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Faith
Development
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RITES
OF PASSAGE
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The Rites of Passage
programs were conceived as a path for
our children to learn and grow in their spiritual development and their
understanding of Unitarian Universalism. Three spiritual milestones
mark the
path: Principle Pals for Kindergarten, Kindlers of the Flame for grades
3 – 5,
and Affirmation for grades 9 and up - when our youth celebrate the
beginning of
their religious life in their own right. Rites of passage are programs
of
choice. It is up to the child and their parent to determine if they
want to
participate. Although there is an age range special arrangements can be
made
for children who fall outside the grade categories. These programs
occur every
other year and will be offered again during the 2008-2009 school year.
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Affirmation: The Coming of Age
9th-10th grade (Winter/Spring); Growing into adulthood is a momentous
occasion in many religions, and Unitarian Universalism is no different.
During our Coming of Age program our participants will be challenged to
reflect, articulate and practice their UU faith. Our program consists
of four major parts: pairing youth with adult mentors from the
congregation; discussions and retreats that emphasize self-awareness
and UU identity; service to the congregation and community; and a
culminating affirmation ceremony. This final ceremony gives the
congregation an opportunity to welcome the youth into the adult
community.
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Faith for Our Whole Lives (FOWL)
11th-12th grade; The end of High School is a time of great change in a
young person’s life. Many move far from home, meet new and different
people, and experience unforeseen challenges. While these changes can
be exciting, they can also be frightening and painful. Knowing this, it
is important that we as a faith community prepare our young people for
this transition and for life as young and active UUs. The goal of
FOWL is to equip our youth with the spiritual tools needed to
transition smoothly into this next stage of life and beyond. An
emphasis is placed on UU identity, values, worship and ethical decision
making.
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