One of the things I cherish most about our life together as a congregation is the many ways we honor moments of growth and transition. We give Bibles to second graders; we mark the transitions of those who go through the Transitions and Ritual class; we celebrate commitments of faith through baptism; we welcome new members and hear their stories. It has been a couple years since we held a Coming of Age Celebration, but this year we return to this treasured rite with a strong and thoughtful cohort of five young people.

Since it has been a few years, not everyone might be familiar with this rite of passage. Our Coming of Age celebration is a time when we honor our young people in the Middle School ages by inviting them into leadership and by recognizing that they already carry insight, creativity, and wisdom worth sharing. During the worship service on February 1, these young people will help lead us in worship, offering their voices and perspectives to the whole community. 

This is not only a moment of blessing for them, but also an opportunity for us to be blessed by what they bring.

As part of this giving and receiving of blessing, the congregation is invited to speak words of care, encouragement, and hope into the lives of these young people. We do this through Notes of Blessing, which are gathered, compiled, and presented during the service. These notes become something the youth can return to again and again, reminders that they are seen, valued, and held by this community.

All are invited to write Notes of Blessing, regardless of how well you know the youth being honored. Your note might include a word of encouragement, a prayer, a scripture verse that has mattered to you, or a simple reflection on the gifts you hope they will continue to grow into. You might find yourself wondering, “What do I wish someone had told me when I was that age?”

This year, we will be celebrating and blessing a cohort of five youth, and we hope their notebooks will reflect the fullness and diversity of our congregation’s care for them. 

Notes of Blessing can be submitted using the online form found HERE, with additional instructions at the top of the form, including the names of the participants. Handwritten notes are also welcome. If you choose to write by hand, please write on only one side of the paper and be sure it is clear who the note is for.

All Notes of Blessing, whether handwritten or electronic, are due by January 25th.