JOIN US FOR THE UPSIDE DOWN GATHERING:
​DIVE INTO JUSTICE / ART / FAITH / COMMUNITY

On September 21-22, we’ll gather our community of Upside Down Podcast listeners, engaging speakers and creators, authors and artists, believers and doubters at historic Wilson Abbey in uptown Chicago for the first-ever national Upside Down Gathering.
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Join us as we gather women and men to equip + empower each other for a life of justice, creativity, and community in God's Upside Down Kingdom.

THE UPSIDE DOWN GATHERING WILL FEATURE:

• Live Upside Down Podcast episode recording on Friday night with hosts Kayla Craig, Lindsy Wallace, and Shannon Evans
• Speaker sessions about justice, faith, and art
• Upside-down workshops + breakouts by award-winning authors, artists, and activists (and maybe some names you don’t know, but we think you should!)
• Meals together (Friday dinner and dessert, Saturday light breakfast and coffee, Saturday lunch) and time for intentional community conversations
• Ecumenical worship, meditations, and liturgy
• Ticket for Micah Bournes concert on Saturday night

i want to come! i'm ready to buy my ticket.

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UPSIDE DOWN GATHERING MAIN SESSION SPEAKERS

Micah Bournes
Fight Evil with Poetry:
Creative Life in Justice Work

Micah, a poet and justice-centered musical artist will lead an intimate session about justice and faith.

Like most kids growing up in Long Beach during the 90s, Micah was raised under the influence of hip-hop. He regularly memorized rap lyrics from his favorite songs.

Micah is a creative man of faith. In addition to performing poetry and music, he often speaks and teaches on creative writing, pursuing justice, and the way of Jesus.

In partnership with World Relief and The Justice Conference, Micah has been able to share his passions and gifts all over the world.

Sandra Maria Van Opstal
Immigration & Proximity

Sandra, a second-generation Latina, pastors at Grace and Peace Church and lives on the west-side of Chicago with her husband and two boys.

She is a preacher, liturgist and activist reimagining the intersection of worship and justice. Sandra’s influence has also reached many others through preaching globally on topics such as worship and formation, justice, racial identity and reconciliation.

Sandra is a board member for CCDA and holds a Masters of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Her most recent books include Still Evangelical and The Next Worship.

Vinita Hampton Wright
The Soul Tells a Story:
Engaging Creativity With Spirituality

Vinita, senior editor at Loyola Press in Chicago, has been a book editor for twenty-three years.

She leads workshops around the country on the creative-spiritual process - The Soul Tells a Story grew out of this work.

Her most recent book is The Art of Spiritual Writing: How to Craft Prose That Engages and Inspires Your Readers, based on her many years helping writers express their spiritual wisdom.​

Dominique Gilliard
​Solidarity:
Advocating for Justice That Restores

Dominique is Director of Racial Righteousness and Reconciliation for the Love Mercy Do Justice initiative of the Evangelical Covenant Church and is the author of Rethinking Incarceration: Advocating for Justice that Restores.

An ordained minister, Gilliard has served in pastoral ministry in Atlanta, Chicago, and Oakland. He earned a bachelor’s degree in African American Studies and History from Georgia State University and a master’s degree in History from East Tennessee State University, with an emphasis on race, gender, and class in the United States.

Dominique earned a Master of Divinity degree from North Park Seminary, where he currently serves as an adjunct professor.

UPSIDE DOWN GATHERING SCHEDULE

FRIDAY

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Check-in + Registration in Wilson Abbey     ​3 to 5:30 p.m.
Welcome + Opening Greeting     5:45 p.m.
Catered Dinner    6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Live Episode Recording of Upside Down Podcast     7:15 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Worship    8:30 p.m.
Coffee + Dessert Bar Reception with Shine Village Initiative     9 p.m. to 10 p.m.

SATURDAY

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Optional: Mindfullness Meditations  with Aundi Kolber    7 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.
Coffee + Breakfast    8 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.
Worship    8:45 a.m. to 9:15 a.m.
Main Session 1: Micah Bournes // Fighting Evil with Poetry     9:15 to 10:15 a.m.
Guided Community Conversation     10:30 a.m. to 11:15 p.m.
Catered Lunch with Preemptive Love Coalition    11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Main Session 2: Vinita Hampton Wright // The Soul Tells a Story     1:15 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.
Guided Community Conversation     2:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Breakouts with Diana Oestreich, Aundi Kolber, and Tammy Perlmutter  3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Main Session 3: Sandra Maria Van Opstal // Immigration and Proximity     4:45 pm. to 5:45 p.m.
Break + Dinner on Your Own // Optional: Enjoy Dinner Out with Shannan Martin   5:45 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Main Session 4: Dominique Gilliard // Solidarity    7:45 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.
Micah Bournes Concert Featuring Lucee     9 p.m.
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Sunday

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Optional: Worship Service with Uptown Church at Wilson Abbey     10 a.m.

