Rites of Passage
The First Unitarian Church of Wilmington offers a variety of
Rites of Passages for children and families.
Child Dedications
First Unitarian offers a child dedication ceremony during our worship service for infants, young adopted children, or young children whose families have recently joined the congregation. We welcome the child into our community, agree to share the responsibility for helping to raise the child, and celebrate the child's place in our world. The dedication ceremony is generally a celebration of the blessing of life, an expression of the parents' hopes for their child, and a call to the parents and the congregation's members to lead and nurture the child's spiritual life as the child grows.
Please contact the Minister or Director of Religious Exploration if you are interested in having a child dedication ceremony.
Between the ages of seven and nine children begin wondering and thinking about the world beyond their own home and neighborhood. Children at this age identify with and want to claim their religious community. First Unitarian celebrates and honors this time in a child’s life by offering an Age of Reason program which culminates in a worship service, led by the children, in which the parents and congregation covenant to continue to walk with the children on their spiritual journey.
Age of Reason is scheduled to take place during the spring of 2024.
Coming of Age
As children enter adolescence First Unitarian Church provides a year long program focused on providing opportunities for youth to explore beliefs and values, as well as individual gifts, strengths and weaknesses. The program is designed to be mentally and physically challenging. It aids youth in their personal growth and understanding of self; culminating with an Affirmation Worship Service.
Coming of Age is offered every other year.
Bridging
A Bridging Ceremony honors youth moving into young adulthood as they transition out of Senior Youth Group and into the life of an adult Unitarian Universalist. Bridging takes place in the spring during the worship service.