The
most important events that occur within our circles of community
include the birth or adoption of a child, the union of a
couple, and the death of someone we love. People in every
culture have developed ceremonies and rituals to honor these
transitions, and Unitarian Universalist do as well.
Child Dedication
In
many religions there is a ceremony used to welcome babies/young
children into the congregation. Unitarian Universalists
believe that every child brings new life and hope into
the world.In
a service of Child Dedication, parents work
with the minister to create a service that proclaims their
desire to be the best parents they can, thus helping their
children to fulfill their potential. While this ceremony
generally involves infants and toddlers, older children can
also be dedicated.
Coming
of Age
Coming
of age ceremonies, marking the transition from childhood
to young adult, are as old as history. In Coming
of Age thirteen year-olds study UUism, the denomination,
the Fellowship and their personal beliefs and are recognized
at a service at the Fellowship and at a LIAC service. Young
people who have completed this program are invited to become
junior members of the Fellowship and may vote at annual
meetings on any issues not involving money.
Marriage/Union
Services
Our
congregation supports marriage for all couples, regardless
of sexual orientation. Couples meet with the minister
and design a ceremony that best meets their needs and
those of their families. A guidebook with suggested readings
and orders of service is available from the church office.
Funerals/Memorial
Services
Typically,
in our congregation when a member dies we hold a memorial
service at our church. The service consists of things
like music, selections of prose or poetry, comments about
the person and the meaning his or her life, thoughts about
coming to grips with the experience of death and words
about moving on. Additionally, our congregation has a
memorial garden where congregants can choose to have their
ashes placed.
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