such as a Chela Day after the ECK Worldwide Seminar!
Welcome to ECK Satsang, service, and spiritual community! I look forward to meeting you at ECK events in Illinois.
Debbie Bryk-Serva
RESA, Illinois
Chela Newsletters —The Current
Sign up to receive notifications when the new issue of The Current is available for download.
Illinois Satsang Society Donation
To make a donation to The Illinois Satsang Society, please click the Donate button below. You will be taken to a page where you'll select which funds you'd like to donate to and how much you would like to donate to each fund. If you prefer to make a donation by mail, click here for the printable Donation Form.
If you are interested in starting a Satsang class or would like to join a Satsang class,
please call Spiritual Services Director Flow Van Koten at 760-989.6661 or email Flow at floravk@yahoo.com.
ECK Arahata Training
Requirements:
- Be over 18 years old
- Have a current ECK membership (bring ECK ID to first session)
- Be a Second Initiate or higher
What is the basic format for Arahata training?
- HU Chant
- Review previous class, including homework
- Discuss a portion of the ECK Arahata Book
- Exercise, practice, and feedback
- Homework assignment
With the approval of the trainer, a trainee who has missed one training session may cover the material in individual study. If multiple sessions are missed, it is best to repeat the entire training. We will provide session dates so you are able to plan ahead.
If you wish to sign up for the Arahata Training (usually 6 sessions),
please email Debbie Bryk-Serva at E-mail Debbie.
Please purchase a copy of the ECK Arahata Book by Sri Harold Klemp.
Start reading and contemplating on the first chapter.
If you have any questions, please call Debbie Bryk-Serva at 630-336-1771.
"The purpose of Satsang is not so much to get the 'right' answers as it is to help each person in class find their own relationship with Spirit."
—Sri Harold Klemp, ECK Arahata Book, p. 34
Welcome to the Illinois Eckankar Chela Day (To Be Determined)!
"ECK is life itself, the Audible Life Stream. The time is coming that will bring ECK to the world as a universal spiritual belief. Mankind will accept It. ECK will serve all races of people and all countries. The way is being prepared to enable the Mahanta to deliver the worldwide message.”
—Shariyat-Ki-Sugmad, Book 1, page 195
All ECK members (families, children, adults) are warmly invited!
Program for Chela Day
Dates: To Be Determined
Theme: TBD
Place: Zoom - Virtual on line
Capsule Schedule:
- Time: TBD
- Program: TBD
Program includes video clip from Sri Harold Klemp, RESA updates, small group discussion, creative arts, and more!
Optional donations to the Illinois Satsang Society are appreciated.
We appreciate your gifts of the heart as all of our programs are possible due to the generous donations of ECK members. RSVP: Please email us at eckinfo@eck-illinois.org or call 630-336-1771.
The Four ECK Celebrations of Life
"These four ECK Ceremonies celebrate Soul's journey through life. They are at the heart of the activities of mankind. In one form or another, this has been the basis for what people do. As they go through life, they naturally enter these stages and there is some kind of rite of celebration to help them.
"Each stage is a rite of passage, a way of coming into being.
"ECK Clerics (ministers) perform the ECK Consecration Ceremony, the ECK Rite of Passage, the ECK Wedding Ceremony, and the ECK Memorial Service." —Sri Harold Klemp, Welcome to the Wonderful World of ECK! p. 47.
ECK members and the public are welcome to contact a qualified ECK cleric about these Four Celebrations of Life Services:
- the ECK Consecration Ceremony (for young children)
- the ECK Rite of Passage (for youth ages 13 to 21)
- the ECK Wedding Ceremony
- the ECK Memorial Service
A Chela may contact an ECK cleric directly to perform the above services. Please view the Cleric drop-down list below for the clerics in your area. If you are unsure who to contact, then you may call your Local Director or Spiritual Services Coordinator who can help you find an ECK cleric. If needed, a Chela may contact the ISS Clergy Coordinator or the ISS Spiritual Services Director for assistance.
ESA Sessions
An ECK Spiritual Aide (ESA) session, though not counseling, can help you find your own answers in challenging situations through the personal guidance of Divine Spirit. An ESA session is conducted by an ECK Spiritual Aide, a specially appointed and trained ECK cleric. A chela may contact an ESA directly. Please view the Initiator drop-down list below for the ESAs in your area. If you are unsure who to contact, then you may call your Local Director or Spiritual Services Coordinator. If needed, a Chela may contact the ISS Spiritual Services Director for assistance.
ECK Initiations
If you have your pink slip and want to take your outer initiation, please contact an ECK Initiator. Please view the Initiator drop-down list below for the ECK Initiators in Illinois.
Donations
There are no fees for the above services. Any donations will be accepted and forwarded to Eckankar.
