Rites of Passage

Significant milestones of life are celebrated or recognized at UUFC: child dedications, coming of age, weddings and services of union, divorce, and funerals, memorial services, and celebrations of life.
Child Dedications
While we offer services of child dedication at Christmas and Easter, we also willingly celebrate the arrival of a new child at any time that works well for the family. We welcome the child into our community, agree to share the responsibility for helping to raise this child, and celebrate her/his place in our world.

Coming of Age
As youth come into their own in life, a special program helps them to claim and define their own power and responsibility for themselves. (Read more about this under Religious Education) When they have finished the program, a special ritual is offered for them and their parents and sponsors.
Weddings and Services of Union
When a couple determines that they wish to offer a public statement of their personal covenant with one another, we joyously offer our services for this celebration. The Minister may perform the ritual of marriage or Service of Union (in the case of gay or lesbian couples). The building may serve as a setting for the ceremony. Contact the office for details (752-5218).
Divorce Ritual
When a couple realizes that their covenant no longer serves them, they may choose to honor the process of separating through a ritual, either private or public, which honors what has been and relieves them of their vows. Contact the Minister for details (752-5218).
Funerals, Memorial Services, Celebrations of Life
When a loved one has died, the Fellowship offers a full range of possibilities for ritual response, from small private conversational gatherings to full public celebrations of the person's life. Contact the Office Administrator for rentals (752-5218) and the Minister for professional services (752-5218).

Our Memorial Garden has been designated as a place for the disposition of ashes following the cremation of a member or friend of the Fellowship. Ashes may be buried or scattered. There are no markers. As with memorial services, our Minister assists in planning this aspect of memorials. Our Memorial Plaque, which hangs in the Sanctuary, memorializes members and friends whose families have asked to have their loved ones' names inscribed.

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