Taking Their Places

Dear First Universalist Church,

Over the past four weeks, our youth have led us in several powerful worship services. From Youth Sunday to the Coming of Age Ceremony and Coming of Age Sunday, our young people have thoroughly blessed us with their brilliance and wisdom. 

I am delighted to tell you that this Sunday is another opportunity—and the last for a while!—to celebrate our youth through our annual Bridging Worship Service. Bridging is a long-time ritual in Unitarian Universalism. In it we mark the moment that our young folks cross the metaphorical “bridge” from being youth in our congregation to take their place as adults in our faith tradition.

This year, 13 youth are participating in Bridging in one way or another. Whether these young folks were dedicated here as babies or joined the youth group just a few years ago, they have all been taught, mentored, and advised by you and your kindred congregants. They know the songs and praying words and covenants that are most core to our community, sometimes more fluently than our adults. They have successfully learned to strike matches—even the tricky fold-over matchbook kind—for the countless chalices they have lit in this place. They have played sardines in the dark Sanctuary and slept on the floor of the Cummins Room and eaten their weight in graham crackers and popcorn. And they have become themselves—their magical, complicated, sacred selves—in this place, with all of us as their witnesses. 

As our youth reminded us on Youth Sunday, we are always changing. At every age we take our place anew in the circle of things. Maybe you’re taking your place as a new parent, like I am. Maybe you’re taking your place as a caregiver of a family member, or an empty nester, or in a new professional role. Our leaders and staff at church are always taking their places anew as well, sometimes transitioning out of a treasured staff role, concluding an internship, or assuming new responsibilities. I invite you to join us this Sunday to cheer on our youth as they Bridge to their new place in our community, and to receive blessings and support for the Bridge you are inevitably crossing in this season. 

If that’s not enough reason to join us this Sunday (and it surely is!) be sure to swing by the Social Hall after the service to pick up your copy of the incredible Coming of Age ‘Zine our 9th graders created this year. Copies of the ‘zine are offered free of charge, but donations of $20 – $50 are encouraged to support the Boston Pilgrimage. You can make a donation in-person on Sunday morning when you pick up your ‘zine or in advance online here (select “Give to Boston PIlgrimage” from the drop-down menu). 

Dear ones, I offer you every blessing for your journey and deep gratitude for the place you choose to take among us. We’ll see you in church.

With care,

Allison