If you have signed up to be a mentor for the youth Coming of Age program, or think you might be interested, please come to this orientation session. Mentors must be at least 25 and must be members of the congregation. Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the Lifespan Religious Education Director.

Coming of Age Mentor Orientation will be held on September 20, 2026, at noon in the Schweitzer room.

Coming of Age in Unitarian Universalism

Coming of Age (COA) is a Unitarian Universalist rite of passage that marks a youth’s transition from younger religious education into a more independent role within the congregation. It is often compared to confirmation, bar/bat mitzvah, or other youth rites of passage.

Purpose and Structure

COA is designed to help teens explore their personal beliefs, values, and identity within the Unitarian Universalist tradition. It typically spans a year (or two years in some congregations) and includes:

• Guided learning about UU principles, history, and ethics.
• Mentorship—youth are paired with adult mentors for support and guidance. 
• Workshops, retreats, and service projects that connect faith to action.
• Social action projects that benefit the local or global community