As an inspirational community of faith embracing multiple generations, we take care to mark the milestones in one another’s lives through special rites of passage that honor the sacredness of time at every stage of the lifecycle.
Child Dedications
Families can at any point request to have a Child Dedication performed by a minister, usually during a regular Sunday worship service. It typically involves a bloom dabbed in water, a blessing of the child, and spoken pledges of community support for the child’s family. Though often done shortly after a baby has been born or adopted into a family, the family may also choose to celebrate this rite of passage when the child is older.
Youth Passages
UU Wellesley Hills has a tradition of offering rites of passage to teens as they grow into young adults. When numbers permit, youth can participate in a Coming of Age program, which culminates in a service where they present a “Credo” (faith statement) written with support from mentors. Students graduating from high school may participate in a Bridging Ceremony to mark a new phase of life and faith formation.
Weddings Ceremonies
Our ministers are glad to serve as marriage celebrants, whether for friends or members of the congregation, or for couples from the wider community wishing to be married in our Sanctuary or Chapel. Couples can work closely with a minister to plan a wedding ceremony that speaks intimately and eloquently to their personal circumstances.
As a Welcoming Congregation, UU Wellesley Hills joyously celebrates same-sex marriages. We also honor religious pluralism and approach all interfaith marriages with respect, sensitivity, and understanding. Our ministers will happily join with co-officiants to share in solemnizing and celebrating the couple’s commitment.
Memorial Services
During a tender time of mourning, our ministers work carefully with family and friends to craft a fitting tribute to the one who has died and do this in a way that feels emotionally resonant with the survivors. A Memorial Service or Celebration of Life honors the deceased and allows families and friends to join together in remembrance. These will often be held in our Sanctuary or Chapel. Our ministers can also arrange with families to hold a Memorial at a local funeral home or perform a grave-site Committal.
If you have questions about the availability of certain dates, the options for renting church spaces, or the fees customarily paid to a minister presiding at these rites of passage, please email info@uuwellesley.org or call the church office directly.