The Journey to Mosaic focuses on making participants aware of present-day injustices related to the Asian American, Hispanic American, Native American, and African American communities.
The Pacific Southwest and North Pacific Conferences already have sponsored several trips in their conferences. The Chicago journey will stay within the city because of the diversity of experience that is available locally, says Debbie Griffith Samuels, director of mission and outreach for the Central Conference.
“Our churches are so diverse and they really want us to know them,” says Samuels.
Sites to be visited during the Chicago trip include:
- Japanese-American Service Committee Legacy Center, where two people who were forced to live in interment camps during World War II will speak about their experience
- Immanuel Covenant Church, where at least 14 languages are spoken. (To read a previous news story on Immanuel click here.)
- Anawim Center, which highlights the Native American experience
- UMC Sanctuary Church, which received international attention when congregation member Elvira Arelleno lived in the church for a year to avoid deportation.
- Puerto Rican Cultural Center
- New Life Church Little Village
- Oakdale Covenant Church
- DuSable Museum
- Tour of area surrounding Cabrini Green housing project
- Lawndale Community Church
- Tha House Covenant Church
Participants will stay at the America’s Best Value Inn (Chicago, O’Hare) and eat at multiethnic sites during the trip. Cost for the trip is $240, and registration is due October 31.
A trial run was held earlier this year, co-sponsored by North Park Theological Seminary. The Making Connections grant funded by the Lilly Endowment helped underwrite the trip. The grant provides the means for the seminary to collaborate widely with local Covenant churches and affiliated ministries.
Click here for a registration form.
For more information email the Central Conference or call (773) 267-3060.
