Coming of Age

Coming of Age is an important rite of passage in the Unitarian Universalist faith. It is comparable to a Bar/Bat Mitzvah or a Confirmation. A Unitarian Universalist Coming of Age program is designed to mark the transition from childhood to youth. What is a youth? A youth is someone who is not yet an adult, but is no longer a child either. This is a stage that still requires support, guidance and boundary exploration with parents and guardians—and where appropriate, the community at large. 

The goal of the Coming of Age rite of passage is to help young people sort out their ethical and religious identity (recognizing that some do not feel religious or belonging). Rather than asking a young person to affirm a given creed, we ask them to think carefully about what they hold to be true, and the values that guide their choices.

By participating in Coming of Age, we hope that the youth will

• Explore their spirituality.

• Develop a deeper understanding of Unitarian Universalism.

• Continue the lifelong process of values clarification.

• Recognize and accept responsibility for the consequences of their decisions.

• Come to a positive understanding of their capabilities.

• Test themselves against their own preconceived limits.

The Coming of Age program will be offered to the Jr. Youth (6th - 8th graders) on Sunday mornings during the regular CYRE meeting time. ALL Jr. Youth are welcome to attend the Sunday religious exploration meetings even if they decide not to participate in Coming of Age. In order to participate in the Coming of Age rite of passage there are additional requirements.

• Participate in a majority of the Coming of Age sessions on Sunday mornings.

• Participate in Coming of Age retreats

• November 8, 9, 10 (Lock In at 1st U)

• April 25 - 27 (Tent camping at Lums Pond State Park)

• Participate in at least two church activities. These may include:

• Environmental Justice Revival on Sept. 28

• Hayride at Ramsey’s Farm on October 5

• Holiday Sing Along on December 8 at 3pm

• Winter Solstice Celebration and Soup Dinner on December 14.

• Candidating events during the search for a minister. (specifics will be announced later in the year.)

• Lead the chalice lighting in the sanctuary on the 2nd Sunday of the month.

• Prepare a snack for the Social Hour following church. You may do it alone, with a family member, or with a friend.

• Other activities will be announced as they are placed on the calendar.

• Participate in the Coming of Age Worship Service on May 18. 

• Share your credo, which is your Belief Statement

• Your credo may be spoken, 

• It may be art such as dance, a piece of art, music, or some other expression of your beliefs. You will be asked to explain how the art reflects your beliefs.

Those who participate in the Coming of Age rite of passage may choose to sign the membership book following the Coming of Age Worship Service. 

Coming of Age families are asked to provide a cake and other snacks for the Social Hour following the Coming of Age Worship Service. You are also encouraged to invite families and friends to attend the service and celebrate with your Coming of Ager!

Dates for your calendar:

• September 15 First Coming of Age meeting

• November 8, 9, 10 Lock In at 1st U

• April 25 - 27 Tent camping, Wilderness Journey, and Go Ape at Lums Pond State Park

• May 18 Coming of Age Worship Service