Through our Christian Education offerings, our youth discover what it means to be loved by God and what it means to love God in an inclusive and affirming Christian context.

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Journey to Adulthood

The Journey to Adulthood curriculum is the program for our youth education. This program was created by parishioners of St. Philip’s and is now used by congregations throughout the United States. The program uses a developmental approach to youth faith formation, with a focus on building strong relationships among peers and mentors, working together as our youth learn and grow. 

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Journey to Adulthood is divided into three two-year segments:

Rite 13

The first two years focus on celebrating the individuality of each young person and their creative potential. The Rite 13 liturgy (A Celebration of Adulthood) is the community expression of this concept and a rite of passage from childhood.  The curriculum is a two-year cycle that starts in odd-numbered years.  Children who will turn 13 within a given two-year cycle are invited to join the group (typically grades 6-7 or 7-8). 

J2A

The middle portion of the program (grades 8-9 or 9-10), engages youth with skills and critical thinking involved in adulthood. The youth plan and embark on a pilgrimage together at the end of this segment. This pilgrimage experience is often the spiritual highlight of their youth.

YAC – Young Adults in the Church

This is a mentor-based program that helps older teens (grades 10-12) discern and carry out a ministry within their church or in the larger community. Vocation and the development of a personal credo are also emphasized. A confirmation curriculum is incorporated into this program to prepare teens for the opportunity to be confirmed.

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Pilgrimage

In the Journey to Adulthood program, pilgrimage has become a central feature in our ministry to young people. At the end of the fourth year, the J2A class travels to a “distant land” in search of God and their own destinies. The congregation supports these pilgrims by helping to raise funds for the trip. 

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Intergenerational Ministries

In addition to Sunday mornings, we find time for children, youth, and families to gather together for fellowship and community building throughout the year.