Youth & Young Adult Ministries
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Contact: The Reverend Erin Hensley, Assistant to the Rector for Youth & Young Adult Ministries, 202-363-8286 x207, erinh@st-albans-parish.org
Young Adults--Happening Now!
-- Twenties/Thirties Fellowship
Weekly at Ireland's Four Fields on 3412 Connecticut Ave.
Meet around 8:30 to do the pub quiz that begins at 9pm.
--St. Alban's After Hours, first Friday of every month
Atomic Billiards at 3427 Connecticut Ave.
Begins at 5:01 and goes until 7.
Play darts, pool, or tabletop shuffleboard and share fellowship.
Journey to Adulthood
Journey to Adulthood is a transformational way to do youth ministry. The curriculum uses Bible study, both serious and playful activities, prayer, rites of passage, and outreach to underscore its guiding principals:
Manhood and womanhood are free gifts from God,
but adulthood must be earned.
All Journey to Adulthood groups meet on Sundays from 10:30–11:30 am in the old rectory. Numerous fellowship, outreach, and diocesan opportunities outside of Sunday mornings are part of Journey to Adulthood as well. There are three sections of the Journey to Adulthood program: Rite 13, J2A, and Senior Youth.
Rite 13
During Rite 13, 6th and 7th graders focus on recognizing the gifts God has given us, celebrating our creative potential, and learning to interact as a community of faith. At the end of each of the two years, those close to their thirteenth birthday participate in The Rite 13 liturgy. Other Rite 13 activities include team building, movie nights, and a beach retreat at the end of the two years.
J2A
During the middle segment of the program, 8th and 9th graders practice important adult skills like active listening, critical thinking, and negotiating. The group designing and going on a holy pilgrimage marks the end of the second year of J2A. Other J2A activities include painting their space, the chili making fundraiser, and a lock-in in the spring.
Senior Youth
The final piece of J2A is Senior Youth for 10th and 11th graders. Senior youth are encouraged to accept more adult responsibilities and to contribute their time, talent, and treasure in ways that support the work of the church. Teens also write a personal credo of beliefs and rely on their peers to explore faith and the transition to young adulthood. The group designing and going on a mission trip marks the end of the second year of Senior Youth. Other Senior Youth events include making care packages for St. Albanites in college, laser tag, and more.
Every Given Sunday
One’s senior year in high school can be especially tough. The St. David room in the old rectory is reserved on Sundays from 10:30-11:30am for 12th graders to have fellowship, snacks, and conversations with occasional guest speakers.
Youth Mission Trips
Mission trips are an important part of the Journey to Adulthood program. These trips involve hands-on service to others. Whether in the inner city, Appalachia, or overseas, mission trips offer important opportunities for spiritual growth. By experiencing joy and generosity from those who seem to have very little, youth and adult chaperones encounter Christ in new and powerful ways. St. Alban's youth have traveled to Belize, Appalachia, Navajoland, and New Orleans for summer mission trips.
Youth Acolytes
Youth, 4th through 12th grade, serve as acolytes carrying the crosses, torches and banner in processions, and assisting at the altar. They bring beauty and meaning to the congregation’s experience of the service. In addition, this is an excellent opportunity to learn responsibility and leadership. Youth acolytes serve at the 9:15 service on Sundays and at other special services throughout the year. A training session is provided, usually held in the early fall. Contact: Donna Palmer, 301-941-1223 or dpalmer@cq.com
Youth Ushers
Ushers, 4th grade and older, are key to making St. Alban’s a friendly and reverent place to worship God. They prepare the church for the 9:15 service, greet and seat worshipers, collect the offering and direct people to Communion. Youth ushers who serve have a clear sense of belonging to this community, and know that their contribution is valued. Contact: Hollis McLoughlin, 202-966-6212 (h), 703-903-3100 (w) or hm20016@aol.com