WORKSHOP + BREAKOUT SPEAKERS

DIANA OESTREICH

Breakout: Unmaking Violence and Choosing a Posture of Love

Soldier turned peacemaker, Diana (a former Upside Down Podcast guest!) found God’s call to love her enemies on the battlefield of Iraq. Every day since, she has inspired those around her as she intentionally lives out that command across each facet of her life—as a mother, wife, Christian, veteran, nurse, activist, and friend.

She works as a peacemaker with Preemptive Love Coalition, a relief organization based in Iraq, speaking across the country to empower churches, schools, civic groups, and individuals to identify and cross their own “enemy lines” in order to remake the world. She has appeared on multiple podcasts and blogs, discussing faith, adoption, peacemaking, refugees, and how her posture of love shapes everything about how she parents and shows up for her neighbors.

The marginalized in her community are teaching her how to mend our divides as a member of Black Lives Matter, NAACP, Vets for Peace, and as a forensic sexual assault nurse examiner, providing immediate care for assault victims and testifying in court on their behalf.

Diana, and her husband, Jake, and their two sons, Bridger and Zelalem live along the shores of Lake Superior where they love talking about peace, mountain biking and trips in their RV named The Hogwarts Express. They are an Ethiopian-American family woven together through adoption and a shared love for bad jokes and competitive card games.

AUNDI KOLBER

Breakout: Radical Self-Care in an Age of Upheaval

Aundi Kolber (a former Upside Down Podcast guest!) is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), writer, and speaker in Castle Rock, Colorado. She graduated from Denver Seminary in 2008 with an MA in Community Counseling.

Aundi is the owner of Kolber Counseling, LLC, which was established in 2009. She has received additional training in her specialization of trauma and body centered therapies, including the highly researched and regarded Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy.

Aundi is passionate about the integration of faith and psychology, and it’s significance for the Church today. She has written for Relevant, CT Women, (In) Courage, The Redbud Post, Her View From Home, Happy Sonship and more.

​As a survivor of trauma and a lifelong learner, she brings hard won knowledge around the work of change, the power of redemption, and the beauty of experiencing God in our pain. Aundi has been happily married to her best friend for over eleven years and is the proud mom of Matia (6) and Jude (1).

TAMMY PERLMUTTER

Breakout: Being Deeply Rooted With Reflection + Journaling

An East Coast girl at heart, born and raised in Philadelphia, but (for the second time!) called to Chicago for ministry. She's the co-founder of the popular Deeply Rooted retreat in Chicago.

She lives and work with Jesus People USA, an intentional Christian community of 200 members, living together in the historic 10-story Chelsea Hotel. They're rooted in the Uptown neighborhood, described as “Twenties Charm Meets Psych Ward with No Walls,” to love and serve the homeless, disciple believers, and be a presence for Christ in Chicago.

She has lived communally for more than 15 years, and even with all its challenges and hardships, she considers herself beyond blessed to experience authentic, organic community in all its crazy, chaotic richness.

UPSIDE DOWN GATHERING PRESENTING SPONSORS

Preemptive Love Coalition is a presenting sponsor. Because of their incredibly generous support, we'll be catering a Saturday lunch and hosting a Q+A about unmaking violence with Peacemaker Diana Oestreich.

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Shine Village Initiative is a presenting sponsor. Because of their generous support, we'll be hosting a dessert bar reception Friday Night.

Tru-Colour Bandages is a presenting sponsor. Because of their generous support, we'll be hosting a Micah Bournes hip-hop concert featuring Loucee, free to Upside Down Gathering attendees and Uptown Chicago neighbors.

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InterVarsity Press is a supporting sponsor. Because of their generous support, we'll be featuring published authors on the mainstage and hosting a book table.

SUPPORTING SPONSORS + GIFT DONATIONS 

UPSIDE DOWN GATHERING FAQ'S

When is the Upside Down Gathering? September 21-22, 2018. Registration will open Friday afternoon at 3 p.m. and we’ll end Saturday night with a Micah Bournes concert. Everyone is invited to attend Uptown Church’s Sunday morning service at 10 a.m. in the Wilson Abbey if your travel plans allow it.

Where is the Upside Down Gathering? The Upside Down Gathering will take place at the Wilson Abbey, 931 W. Wilson Ave., Chicago, IL 60640.

