From birth and the child dedication ceremony, through the coming-of-age program, and ultimately bridging into adulthood…here at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Erie, we guide our youth with our seven principles and support them as they explore their own life’s meaning and purpose.

The Child Dedication ceremony takes place during a Sunday morning service with family, friends, and members of the congregation present.  We welcome the child into the stream of life of the community with water, a rose, and a pledge of our support to them as they grow and learn about the world around them.

The Coming-of-Age program for our teens is a year-long and during this time each youth is paired with an adult mentor, and the group gathers on most Sunday morning for the study and discernment of personal beliefs.  When the program ends in the late spring, the teens are invited to share a personal reflection during a Sunday morning service.

Bridging happens when a child enters adulthood and is ready to begin making their way into the world, knowing that they continue to have the support of our beloved community. This ceremony also takes place during a Sunday morning service, usually in the late spring or early summer after high school graduation.