Youth Program Update from Robert+

Dearest Redeemer Family,

We are beginning a NEW chapter in the life and ministry of Redeemer, and we are really excited for what the future holds.  

The pandemic has certainly forced all of us to make some changes and while they can be scary and difficult because of the newness awaiting us, we remain hopeful that changes also bring about wonderful discovery and growth.

After much discernment, input from parents, and a letter of explanation to all parents whose youth would be most immediately affected, we have decided to move to a more mission-outreach centered youth program.  We want to assure everyone that our current J2A class will continue with the full J2A program.  During this transition year, our 6th-9th graders will be grouped together and will be using a curriculum called Re-Form on Sunday mornings.  By the 2022-2023 program year, our middle & high school youth will be separated, respectively. 

This new program will offer a mission-outreach trip for ALL 6th-12th graders EVERY summer, starting the summer after their 6th grade year.  That offers the possibility for ALL of our preteens and teenagers to go on 6 different summer trips during the course of their time here.  The plan is for middle school trips to be more regional in nature and serve as building blocks for our preteens to begin understanding our call to make a difference in the world AND offer them team building/camaraderie during that same time frame.  

Those building blocks will eventually lead to our high school students going on national and international mission trips to places like Belize, Mexico, Malawi, etc.; trips that have incredible potential to deepen their faith and give them a new perspective on what it means to be a child of God among millions of other children of God, many living in abject poverty.

We also recognize there is a deep emotional connection to the J2A program among some of our Redeemer family.  Our plan is to hold onto the rites of passage liturgies that are meaningful for families and teenagers, as well as fundraising and other service opportunities to further encourage team building and bonding for our teens.  We envision this as a way to keep much of what we know to have been effective, while offering many more real-world experiences of living into their Baptismal Covenant.  We are confident this new mission-outreach centered program will continue to grow and strengthen the faith of all our youth.

We hope all of you will continue to show your love and support of our youth as they become pilgrims on this new journey together.

Peace & Blessings,

Robert+