Minnesota Metro Lutherans
Teens Encounter
Christ
TEC's mission is to
draw youth together to explore their faith, experience God’s love and develop a
deeper relationship with Jesus Christ through a dynamic and meaningful ministry
with their peers.
What is TEC?
TEC is a
program aimed at teens and the challenges they face in their faith. It is a
time for renewal and strengthening of that faith. TEC aims to show teens what a
life lived in God’s love can be like. The weekend (3 days) is centered on God’s
grace. TEC does not aim to introduce a new kind of religion, but to expand on
and reinforce what is taught in Sunday school, confirmation and from the pulpit
of their own church.
The Weekend:
The weekend begins at 4p.m. on Friday afternoon. This is "Die Day". It is a time of personal reflection as the weekenders participate in Ash Wednesday, Lent, Good Friday services, and Stations of the Cross. Saturday is Easter, "Rise Day". It is a celebration of the newness of life through Christ's resurrection. Sunday is "Go Forth Day", where participants prepare to go home and meet the challenges of sharing Christ with those around them. The weekend is a peer led ministry, teens
leading teens. Adult advisors and spiritual directors serve on the
weekends to help and guide the youth. There are nine talks given over the three
days. Seven talks are given by youth who have previously
gone through a weekend and two by clergy serving on the weekend. Small table
discussions follow each talk with presentations given to each speaker. In addition to the talks and worship
opportunities, the weekend is filled with singing, music, and time for
fellowship, laughter, food and prayer.
Who can attend?
TEC
is open to youth in 9th through 12th grade and up to one
year post high school graduation. The weekend is limited to 42 youth. An
enrollment fee of $40 is asked of each attendee. Full or partial scholarships
are available to those in need.