A rite of passage is a ritual that marks a change in a person's social or sexual status. Rites of passage are often ceremonies surrounding events such as childbirth, menarche or other milestones within puberty, coming of age, weddings, menopause, and death.

Most rites of passage fall into three main phases: Separation, transition, and incorporation. In the separation phase, the participant is taken away from his/her familiar environment and former role and enters a very different and sometimes foreign routine that they are forced to adjust to and become familiar with. A rite that would fall into this category would be birth. The infant leaves a very safe and secure environment in their mother's womb to an extremely different one in the real world. Death can also be a separation rite, depending on a person's belief about what happens after someone dies. Societies have devised ways to mark these separations and aid in the transitions that will take place. For instance, the naming of babies marks the significant event of birth. Funerals and the many different funeral customs mark the separation that takes place when a death occurs. Funerals can also help those left behind to make the necessary changes needed to adjust to being separated from loved ones.

The transition phase is the time that the participant learns the appropriate behavior for the new stage they are entering. This phase can include the time when a person becomes engaged to be married. At this time, they are learning about the new stage of life they will soon enter -- marriage. They are also adjusting and preparing for it, or making a transition. The transition phase may also include the time that children enter adolescence and leave their childhood behind. This is the time when people learn and grow and prepare to be an independent adult in the real world.

The last phase, incorporation, takes place when the participant is formally admitted into the new role. Marriage is a good example of a rite that would take place in the incorporation phase. After people are married, they have taken on a very new and different role, having prepared for it in earlier transition and separation rites.

There are many, many rites of passage in our lives. Some are considered to be more significant than others, but almost every day we live can bring about transitions. However, there are five times in one's life often considered to be the most significant times of change. They are: Birth; leaving childhood and becoming an adolescent; leaving home; weddings, and death/funerals. To recognize these significant times in our lives, societies typically hold elaborate ceremonies. Each different culture or society may choose to mark these rites in very different ways. Each ceremony is unique and meaningful to one's own culture.

In our culture, we have found that if our adolescents become young adults, if not given an opportunity to enter such a Rite, often will create there own. It is believed that not having significant Rite of Passage for this age group can result in teens unconsciously asserting their need to be recognized that they have left their childhood behind and now they have entered into a new phase of their life.

Within our own Unity movement, the need for having such an important ritual has long been recognized, but we have unfortunately has not consistently provided a rich Rite of Passage program and ceremony for our Uniteens. Many of our churches recognize the need for such an event for our children making the transition to adolescents. I have been aware of this since I worked at the Association of Unity Churches in the early 90’s and there has been little change in regard to this. Therefore as the Uniteens Consultant of our Eastern Region, it is my hopes to positively impact this situation.

Recognizing this, I am exploring Rites of Passage on many levels. Some questions I am asking are:

• How can we implement a significant Rite of Passage for our Uniteens that includes all three phases--separation, transition, and incorporation?
• How can we provide curriculum for our churches that will support this?
• How can the Region provide a yearly event that supports this?
• And in doing this, can we provoke excitement in our Uniteens that will significantly increase their attendance and desire to participate at all levels?

This is BIG! However, together we can do this! However this will take time and I didn’t want another year to pass without at least beginning the process. Therefore the Eastern Region is offering our first Uniteen Camp, which will culminate in a Rite of Passage for our 8th graders. It is being held on April 20-22 at Diamond Ridge Conference Center in Jamison, PA. (For more information, you can go to our Website at www.erchildteenministry.org.)

It is my vision to have a three year spring program geared to taking our Uniteens through the exploration of who they are physically, mentally/emotionally, and spiritually. It is my dream that every 6th and 7th grader who attends this camp will look forward to the time they are in 8th grade and moving through their Rites of Passage. I need your help to make this vision a reality.