What is included in ticket price? The ticket price includes a live podcast recording, speaker sessions, workshops and breakouts, dinner together on Friday, light breakfast and coffee on Saturday, a concert, and more!

How can I connect with other attendees? You can connect with other attendees in the private Upside Down Gathering Facebook group. We suggest connecting there for ride-sharing, roommate connections, and more.

What does “Ticket with Lodging Included” mean? For Friday and Saturday night lodging, JPUSA has graciously offered 24 dormitory style bunk-bed spaces. These are available first come, first serve and you’ll need to choose this option when purchasing your ticket. For planning purposes, these are only available to adult female attendees. The beds are in four different rooms, with three shared bathrooms/showers. There’s also a shared living room space as well as an enclosed porch. If you’re staying in the dormitory housing, you’ll need to bring your own bedding and towels. Everyone is invited to attend Uptown Church’s Sunday morning service at 10 a.m. in the Wilson Abbey if your travel plans allow it.

Where else can I stay? You have several options available for accomodations. The Chicago Getaway Hostel is a ten-minute drive. There is an abundance of Airbnb options in the area. If you’ve never stayed in an Airbnb, use Lindsy’s referral link for a $40 travel credit! (And she’ll get a $20 credit, too.) We have a Chicago Street Team willing to host attendees. To connect with one of these gracious folks, please email us at upsidedownpodcast@gmail.com with the subject HOST HOME.

Where can I eat dinner on Saturday? The Wilson Abbey is connected to Everybody’s Coffee, which has grab and go sandwiches, pastries, and more, handmade by Baker Miller, which mills stone-ground, organic, non-GMO grains locally sourced in the Midwest. Other close by options include: Wabi Sabi
Uptown Pizza and BBQ
Futatsuki Ramen
Sonic
Palla’s Grill

What if I have dietary restrictions? Please let us know of your dietary restrictions when purchasing your ticket and we will do our best to accommodate you. If we cannot accommodate your restrictions, we will be sure to communicate ahead of time so you can plan accordingly. The Wilson Abbey is conveniently located across the street from a small Shop & Save, containing some produce and grab-and-go items. Just a few short blocks away is an Aldi, a Target, and the local grocery store chain, Jewel, with a specific aisle dedicated to allergen-free food options.

Are children welcome? Nursing babies and teenagers are welcome.

Who is this event for? You! This event is open to the public and open to anyone on a faith journey. Men and women are welcome.

What should I bring? Please bring a refillable water bottle. We also recommend bringing a journal and a phone charger. If you’re staying in the dormitory housing, you’ll need to bring your own bedding and towels.

Where do I park? Most surrounding streets are permit parking only. If you decide to street park, do so at your own risk of strict Chicago ticketing laws and read all signs carefully. Parking is available in the garage at Weiss Hospital. Public parking rates are as follows $8 for 1 - 3 hours, $10 for 3 - 5 hours, and $12 for 5 - 24 hours. Park only on the 3rd or 4th level. There are also great apps like Spot Hero and BestParking that help you find affordable nearby parking spots.

Is the Gathering handicap accessible? Yes! Every space in the Wilson Abbey is handicap accessible. How do I register? You can register on Eventbrite.

What is the refund policy? We’re unable to be offer refunds but you can transfer your ticket to another person. Please email is at upsidedownpodcast@gmail.com with the subject GATHERING TRANSFER if you need to do so.

How can I donate? Thanks for asking! You can make a financial contribution to the Upside Down Gathering here. You can also designate a scholarship donation when you purchase your ticket. Thank you for helping us keep this event affordable and open to all!

Can I volunteer? If you’d like to volunteer at the Gathering please email us at upsidedownpodcast@gmail.com with the subject line GATHERING VOLUNTEER and we will be in touch.

I’m flying to the Gathering. Which airports should I use? Two international airports O'Hare and Midway have approximately 1,450 daily direct flights to more than 245 destinations, which makes Chicago accessible to the world.

How can I apply for a scholarship? Please email us at upsidedownpodcast@gmail.com with the subject SCHOLARSHIP and we will be in touch as scholarships become available.​

buy tickets now

As our Upside Down Podcast online connections grew stronger, small groups of listeners began gathering in real life, continuing conversations and growing close to one another and to Jesus. And now, we’re gathering as a larger group. Because showing up in person is powerful.
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We’re gathering to:

• Prayerfully understand the brokenness of our world and explore Christ’s response to it.
• Dive deep into relationship with one another and with Jesus as we walk this Earth
• Seek to bring the upside down Kingdom one degree of glory at a time​