'Tweens and Teens
There are set events that happen in the Journey to Adulthood program. The Rite 13 Ceremony will take place this fall for those in the Rite 13 session. The Urban Immersion happens at the end of the Rite 13 program and will be taking place this coming spring for the Rite 13ers. J2Aers will participate in an Urban Adventure this summer and will begin to plan their pilgrimage which will take place in the summer of 2012. Confirmation of Baptismal vows happens during the first year of YAC.
Rite 13
Rite 13 is the first section of Journey to Adulthood and it focuses on understanding the gift from God of manhood or womanhood. Young people grow in understanding their responsibility in learning how to live with these gifts. Young people begin Rite 13 when they are in 6th or 7th grade. This year is the second year of the Rite 13 program, and the young people are now in grades 7 and 8. Lesley Fleming and Brad Oppedahl facilitate the Rite 13 class.
J2A
J2A is the second section of the Journey to Adulthood program. Leadership skills are the focus for this 2 year segment. The community continues to develop and the topics for conversations deepen as the young people learn about leadership. Starting this group last year as 8th and 9th graders, these young people are in 9th and 10th grades this year. Julie Kennell Harre and Greg Barnett facilitate this group.
YAC
YAC (Young Adults in the Church). This group focuses on living as a Christian, carrying out the ministry and mission that God has called each of us into. The group meets one Sunday a month – Siren Sunday – meaning the Sunday following the monthly Civil Defense siren testing. This will be either the first or second Sunday of the month. These young people are in 11th and 12th grades. Katy Lee and Ellen Bruckner facilitate this group.
JOURNEY TO ADULTHOOD
Christ Episcopal Church has used the Journey to Adulthood curriculum for over 10 years. It provides a structure based on scripture in which young people explore their spirituality, their faith and their identity as children of God. The lessons focus not only on the knowledge but on the building of community which provides a place where young people can safely explore some of their questions. The program is divided into three sections, each section lasting two years. The leaders commit to the two year period which also provides continuity and security.