If you’ve grown up in suburban America, your life until your early 20s can be a pretty predictable experience. From the age of 4 or 5, you move from grade school to middle school to high school and often college, surrounded by a ready-made peer group with ready-made activities. But what happens when these established milestones end and you realize you’re an adult? You apply to graduate school! All joking aside, being a young adult who is just getting established can be a challenging time of transition.

For Moriah Wright, a high school math teacher in the Chardon/Painesville area, post-college brought the realization that friendships and community with other people didn’t just "happen" anymore. “I saw that I would have to be much more intentional now as a working adult,” she says. “I didn't have any friends left in the area and was really seeking out a group of young adults that wasn't a college group and wasn't a singles group.”

Moriah, who was looking for biblically sound teaching and fellowship, found Transit, a ministry of Parkside Church for young adults, single or married, ages 22-35.

Although Moriah came to Transit with some trepidation, she found that the worship was refreshing, the teaching was sound, and saw that people mingled and talked afterward. “I had some great conversations that first night. It was nice to be in a setting for other career-age young adults in a Christian and 'church- like' event,” says Moriah, who also notes the important distinction that Pastor Brandon Smith who leads Transit emphasizes – Transit is not a church.

Indeed, Transit functions as a fellowship for young adults from Parkside Church, although people from other churches are welcome to attend. According to Brandon, “we serve as a midweek life group and Bible study for the unique ages of 22-35 to help facilitate deep, meaningful biblical friendships during this time of transition into adulthood. Transit is a place where people can make lifelong biblical relationships, study God’s Word deeply, pray for one another, and worship the Lord together.”

For Phelan England, a bassist with Transit’s worship team, some of the best friendships he has have begun at Transit. “I think that Transit works as a place to get connected and to have deeper fellowship than what you might find at a large church on Sundays. It makes Parkside [feel] smaller. I can't go to Parkside now without seeing at least one person that I know from Transit, if not more. As Christians, we are called to be part of the body of Christ, to encourage and build each other up and Transit gives me that opportunity every week. It helps me stay grounded in the word of God, and gives others the opportunity to speak into my life.”

Millie Tally agrees. “It's a great environment and place to meet young couples and singles. We have several ministry opportunities and lots of events. [My husband, Logan, and I] have felt very welcome and encouraged by the community. It's [become] a part of our weekly routine! Just like any other Bible study or church commitment, if you make time, you find it's not as hard as you thought.”

You don't have to sign up or RSVP to attend. Transit meets on Wednesdays at 7:30pm at the Loft in Solon (31200 Solon Rd). Their next event is a Game Night on March 27. If you have questions, or would like more information, visit parksidechurch.com/transit. We hope to see you there!