We know we are alive, and we know we are going to die. It has been said that our religion is what we do about that knowledge. Not surprisingly then, one of the most important roles of a church in the lives of its people is to help them in marking important life transitions. We sometimes call these ceremonies rites of passage. Our minister officiates at rites of passage for church members and can assist others in finding another Unitarian Universalist minister to conduct such ceremonies.
Child Dedication
The first rite of passage is Child Dedication. The parent or parents bring the child into the church to be welcomed during a Sunday service. The minister speaks a blessing over the child, speaks the child’s name, and presents the child with a flower. Members of the congregation express their commitment to take a supportive role in nurturing the child.
Coming of Age
The second rite of passage is Coming of Age. The seventh and eighth grade students take part in a carefully planned program, each with an adult church member outside of the family as a mentor. The culmination of the program is a Sunday service when these youth publicly read their credos, that is, their written statements of belief at that stage of their lives.
Wedding Ceremony
The third rite of passage is the Wedding. It is our joy to celebrate the joining in marriage of all couples, straight or gay, who are ready to commit themselves to married life together. Our minister plans wedding ceremonies with each couple so that each ceremony is individually designed to honor the couple’s wishes.
Memorial Service
The final rite of passage is a Memorial Service. It is our honor to celebrate the life of someone who has died. Our minister plans memorial services with the family of the person who has died in order to provide them with a service that meets their needs.
Other Ceremonies
Other rites of passage, such as house blessings, separation rituals at the time of a divorce, or croning ceremonies, may be arranged through the minister or through the Covenant of UU Pagans (CUUPs).
