|
|
|
|
|
|
Homepage >> Ministry >> Christian Formation >> Youth
Youth
Opportunities at St. Chrysostom’s:
Journey
to Adulthood, Just for F.U.N.N. and Acolyting are three important components of
our parish youth program. Christian
Formation for Youth
The Journey to Adulthood: Journey to Adulthood (Rite-13, J2A, and YAC) meet in the upstairs Youth Rooms and the Rector's office during the 10 AM Christian Formation Hour.
What
is the Journey to Adulthood?
Journey to Adulthood is a faith formation
program for 11 to 18 year olds. Journey to Adulthood includes in-depth
exploration of Self, Society, Sexuality, and Spirituality. It is
based on two key concepts: Womanhood
and Manhood are gifts from God; and Adulthood must be earned.
The program is built around three distinct
phases of development--each encompassing two years. Rite-13 (11 to 13 year olds) recognizes the passage from
childhood to adulthood. J2A
works with 14 and 15 year olds as you practice adulthood skills and positive
attitudes. The third segment, Young
Adults in Church (YAC), is for those aged 16 years and older. This program asks you to assume the responsibilities of an
adult. At St. Chrysostom’s, currently we have both
a Rite-13 group and a J2A group, and a YAC group, with new groups entering every-other year. Rite-13 Depending on the year, Rite-13 begins when
you are anywhere between eleven and thirteen years old (Grades 6 or 7). When you turn thirteen, this event is
celebrated in the church with a service loosely modeled on a Jewish Bar
Mitzvah. The two years of Rite-13 are fun. We play lots of games, laugh a lot,
learn a lot. While matters are treated in
a lighthearted way, this does not mean that
we avoid dealing with serious matters.
A good deal of time is devoted to the great stories from our Bible and
their vitality in our day. Among other
things we deal with prayer, with the ways we see and encounter God, with
possessions and their importance in our life, with trust in God on our faith
journey together. Every effort is made
to keep this process experiential, with a hands-on focus. Perhaps more than anything else, all
activities are geared to build community, to establish trust and safety, to
remind you again and again that this is your church, and you are safe and
welcome within it. J2A After two years in Rite-13 you move on to J2A. The dynamics between youth and adult mentor have radically changed. You are expected to take on greater leadership in the classroom and the church. Conversations and discussions are on a more mature plane. During the second year of the program, the
group is given a course in preparation for Confirmation. At this point, many of you are ready to make “a public affirmation of
your faith and commitment to the responsibilities of your Baptism...” After four years in The Journey to
Adulthood, participation in Confirmation becomes a mature decision made by
spiritually equipped youth and places Confirmation in its proper context, not
as a rite of passage, or an exit ritual, but
as a chance to confirm that which was said for you at your Baptism.
YAC Having completed four
years in the Journey to Adulthood program, and having been confirmed at the
Easter Vigil 2004, the Young Adults in Church are a wonderful community of young
people. YAC seeks to nurture that community. We invite young people in YAC to
take real leadership in the classroom and in the parish. We want to invite young
people to serve as leaders in acolyting, and as readers and Lay Eucharistic
Ministers in worship. The Rector will join the group to read and discuss one or
two mutually-agreed upon classics of Christian literature during the year.
Just
for F.U.N.N.
Just for F.U.N.N. is a monthly opportunity for all youth from the
parish--Rite-13, J2A, YAC--and your friends, to participate in an afternoon of
games, initiatives, and community-building.
F.U.N.N. stands for “Functional Understanding Not Necessary.” Past Just for F.U.N.N. outings included Dave
& Buster’s, ESPN Zone, Lincoln Park, video’s at St. Chrysostom’s, ice
skating, Candlelight Carols, and Six Flags.
Just for F.U.N.N.’s are held monthly on Sunday afternoons from 4 PM to 7
PM. Acolyting
Acolytes are important lay ministers in the
Episcopal Church. Together with the clergy, choir, lay Eucharistic ministers
and lay readers, you are leaders of the liturgy. More specifically, the
responsibilities of an acolyte include leading or being a part of the entrance
and exiting processions, assisting with the offertory, helping to prepare the
table for the celebration of the Eucharist, and in general, preparing the
church for worship. Your role as a worship leader helps to
create the right space and mood for worship. You are visible leaders and, as
such, can help other people to follow along with the service. Through your
assistance during communion and throughout the service you help create the
liturgy. The congregation depends on you and appreciates your special ministry.
As importantly, acolyting is fun! Being
an acolyte is both a big responsibility and a joyous experience. At St. Chrysostom’s, acolyting is a
ministry that is especially suitable for young people in our Journey to
Adulthood program. As you begin to transition from childhood to manhood or
womanhood, the church asks you to take on new and greater responsibilities in
the life of the congregation and parish community. If you are interested in serving as an
acolyte, please speak with one of the clergy to arrange a training. Schedule for Groups:Rite-13 September 2004: 6th & 7th Grades September 2005: 7th & 8th Grades J2A September 2004: 8th & 9th Grades September 2005: 9th & 10th Grades YAC September 2004: 10th & 11 Grades Sepbemter 2005: 11th & 12th Grades
Youth
Christian Formation Team
The Reverend Larry A. Green, Chair The Reverend Terri Tilley,
Resource for Training and Support
|