Unitarian Universalism has many important rituals. Among others, our church celebrates marriage and starting a new family, naming or dedicating our children, and memorializing our dead. We celebrate all ceremonies, rites, and rituals in simple, modern language.

Why We Have Rituals

Rituals offer us the chance to celebrate and voice our affection, hopes, and dedication. They help us affirm life and goodness within the church community and greater world. Ritual observances fill our lives with deep meaning.

Recognizing and honoring religious observances and festivals is natural and necessary in all human cultures. In in our church we celebrate many of the great religious holidays with joy and deep respect. We gather to celebrate Christmas, Passover, and the solstices. Child dedications and marriages are joyful rites. We celebrate our children’s passage from youth to adulthood and we memorialize our deceased members and celebrate their lives.

We celebrate a variety of ceremonies, rites, and rituals that mark significant life events and reinforce their values. These include both unique traditions and observances borrowed from other faiths, all expressed in simple, modern language. 

Key Ceremonies, Rites, and Rituals:

Child Dedications: A ceremony where a child is welcomed into the community and parents express their commitment to nurturing the child’s spiritual development. 

Coming of Age: A program for adolescents that culminates in a ceremony marking their transition into young adulthood, often involving reflection on personal beliefs and values. 

Bridging: A ceremony for youth transitioning into young adulthood, often after completing a “Coming of Age” program. 

Water Communion: A ritual where members bring water from special places, combining it to symbolize their shared faith and experiences, according to the Unitarian Universalist Association. 

Flower Communion: A unique Unitarian Universalist tradition, often involving the sharing of flowers as a symbol of beauty and community.

New Member Ceremonies: Welcoming new members into the congregation and community. 

Marriage and Civil Union Ceremonies: Celebrating the union of two individuals. Memorial Services: Honoring and remembering deceased members. 

Ordinations and Installations: Recognizing and affirming the leadership of religious professionals. 

Holiday Celebrations: Marking holidays like Christmas, Passover, the solstices, and others, often with a Unitarian Universalist perspective