Historical Context and City Exploration The primary focus of this trip is our visit to the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel. We will tour the site of Dr. King’s assassination and examine the history of the American civil rights movement. In addition to the museum, the group will explore Beale Street and downtown Memphis to gain a better understanding of the city's cultural and historical significance. The goal is to see the physical locations where these events took place and understand the reality of the struggle for civil rights.

Reflection and Discussion Beyond the historical sites, we have scheduled specific times for group processing. This includes an urban hike on Monday and nightly guided conversations at the Airbnb. During these sessions, we will discuss race, liberation theology, and the mission of Redemption Church. These conversations are designed to help students think critically about what they have experienced and discuss how the history of the civil rights movement applies to our community in Olathe today.

Theological Foundations The curriculum for this trip is based on the theological works of James Cone, Cornel West, and Jürgen Moltmann. We will study Cone’s writing on Black Liberation Theology to understand the religious context of the civil rights movement. The group will also read selections from Cornel West regarding race and democracy, alongside Jürgen Moltmann’s work on the theology of hope. These texts provide the academic and theological basis for our site visits and ensure the experience is grounded in established scholarship.

Practical Application For practical application, we will use Evangelical Social Gospel by Tim Suttle. This book outlines the role of social justice within the evangelical tradition and will guide our daily group discussions. We will use Suttle’s arguments to examine the connection between the historical events in Memphis and the mission of God. This resource helps students apply the concepts of liberation theology to their own context in Olathe.

Leader: Cole McGee

Cole is the Associate Pastor over Youth and Families at Redemption Church. cole@redemptionchurchkc.com

Food and Assistant: Claire Carlson

Food and Assistant: Jacob Kopaska

Accommodation The group will stay at a single Airbnb rental located in the Cooper-Young district of Memphis. This location keeps the entire team of 15 students and 3 leaders under one roof. The house includes a full kitchen, which we will use for daily breakfasts and our Monday evening meal.

There are indoor and outdoor social spaces and enough beds and rooms to divide the group up appropriately by age and gender. While also

Departure and Return The group will depart from the Redemption Church parking lot at 515 S. Ridgeview Rd on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 9:00 AM. Students should arrive by 8:45 AM to load luggage. We will return to the same location on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at approximately 5:00 PM. Parents should expect a text update if traffic alters the arrival time by more than 30 minutes.

Daily Schedule Overview While in Memphis, the group will follow a structured itinerary. Activity blocks run from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Sunday and Monday, including visits to the National Civil Rights Museum and an urban hike. Curfew and lights out are scheduled for 11:00 PM each night to ensure students are rested for the following day's activities.

Luggage Policy

Due to space constraints in the vehicles, every student is strictly limited to two bags:

1. Van Bag: Small backpack or tote (must fit at the feet or on lap).

2. Trailer Bag: One duffel or suitcase. Max Size: Must fit in a standard airplane overhead compartment (approx. 22" x 14" x 9"). Large checked-bag size suitcases will not fit in the trailer.

Packing List

Money

• $40 Cash: Required for meals and snacks during the road trip (down and back).

Clothing (3 Days + Travel)

• Weather Prep: Memphis in March averages highs in the 60s and lows in the 40s. Rain is common.

• Daily Wear: Casual, comfortable clothes for 4 days (Jeans, t-shirts, sweatshirts).

• Outerwear: Light jacket or rain shell (highly recommended for the Urban Hike).

• Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes are required for the museum and hike.

• Sleepwear: Pajamas.

Toiletries & Personal Items

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, soap/shampoo.

• Prescription medications (must be in original bottles).

• Glasses/Contacts/Solution.

• Phone charger and battery pack.

For the Van (Keep in Small Bag)

• Water bottle (refillable).

• Snacks for the 8-hour drive.

• Travel pillow/blanket.

Trip Materials

• Bible (physical copy preferred).

• Journal or notebook.

• Pen/Pencil.

Prohibited Items

Do NOT pack the following:

• Video game systems (Switch, Steam Deck, etc.).

• Guitars or large musical instruments (no space in transport).

• Firearms, knives, or weapons of any kind.

• Drugs, alcohol, or vapes.