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USA Mission Experience

USA Mission Experience logo

Every three years, a group of Presbyterian Women travels within the United States to connect concerns raised by past Global Exchanges with similar issues in the United States. With local mission projects as partners, the participants combine education with hands-on ministry during the weeklong trip. Participants encounter challenges to God’s promise of a beloved community and witness the faithful responses of Christians living and working in difficult situations.

For two years following the trip, participants are available to share their experiences in their synods and raise awareness of the ways people of faith confront the issues that divide us.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2013 USA Mission Experience to Eastern Tennessee and Western North Carolina.

2013 USAME map, Appalachia

2013 USA Mission Experience to Appalachia

Unto these hills

June 18–26, 2013

I lift up my eyes to the hills—
   from where will my help come?
My help comes from the Lord
   who made heaven and earth.
—Psalm 121:1–2, NRSV

In June 2013, a group of Presbyterian women will travel to North Carolina and Tennessee for the third USA Mission Experience.

Participants will:

  • meet with local historians and Appalachian women to better understand the unique history and culture of the area,
  • tour and fellowship with local organizations serving women, children and families, and
  • see the evolution fot he PC(USA) mission and ministry programs in rural Appalachia.

Apply now to participate in the 2013 USA Mission Experience. Applications are due August 1, 2012.

Learn more about Appalachia (including recommendations for books and films). 

2010 USA Mission Experience to South Dakota

Meeting Our Sisters in South Dakota

September 9–16, 2010

A group of Presbyterian women travelled to South Dakota in 2010 for the second USA Mission Experience, connecting issues raised during past Global Exchanges with similar issues in South Dakota.

Participants will:

  • Meet Native American women and learn about the issues that concern them — land development, food, farming, church leadership, health and social issues.
  • Visit reservations, schools, churches, tribal colleges and historical sites.
  • Hear the voices of our sisters and respond, building mutually supportive relationships.

Learn more about the 2010 USA Mission Experience and the most pressing issues for Native American women, men and children by reading the March/April 2011 issue of Horizons. The magazine contains articles written by participants and hosts of the USA Mission Experience.

Order from the store.

2008 USA Mission Experience to the United States–Mexico Border

Beyond Borders: PW Focus on Immigration

For the Lord your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who is not partial and takes no bribe, who executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and who loves the strangers, providing them food and clothing. You shall also love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt. (Deuteronomy 10:17-19)

Presbyterian Women will focus on immigration and its relationship to violence, poverty, racism, exploitation of women and children and global economic policies by

  • Hearing the voices of our sisters and responding with compassion.
  • Working for the end of all forms of violence.
  • Advocating for the rights of women and children.
  • Supporting our domestic partners.
  • Allowing ourselves to be transformed by partnership experiences.

Presbyterian Women’s first USA Mission Experience took place April 12–19, 2008. Participants (at least one woman from each synod) on the trip visited El Paso, Texas, to learn about immigration, detention centers and related issues.

You can also learn more about the USA Mission Experience, immigration and issues relevant to the U.S.-Mexico border by reading the September/October 2008 issue of Horizons. The magazine contains articles about border issues as well as reflections from participants.

Order from the store.

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  • I have been praying about a way to connect with the people of Appalachia, and I can't think of a better way than the USA Mission Experience. Patricia, thank you, thank you for asking the question. I will be watching for the chance to apply. by Anne Little on 06/30/2011 at 6:18 p.m.

  • Hi Judy! Thanks for your question about the next USA Mission Experience and the next Global Exchange. The next USA Mission Experience is to Appalachia – Eastern Tennessee and Western North Carolina in 2013. The location for the next Global Exchange will be decided after the 2012 Gathering. For more information, please contact Kathy Reeves at katharine.reeves@pcusa.org. Thanks! by Patricia Longfellow on 04/27/2011 at 5:11 p.m.

  • Is there another USA Mission Expereince trip planned? When and where? Also, doyou yet know the when and where for the next Global Exchange? We, the PW of South Alabama, are hoping to encourage our ladies to take part in these trips. Blessings Judy Persons by Judy Persons on 04/23/2011 at 12:13 p.m.

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