In November 2022, a group from South Bend City Church traveled to Israel/Palestine on a Peacemaking Pilgrimage and an immersive learning journey. There, we learned how to hold the tension of conflict by listening to perspectives from across multiple identities, Muslim, Jewish, Christian, Palestinian and Israeli and their various factions.
Upon returning, we prayed, reflected, and sought ways to bring this experience to our own city. In 2024, we launched South Bend Immersion, now known as South Bend Pilgrimage.
We invite you to apply to be a part of our Spring 2026 cohort, happening from April 17-19, with pre and post meetings. You can register by heading to our sign-ups page.
Purpose
We believe that listening to our neighbors’ stories deepens our understanding and strengthens our ability to live out the teachings of Jesus in our communities. We understand that in order to “love our neighbors”, we need to know our neighbors. Through this pilgrimage, we will:
- Engage with diverse perspectives in our city.
- Study the Practices and Principles of Peacemaking, developed by The Telos Group, a trusted world partner of SBCC.
- Weave the Practices and Principles of Peacemaking into meaningful conversations that challenge and inspire us.
What We Ask of the Cohort
- Come with an open mind and be ready to listen and learn.
- Commit to the entire experience which centers around a weekend with a pre and post gathering. The experience is immersive and we request the cohort’s full participation of the entirety of the experience.
- Resist the urge to solve. Our goal is to seek to understand and sit in the tension, not resolve.
- $50 financial commitment. This helps cover a small portion of the cost for the weekend, but we never want finances to be a barrier for participation. Scholarships are available. Email info@southbendcitychurch.com to learn more.
Our hope is that those who join this cohort will develop a passion for carrying peacemaking beyond the walls of our church and into their lives and community.
