Ritual Dedication of Children & Youth Sun. Dec. 21 During Worship

Dear Congregation,

On Sunday, December 21, all ages will gather in Worship on the Winter Solstice to witness (in pageant form) the Indigenous-inspired story of generosity, compassion, and hope entitled “The Give Away” by Ray Buckley.

Following our pageant in Worship, we will engage as a whole congregation in a ritual Dedication of Children & Youth. They say it takes a village to raise a child and UUCY is a mighty village of loving, supportive, wise, can-do people!

If your family, child, or youth feels called to participate in this ritual Dedication of Children & Youth on Sunday, December 21, please fill out this form so we may prepare for your presence in our Worship service.

What is a UU Dedication of Children & Youth?
A UU Dedication of Children & Youth is unique from the Christian rituals of Baptism or Christening which center around a public statement of common belief (either by the family on behalf of their child or by the child themselves). Unitarian Universalism is a non-creedal, non-doctrinal faith – meaning we affirm and promote many paths with our covenant (or promise) to journey together in Love.

Baptisms and Christenings also traditionally include a “washing away” or cleansing of Sin and entrance into “new life” of faith. UU’s do not share a common belief of Original Sin (the idea that we were born sinful and must be redeemed by belief), but we do often consider the idea of Original Blessing (the idea that we were born blessed and must be supported and loved along life’s journey). UUs turn toward ritual Dedications of Children & Youth to celebrate life, community, and human potential.

​We practice a ritual of Dedication of Children & Youth at UUCY to recognize, welcome, bless, and make covenantal promises to support and love families, children, and youth who come in front of our congregation. For some who make this decision, it feels like both claiming one’s faith AND being claimed by one’s faith community.

All families, children, and youth are warmly invited to join in this ritual Dedication of Children & Youth on Sunday, December 21! Please fill out this form if you wish to participate so we may prepare for your presence in our Worship service.

If you have questions or curiosities about this ritual, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me via email at [email protected] or by phone at 717-845-8212.

Good vibes,
​Rev. Christin