Domestic Mission Fest 2023 April 22–23
Domestic Mission Fest 2023 April 22–23

DOMESTIC MISSION FEST 2023

For I was a stranger and you welcomed me... Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. – Matthew 25:35

Mission Fest is a celebration of all God is doing through Christ Church’s domestic mission partners! This year we’ll explore the many ways our Church community serves the least of these and how that service transforms communities — both the communities serving and those being served.

Mission Fest features opportunities to meet and learn about our servant-hearted missionaries and community-transforming partner organizations. We invite you to lean into Mission Fest with an open mind and heart, listening for how the Holy Spirit might be nudging you toward missional living in your day-to-day life. How can you welcome the stranger? How can you work to transform communities? How is Christ Church transformed through our missional lifestyle? Our hope is that you and your family will leave the experience with a deeper understanding of, appreciation for, and commitment to transforming communities with the love of Jesus Christ.

     

MISSION FEST SCHEDULE

Saturday, April 22 | Oak Brook

Partner Showcase | 5:00–5:30 p.m.

Come early to meet with our partners and learn more about their work. This is an exciting opportunity to talk with different partners and learn how you can get involved in their ministry right here in our local communities! 

Dinner | 5:45–6:45 p.m.
$10 dinner fee

Sit with each other and our partners, learn about their work, and enjoy fellowship over delicious Southern-style BBQ. Relationships are built around the table! 

Dinner includes:

  • pulled chicken 
  • pulled pork
  • macaroni & cheese
  • baked beans
  • salad
  • cornbread or rolls
  • dessert (TBD)

Program: “I Was A Stranger And You Welcomed Me” | 7:00–8:45 p.m.

Learn more about how communities are transformed specifically by the arrival of refugees. We are called to be transformed into Matthew 25 communities, welcoming the stranger, understanding their challenges, and sharing the love of Christ. Celebrate God's transforming power in worship, empathize with others through the refugee experience, and join our panelists in their work to welcome refugees into community.
*childcare provided during the program

 

Sunday, April 23 | Oak Brook

Mission Partner Showcase | Before & After Worship | Oak Brook & Butterfield

Make plans to visit the Atrium and Narthex or the Butterfield Commons, grab a cup of coffee and meet some of our amazing domestic mission partners! You’ll be inspired by the many ways God is at work and discover how you too can be part of His great redemptive mission for the world.

Sermon From Jonathan Brooks | All Services

Jonathan Brooks, aka "Pastah J", is co-lead pastor of Lawndale Community Church. As an educator on many different levels and a firm believer in investing in your local community, Jonathan has a deep desire to impress this virtue on the students and young people in his congregation, classroom and community. His ministry focuses on youth development, holistic health, college scholarships, art and music training as well as restorative justice practices and care for the incarcerated and their families.

Pastah J, as he is affectionately called, is a sought after speaker, writer, artist and community activist. He has contributed to numerous blogs, articles and books and recently released the book Church Forsaken: Practicing Presence in Neglected Neighborhoods.