Here’s what to look for at Phoenix 2013 in July.

Mennonite Church USA’s next convention in Phoenix, Ariz., is only five months away; it will be held July 1–6 at the Phoenix Convention Center.

Click here for a PDF of Phoenix 2013 speakers.

Special events

When registering, note these opportunities:
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) tour of Florence Detention Center, followed by a visit to the Florence Project office (Monday, July 1, 7:30 a.m.–early afternoon, limited to 13 people).
Cost: $20 (lunch not included)
As we gather in Phoenix, we can choose to learn more about the immigration crisis that affects all of us in our various contexts. Perhaps the most invisible part of this crisis is the number of immigrants held in detention centers across the United States. On Monday morning, 13 people will have the opportunity to visit the Florence Detention Center, which is approximately an hour’s drive south of Phoenix. The ICE Agency will conduct the visit, and Tina Schlabach, a Mennonite minister from Tucson, will accompany the group.

All-day learning trip to the U.S./Mexico border with BorderLinks (Tuesday, July 2, through Friday, July 5, 6 a.m.–9 p.m. daily, limited to 39 people per day). (U.S. passport or U.S. passport card is required if traveling into Mexico.)
Cost: $125
Consider giving one of your convention days to an experiential learning opportunity that will bring new insights and perspectives on border migration. Your own questions and background will contribute to the group experience. Tuesday through Friday, 39 people daily will have the opportunity to travel on a charter bus from the convention center two hours south to Tucson. There the group will split into three smaller groups for the day; two groups will cross into Mexico, and the other group will stay on the U.S. side of the border. A leader from Shalom Mennonite Fellowship will help welcome and host the group each day. BorderLinks will guide each group’s activities.

Traveling choir (limited to 48 people).
Cost: $15 (to cover transportation)
This choir will travel to several locations throughout Phoenix to sing songs of healing and hope. There will be one rehearsal.

Servant projects (available options: 9 a.m.–1 p.m. on Monday; 12–5 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday).
Cost: $7
Servant projects have been part of the convention experience for many years. These service experiences allow adults and youth to contribute their time to local ministries and to learn about both the strengths and challenges of the host city.

Purposeful Plan fund-raising meal (Tuesday, July 2, 5:30–7 p.m.)
Join executive director Ervin Stutzman, moderator Richard Thomas and agency executives for dinner and conversation about how God is working in Mennonite Church USA, with a focus on the Purposeful Plan and ongoing ministries. Tickets are $50, with additional opportunities to provide ongoing financial support for Mennonite Church USA.

Wet ‘n Wild (Wednesday, July 3). Cost: $29
Set on more than 35 acres in North Phoenix, Wet ’n Wild water park is the largest theme park in Arizona and features more than 30 slides and attractions. The cost includes admission and transportation to the park. (Children 2 and under are free.) All children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.