Rituals

Most Unitarian Universalist families choose to do child dedications in which the parents dedicate themselves to the rearing of the child

and the child is blessed by those gathered. Ceremonies are usually held in congregational settings where the congregation pledges assist in raising the child in a community of caring and love.

We often use a blessing with water. Some churches use the water collected during their annual Water Communion service. This water over the years tends to be waters mixed from across the country and the world.

Coming of age ceremonies are generally done in groups following completion of a preparatory class (if available) at, approximately, age fourteen. Other arrangements can also be made.


Unitarian Universalist Rituals

Unitarian Universalists do not have a worship or prayer book which included formulated ceremonies for child dedications, coming of age ceremonies, weddings and union services, or memorial services. Individuals, couples and families are encouraged to take an active role in formulating ceremonies that will be fitting for their faith and their relationship. The minister can guide the process, but the resulting ritual should be reflective of the person, couple or family at the center of the occasion.

Child Dedications and Coming of Age Ceremonies

Most Unitarian Universalist families choose to do child dedications in which the parents dedicate themselves to the rearing of the child and the child is blessed by those gathered. Ceremonies are usually held in congregational settings where the congregation pledges assist in raising the child in a community of caring and love. We often use a blessing with water. Some churches use the water collected during their annual Water Communion service. This water over the years tends to be waters mixed from across the country and the world. Coming of age ceremonies are generally done in groups following completion of a preparatory class (if available) at, approximately, age fourteen. Other arrangements can also be made.

Weddings and Union Services

There is no one standard Unitarian Universalist wedding service. Each service is developed by the couple and the presiding minister to best reflect the couple’s beliefs, hopes, and relationship. Unitarian Universalist ministers are often in demand for wedding and union services even by couples, who are not Unitarian Universalist. We are open to and encourage ceremonies inclusive of both traditions for couples coming from two different faiths. We will do union ceremonies for gay and lesbian couples. Some ministers require a gay or lesbian couple to also make legal arrangements with an attorney, since, at present, a union ceremony will not reflect any legal rights. Ceremonies are held at the church or other venues.

Memorial Services

Memorial services are celebrations of the life of the deceased person. Each service is developed by the family of the deceased and the presiding minister to honor the memory of that person. A table or other display area of pictures and mementos is encouraged. The body or ashes may not be present, and ceremonies may take place immediately after the death or some time later. As well as planned words and music, those gathered are usually invited to share their own memories of the deceased as they feel led.

Service Arrangements

If you would like more information on a particular type of ceremony or would like to make an appointment with the minister to plan a service we may be able to assist you in contacting a Unitarian Universlaist Minister in the area.