Read the full issue of the Thursday, May 12, 2016 Weekly Liberal here.

By Rev. Justin Schroeder

Seven years ago, our son, Tucker, was dedicated by the Rev. Kate Tucker, during the first few months of my ministry at First Universalist. It was a moving ceremony for both my wife, Juliana, and me. But this past Sunday, when the Rev. Jen Crow dedicated our son, Jesse, I felt my heart open in a whole new way. It was a profound experience to stand with other families and their children, and for our son to receive the words of blessing that I have shared with dozens of other children and families. Having served this faith community for nearly seven years now, I have a richer understanding of what it means to dedicate and bless young children into this faith, and what it means to dedicate ourselves to their well-being. To feel these sacred promises in the context of my own family was deeply emotional.

When our hearts are open to these rituals, we are bound together in profound ways.

This Saturday, May 14, at 3 p.m., I hope you will join me at our Coming of Age Ceremony in the Sanctuary. When I began my ministry, these youth were in 2nd and 3rd grade, and now as 9th and 10th graders, they are preparing to cross the threshold into Young Adulthood. These youth, along with their mentors, have spent the past year wrestling with the biggest questions of life, and they’ll share their spiritual statements – their credos – with all of us who gather on Saturday.

Just like our child dedication ceremony, this Coming of Age Ceremony invites your faithful presence and witness, as we dedicate ourselves once again to the spiritual health and well-being of these beloved children/young adults of the church.

I’ll see you there.

In faith,
Justin