Teens Encounter Christ (TEC)

God our Father, you see your children growing up in an unsteady and confusing world: Show them that your ways give more life than the ways of the world, and that following you is better than chasing after selfish goals. Help them to take failure, not as a measure of their worth, but as a chance for a new start. Give them strength to hold their faith in you, and to keep alive their joy in your creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

- Book of Common Prayer p. 829. For Young Persons

Welcome!

What is TEC?

Teens Encounter Christ (TEC) is a weekend retreat for high school students run by teen and adult volunteers to allow students to develop a stronger relationship with Christ and the Christian community. St. Paul TEC weekends are open to those in 10th-12th grade and Great North TEC is open to those in 9th-12th grade. Although sponsored by the Episcopal Church, one does not need to be Episcopalian to attend. If you are interested in being a candidate at the next TEC there are a two things you should know...

TEC is Built on Discussion Groups

The core activity at TEC is discussion. Youth who have attended TECs before sign up to give talks on topics like "Who Am I?" and "Community." After each talk, you break up into your discussion group to share your own thoughts on the topic. You do not have to be a talker to enjoy learning from the people around you. Each person is an expert on their own experiences and their own faith. TEC is set up to encourage you in your spiritual journey, at whatever stage you may be in. One of the reasons TEC is encouraged before confirmation is that it encourages self-examination.

TEC is not a Secret, But It Is Full of Surprises

A secret is something to keep from others. TEC is not a secret. You should feel free to discuss your weekend with your parents and others who are close to you. There are a few planned surprises that add to the festive tone of the weekend. I can explain the schedule and get more detailed about the weekend with youth and parents who feel like they need more information.

 

Want to Know More?

If you or your parents have additional questions about TEC, please feel free to contact me. If you decide that TEC is something you want to do, please let me know so I can get your family the registration materials before the weekend fills up. The cost for Great North TEC is $25 and St. Paul TEC is $35. Financial assistance is always available.

- Sheila Foster

Please click on the PDF icon to download a PDF file of the above information:

(313 kB)

Also see: Article "What is TEC?" by Jordan Warchol in the October 2004 Voice