THE REV. DR. LINDA OLSON PEEBLES
RIGHTS OF PASSAGE
A faith community offers rituals or ceremonies that mark the important moments throughout the lifespan of individuals. I enjoy working with people to create ceremonies that reflect who they are and what the transition means to them.
DEDICATION OF CHILDREN
Unitarian Universalists believe that every child brings new life and hope into the world.
We are all blessed when we welcome the child into the human family and give our blessing to the child's life as they begins their journey. A Ceremony of Dedication is appropriate when a new baby is born, when a child is adopted, or when a family decides to join a UU community and wishes to have its children welcomed through Dedication.
Ceremonies may include a variety of symbols and rituals, such as:
water, a universal symbol of blessing and life
the laying of a minister's hand on the child's head as a sign of blessing
the gift of a flower, a symbol of life's beauty and the unfolding of life
the gift of a book, a sign of our commitment to lifelong learning
COMING OF AGE & GRADUATION
I have helped middle schoolers shape meaningful Coming of Age ceremonies, which follow a series of meetings and experiences exploring what it means to be leaving childhood and to relate to UUism and to the congregation as youth.
As youth prepare to leave home, for college or jobs, we create a “bridging ceremony” to honor them, and for the congregation to make promises to them.
MARRIAGES
Over the years, I have been a much-sought-after minister to help couples create marriage ceremonies that express who they are as individuals and what their hope their marriage will mean to their families and friends. I have been proud to perform holy unions for same- gender couples for years, and I was thrilled to be able to perform one of the first legal same-gender legal weddings in Virginia.
MEMORIALS
This is one of the most meaningful and encouraging acts of ministry I can perform for families. After creating close to 400 services over 25 years, I have gained such a deep appreciation for the sacredness of life and for the power of love to sustain us through loss.