UUMAN fosters Beloved Community, within which members share significant life events of their own and that of their family, including weddings, child dedications, memorials, and name change ceremonies.

Weddings

Members of UUMAN’s religious family as well as members of the community find UUMAN the perfect place to get married. Unitarian Universalism embraces all source of wisdom and therefore UUMAN is an ideal venue for honoring different religious traditions during this most special occasion. Unitarian Universalism was also one of the first faiths to marry same-sex couples – “Love is Love” is a reflection of basic UU values.

Child Dedications

In our Unitarian Universalist tradition, we celebrate the birth of a child with a beautiful and personalized Child Dedication ceremony. Unlike a traditional Christian Baptism in which a new born child is cleansed from original sin, our ceremony celebrates and affirms the original goodness within each child, and we commit ourselves to nurturing that impulse in both the child and in ourselves. Child Dedication ceremonies can be celebrated during Sunday Worship Services for those children who will be raised within the Unitarian Universalist faith and the church community. Private Child Dedication Ceremonies can be arranged for those looking to celebrate the birth of a child, but who are not planning on raising the child within the Unitarian Universalist faith or within the church community.

Memorials

Memorial services serve members and friends grieving the loss of loved ones by honoring the life of the deceased in the presence of family and friends.  They may be held at any time after a loss. Services to honor loved ones who have passed on are very personal occasions. In Unitarian Universalist congregations, these services are developed by the family of the deceased and the presiding minister to specially honor the memory of that individual.  The service might include the following elements:  A eulogy, poems and other readings, prayer or meditation, time to remember the deceased with stories and memories, hymn singing or other music, and a time for personal reflection.

Naming Ceremony

Changing one’s name can be one of the most meaningful steps for a trans or gender nonconforming person in expressing and validating who they are. We are happy to recognize a person’s true name and pronouns, and to celebrate a life of integrity for the person who is changing their name to reflect their truth. We hope to be part of creating the sacred space that allows this person to live a new identity fully in our community. We welcome you to our sanctuary for this important ceremony and life event.  Ceremony details are arranged in advance with our minister to ensure a meaningful experience.