"Elizabeth was exactly what we were looking for when we sought out a minister from the Unitarian Universalist Congregation. She was grounded in her spirituality, and open to performing a ceremony that would have the most meaning for my wife and me. She was generous with her time and showed great patience and attentiveness as she helped us to plan all of the smallest details. She took time to write a truly touching and memorable 'charge to the couple.' We were very happy to have found Elizabeth." |
ritual and rites of passage
Crafting ritual to mark the transitions in our lives warms my heart. As ministers, we are invited into life’s most profound moments: births, unions, transitions, separations, and deaths. We are asked to be with people as they navigate new waters. This is an incredible honor that brings me great joy. There is often a delicate balance to achieve in reflecting the diverse theological perspectives of the families of those embarking on such a transition. Like I do each Sunday, I create a space that honors different theological perspectives while leaving space for others.
I cherish each chance to hold a child and celebrate their special place in our community. I believe that the dedication of a child is best done in community, given our theological rejection of original sin. Our purpose is much more centered in the communal commitment we make to care for the children in our midst. What our children learn implicitly by watching their elders make much more of an impact on their lives than what they learn in the classroom. Each child dedication reminds the whole congregation of our responsibility to provide affirming religious education to the children among us throughout our congregational lives, especially outside of the RE classrooms. It is a beautiful celebration of new life.
Due at least in part to my deep commitment to youth programming, I hold Coming of Age and Bridging Ceremonies as integral to congregational life. These important events should be done with the larger community, as they are not just important to our young people and their families. Coming of Age services inspire us all to continue to develop and share our own credo statements as part of our spiritual journeys. Bridging Ceremonies make clear to our young people that they will always be welcome and supported in their congregational home wherever they travel in life, which in turn reminds us all what is so powerful about religious community.
I have always adored weddings and even considered becoming a wedding planner. I also believe that weddings are most special in community, as the gathered congregation of family and friends commits to supporting a couple on their married journey. Marriage is not something that we can do alone and networks of support can be invaluable in both the difficult times and the joyful moments. As I see each couple as unique, I work closely with them to craft the service that will be the most meaningful for them that reflects who they are together.
Memorial services are perhaps the greatest honor to perform as they are the capstone on a person’s life. It is important to create a space where grief can flow, mutual support and healing is encouraged and where celebration can occur for the gifts we have received from the person who is gone. My goal is to craft a service that truly reflects the deceased, their legacy and their theology. There is something particularly beautiful about laughing through tears while reflecting on a life well lived or letting go of all that was left unresolved in the loss of a loved one. Grief is such a complex mixture of emotions, all of which should be honored for healing to occur.
Our lives are marked by great transitions and many smaller ones. We are constantly changing. There is power in ritualizing the moments of real change in our lives. We celebrate and grieve many things throughout our lives. Whether it is one of the above transitions or something else meaningful in someone’s life, I am honored to create rituals that might help mark such moments.
I cherish each chance to hold a child and celebrate their special place in our community. I believe that the dedication of a child is best done in community, given our theological rejection of original sin. Our purpose is much more centered in the communal commitment we make to care for the children in our midst. What our children learn implicitly by watching their elders make much more of an impact on their lives than what they learn in the classroom. Each child dedication reminds the whole congregation of our responsibility to provide affirming religious education to the children among us throughout our congregational lives, especially outside of the RE classrooms. It is a beautiful celebration of new life.
Due at least in part to my deep commitment to youth programming, I hold Coming of Age and Bridging Ceremonies as integral to congregational life. These important events should be done with the larger community, as they are not just important to our young people and their families. Coming of Age services inspire us all to continue to develop and share our own credo statements as part of our spiritual journeys. Bridging Ceremonies make clear to our young people that they will always be welcome and supported in their congregational home wherever they travel in life, which in turn reminds us all what is so powerful about religious community.
I have always adored weddings and even considered becoming a wedding planner. I also believe that weddings are most special in community, as the gathered congregation of family and friends commits to supporting a couple on their married journey. Marriage is not something that we can do alone and networks of support can be invaluable in both the difficult times and the joyful moments. As I see each couple as unique, I work closely with them to craft the service that will be the most meaningful for them that reflects who they are together.
Memorial services are perhaps the greatest honor to perform as they are the capstone on a person’s life. It is important to create a space where grief can flow, mutual support and healing is encouraged and where celebration can occur for the gifts we have received from the person who is gone. My goal is to craft a service that truly reflects the deceased, their legacy and their theology. There is something particularly beautiful about laughing through tears while reflecting on a life well lived or letting go of all that was left unresolved in the loss of a loved one. Grief is such a complex mixture of emotions, all of which should be honored for healing to occur.
Our lives are marked by great transitions and many smaller ones. We are constantly changing. There is power in ritualizing the moments of real change in our lives. We celebrate and grieve many things throughout our lives. Whether it is one of the above transitions or something else meaningful in someone’s life, I am honored to create rituals that might help mark such moments.