Overview

Life is a journey, and Pilgrimage is an intentional journey towards a closer understanding and relationship with God.  Pilgrimage is the theme of the Journey to Adulthood, the foundation upon which Trinity has built our youth programs.  Each class is co-taught by 2-3 adult leaders who are specially called and trained, and features special ceremonies targeted for youth at each stage they are at, bible lessons, skills training, group forming activities, and more.

Program Descriptions

Rite-13:  Youth aged 11-13 stay together for two years, and through shared experiences we build a Christ-centered sense of community among them.  Weekly classes between service times provide a balance of instruction and play time, supplemented by special outings and events roughly every 4-6 weeks. A coming of age ceremony recognizes and celebrates that while they are not yet adults, they are on their way! 

J2A:  During this two year core period, the studies go deeper, and adult skills (such as active listening, assertion, and negotiation) are taught to youth aged 14-16. Lessons are organized under the themes of Self, Society, Sexuality (gender roles), and Spirituality. Spiritual formation is accomplished not only by teaching and dialog but also by active engagement- serving, praying, and participating.  J2A culminates in a Pilgrimage with a mission trip component (see below).

YAC/CNC:  Our senior youth meet on a more flexible schedule, often over breakfast at a local diner.  We use a program called Confirm Not Conform to guide them to an adult decision about Confirmation. They form Mentor/Mentee relationships with select adults from the church, and under the guidance of their adult leaders learn to deal with taking their spiritual life and disciplines into their own hands.

We also enjoy close connections with the Diocese of SE Michigan for additional youth events and service opportunities, such as Happening, New Beginnings, EYE and NightWatch.

Pilgrimages & Mission Trips