Every Unitarian Universalist congregation has its own ways of celebrating life and marking life transitions. We share our joys and sorrows, supporting one another through difficulty and success. From birth to death, our congregations help us live with deeper gratitude, greater connection, and more reverence for life.
Our custom-made weddings and memorial services honor the people involved by reflecting their unique personalities and values. Unitarian Universalist clergy work closely with couples and loved ones to design these very special events.
Congregation-Wide Celebrations and Passages
Child Dedication Ceremonies
Many Unitarian Universalist congregations have child dedication ceremonies for infants and children. Depending on the congregation, these can be custom-made for individual children or conducted for groups of children. Learn More.
Coming of Age Ceremonies
Unitarian Universalist congregations may hold a special Coming of Age ceremony after their youth complete a year-long period of learning and exploration. The most common ages for Coming of Age programs are 13-15. These ceremonies can include the following elements:
- Youth reading statements of their personal values and beliefs
- A time for reflections from parents, youth advisors, mentors, ministers, or religious educators
- The presentation of small gifts to the youth, acknowleding their passage from childhood to middle adolescence.
Bridging Ceremonies
Congregations that have high school-aged youth, seniors or 17-18 year-olds, may conduct a bridging ceremony to mark their transition to adulthood. These ceremonies can include the following elements:
- Workshops or meetings for youth to prepare them for bridging
- Gifts given in the ceremony to the bridging youth
- A time for reflections from the youth, their family, youth advisors, ministers, or religious educators
Coming of Age Handbook for Congregations
Comprehensive guidebook for religious educators of adolescents...
