Our youth ministry is preparing to embark on a journey together that won't be particularly comfortable....

For the week of July 22-28, we will be taking high school students (going into 9th-12th grade next year) down to Chicago to experience service and the mission of God in a culture that might be quite different from what many of us are used to. We will working closely with an organization called Sunshine Gospel Ministries, a fantastic, Jesus-centered organization that works for the peace of the city and for the advancing of God's kingdom in broken communities.

This is not an experience that will be particularly easy. And, for some, it may not feel particularly safe. Now, we know that telling you this from the beginning is likely not the best marketing strategy and probably not exactly what you expected to hear. But our experience tells us that not only are these things true, but they are also gifts from God for our combined benefit. Experience has shown us that rarely does God work in the places we're comfortable; rarely is the work of God easy; rarely do the places that God leads us feel safe. Indeed, if we're honest, our American context and culture have elevated these feelings (comfort, ease, safety) into modern-day golden calves - in moderation they may be helpful, but in excess they become idols. We are eager to invite you outside of your comfort zone and into a place of challenge and growth in the Lord.

Would you consider joining us as we embark on this journey together?

For more specific information about the trip, and to register, DOWNLOAD A REGISTRATION PACKET BELOW.

Trip Itinerary

Sunday, July 22nd
1:30p - Depart from Walloon Lake Community Church
5:30p - Stop for dinner on the road
9:00p - Arrive in Chicago and unpack
9:30p - Orientation/shalom lesson
10:00p - Group devotions + worship
11:30p - Curfew

Monday, July 23rd
8:00a - Breakfast
9:00a - Begin service opportunity
12:00p - Lunch
12:30p - Resume service opportunity
2:30p - Depart for Pacific Garden Mission
5:30p - Debrief at Sunshine Gospel Ministries
6:00p - Dinner
7:00p - Lesson: Poverty
8:30p - Group time/devotions
10:00p - Curfew

Tuesday, July 24th
8:00a - Breakfast
9:00a - Begin service opportunity
12:00p - Lunch
12:30p - Resume service opportunity
2:30p - Depart for Meal Share
5:30p - Debrief at Sunshine Gospel Ministries
6:00p - Dinner
7:00p - Lesson: Love your neighbor
8:30p - Group time/devotions
10:00p - Curfew
​
Wednesday, July 25th
8:00a - Breakfast
9:00a - Begin service opportunity
12:00p - Lunch
12:30p - Resume service opportunity
2:30p - Depart for El Experience
5:30p - Debrief at Sunshine Gospel Ministries
6:00p - Dinner
7:00p - Lesson: Racial reconciliation
8:30p - Group time/devotions
10:00p - Curfew

Thursday, July 26th
8:00a - Breakfast
9:00a - Begin service opportunity
12:00p - Lunch
12:30p - Resume service opportunity
2:30p - Neighborhood tour
5:30p - Debrief at Sunshine Gospel Ministries
6:00p - Dinner
7:00p - Lesson: Ferguson to Chicago
8:30p - Concert
10:00p - Curfew

Friday, July 27th
8:00a - Breakfast
9:00a - Begin service opportunity
12:00p - Lunch at Lawndale Lou Malnatti’s (Chicago deep-dish pizza)
Afternoon off: Visit Moody Bible Institute
6:00p - Dinner at Portillo’s
8:30p - Final Debrief
10:00p - Curfew

Saturday, July 28th
8:00a - Breakfast
9:00a - Depart Sunshine Gospel Ministries
9:30a - Classic Chicago experience before we leave.
12:00p - Depart Chicago
7:00p - Arrive home
7:00p - Highlights and debriefing with family (ice cream party)
8:00p - Unload bus and leave