Chapel of the Cross, Chapel Hill, NC

I was advised early in my tenure not to make any changes to the annual Jesse Tree-Advent Wreath Making event! This treasured, well-attended event has a long standing tradition at Chapel of the Cross. While some minor changes have been made, it retains its unique character....all ages working side by side! And the word "working" or "doing" is essential to any intergenerational event.

Most Sundays throughout the Church School year, preschoolers and younger elementary children climb the stairs to the second floor of Yates Building gathering with children of their same age; older elementary children and youth descend the stairs to the basement to gather with their peers; adults who are not teachers fill the chapel, parlor or campus center for learning. In intergenerational programming, everyone gathers to work, play, and learn together - parents with their children; youth assisting some of the youngest; and adults intermingling with children, families, and youth. There is a sense of community that transcends the ages!

The value of intergenerational events and the enjoyment exhibited by participants has led to an expansion in these events. This year the Children and Family Ministry Committee, upon reviewing the Advent-Christmastide intergenerational events, determined that Lent needed to offer at least one intergenerational event. As a result, the Shoe Box Ministry Project was adopted and an intergenerational event planned in preparation for the Lenten season. This proved to be just as popular as the Jesse Tree event.

Other intergenerational events have included Christmas caroling to homebound members, the Epiphany Social Ministry programs and Earth Day activities planned and implemented by the Environmental Stewardship Committee.

Send items for inclusion in future "Cross Roads."
The deadline is the first Thursday of the preceeding month.