Our busiest times of the year are Spring and Summer, and typically groups come for week long stays, Sunday (afternoon) through Sunday (after church). If you are looking for something shorter or at a different time of the year, we often have groups come for weekend retreats during the school year. We try to work with group leaders and their needs depending upon space availability. Just let us know the amount of time you’d like to spend and we will work with you.
Do you have questions about a Group Missions trip at Jesus People USA?
How far in advance should we book?
Summer and Spring Break are very popular and fill up fast. Book 6-8 months in advance. If you schedule your trip 6 months in advance, you get $10 off pernight per person and if you schedule your trip 3 months in advance, you get $5 off per night per person. Email us to check on availability. Group Missions youthgroup@jpusa.org.
What is a typical day?
Group Missions coordinates volunteer opportunities depending upon the size and time commitment of the group. A day might start with breakfast and then a time of worship led by a community member. After that, a walk to the shelter about 2 blocks away. Lunch is either at the shelter or back at the community’s dining room. Afternoons might include continuing your work project, exploring the city, classes or meetings at Wilson Abbey. Evenings, there is always something going on in the city. Check out activities at Wilson Abbey or Everybody’s Coffee. There are also our legendary dodgeball games!
What is the neighborhood like?
Jesus People is situated on the northside of Chicago in what is easily one of the most ethnically diverse neighborhoods in the city. Uptown has been slowly gentrifying since the mid-1980s—that said this is urban ministry and there are still pockets of the city that might feel unsafe at certain hours. Big groups generally have no problem going back and forth between service sites and the dorms.
Where will the group stay?
Visiting groups stay in private dorm facilities located on the first floor of an apartment building located directly behind our main building. There is bunk space for 27 in 4 separate rooms, with three bathrooms containing showers. There is a living room, as well as an enclosed porch. Your group will be the only people staying in your dorm. Meals are included. There is no kitchen available, but there is a fridge and microwave.
How many people can you accommodate?
27 is the maximum number of people we can house.
What is the cost to stay?
We ask for a $50 per person per night fee which covers room and board.
——if you schedule your trip 6 months in advance, you get $10 off per night per person
——if you schedule your trip 3 months in advance, you get $5 off per night per person
There is a non-refundable deposit due within a month of confirming your dates. This gives us a commitment from you, before we turn down other groups for that same time slot. The deposit is deducted from your total, which is due when you arrive.
Spring Break (February to April) $200
Summer (June through August) $300
Deposits for the rest of the year are $100 dollars per group.
How long can groups stay?
Do you welcome college, family or mixed-age groups?
Yes. We love to have groups of all kinds stay with us. Please let us know if your group falls into this category, as the way we structure your trip may vary, based on your group’s make-up. It is amazing what you can do with a bunch of skilled craftsmen and a few tools!
Can our group just come and stay and do their own program?
Yes. Often groups will want to expose their members to other ministries while in Chicago. Wilson Abbey, our community center, has break-out rooms if you wish to hold meetings or conduct seminars.
You also may want to take advantage of your stay to do some sightseeing in Chicago. Talk with us; we may have some suggestions. We want to make your trip a great experience for all involved!
Can we worship with you?
Absolutely! Please join us for worship with Uptown Church at Wilson Abbey at 10:30 a.m.
Is there parking?
We will assist you in finding a parking place. Large buses can pull up front to unload, but will have to be parked off-site at a lot 4 miles away (at one of our businesses). There is limited street parking for cars and vans. If you are looking for something close and secure, we have an arrangement with a local parking garage for $12/day. This option is not available for large vehicles such as maxi-vans, large pick-ups, or RVs. For further information or to discuss options, please email us at youthgroup@jpusa.org.
