We had a great this past week, with our Coming of Age ceremony. Unitarian Universalist Coming of Age is a little like confirmation in Catholicism or a Bat or Bar Mitzvah in Judaism, but with our own unique version. The youth in the program learn about Unitarian Universalist thought and traditions - but just as importantly, they consider what they believe about the world. After months of soul-searching, talking with mentors and teachers, and being in community with their peer group, on Sunday our youth shared their “credo statements” with the congregation. The statements were wonderful, and the youth are even more so.

This year, as well as planning the service one of the youth drew the picture on the front of the order of service. It was a flaming chalice, the symbol of Unitarian Universalism. On the base of the chalice was written “FUUFHC”, to show that the congregation was the support for the entire Coming of Age program. The sides of the chalice were composed of the names of the teachers, who helped lift up the youth. The youths’ names were in the bowl of the chalice - they are the heart of it all, where the flame of the Coming of Age spirit comes from. The top “rim” of the chalice was the mentors - their names were above the youth, because they are people the youth look up to. Finally, the chalice flame said “Coming of Age”, which is what happened when we all gathered together.

Just like the service, the picture really reminded me of what is possible when people meet together with a common purpose. Each can strengthen the other, and produce something lasting and beautiful. The youth reminded me afresh what I so love about this faith of ours.

with gratitude,

Rev. Bob