Crossing the bridge

Two and a half years ago Darcy and I began attending a local Unitarian Universalist church. We had been introduced to the church when the girls were little, but the timing wasn't right then as it was for us now. Both of us were in transition, seeking something more due to different reasons and the congregation welcomed us. Darcy joined the youth group and there she found kindred spirits, a safe place to explore her spirituality, and more. She attended youth group conferences and took part in many of the church's youth experiences, as well as those within the church.

Sunday our congregation held a Bridging Ceremony, one of the many rituals the Unitarian Universalists perform throughout the year. The Bridging Ceremony celebrates the transition of UU's youth from high school to adulthood, typically a time of great change for many. It is a rite of passage that welcomes these youths into the rewards and responsibilities of adult life, and Darcy was eager to take part. It was our first experience with this type of ceremony as we had not had a youth transition yet since we started attending on Sundays. This week Darcy and Eli transitioned.

Adulthood brings many changes some of which are scary and stressful. These young adults are going forth into the world to be on their own for the first time in their lives taking on responsibilities they have yet to shoulder. Bridging is a continuation of the journey these youths have taken. They stand at the side of their childhood and adolescence contemplating their spiritual journeys before continuing their journey across the bridge to the other side. It is an entry into adulthood with the hope that these young adults will go forth into the world with their faith and with the values they have acquired through their spiritual journeys.

The service began with the lighting of the chalice and the lighting chalice words led by our two bridgers. Both chose hymns for the service, and Darcy was quite proud of her choice Love Makes A Bridge feeling it was not only fitting, but representative of her beliefs. They then were called forth to sit before the congregation while our reverend spoke about the importance of finding one's way, continuing our spiritual journeys, and reminding the two that our congregation would be here always for them to seek out advice, hugs, and a safe haven if necessary.

The director of religious education then spoke about the two youths. Darcy's bridging companion has grown up in the church and is well known so the stories were plentiful. He has worked the sound booth every Sunday for several years, drives over an hour to worship here, and has shown his musical talents throughout the year during service. Darcy has been a part of youth group for over two years, but the director discussed her commitment, her mentoring skills, and the messages she has delivered for the congregation in youth led worships. As a parent sitting an listening to someone speak about my child, it was touching to hear that others see her as I do.

Both youths were given their own chalices that were then lit. With their youth group behind them on their side of the bridge, the two climbed the stairs and walked over the bridge to the opposite side where the young adult mentors waited to welcome them.

I am not alone. 

I don't have to face the world alone and I don't have to fix the world alone. 

When I need hope, I find it in on the faces of my people. 

I find it in their hearts, 

when we find each other again and stop hiding out,

 thinking we are the only one. 

I find it when we come together in community to sing, 

to bless one another, 

to mourn, 

to strategize. 

All we need is hope and for that, we have each other.

It was a nice service. They had to stand in the receiving line afterwards and that took forever as the congregation took the time to speak with each of them, reminding them that if they ever needed anything they knew where to come. Darcy and I are very grateful to have been welcomed to this spiritual home where love for everyone is felt from the moment we walk in the door. It has fit us well and I know Darcy will continue to live her life by the UU principles and her family values. I have so much hope for her and what she will do for all of us. We couldn't be more proud of her.