Shore to Shore
A Journey of Faith and Friendship
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Shore to Shore is a high school youth group committed to offering teenagers a place of belonging and an opportunity to improve the world. It connects teenagers from Massachusetts to young people in South Africa.
This group meets on the Second Sunday of the Month at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Hanover, MA 02339, and gathers for great food and nourishing conversation. Teenagers help set the agenda and often focus on topics that are important to them. As a two-year program, this group engages in mutual exploration and hospitality. In the summer of 2026 the teenagers from Massachusetts will travel to South Africa where they will be welcomed and hosted by their companion youth group in Hermanus, South Africa - the Volmoed Youth Program. In the summer of 2027, the Volmoed Youth group will travel to Massachusetts. |
About the Journey |
In July 2026, we will travel from Massachusetts to the southern coast of Africa for three weeks to walk in the footsteps of Archbishop Desmond Tutu and to stand alongside young people from South Africa as fellow pilgrims. Over our period of preparation and on-ground experience, we will explore the history and impact of Apartheid on contemporary life for young South Africans. When we return, we will continue to process our mission experience and make preparations for our South African youth pilgrims to spend three weeks in Massachusetts during the Summer of 2027 to explore and understand the American experience and the impact of race and the transatlantic slave trade on American youth. This two-year experience will be a sacred journey that will deepen our faith, expand our worldview, and create bonds of friendship here in Massachusetts and in South Africa that will last a lifetime.
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Why South Africa? |
South Africa remains a country in transition, recovering from the legacy of the most oppressive, violent form of legalized segregation in the world. Since the end of Apartheid in 1994, South Africa has heroically pursued reconciliation, healing, and growth. The lessons learned and this struggle to find and offer love in the face of systemic hatred make the South African experience transformational and a model for our ongoing search for spiritual nourishment and embodiment of God’s Beloved Kingdom. The intersection of political and religious leadership, including the remarkable work of Archbishop Desmond Tutu and current Anglican leaders, makes South Africa a living, palpable example of God’s grace.
South Africa also provides an important comparative context for reflection about the impact of the transatlantic slave trade and slavery in the United States. South Africa and the United States are two countries in the global community where racial separation was systematized. Contemporary youth in both countries live with the legacies of these historic oppressive systems and must find ways to bridge longstanding racial divides and inequities that are contrary to our religious beliefs. |
Personal Discovery |
As we prepare for our pilgrimage and mission work here in Massachusetts and in South Africa, we will discover what it means to be rooted in God’s love, to share our stories across cultures, and to see the world through the eyes of Christ’s compassion. Together we will pray, serve, sing, and learn. On our pilgrimage, we will visit holy and historic places, attend school in a community with South African youth, and witness firsthand the enduring power of friendship, reconciliation, and hope.
During this program year, we also offer the opportunity to be confirmed in the Episcopal Church for those participants who are in parishes where confirmation preparation is not currently offered. Each of our monthly gatherings will include formation and reflection to explore your beliefs and prepare to take this milestone formation step if you so choose. For all youth participants, this experience can be a service component for school academic or confirmation requirements. |
Upcoming Events and Sessions
Date: Sunday, February 8, 2026
Time: 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Location: St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 17 Church Street, Hanover, MA 02339
Join us for dinner and nourishing conversation as we dive into our program year. Shore to Shore connects youth from Massachusetts and South Africa for an unforgettable experience of spiritual and social growth, cultural exchange, and community building. It also provides community services, or possible school course credit.
Who Should Attend:
Time: 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Location: St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 17 Church Street, Hanover, MA 02339
Join us for dinner and nourishing conversation as we dive into our program year. Shore to Shore connects youth from Massachusetts and South Africa for an unforgettable experience of spiritual and social growth, cultural exchange, and community building. It also provides community services, or possible school course credit.
Who Should Attend:
- High school students interested in finding a place of belonging, in need of community service hours, and exploring God’s love, whether they believe or not!
Forms and Important Information
| Youth Group Session One Information |