Holidays

Unitarian Universalists encompass a large variety of beliefs, so we are open to celebrating religious holidays of any faith. We may or may not have special services for religious holidays, depending on the demographics of the congregation. We offer opportunities throughout the year to learn about world religious holidays and traditions, and may incorporate various rituals and songs throughout our services and religious education programs.

Traditions

Welcoming Waters

The first service of the program year in September is our Welcoming Waters service, where members and friends are invited to bring along a sample of water from somewhere they went during the summer. The water is then intermingled to represent flowing back together after the more casual and less frequent Summer service schedule.

Flower Communion

The last service of the program year in May is the Flower Communion. Attendees are encouraged to bring a flower to the service. The flowers are commingled and each person in attendance takes a turn selecting a different flower than the one they brought out of the spread, to symbolize how we each brought growth to the community and in turn, received it back in other ways.

Child Dedication

Unitarian Universalists generally don’t ascribe to the notion that humans are inherently sinful or that children need to be cleansed in order to experience the divine (as in the practice of baptism). Rather than being a requirement, child dedication serves as a ritual of public welcoming and acceptance. Dedications can be performed at any time with a child or children of any age. For a caregiver, it’s an opportunity to proclaim an intent to raise their child in the UU tradition and to request the help of the congregation in supporting them through that journey. For the congregation, it’s an opportunity to officially welcome a child and acknowledge and accept a shared responsibility in guiding them throughout their youth. The ritual itself has no preset format or special requirements. Each child and each family is unique.

Membership Ceremonies

One can become an official member at any time throughout the year by signing the membership roster, completing a gifts and talents form, and making a financial pledge. A ceremony is held annually during the service hour to welcome new members, and most often this is when the signing portion occurs. Participating in the ceremony isn’t a requirement, but it helps solidify your commitment to our Fellowship and serves as an avenue through which other members can get to know you.