Sunday School

For the past six years St. Luke’s has run the Journey to Adulthood (J2A) program as the primary Education Program for youth sixth grade and up. J2A comprises three class sections that run for two years at a time: Rite 13, J2A, and YAC (Young Adults in the Church. We are now in our fourth two-year cycle of the program.

In large part the J2A program encompasses a series of lessons geared towards helping young people make their way toward adulthood within the context of Christian formation. The program also includes activities designed to foster youth fellowship. The J2A program provides a solid framework and a safe environment where teenagers can honestly explore with their peers questions of faith as well as the challenges of growing up.

Here is how the authors of the program describe the sections of the program.

Rite-13:

the first two years (Grades 6-7 or 7-8) celebrate the individuality of each young teen and their creative potential, while exploring Biblical stories of God and God’s people. The Rite-13 liturgy (Celebration of Manhood and Womanhood) is the community expression of this and serves as a rite of passage from childhood towards adulthood.

J2A:

The next segment (Grades 8-9 or 9-10) helps teens create and understand the importance of Christian community as they develop critical thinking and other skills they will need in adulthood. The end of J2A is marked with a spiritual pilgrimage that is often a life-changing experience for the group.

YAC:

This mentor-based program helps older teens (11th and 12th graders) discern and carry out a ministry within their church or in the larger community. Vocation and development of a personal credo are also emphasized. A final rite of passage sends them out into the world as ambassadors of Christ.