Rite13J2AYAC

This is the first segment of The Journey to Adulthood program (The Journey). The Journey is not a Sunday
School curriculum, it is a way for a congregation and families to walk with young people as they move from
childhood to adulthood. The Journey is a formational program focusing on what the young people already
know, what they want or need to learn and then help them acquire that knowledge or skill. This program is
more focused on youth development, not with teaching information. The Rite 13 segment assumes that each
young person has gifts, skills and information that will contribute to the level of the group as a whole.

The second part of The Journey to Adulthood is J2A, a mentor-based program that helps teens to discern and
carry out ministry within their church or in a larger community. J2A is not a youth group although it has
aspects similar to one. Regular meeting times are established by the group some for work and some for
fellowship. The J2A program is the second part of the Journey introducted in Rite 13. Youth group events are
an integral part of this program. Friends of the group are always welcome to take part in all of the activities.

Over 9 million children in our rich nation are adrift in a wide sea of need without health and
mental health coverage. 90% of these children live in working households. Millions more
children are underinsured. Tidal waves of poverty and violence jeopardize their health,
learning, dreams, and very lives. Food pantries, shelters, and other emergency services
across the nation are facing growing demands as government services are cut and safety
nets for the underprivileged are withdrawn. The needs of children should be a priority for all
of us as individuals, groups and communities of faith. Our Baptismal Covenant calls us to
create a safe harbor of hope for all children. Working together, we can make a difference
where the needs, hopes and dreams of children are involved. …whoever welcomes one such
child in my name welcomes me.

Lord, Make our hearts bigger, Our love
deeper, Our faith stronger, Our hope
unwavering, Our strength greater, Our
efforts unceasing, Our vision Yours, as
we seek justice and care for all your
beloved children.
Amen.
(Marian Wright Edelman).

The Journey to Adulthood program is a six year process of Christian formation for young people
in Jr. and Sr. High School. Divided into three phases, Rite 13, J2A, and YAC, this program is
designed to provide a spiritually grounded place for young people. The youth can celebrae their
individuality and their creative potential, explore their faith, and learn the skills necessary for
their successful adult participation in the Church Community and in society as a whole.