Special Services
Child Dedication and Naming Ceremonies
What is in a name? Naming Ceremonies are blessings and covenants.The minister will create the child dedication or naming ceremony that best meets your spiritual needs. A selection of possible texts for naming ceremonies used in our congregation are gathered below. In the ceremony congregants are invited to write their own blessings for the child and these are read during the ceremony.
“Blessings are most powerful when they are formed in the context of relationships. This blessing that [name of parents] and sister and brother [name of siblings] bestow on [name of child] will set the ground in which all other events in their relationship together will arise. These words are not just idle words spoken. The community offers the nurturing ground in which this family will be known and loved. Here their relationship is honored and revered.
We provide a communal shelter in which this family can find refuge from the storms of bigotry that still rage relentlessly beyond these doors. These words of blessing become the foundation in which this child can always depend on as we, along with ghir parents, declare to ghir the blessings of being.
We wish you beauty in life and strength of mind, body and spirit.
We wish you empowerment for self and compassion for others.
We wish you a strong sense of honour, with humility to recognize strengths beyond your own.
We wish you the gift of joy and laughter, and reverence for all the wonders of the Universe.
May you seek and find your own fulfillment in life. [full name of child] welcome into our family.”
Weddings
The minister gladly creates wedding services for a couple seeking marriage. We are a welcoming congregation that honors and celebrates love regardless of sexual or gender identity.
While we currently do not have a minister, the laws of the state of Alabama and By-laws of the Congregation allow present or former Presidents of the Congregation to perform wedding ceremonies.
Memorial Services and Funerals
Memorial services in Unitarian Universalist traditions are generally called Celebration of Life. The minister will meet with the family and/or close friends. They will listen to the stories of the family’s relationship with their loved one. These stories are synthesized into a eulogy.
A eulogy in Unitarian Universalist services is a reflection and celebration of their life. It is an opportunity to stir memories that affirm the person’s life. A theme may emerge in the stories shared revealing a valuable legacy to those present. The minister highlights values this person held dear throughout their life. They indirectly asks those present to consider emulating these values as a living memorial to the person.
Favorite music, poems, and other readings are incorporated into the memorial service. Especially relevant are selections that are the person’s favorite.
The family may want members of their family and friends to offer remembrances of their loved one. Suggest having people chosen in advance to share. Remembrances should be brief. One or two memories that capture the person’s personality and love for the person are sufficient to paint a picture. Keep the length of the remembrance to one typed page about 350-450 words maximum.
Following these suggestions results in a service that is warm and affirming.