| 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, 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. |
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| 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. 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. Some families choose to include a Jewish naming, a Christian baptism, or a calling of the directions, based on their own particular beliefs. Ceremonies are held at family homes or in congregational settings. Coming of age ceremonies are generally done in groups following completion of a preparatory class at, approximately, age fourteen. Other arrangements can also be made. |
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| Weddings and Union Services | - | |
| Unitarian Universalist ministers are in great 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 | - | |
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Memorial services are celebrations of the life of the deceased person. A table or other display area of pictures and mementos is encouraged. The body or ashes may or may not be present, and ceremonies may take place immediately after the death or weeks or months 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. |
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| 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. | ||