If Spirit is calling you to contribute to this possibility, I invite your input. Please send me an e-mail at revjudi@ptd.net and respond to the following questions:

• How do you see a Rites of Passage program working?
• How can we connect what our churches are doing to the spring camp?
• What do you need in the way of materials for your programming in your churches?
• Do you have any materials you are using at this time that you would be willing to share?
• Do you have any skills that you would like to contribute to this effort?
• If the Region would hold a Rites of Passage training and curriculum development conference, would you participate?

Thank you in advance for your ideas and I appreciate all that you do to serve our Uniteens in our churches through this exciting time of transformation.

Love and Light!
Judi

IN THE MEANTIME: A Rites of Passage Ceremony

Spring is upon us and you may be looking for a Rites of Passage Ceremony to do in your church The following is a transition ceremony that is entitled the "12 Powers" YOU graduation ceremony. This ceremony has been well received by the YOUer’s who have experienced it. It can be adapted or used as is with your Uniteens and perhaps you could use your YOU’ers to help implement it.

The origin is this ceremony is not known, but it made the e-mail circuit last year. It appears to have come from Eileen Goor, Senior Minister of New World Unity Church, Springfield, VA. Mike McCall of Asbury (NJ) Y.O.U. also has used it in the past.

Preparation:

1. Print the affirmations below on tag stock and cut apart.
2. Invite 12 people who have played an important part in the lives of the 8th graders or your YOUer’s to create two rows in the front of the sanctuary. This can be up the center aisle or on the platform, depending on the configuration of your room.
3. Place a long stand-up mirror at the end of the row of people.
4. Have a handout placed in the bulletin that has the names of the graduates and the prayer and/or song that will be used.

Ceremony:

1. The graduates walks slowly through the bridge of people and each affirmation is read as graduate walks toward a long stand-up mirror
2. When all the graduates make their way to the center of the platform, they stand facing the congregation.
3. The congregation reads the prayer
4. Music can be added to this ceremony. Perhaps everyone can sing “I Behold the Christ in You” or another significant song.

Affirmations:

My Christ Faculty of Love enfolds me always, and I see good in every situation. I live each day in peace and harmony as the spirit of God flows into my relationships. I AM Unconditional Love in expression.

My Christ Faculty of Strength supports me at all times, in all ways. I AM strong in my convictions and clear about God's support in my choices.

My Christ Faculty of Power enables me to establish spiritual dominion in my world. My thoughts and words vibrate with power.

My Christ Faculty of Life renews and revitalizes me continuously. I AM enlivened by the energy of God.

My Christ Faculty of Renunciation releases all thoughts and feelings that no longer serve me. I let go of old habits so that new experiences may find their place in my consciousness.

My Christ Faculty of Understanding allows me to see beyond what appears to be and understand that each moment is filled with possibility. I am transformed by the renewing of my mind.

My Christ Faculty of Will guides, governs and directs me, and all of my paths lead to peace. I boldly go where I have never been before because God is with me.

My Christ Faculty of Zeal is pure Spirit at work in me. I AM filled with tireless energy to do what is mine to do, and I go forward with unwavering enthusiasm.

My Christ Faculty of Order divinely fills my life. I AM aware of my own magnificent purpose on the planet.

My Christ Faculty of Imagination forms my thoughts and desires and brings my perfect world into manifestation. Through my wonderful imagination, I AM doing the things I long to do and I AM being the person I want to be.

My Christ Faculty of Faith allows me to detach from any dependence on outer conditions and helps me to focus on the Presence and Power of God within. My commitment is to living a God-centered life through faith.

My Christ Faculty of Wisdom enables me to make right choices. I AM guided by God's wisdom every step of the way.

Prayer: (read by the whole congregation)

• May you know you are blessed forever.
  May the road before you be clear and light.
  May you find your friends plentiful.
  May you find the perfect ways to use your talents.
  May your burdens be light.
  My you know the joy of full contribution.
  May God's love always lift you up and
  guide your footsteps everyday.
  Amen