It comes without hammers, it comes without boards, it comes without power tools, sheetrock, or cords!

The National Association of Congregational Christian Churches (NACCC), through the Mission and Outreach Ministry Council (MOMC), invites you to participate in the Cherokee Cultural Exploration Ministry Trip planned for May 17^th through May 21^st, 2023. This collaboration between the NACCC, A Christian Ministry in the National Parks, and the Cherokee United Methodist Church offers a new model ministry trip with an opportunity to journey through the history of the Cherokee Nation while participating in current day Cherokee Culture.

Trip leader is Rev. Rich Miller-Todd, MOMC Chair
Staff liaison is Julie Robie, Missions Coordinator

Participation is limited to 20 people.

The $175.00 registration fee will include:

• Basic bunk housing. Participants will stay in air-conditioned bunk houses. Accommodations and bathrooms will be separated according to gender.
• Use of a fully equipped kitchen with a refrigerator, freezer, stove/oven, and shelves.
• On site meals. Plan for two offsite meals at your own cost.
• Access to all facilities including fire pit and worship area.
• On site programs and activities, transportation, and admittance to area venues:
  • Museum of the Cherokee Indians
  • Oconaluftee Indian Village
  • Qualla Arts and Crafts
  • Great Smokey Mountain Visitors Center and Farm Museum
  • hiking trail to Cherokee boundary

Transportation to the mission site is not included.

Location: Cherokee Methodist Church
21 Echota Mission Drive
Cherokee, North Carolina

Nearest airports:

• Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) approximately 80 minutes away.
• Atlanta/Hartsfield International Airport (ATL) approximately 3 hours away.

What to pack:

• Medications in original labeled bottles. If you use medical equipment, please make sure that the mission can accommodate its use.
• Sleeping bag, extra blanket, pillow, towels, or other supplies needed for bunkhouse living
• Shampoo, soap, toothbrushes/toothpaste, other toiletries, and first aid items. Walmart and a Dollar Store are nearby.
• Hairdryer
• Ear plugs
• Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
• Cellphone, charger
• Clothing and footwear appropriate for temperatures ranging from 47 to 77 degrees.
• Raincoat
• No formal attire needed.

What not to bring:

• Valuable items.
• Alcohol or recreational drugs. Smoking/vaping in designated areas only.

Preparing to go:

• Invite friends, family, and your church to pray for you.
• Talk with Rich Miller-Todd who will share an overview of the trip, daily schedule, and answer questions.

Returning home:

• Share your experience with a wider audience. Possibilities:
  • Sunday morning worship
  • mission meetings
  • regional meetings
  • youth groups
  • potluck lunch/dinner
• Submit a paragraph with pictures to Missions Coordinator Julie Robie

Rich will lead a discussion group of this book during the trip.

Required reading:
“Voices from the Trail of Tears” by Vicki Rozema (2003 edition)

Recommended reading:
“Pushing the Bear, a novel of the Trail of Tears” by Diane Glancy
“Trail of Tears, the Rise and Fall of the Cherokee Nation” by John Ehle

Download this information.

REGISTRATION

To register and pay via check:
Download and fill out the Cherokee Cultural Exploration Ministry Trip Application.
Proceed to the checkout below and select “Check Payment”.
Mail application and check payable to the NACCC for $175 to NACCC, PO Box 288, Oak Creek, WI  53154

To register and pay via credit card:
Download and fill out the Cherokee Cultural Exploration Ministry Trip Application.
Proceed to the checkout below and select “PayPal Payment” (PayPal account not needed).
Email completed application to Julie Robie