Parents often ask me, “What happens when a child is dedicated in our church?” I will begin with a quote by Sophia Lyon Fahs, “Each night that a child is born, is a holy night; A time for singing; A time for wondering; A time for worshipping.” There is no “standard” UU Ceremony for Dedication. Each such dedication may use different words, provided by the family, from their cultural and religious traditions. We do believe that each child brings new life and hope into the world. We do join together to name and dedicate the child. We do affirm our commitment to nurture the child and hold the child in the fabric of our community. Our community hopes that every child receives love, guidance and nurturing. We are mindful in the UU ceremony of dedication of the following statements:
We give witness to our values and our commitment to be a religious community that stands on the side of love.
We form a covenant with the family to support them and to honor and recognize that the child is a precious gift of life and is entrusted to be cared for by family and the community.
We affirm the dignity and individuality of the child as we state the child’s place in the community of humankind.

The dedication can use different words and may also include a variety of symbols and rituals such as: water, laying of a minister’s hand on the child’s head as a blessing, a gift of a flower, or a gift of a book. The UU Ceremony of Dedication is a time to celebrate and be grateful for the wonder of each child. We as UU’s claim each life as sacred and dedicate our minds and hearts to the spirit of each child.

Lower Elementary students on April 18th will explore, “Caring for Our Planet” and on April 25th will help with church cleanup. Please have your student wear outside clothes for the cleanup.

Upper Elementary students on April 18th will explore, “Making Decisions: The Very short rule/The Good Samaritan”. On April 25th the students will help with church cleanup. Please have your students wear outside clothes for the cleanup.

Juniors on April 18th will have a guest speaker, Mary Beth Smith and on April 25th will have a movie day.

Seniors on April 18th will meet at the Edmonds home at 7:30 pm to continue their study of the New Testament and on April 25th, they will meet at the GPUC parking lot at 9:00 am to go down to COTS.

The RE Committee will meet April 19th at 6:30 pm in the RE wing to review next year’s curriculum.

Julie Artis, Director of Religious Education