Our ceremonies — of marriage and starting a new family, naming or dedicating our children, and memorializing those whom we have lost — are phrased in simple, contemporary language. We observe these rites in community, because in them we may voice our affection, hopes, and dedication.

Dedicating Your Child

Most Unitarian Universalist congregations, including USNH, have child dedication ceremonies for infants and children. If your family is invested in the ceremony of baptism or christening, this can be arranged with the minister.

Child dedication ceremonies are usually crafted by our minister, and the Director of Lifespan Religious Education in collaboration with parents.  A child dedication typically will include the following elements:

• A blessing for the new life of the child
•  An expression of the parent or parents’ hopes for the child
•  A promise by the congregation to support and nurture the child

Please contact our Director of Lifespan Religious Education family@usnh.org if you are interested in having your child dedicated at USNH.

Celebrating Your Marriage

Wedding services are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the love of two people who have chosen to come together in marriage.

Because of our strong respect for each person’s beliefs and values, each wedding is custom-crafted with a couple to reflect their personalities and relationship.  We respect and honor interfaith weddings, atheist weddings, and weddings for those with Unitarian Universalism’s diverse beliefs.

In addition to blessing heterosexual unions, our congregation and minister joyfully bless same-sex marriages. Unitarian Universalists affirm the inherent worth and dignity of all people and have a long history of promoting equal rights of people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer.  Please contact the office at office@usnh.org if you are interested in holding your wedding at USNH; our facility is also available for rental for a reception or other festive event.

Remembering Your Loved One

Services to honor loved ones who have passed on are often very personal occasions. In Unitarian Universalist congregations, these services are developed by the family of the deceased and the presiding minister to specially honor the memory of that person. The service might include the following elements:

• A eulogy
• Poems and other readings
• Prayer or meditation
• A time to remember the deceased with stories and memories
• Hymn singing or other music
• A time for personal reflection

Please contact the office at office@usnh.org if we can assist you with a funeral or memorial service.