2025 Synod Pilgrimage
Because justice issues related to homelessness, hunger, poverty, racism, education disparity, and more are complex situations that require complex conversations and answers, the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin-ELCA and The Dwelling are partnering this summer to offer opportunities for young people and adults to spend a week participating in a Spirit and Service-Learning Experience. Hosted (housed) at a partner church in Winston-Salem, NC, we will engage in a week of relationship-building, education, story-telling and service alongside formerly or currently homeless individuals. In doing so, we will seek to better understand the complexity of the systems and institutions perpetuating injustice and inequity, how the church is responding as Matthew 25 people, and ways that they can continue to advocate for justice in their own communities.
The SCSW is planning a synod pilgrimage to The Dwelling in North Carolina from June 22 – June 27, 2025. The cost of the trip is $425 per person, plus the cost of transportation.
Before registering please read the following to learn more about the trip:
- What is included in the registration fee?
The registration cost of $425.00 per person includes church based housing with access to showers (off site), needed supplies for service, arrangements for free time outings, daily devotional and worship elements, and all meals except for one dinner (group will have one dinner out at their own expense). - How will we travel to The Dwelling?
Travel arrangements will be the responsibility of each participant. You will need to arrive at The Dwelling in Winston-Salem by 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 22. You are welcome to drive or fly on your own keeping in mind that you will need to have your own transportation throughout the entire week. The closest commercial airports are Charlotte Douglas International (which is a hub for American Airlines) and Raleigh-Durham International. - Will the synod offer group transportation?
For those interested, the synod is working with American on a group rate for flights from Madison to Charlotte arriving on Saturday, June 21 and returning on Friday, June 27. We will then rent vehicles from the airport, drive to Winston-Salem, and stay in a hotel for one night prior to starting our time with The Dwelling on Sunday. The initial estimated cost is $650.00 per person (including airfare from Madison, shared rental car, and one night in a hotel in shared accommodations) but is subject to change based on current rates in place when we book. When registering, please indicate your interest in group transportation and we will be in touch with details. Group travel cost is in addition to registration cost. - What are the accommodations like while serving with The Dwelling?
We will be staying with one another at Sherwood Forest United Methodist Church and showering at the Robinhood YMCA. Participants are asked to provide their own bedding (for those flying there is a possibility of assistance with this) including an air mattress and all necessary supplies. - Can I choose to stay somewhere else?
Yes you may, however the registration fee is not waived nor discounted and all additional housing costs will be your responsibility. There are many hotels in Winston Salem and some AirBNB options. You can learn more at https://www.visitwinstonsalem.com/places-to-stay.
Want to join us?
Anyone who is a member (or guest of a member) of a congregation/ministry of the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin may join us for this pilgrimage. All participants must be at least entering the 6th grade in the fall. Participants may register as individuals or as part of an organized church group:
- Individuals will register individually or each person separately. All individuals must be at least entering 6th grade in the fall of 2025 or be over the age of 18 by June 22, 2025. Those under 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian/trusted other adult (with parental permission) who is over 18. Families should register as individuals with one adult making a note where indicated who is part of their family.
- Organized groups (i.e., youth groups) from any SCSW congregation may join us. All groups may have mixed ages participants with one adult over 18 being designated as the group leader. Groups that include youth not traveling with their parents must have parental permission and the required adult to youth ratio is 1 to 8. Groups sponsored by a congregation will be asked to submit proof of liability insurance as part of the registration process.
Registration is officially open and will be completed in three steps:
- Complete the online registration by filling out the form below. Once completed you will be forwarded to a page with the information you need for the next steps. Note that registration will be open until April 25, 2025 or until all spots on the trip are filled.
- Download and complete the required registration forms and mail them to the synod office.
- Pay the required $100.00 per person deposit online or by mailing a check.
- Complete a background check (all participants over the age of 18).
- Provide insurance certificate (organized church groups only)
Once you complete steps 1-3 you will be considered officially registered for the trip.
Final deadline/balance payments for registration (and any synod travel) will be due by May 31, 2025.
After registration you will be directed to a page with everything you need to know.
Have questions?
For registration, payment, or travel questions contact Pastor Jason Poole-Xiong, Web Manager, at jasonx@scsw-elca.org or (608) 387-8560.
For programming or general questions please contact Marie Leafblad, Associate to the Bishop for Leadership Support, at mariel@scsw-elca.org or (608) 270-0201.
Registration Form
After you click submit above you will be automatically redirected to a page which will have instructions for completing the next steps in registering for the pilgrimage. Remember, you or your group are not considered registered until all steps are completed. Note that the “submit” button will only be visible once you complete the entire online form above.
You will also receive an email confirming your submission of your initial registration. If you do not receive this email, please DO NOT submit a duplicate registration. Please contact Pastor Jason at jasonx@scsw-elca.org for a copy.