Information Sheet for Coloradans Interested in a
Centro Romero Immersion Trip
June 22-28, 2008

Purpose: As Rev. Malcolm Himschoot from Commerce City, CO has said, “The border is here!”  For those of us living in Colorado, the effects of immigration are seen, felt and heard in all of our communities whether they be rural, urban or suburban.  The purpose of this week-long trip to Centro Romero is to understand more of the dynamics driving our local issues with immigration and to aid in developing faithful responses for our congregations. 

Dates for the trip: Sunday, June 22 – Friday, June 27.  Most likely, we will fly from Denver the morning of June 22 and fly back for Denver on the morning of June 28 (Saturday).

People invited:  Clergy, laypersons, or young adults who have an interest in or a passion for immigration/border/social justice issues and how congregations can faithfully respond in Colorado.

About Centro Romero: Centro Romero is the United Church of Christ’s newest national transformation center located in San Ysidro, California. The mission of the Centro Romero is to create an environment whereby social transformation can take place by: 1) Further understanding of the migratory realities between Latin America and the United States;  2) Providing immersion and educational opportunities in the city of Tijuana, Mexico; 3) Enabling participants to enhance their political, socio-economic, and cultural views of the forces that are shaping the lives of many countries and families throughout the continent; and 4) Reflecting theologically on the constant migratory exchanges between both sides of the border.

Program: There will be a specialized “Colorado” track during our time at Centro Romero that will aid us in relating the experiences of the border with dynamics occurring in Colorado.  A sample schedule of each day’s activities is located at http://www.ucc.org/justice/centro-romero/immersions.html.

Preparations: You must have a desire to learn, be challenged, and step outside of your own comfort zone into a world not known by the majority of society! Additionally, the analytical experience of each participant will begin before coming to the Romero Center and will focus on the readings sent to you before arrival in San Ysidro. Each participant will be provided with a series of questions to help guide the analysis of the readings and your reflections before, during and after each immersion experience.

Cost: $250 plus airfare and travel.  Meals will be provided for us during the immersion trip.  The hope is that congregations will support individuals with a desire to learn and bring back information, ideas, and vision for possibilities within one’s own church and broader community.  If funding is an issue, there many be additional monies available from conference/national sources.

If you are interested: Please contact Rev. Kristina Lizardy-Hajbi (303-507-2473 or k_lizardy@yahoo.com) to express your interest, & complete the attached forms no later than May 1.

Go to http://www.ucc.org/justice/centro-romero/ for more in-depth information about Centro Romero.

Click below for:

A printer-friendly version of the above information

Centro Romero Application

Centro Romero Medical Form

Centro Romero Waiver