The dedication of babies and children, performed by the minister, usually takes place during a Sunday family service, although they may also be done at other times. The ceremony includes a promise from the congregation to the child(ren) and parents, a promise from the children of the congregation and promises from the parents and others. A notice is printed in the newsletter and Order of Service to let families know when a dedication ceremony is planned so they can speak with the minister, if they are interested. Leading up to the service, the minister meets with the family.
The Affirmation Ceremony
This Ceremony is for second/third grades and is the culmination of a full year program where the children embark on the first study of the seven UU principles and also learn about the six sources of UU teachings which include Jewish/Christian writings, images of God, Death and Creation. The ritual was developed to represent the beginnings of the more formal religious education and takes place during flower communion on May 5th this year. Often the children will sing a song or do something else unique. Each child receives a banner with set of seven principle patches.
Coming of Age
This is a program for eighth/ninth graders who are registered in CUUC's Religious Education program. The main goals are to expose our youth to elements of worship and spirituality; to encourage them to get to know an adult member of the congregation; to help them learn about our UU faith; to recognize and celebrate the beginning of their transition from childhood to adulthood; to provide opportunities that support their involvement in social action; to guide them as they develop and articulate their own faith statements. An important feature of this program is that each youth candidate is assigned an adult mentor who is matched to the student based on common interests and connections. The culmination of the program is the Coming of Age special service that takes place on a Saturday in the spring wherein the students present, in whatever format they wish, their personal credos (or faith statements). An abridged version of the ceremony takes place the following day at the regular Sunday service.
Bridging
The Bridging Ceremony celebrates the transition of our youth from their high school experience into young adulthood. It is a time of tremendous change - and stress - for our youth. It is a time when many of them will leave our particular church community to travel to other cities, into higher education, into careers, and possibly into new families. The Bridging Ceremony is a rite of passage that welcomes these bright and energetic people into the rewards and responsibilities of adult life. The bridge has two sides. One is childhood and adolescence, where they have become leaders and role models for their younger friends and acquaintances. The other side is a scary and vast frontier of the unknown, full of boundless opportunities and new challenges. We, the adult members of this church community, also stand on the other side: our arms open to welcome them, our minds prepared to mentor and learn from them, and our hearts prepared to share life together with them.
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