DUTY TWO: OFFICIATES RITES OF PASSAGES
One way in which Unitarian Universalism shines is in our embrace of rites of passage. Weddings, Child Dedications, House Blessings, Funerals and more are crafted specifically for the people involved. The personal touch and invitation to name the mix of emotions that accompanies these important occasions provide a memorable gift to the participants and gathering community.
It was, in fact, a memorial service that brought me back to Unitarian Universalism. As a born and bred UU, I had wandered from any religious affiliation. A poignant service, honoring a 19 year old who had been killed by a drunk driver, helped me see how powerful our faith can be when honoring the reality of our lives with the power of our love.
One way in which Unitarian Universalism shines is in our embrace of rites of passage. Weddings, Child Dedications, House Blessings, Funerals and more are crafted specifically for the people involved. The personal touch and invitation to name the mix of emotions that accompanies these important occasions provide a memorable gift to the participants and gathering community.
It was, in fact, a memorial service that brought me back to Unitarian Universalism. As a born and bred UU, I had wandered from any religious affiliation. A poignant service, honoring a 19 year old who had been killed by a drunk driver, helped me see how powerful our faith can be when honoring the reality of our lives with the power of our love.
One of the more powerful witnesses that a faith community can offer is companionship in a rite of passage. Transitions are vulnerable times. As relational beings, we gain strength from the affirmation of others. Parents want to know that folk will support them in the nerve-wracking endeavor of parenting. Couples want to know that their loved ones will help support the vulnerable journey of life partnership. Survivors of a deceased loved one want to know that they are not alone. Rites of passage are one of the more powerful supports that a UU faith community can give to each other and the larger community.
(Samples of rites of passage ceremonies are listed at the bottom of this page)
| child_dedication_ceremony_for_dillon_connor_elkins.doc |
| wedding_brockmeyer_knowles.doc |
| george-setzer_wedding_ceremony_1.docx |
| memorial_service_peter_anderson.doc |
