Address: 6556 35th Ave NE Seattle, WA 98115
Service: Sundays at 9:30am and 11:15am in-person or online
Phone: 206-525-8400
On Sunday, June 2, University Unitarian Church celebrated a couple important rites of passage for teens and children in our community:
The Child Dedication Ceremony is one way we welcome new life into the congregation. In this ceremony parents dedicate themselves to their children, vowing to help their children become "fearless, impartial, and reverent seekers after truth, beauty and goodness." In turn, the congregation welcomes children into our church community, covenanting to share with parents "part of [each child’s] search for widening knowledge, genuine understanding, and unfolding love." Children receive a blessing from the Minister, as well as a budding flower, with the thorns removed - a symbol of the potential unfolding of a beautiful life. We were delighted to dedicate nine children at UUC on Sunday: Welcome to Simon, Ramona, and George Granillo-Dodds, Wyatt and Adaline Kehler, David, Rose, and Claire Yamada, and Lou Van Cleve! (See photos at bottom of post)
The Bridging Ceremony celebrates the passage from youthood to young adulthood; these teens are aging out of Youth Group and taking their place in our religious community as young adults. In our ceremony on Sunday, the congregation thanked them for the gifts they’ve shared with our community over the years, committed to remaining a spiritual home for them - even as these teens continue to grow and some leave the area, and congratulated them on all their accomplishments. To symbolize this moment, Bridging teens received a blooming rose, thorns intact; these teens are coming into their own, resilient and ready to face the joys and challenges that life will bring. We were honored to celebrate the Bridging of six teens on Sunday: Congratulations to Autumn Sager, Avery Walker, Izzy Webb, Ming Parsons-Chen, Owen Dombrowski, and Romy Vos!
Please continue reading below to find out what our Bridging teens are doing next and to see pictures from these ceremonies.
About Our Bridgers:
Autumn Sager
My family has been supportive throughout my entire life and I would like to say thank you to them, and to UUC as a constant in my life. I will be attending Chapman University in Orange County, CA this fall with the Presidential Scholarship. Not sure yet what I plan to study, but I am interested in the social sciences, history, linguistics and psychology. I plan to continue with dance and look forward to studying abroad as well.
Avery Walker
Avery is graduating from Roosevelt High School where she was involved in a number of different activities over the years. At UUC, she really enjoyed her time with Teen Feed as well as teaching in RE and summer camps. She'll take many great memories with her as she goes on to study advertising at WSU this fall.
Izzy Webb
Isabelle (Izzy) Webb will graduate from Roosevelt High School on June 13, 2024. She will be a chalice camp counselor at UUC this summer, and will attend California Polytechnic State University in the Fall to study Biological Sciences.
Ming Parsons-Chen
Ming Parsons-Chen has been a member of UUC since she was five years old. She was dedicated by Pastor Jon and has been a member of the Intergenerational Choir and Bell Choir for years. During her free time, she likes to snuggle with her dog, read, listen to music and collect four leaf clovers. She is eternally grateful to this church community and her family for supporting her. Next year, she plans to attend Mount Holyoke College and is excited for what the future might bring!
Owen Dombrowski
Owen has attended UUC with his parents, Julia and Steve, and sister, Elena, since he was five years old. He loves backpacking and has trouble putting down a good book. He is graduating from University Prep and will attend the University of Washington next year, where he plans to study economics as part of the Honors Program. He continues to be inspired by his faith community and hopes to lead a life of service.
Romy Vos
Romy Vos graduates from Garfield High School this spring and will attend Scripps College in Claremont, CA in the fall. She is excited for her next chapter, and grateful for her many years here at UUC!
Photos from Child Dedications & Bridging Ceremony
(Click on photo to enlarge)
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