2. Why Philadelphia? Large, diverse city with plenty of historical and religious sites to prompt reflections on faith Most of our kids have not been there with families, sports, or school Pastor Chris knows it well Cradle of American liberty and history, including Liberty Bell Great place to spend July 4th

3. Why a “pilgrimage”? A pilgrimage is a spiritual journey Our stops along the journey are designed to provoke spiritual reflection We’re not as much doing a “servant” event – we’re not going to work with our hands all week Neither are we going to experience the amazing fellowship of a huge gathering This will be a holy and provocative experience in a new city to explore our ancient faith in new ways

4. What’s the plan? Visit religiously and historically significant sites: Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia Liberty Bell and Independence Hall Worship at a Spanish-speaking church Visit a synagogue 9/11 Memorial in western PA National Constitution Center Museum of Jewish American History Mother Bethel AME Church Saint Francis Inn Soup Kitchen Ministry with the homeless of North Philly

5. What’s the plan? Have lots of fun while we do these things: Watch 4 th of July fireworks blocks from where the Declaration of Indepenence was signed Eat cheesesteaks, hoagies, and pretzels Run up the “Rocky” steps Hear endless stories of Pastor Chris’ childhood Go to the Wildwood, NJ beach and Boardwalk

6. Logistics It’s a long drive. 12 hours with stops, 10:15 with minimal stopping. It will be a few hours longer than the drive to Central PA two years ago.

7. Logistics Lodging is free* at my dad’s house Breakfast at house most days Ability to pack lunches, grab affordable lunches and dinners at various sandwich joints in Philadelphia Lodging one night at Jersey Shore in church retreat center Hotel lodging one night in Western Pennsylvania *There’s a chance that if our group is too large we’ll need to find other accommodations, adding to our cost

8. Costs Current running estimate of costs puts trip for 12 individuals at $6369.92, or about $530.80 per participant Proposed 2016 Congregational Budget provides $2500 for mission trip (or a $208 cost reduction per participant) Additional youth ministry funds are available to further defray costs Youth will hold one or two fundraisers later this year Each participant asked to contribute $200 Cost will not keep anyone from participating in pilgrimage

9. Who can attend? All New Joy youth entering grade 9 through just-graduated 12 th graders are encouraged to participate Youth do not need to have been regularly attending youth group during the year Expectation that those going on the pilgrimage attend pre-pilgrimage sessions Adults – parents and non-parent adults – will be needed as chaperones, drivers

10. Expectations Expect all pilgrims to participate in all activities, events Expect each pilgrim to see and experience God in new ways on this pilgrimage Expect to put up with other’s smells, quirks, odd sleeping behaviors, etc. Expect pilgrims to bring cell phones, and also to put cell phones away when asked Expect a full, but not crazy exhaustive, schedule Expect something awesome to happen

11. Next Steps Sign up youth, adults – as soon as possible, by March 1 (arbitrary date) Make household financial arrangements Arrange for Easter Breakfast fundraiser and “free will” offering fundraiser, tithing 10% of raised funds for offering at Iglesia Luterana Nueva Creación Procure supplies (cots/air mattresses, bed linens, food for the road, etc.) Arrange for congregational prayer partners Schedule pre-pilgrimage preparation sessions

12. Questions?