Cleric | City | Phone |
---|---|---|
Ernie Aehle | Alton | 618.462.7928 |
Sheila Aehle | Alton | 618.462.7928 |
Chris Likes | Alton | 618.520.6465 |
Flow Van Koten | Alton | 760.989.6661 |
Joe Bauer | Aurora | 260.479.0020 |
Cathy Johnson | Brookfield | 312.593.7690 |
Joe Kuhn | Naperville | 630.957.7446 |
John Dawson | Chicago | 773.647.1459 |
Vicki Georgas | Chicago | 312.420.8641 |
Martha Hansen | Chicago | 847.530.3619 |
Ellen O'Keefe-Mann | Chicago | 773.319.5137 |
Aurora Palladino | Chicago | 312.487.0594 |
Deena Wolfson | Chicago | 773.206.8021 |
Stephanie Browne | Chicago | 773.590.2174 |
Jan Mataka | Chicago | 312.243.8579 |
Glenn Williams | Coal Valley | 309.738.9034 |
Debbie Bryk-Serva / Regional ECK Spiritual Aide | Darien | 630.336.1771 |
Russell Stern | Deerfield | 847.607.8506 |
Susie Stern | Deerfield | 847.607.8506 |
Kathy Finerty | Des Plaines | 847.813.5872 |
Rory Grady | Dolton | 773.230.5372 |
Phyllis Mackh | Downers Grove | 630.963.3579 |
RuthAnn Schallert-Wygal | Evanston | 773.631.4266 |
Jerry Cwick | Glen Ellyn | 630.460.1453 |
Janine Moore | Johnsburg | 815.363.6898 |
Janet Erio | Joliet | 815.274.9028 |
Gisela Regganie | Joliet | 815.723.6418 |
Stan Schultz | Lindenhurst | 847.380.2642 |
Bob Breen | Lisle | 630.835.7501 |
Lamar Bush | Lombard | 805.331.1616 |
Steve Twigg | Machesney Park | 815.289.7431 |
John Decapp | Moline | 309.797.3847 |
Barry Morrison | Moro | 618.474.0068 |
Michael Rousonelos | Oswego | 630.554.5080 |
Nancy Rousonelos | Oswego | 630.554.5080 |
Thomas McCartney | Pecatonica | 815.239.2596 |
David Ings | Plainfield | 301.641.4041 |
Rhonda Ings | Plainfield | 301.641.4041 |
Mike Adams | Pontiac | |
Katherine Ramsey | Rockford | 815.519.7514 |
Ernest Stokes | Rockford | 815.963.6078 |
Peggy Erickson | Rockton | 815.624.2837 |
Brian Poshard | Round Lake | 773.931.5630 |
Diane Lien | Schaumburg | 847.352.1032 |
Karen Cheesman | Sherrard | 309.738.2667 |
Susan Walusiak | Spring Grove | 815.675.2274 |
Wayne Walusiak | Spring Grove | 815.675.2274 |
Perry Boggs | Tinley Park | 708.528.1250 |
Dennis Roberts | Urbana | 217.344.0069 |
Cindy Keeling | Villa Park | 630.832.4744 |
Jody Pieczara | Algonquin | 224.577.6050 |
Connie Mork | Yorkville | 331.223.3590 |
Welcome to the Illinois High Initiates Conference! (To Be Determined)
"Spirit will work with each person, with each of you, in a way that is right for you."
—Sri Harold Klemp, Touching the Face of God, p. 33
Guest Speaker:
TBD
- Learn more about your mission
- Hear/share inspirational stories of service as a High Initiate
- Hear unique insights about living your mission here and now
Dates:
None scheduled at this time.
Place:
TBD
For more detailed information on our upcoming High Initiates Conference, please click here: TBD
Initiator (* = ECK Spiritual Aide) | City | Phone |
---|---|---|
*Debbie Bryk-Serva / Regional ECK Spiritual Aide | Darien | 630.336.1771 |
Jody Pieczara | Algonquin | 224.577.6050 |
*Ernest Aehle | Alton | 618.462.7928 |
*Sheila Aehle | Alton | 618.462.7928 |
*Chris Likes | Alton | 618.520.6465 |
*Flow Van Koten | Alton | 760.989.6661 |
Joe Bauer | Aurora | 260.479.0020 |
Cathy Johnson | Brookfield | 312.593.7690 |
*Jan Mataka | Chicago | 312.243.8579 |
Ellen O'Keefe-Mann | Chicago (North) | 773.319.5137 |
Stephanie Browne | Chicago (South) | 773.590.2174 |
*Russell Stern | Deerfield | 847.607.8506 |
*Susie Stern | Deerfield | 847.607.8506 |
*Kathy Finerty | Des Plaines | 847.813.5872 |
*Phyllis Mackh | Downers Grove | 630.963.3579 |
*RuthAnn Schallert-Wygal | Evanston | 773.631.4266 |
*Jerry Cwick | Glen Ellyn | 630.460.1453 |
*Janet Erio | Joliet | 815.274.9028 |
*Gisela Regganie | Joliet | 815.723.6418 |
Janine Moore | Johnsburg | 815.403.6920 |
*Bob Breen | Lisle | 630.835.7501 |
*Steve Twigg | Machesney Park | 815.289.7431 |
*Barry Morrison | Moro | 618.474.0068 |
*Michael Rousonelos | Oswego | 630.554.5080 |
Nancy Rousonelos | Oswego | 630.554.5080 |
Joe Kuhn | Naperville | 630.957.7446 |
