”Ritual is one of the oldest forms of human activity we know. It may have been the original multimedia perform-ance. Today ritual helps integrate and attune life on an increasingly globalized planet.”
Ronald L. Grimes (Deeply into the Bone)
Recently, our second son Tim attended his Primary School Graduation Night. Judy and I also went along to witness the ceremony and to support Tim. During the night photos were taken and Tim was presented with a certificate and engraved pen. We stayed for the formal part of the evening and then returned home whilst Tim and the other students enjoyed their graduation dinner and disco.
A week or so earlier Tim had participated in another form of graduation ceremony, this time at our local church. Tim (so often one to avoid the public gaze) was invited out front of our Sunday morning congregation to ‘mark’ the occasion of his transition from the Primary School children’s ministry into Youth Ministry in the new year.
Some kind and timely words were spoken by the Children’s Pastor and Tim was presented with a small gift bag containing various items. One of these items was a eucalyptus tree seedling, described as a symbol that represented his life. Judy and I do pray that Tim's life will continue to be well nurtured; growing strong and tall, in God's good time!
The following week Tim’s small group leader gave him an excellent book to assist with his transition into high school next year (I thought that was my idea – well, I still plan to meet with Tim sometime in January to chat with him and give him the book I had originally selected!).
Rites-of-passage. I’m really enjoying researching this topic. In recent weeks I’ve noticed the phrase appearing in some conversations I’ve been having with a few people, especially within the context of local church youth and young adults ministry.
Those I have talked with have raised two main points;
1) Rites-of-passage are important; they're valuable and necessary.
2) We need to be more intentional about designing relevant, creative, spiritual passages for those we love and serve today.
Ronald L. Grimes has written extensively on the topic and practice of rituals. He suggests that rituals should be rooted in language, region, time, and culture. He also suggests that relevant ceremonies should be established to help connect the individual with some larger history, community, and obligation.
Author Louise Mahdi (Crossroads: The Quest for Contemporary Rites of Passage) says; “Effective rites of passage evoke awe and leave a lasting impression. Those most likely to do so happen within the context of a supporting community; they incorporate training, preparation, and real challenge or testing, and include a clear vision for adulthood that outlines rights and responsibilities.”
She goes on to express how God has made us for experiencing relationship and community and that issues of loneliness and alienation will be addressed well when people find their place in community.
Sounds to me like an authentic expression of faith comm-unity - the Body of Christ.
This raises a few more questions for me to consider further – perhaps you will journey with me in this regard…
1. What opportunities and events already exist that can be used as spiritual markers (ceremonies) for the people we love and care for?
2. What new experiences (passages) can we create to help our youth and young adults ’graduate’ into a deeper maturity and experience of Christ?
I’m looking forward to exploring this further…
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