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Spiritual Journey to the Southern Border

August 07, 2023
Thank you for prayerfully considering participating in a Spiritual Journey to the Southern Border in Tucson, Arizona taking place Oct. 30-Nov. 3, 2023.

As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to serve those in which society has pushed to the margins. To serve and care well, part of the work that is required of us is to center the voices and learn from those who are directly impacted and those who serve in the area. We continue to hear about the "crisis at the Southern Border" – this Spiritual journey will allow us to learn from and more about the people who are directly impacted by this crisis, to learn from those who are serving the community, and to serve in tangible ways. We will be in partnership with The Inn of Southern Arizona, of the Desert Southwest Conference, whose mission is to "Caring for Asylum Seekers. Connecting Families."


Important Information

Registration

Registration is $300 plus travel and lodging (lodging is free at the church or you may use the group rate at La Quinta Inn). Registration Deadline is September 1st, 2023.

Register here: https://mtnsky-reg.brtapp.com/SpiritualJourneytotheSouthernBoarder23

Lodging

Lodging at First United Methodist Church, Tucson:
Lodging at FUMC Tucson is free for participants. The church has two large rooms with air mattresses and cots for sleeping. Past campers have brought sleeping bags to place on the cots, but the church also has ample bedding available for use. There are 3 showers at the church as well as bathrooms. The church is air-conditioned. Please see the attached video for a short orientation to the sleeping space at the church.
 
Lodging at the La Quinta Inn:
A group rate is available at the La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Tucson – Reid Park (102 N Alvernon Way Tucson, AZ 85711). The base rate for the hotel is $71 + Tax per night for 2 adults per room. There is an additional charge of $10 per person for a 3rd or 4th person in a room. Information on how to book a room at La Quinta will be provided after registration.
 

Food

The majority of meals will be provided as part of the registration cost and will be prepared/served at First UMC Tucson. Guests staying at the La Quinta Inn will also have access to a continental breakfast. In addition, we do plan to have one shared meal together at a local restaurant at your own cost. Please be prepared to cover the cost of this meal and any other incidentals on your own.

Transportation

Transportation in vans will be provided during the week as part of the registration cost. Transportation to and from Tucson and to and from the airport is on your own.

 

Day Trip to Mexico/Passport

On Tuesday, October 31st, we will travel across the border to Nogales Mexico with Border Community Alliance for a day of learning and cultural immersion. A valid passport is needed to cross the border and participate in this learning experience. If you do not have a valid passport or do not wish to travel to Mexico, an alternative activity will be available for that day. However, we encourage everyone to participate in the Border Community Alliance experience.
 

Opportunity to Participate in Leading Devotions

Rev. Steve Klemz is organizing our spiritual devotions for the week and is looking for volunteers to participate in leading the devotions with him. If you are interested in participating in a devotion, please let us know when you register.
 

Proposed Schedule

Monday - Oct. 30th
  • Travel Day – Arrive in Tucson by 5:00 pm local time.
  • Presentation “Seeking Refuge at Our Ports of Entry: The Right to Asylum” at St. Francis in the Foothills UMC 5:30 pm. 
  • Dinner
  • Evening Devotion
 
Tuesday - Oct. 31st
  • Grab and Go Breakfast
  • Morning Devotion/Prayer
  • Trip to Nogales, Mexico starts at 6:00 am or Alternative Engagement
  • Evening Devotion
 
Wednesday - Nov. 1st
  • Grab and Go Breakfast
  • Morning Devotion/Prayer
  • Humane Boarders Trip at 6:00 am
  • The Inn – presentation and work project in the afternoon
  • Evening Devotion
 
Thursday - Nov. 2nd
  • Breakfast
  • Morning Devotion/Prayer
  • AZJFON Presentation in the morning
  • Medical Examiner Presentation at 1:30 pm
  • Casa Mariposa Detention Visitation Program 3:30 pm
  • Vigil Dia De Los Muertos from 6 to 8 pm
225 E 26th St, Tucson, AZ 85713-2925, United States
22nd Annual Dia de los Muertos Procession        
 
Friday - Nov. 3rd – Complete by 12 pm
  • Breakfast
  • Devotion/Prayer
  • Travel Day