There are times in the life of the congregation where we welcome, bless and affirm our children and youth. These special times are important to the life of our congregation and to our families as we share our support and love for our children and youth.
Child dedication
This ceremony, held during worship services in the UUCF Sanctuary, invites the congregation and families of infants and/or young children to dedicate themselves to supporting and nurturing the child/children. Relatives and friends close to the child/children are invited to attend and even join the family in front of the Sanctuary. The ministers bless each child with a rose and water and each child receives a lovely certificate of dedication. Older children wait for the 7th grade year when they participate in the Coming of Age service.
Dedication ceremonies are typically held twice a year. Contact Rev. David Miller or Director of Family Ministry and Lifespan Faith Formation Diana Tycer for more information.
Coming of Age
Many religious traditions mark entry to adolescence with special classes and rituals. UUCF provides a Coming of Age experience for 7th Graders, who spend the year in Religious Exploration classes learning about UU history, identity, UUCF, the UU denomination and social justice. Each youth has an adult UUCF mentor who guides and supports them throughout the year. Each youth writes a personal credo, or a belief statement. The class also has at least one heritage trip while they are in Middle School. Usually, youth and their mentors and teachers travel into Washington, DC, including a visit to All Souls Church Unitarian, and a weekend trip to Boston to visit the Unitarian Universalist Association and other important UU heritage sites.
At the end of the year, there is a special worship service for the Coming of Age youth, which includes mentors and families. A minister provides a blessing and the youth share their personal credos.
Bridging
Our high school seniors participate in a Bridging Ceremony during a June worship service in our Sanctuary that honors their transition from being a youth in our congregation to a young adult. We honor their experiences as a youth and recognize that learning to live our principles will continue for the rest of their lives. UUCF’s Senior Minister Rev. David A. Miller will call our youth to action as they approach the challenges that face our world.
New member ceremony
At least once a year, UUCF recognizes in worship services those that have made the commitment to the congregation of attending a membership class and signing the membership book. New members are encouraged to invite family and close friends in the ceremony. Families participate in the new member ceremonies by coming forward during the ceremony in the Sanctuary led by the ministers. A small gift is given to the family to mark this important milestone.
In addition to attending a membership class, many UUCF visitors can attend a newcomers class (with child care), which orients adults to UUCF and the UU denomination.