*David Ings | Plainfield | 301.641.4041 |
*Rhonda Ings | Plainfield | 301.641.1057 |
*Peggy Erickson | Rockford | 815.624.2837 |
*Ernie Stokes | Rockford | 815.963.6078 |
Diane Lien | Schaumburg | 847.352.1032 |
*Susie Walusiak | Spring Grove | 815.675.2274 |
*Wayne Walusiak | Spring Grove | 815.675.2274 |
*Dennis Roberts | Urbana | 217.344.0069 |
Connie Mork | Yorkville | 630.882.3525 |
Members | Position |
---|---|
Debbie Bryk-Serva | Regional ECK Spiritual Aide (RESA) resa-illinois-iowa@comcast.net 630-336-1771 |
Officers | Position |
Janine Moore | President janinemoore4@gmail.com 815-403-6920 |
Bob Breen | Vice President |
Tom Rowen | Chief Financial Officer |
Susan Pickar | Assistant Chief Financial Officer |
Jody Pieczara | Secretary |
Trustees | Position |
Debbie Bryk-Serva | RESA / Chairman of the Board & Trustee |
Dennis Keeling | Trustee |
Arius Hounwanou | Trustee |
RuthAnn Schallert-Wygal | Trustee |
Mike Saville | Trustee |
Members | Position |
---|---|
Debbie Bryk-Serva | Regional ECK Spiritual Aide (RESA) resa-illinois-iowa@comcast.net 630-336-1771 |
Janine Moore | President janinemoore4@gmail.com 815-403-6920 |
Bob Breen | Vice President |
Tom Rowen | Chief Financial Officer |
Flow Van Koten | Spiritual Services Director |
Martha Hansen | Clergy Director |
Open | Arahata Director |
Kathy Finerty | Regional Vahana Team Leader |
Mike Saville | Website / Webmaster |
Courtney Gallaher | Youth & Family Services Director |
Joe Kuhn | Administrative Services Director |
Members | Position | Phone | |
---|---|---|---|
Flow Van Koten | Spiritual Services Director | 760.989.6661 | floravk@yahoo.com |
Martha Hansen | Clergy Director | 847-530-3619 | mjhansen613@comcast.net |
Open | Arahata Director |
Members | Position | Phone | |
---|---|---|---|
Mike Saville | Webmaster | 630.896.9895 | mbsaville1953@gmail.com |
Cindy Keeling | H.I. Reviewer & Guidelines Specialist | 630.832.4744 | AngKeeling@sbcglobal.net |
Joe Kuhn | Website Programmer | 630.957.7446 | joemkuhn@gmail.com |
Dena Altamore | Website Team | dee.altamore@gmail.com |
|
Dennis Keeling | Website Team | 630.880.7004 | denniskeeling@mac.com |
Kathy Finerty | Website Editor | 847.813.5872 | katefin@aol.com |
Area | Region | Local Director | Phone |
---|---|---|---|
Area 1 | Northern | Stephanie Browne | 773.590.2174 |
Area 1 | Northern | Ann D'Antonio | 708.479.1489 |
Area 2 | Western | Glenn Williams | 309.738.9034 |
Area 3 | Central | Bill Hughes | 217.737.2426 |
Area 4 | Southern | Sheila Aehle | 618.462.7928 |
Fundraiser for the Quad Cities Eckankar Center
Friday Fast Wrist Bands
The mental fast is done by keeping your attention on the Mahanta all day long. This helps uplift the individual's state of consciousness by changing old mental structures and ideas. Please contact the Quad Cities Eckankar Center at 309-430-5200 for ordering information.
Donation: $3.00
"Do you wonder how to be a good vehicle for ECK or a good Vahana? Keep yourself and your heart open to the Light and Sound of God. This Light and Sound of God are the love of God. Together they make up divine love. This is the force that can heal all sorrows and help people into a new understanding of daily living. And you hold the key."
—Sri Harold Klemp, Wisdom of the Heart, Book 2, p. 75
Vahana Information
If you would like to volunteer for any Vahana activity,please call Kathy Finerty at 224-567-3089 or E-mail Kathy.
Postering
"The Youth of ECK are the leaders of tomorrow. They will know how to lead by the example of love. The ECK youth will be their own people. Their source of inspiration will come from the Sound and Light of God. Stars of God (as indeed all people are), they will live by the high principles of ECK and be shining examples of a better way to live spiritually."
—Sri Harold Klemp, April 1998 Letter of Light
Youth & Family Events
(Non Scheduled at this time)
Please contact Youth & Family Services Director Courtney Gallaher
at 888-474-6448 for ongoing events and activities in Illinois.