Bridging: A Handbook for Congregations

by Unitarian Universalist Association, Jessica York, Gail Forsyth-Vail

The Bridging ceremony is an important milestone, not only in the life of an individual, but also in the life of a family and a faith community. This resource offers a blueprint for a year-long program marking the transition from youth to young adulthood, and for ceremonies commemorating this transition. It invites parents and caregivers to express their support for the young person's journey while acknowledging the significant changes and feelings the family experiences when a young person moves into adulthood, and offers the congregation meaningful advice on supporting youth on the cusp of young adulthood. Bridging will enhance your Youth and Young Adult Ministry programs, and help make the process of becoming a young adult a spiritually fulfilling community event for your congregation.

Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) is the central organization for the Unitarian Universalist (UU) religious movement in the United States. The UUA’s 1000+ member congregations are committed to Seven Principles that include the worth of each person, the need for justice and compassion, and the right to choose one’s own beliefs. Our congregations and faith communities promote these principles through regular worship, learning and personal growth, shared connection and care, social justice action and service, celebration of life’s transitions, and much more.

Our faith tradition is diverse and inclusive. We grew from the union of two radical Christian groups: the Universalists, who organized in 1793, and the Unitarians, who organized in 1825. They joined to become the UUA in 1961.