Coming of Age Conversations from Threshold Project panels, writings, and more

I don’t know exactly when it happened, but something began to change.

We are part of the connective tissue that holds the legacy and future of our faith.

May we forever perceive the ways we can empower others.

We teach girls to be likeable, to be nice, to be false. And we do not teach boys the same. This is dangerous.

One day, I’ll have to care for my mother as she once cared for me. I’m not ready to handle the truth that our relationship must change.

Voice One, Elder (with chalice): Across the generations we have carried the flame. We fought the injustice, sang the songs, spoke for truth, and built something lasting. We join in the line and we carry the flame forward. (pass chalice and mic to next speaker) Voice Two, Active Leader (with metal...

You do not have to wear the dress. You do not have to have a party. You do not have to dance the waltz con tu papa. You do not have to accept the gift of your last doll. You can break those traditions. You have right of passage into adulthood simply for being you. We are thankful that you...

Luz del sol to warm your days. Luz de luna to illuminate your nights. Luz de estrella to steer you through rough oceans. Luz de vela to celebrate your fifteenth year. Esta luz, this chalice is lit for you this day, That it and this community may be a source of light to guide you into adulthood.

In real life, we can only place the pieces, one by one, and see what kind of picture we create. Sometimes we turn out to have chosen the wrong piece. Sometimes the picture is wildly unexpected.

In a few moments, there will be a splendid party celebrating (name)’s passage into young womanhood. At that time, she will receive a series of traditional gifts, symbolizing the duties as well as the privileges of her new status....

I light this chalice as a symbol of my commitment to the values of Unitarian Universalism. May its light be a beacon of hope to me, and to all who seek freedom, truth, and meaning in life.

Welcome to this sacred celebration of emerging adulthood. We are gathered today to rejoice and bear witness as (name) and her parents and friends mark her transition from childhood to the estate of a young woman. The quinceañera tradition has its roots in the ancient cultures of Central and South...

The first time, I emerged merely breathless, wet, and cold.

Liking somebody, even loving somebody, is not enough to protect them from shade that you cannot even see, much less understand.

Rose Tanaka, a Denver UU, graduated high school at Manzanar, the infamous American internment camp for people of Japanese descent.

Note: #FOMO means "Fear of Missing Out" and #YOLO means "You Only Live Once." These are accompanied by hashtags because their acronyms originated out of the Twitter-style writing (limited to 140 characters, with hashtags that connect you with other posts about the issue). Each #FOMO or #YOLO is...

Share a story about a significant moment in your life.

The Birthday Circle is a ritual that shows children that they are loved, known, and appreciated in our families and communities....

Blessed is the person who feeds and warms, washes, and comforts a child and soothes them in illness. For they shall be called caregiver. Blessed is the person who gives shelter and food, clothing, toys, books and tools. For they shall be called provider....