Teens
Youth Recognition Dinner and Service
St. Mary's has a soft spot for the transition from childhood to adulthood. Adolescence is a special time, and the bodies and minds of young people go through so many changes as they become women and men. When God became flesh in Jesus Christ, we were reminded of what scripture has told us from the beginning - our wole selves, body and soul, were made in the image of God. We are incarnational people, which means that the stuff of ordinary life is beautiful to God, including of course, adolescence. The church would like to offer gratitude and seek God's blessing on young people and their parents and godparents during this time of change.
W
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begin with a dinner at the church for those around 7th or 8th grade.
It is a lavish affair, with fancy tablecloths and fancy food, a
good time to dress up. People invite any combination of
grandparents adn godparents and nannies and mentors - whoever has
played a significant role in the child's life. During the dinner,
each person will have an opportunity to offer gratitude to their
special young person, in the form of a toast. When the guests
have completed their toasts, then the young person will stand up
and offer gratitude to their significant adults. After dessert we will adjourn to the chapel for a special blessing prayer.
On Sunday there will be this special liturgy in chuch:
Officiant: Who are these young people who stand before us?Presenters: We present __________
Officiant to Presenters: What is it you seek?
Adults: We seek God's blessing for our children as they enter adolescence and for us as we walk with them.
Officiant to young people: (Name), you are made in God's image. God has held you in the palm of God's hand every day of your life, and always will. The years in front of you will be a time of great change as you leave your childhood and walk toward your adulthood. As you travel this road, know that some things do not change. God knows you, delights in you, and has invested in you gifts needed for the healing of the world.
As you step toward maturity, will you promise these things?
Will yo
Officiant: Will you include the outcast, love the lonely, and practice mercy?
Young person: I will with God's help
Officiant: Will you respect your elders?
Young person: I will with God's help
Officiant to adults: As adults especially charged iwth the nurture of these young people, will you prmoise these things?
Adults: I will with God's help
Will you respect their dignity, listen to what they tell you, and allow them to make mistakes?
Adults: I will with God's help
Officiant: Will you be patient, practice forviveness, and retain your sense of humor?
Adults: I will with God's help
Offic iant: Will you set approporiate boundaries intended to keep them safe?
Adults: I will with God's help
Officiant: Will you be faithful in attending church, sth study of scripture, and in saying your prayers?
Adults: I will with God's help
Officiant, to congregation: Will you as their faith community promise these things?
Congregation: We will notice you. We will accept the gifts you bring. We will sing and pray with you. We will challenge you to be generous and compassionate, and to live a life in the service of Chirst. Will you do the same for us?
Young people: We will, with God's help.
Celebrant: All holy God, source of every blessing, we give you thanks for the blessing these your children have been to us. And as you begin this transformaiton of their bodies and their spirits into those of mature men and women, confirm in us a sense of joy and wonder in these and all your works. This we ask in the name of the Holy Trinity, one God. Amen.u make decisions that honor your body and your spiritu?
Young person: I will with God's help