Mission Trip or Pilgrimage to Cincinnati, Ohio

"...one of the most interesting hidden treasures in the country."

VOYAGE TYPE

Historical Site
Mission Opportunity

Cincinnati, Ohio is one of the most interesting hidden treasures in the country. The city is a unique blend of old and new. European inspired architecture tower over small boutique businesses in historic neighborhoods, while downtown light installations set the riverwalk area aglow. Come discover the collection of renowned museums housed in historic Union Terminal and wander through the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood where Germans first settled in 1865.

A Wonder Voyage to Cincinnati partners volunteers with a network of ministries serving the city in innovative ways. If you seek adventure, we’ll take you outside the city limits to explore natural wonders on historic lands. Cincinnati is an ideal destination for a mission trip or pilgrimage for those looking to find awe and wonder in unexpected places.

Overview

Find renewal in the splendor of an arboretum.
Relive Gospel stories through stained glass at Cathedral Basilica.
Explore one of the city’s historic neighborhoods.
Discover the underground veins of Cincinnati.
Cross the historic Roebling Bridge and straddle state lines.
Help customers looking for a change at a local thrift store.

Itinerary

Every Wonder Voyage itinerary (mission trip and/or pilgrimage) is personalized to the desires, direction and personality of each group. This itinerary is only a description of the kind of journey we can create for your unique team.

Day 1 – Creation Care
Welcome, pilgrims, to the city of Cincinnati. Poised on the Ohio River’s banks, it’s a town of pretty surprises and natural beauty. The question we ponder over the next few days of discovery and service is how do we steward and care for creation in the middle of a lively, busy city? Are there ways to balance ecology-focused caretaking with the demands of modern living? This afternoon, we begin our pilgrimage, and it all starts in a garden.
Day 2- It Starts in a Garden
It all starts in a garden. The story of the world’s great faith traditions begins in a garden. From the beginning, we were designed to be stewards of the world, protectors, caregivers, and responsible for sowing life and peace. We begin working in a fantastic community garden that creates green space and fresh food for those within the city. We will engage in a water adventure this afternoon before our first Stone Soup.
Day 3- Into the Woods
Mt Airy Forest is the first reforestation project in the United States. Now, as the largest city park in Cincinnati, these charming woods demonstrate that we can counteract urbanization with hard work and determination. You will serve this morning in a unique park project to benefit future visitors. We will explore this beautiful park in the afternoon and enjoy outdoor fun. Let’s have our second Stone Soup and see what culinary magic you devise.
Day 4- Repair and Restore
Tikkum is a Hebrew word meaning “repair” or “restore.” We will serve this morning at a local non-profit farm that engages in the sacred work of restoring people, community, and creation. They want everyone to experience ‘belovedness.’ Our adventure today is at one of the most famous Zoos in the U.S. Get ready for a day of repair and restoration.
Day 5- Full Circle
We come full circle today with two special times of engagement. Church of the Advent in downtown Cincinnati is a model of our call to Creation Care. Let’s learn about their passion for stewarding the environment while blessing humanity. Our afternoon takes us to the Underground Railroad Museum, where we learn about our call to justice, born out of love for those who suffer. May we be challenged to have faith in action and not just words. Tonight, we celebrate and pass the candle.
Day 6 – Cincy Pilgrims
As we’ve explored what it means to care for creation, serve those in need, and open our hearts and eyes to the beauty of creation and what it means to be stewards of the planet, may our mighty group heads home with a call, asking the question: How can we bring life and love to the places we live. What small part can we play in healing the planet? Amen.