Rites and Rituals

Like all people of faith, Unitarian Universalists mark the events of great significance in the life cycle with religious observances. We have rituals to celebrate the birth of a child, to mark the transition from childhood to youth, to solemnize the commitment of life-long partnership and to honor our loved one's at the time of their death.

Ceremonies of Naming and Dedication
Naming and Dedication services are held for infants and very young children to celebrate the great gift of new life, and to acknowledge the hope and possibility that each child brings to our world. This is a time for the gathered family members and religious community to dedicate themselves to nurturing and supporting the child throughout his or her life journey.

Coming of Age
Coming of Age is a rite of passage to mark the transition from childhood to youth. In preparation for this religious observance our youngsters devote a year to crafting their personal statement of belief or credo. Upon completion of this year of discernment a special worship service is held to honor the accomplishments of our youth, to publicly acknowledge their entry into a new stage of development and to affirm their deepening religious awareness.

Wedding and Commitment Ceremonies
Unitarian Universalists honor and celebrate the commitment of life-long partnership and the transforming power of love through Wedding Ceremonies and Commitment Ceremonies for same gender couples. Unitarian Universalist Wedding and Commitment Ceremonies are crafted to uniquely reflect the couple's relationship and their hopes for the future.

Memorial and Funeral Services
Memorial and Funeral services honor and celebrate the fullness of a life now gone from our midst. Drawing upon the rich resources of poetry, prose, music and the sacred texts of the world's religions we craft highly personalized services that are comforting for the bereaved and which stay true to the life of the deceased. A burial or a scattering of ashes may also be performed, according to the wishes of the deceased.

To inquire about having a religious observance performed at Shelter Rock, please contact the Assistant to the Ministers