Journey to Adulthood

Grades 6 through 12

“God is calling us to get brave, to look our young people in the eye, and with dedication, love and commitment, begin to tell the truth, as best we can. The truth about God in Christ Jesus. The truth about the joys and sorrows of living in relationship. The truth about hard work and sacrifice. The truth about love. While no one of us has all the answers for all our young people, collectively we can give them the faith and hope that was entrusted to us.”
                from "Journey to Adulthood Travel Guide", Amanda Hughes

The Journey to Adulthood guides our middle and high school young people in a program of spiritual formation, placing their experience of modern culture in the context of the Christian faith. The Journey to Adulthood celebrates the youths’ creative potential, engages them in service, and instructs them in skills needed for successful adult participation in the church and society.

Guiding Principles of Journey to Adulthood

The Journey to Adulthood:

• Establishes a balance- between celebration and responsibility, between what is freely given and what is earned.
             Manhood and Womanhood are free gifts of God.
             Adulthood must be earned.
• Integrates- 4 aspects of a whole person in their growth:
  Self, Society, Sexuality, Spirituality
• Celebrates- Rite of Passage in Rite 13 Ceremony - near the time of the 13th birthday (or, as at United Church, at the end of the 7th Grade)
• Prepares for Confirmation- a public affirmation of faith and commitment to the responsibilities of Baptism.

At the United Church in Walpole, there are four parts to the Journey to Adulthood program:

1. Rite 13 - celebrates the gift of man/womanhood and provides a foundation for the remainder of the program.
2. J2A - builds on Rite 13, trains young people in necessary skills of adulthood, prepares for confirmation program.
3. Confirmation - a program of study that prepares our young people to confirm the vows made at their baptism.
4. Journeys - “Life after J2A” - United Church recognizes our Senior High’s as young adults in the church.

The weekly schedule of Lessons and Scripture Verses shows more detail.

You may refer to www.leaderresources.org for more information regarding the Journey to Adulthood curriculum.