J2A Pilgrimage to Borderlands Retreat Center
in South Dakota.
Youth Programs
For middle and high school students. Classes meet on the first Sunday of the month and start with participation in the 10:00 Eucharist. The class then moves to Ascension House (cottage behind the church) for lunch, guest speakers, discussions and movies.
On occasion, students will participate in off-site learning and social events, as well. Our discussions and guest speakers will cover a wide range of topics, including living one’s faith, service, what it means to be an Episcopalian, how the developed as we did and much more. Films will be drawn from a variety of popular full length and short films. Sunday classes run from 11:30am- 12:30pm.
Our program includes the following depending on numbers of youth and sufficient interest:
Teen Confirmation Retreats.
We encourage all youth who are baptized and will be at least 12 years of age to consider joining us for a weekend away. Our retreats take place at Algonkian Regional Park in Northern Virginia usually during Lent. We explore such topics as the bible, what it means to be confirmed, our history and much more. Our explorations will include games, films, artistic projects and discussions. Often we partner with other parishes to offer the youth an opportunity to make new friends from around the diocese.
Mission Trips.
Once again, depending on numbers of youth and sufficient interest, Ascension has participated in mission trips for our youth. For example, we have traveled to Borderlands Retreat Center in South Dakota to learn about Native American spirituality and to work on service projects. We have traveled to New Orleans to assist with the continuing cleanup after the devastation of Katrina. And in 2011, a group traveled to St. Timothy’s Church in Kentucky. Set in Appalachia, St. Timothy’s has run their missions by inviting teens and adults to spend a few days assisting with household repairs, child care, running Vacation Bible School and a variety of other projects. The church is always exploring such outreach mission trips which can not only offer youth christian formation but also opportunities to engage in ministry and service to those in need.
Volunteer Opportunities for Parents and Adults:
Ø Teaching in any of the programs.
Ø Being a guest speaker.
Ø Coordinating snacks, social activities, mission activities.
Ø Assisting with special events such as Youth Sundays, Diocesan youth outings (Cathedral Lock-in, weekend retreats, etc.)
Interested in learning more about our youth programs?
Please contact Terri Murphy, Director of Religious Education
Office: 301-587-3272
Email: rainingshamrocks@aol.com.
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