Unitarian Universalist Emerging Adult Ministry

05/08/2026

Hello UU Emerging Adults! If you are new to this community, welcome!

We have a new resource! The Celebration of Firsts multigenerational worship is absolutely profound.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HdTlfoilotAkQZ64xNGxi49rvVAHMUorTsOcepYVmDs/edit?usp=share_link

Congratulations to DRE and emerging adult Sol Cornell along with NEAT who put this thing together: "I wrote this ritual with the intention of providing congregations with a practice that, while applicable to all ages, acknowledges and honors one of the most defining features of the young adult. Firsts are a lifelong experience, a daily one even, but many of us have some of our most foundational and transformative firsts in that turbulent period of early adulthood." Here's a video of UU Austin doing the service.

From Sol, "Your firsts are holy, and you are holy for living them." Enjoy!

And have you checked out the STONEs Zine yet? It's incredible!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-SKqHvaorCW6XEGZSmHCWtsj3pIn4y1C/view?usp=sharing

Our latest edition of NEAT News is too!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sOwfymGEdcOYmf0clsEfEIF7k6KpMUUR/view?usp=sharing

If you are looking for support or pastoral care, please remember our EA Pastoral Care Network. Simply email or call [email protected] / (617) 948-6418.

Have a blessed and sacred weekend!

04/15/2026

The Origin of STONEs (Storytelling Through Online Narrative Expressions)

In 2025, a group of young adults met. In this meeting, we found that Becoming! By Rev Kayla Parker needed an update. A space for current young adults to craft and shape worship materials in the modern world. So, STONES (Story Telling Through Online Narrative and Expression) was born.

We think of this place not as something created, but as something always in creation. A thing we are building together in covenant to have more spaces for young people to find worship materials that are made by them for them (and their allies that want to include their voices in our shared Faith).

We welcome you all to take a look at the resources and use them, from chalice lightings to artwork. This is a space for you. We welcome you to join us to think together and work together to make this faith better and brighter for generations to come. So please, use these works and submit your own.

Yours in faith, friendship, and covenant
Avery Hamill

Are you a UU emerging adult wanting to submit to STONEs? Please do! We are accepting writing, drawing, video, photos, really any media designed to inspire! (No AI, please)

The Zine can be found here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-SKqHvaorCW6XEGZSmHCWtsj3pIn4y1C/view?usp=share_link

Submit media / art to STONEs: https://airtable.com/appCvusgVwNmbw7ye/pagBo1NtkCDwt8jDt/form

04/08/2026

Hello y'all and good morning!

The Celebration of Firsts Multigenerational Worship Resource is LIVE!

Here's some info about it:
The Celebration of Firsts is polished and practiced and it is absolutely profound.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HdTlfoilotAkQZ64xNGxi49rvVAHMUorTsOcepYVmDs/edit?usp=sharing

Big ups to DRE Sol Cornell along with NEAT who put this thing together. To quote Sol, "I wrote the Ceremony of Firsts ritual with the intention of providing congregations with a practice that, while applicable to all ages, acknowledges and honors one of the most defining features of the young adult. Firsts are a lifelong experience, a daily one even, but many of us have some of our most foundational and transformative firsts in that turbulent period of early adulthood."

Want to see it in practice? Here's a video of First UU Austin doing the service. The actual worship begins around the 15 min mark.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7EtL-Kmf0A&t=4599s

Should you elect to move forward with this Celebration, please keep me in the loop with your plans ([email protected]). And we would absolutely LOVE your feedback after you have given it a whirl. I'll have an Evaluation Form ready and waiting when the time comes or we can schedule a Zoom coffee hour to unpack it too!

Thank you for giving it a try! And once more from Sol, "Your firsts are holy, and you are holy for living them."

Please share widely in your networks as you are inspired / able! Thank you!

Celebration of Firsts Multigenerational Worship Resource

02/06/2026

The new NEAT newsletter has a fun new section: editors songs of the month! Go check out the newsletter and take a listen to the super awesome songs that Chloe and Jocelyn have been loving this month!
The One Moment by OK Go and Where Rainbows Never Die by The Steeldrivers!
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01/22/2026

UU Emerging Adults!

Our newsletter is back and better than ever... Thanks to Chloe Ockey and Jocelyn Soules of Unitarian Universalist Emerging Adult Ministry (National Emerging Adult Team - formerly the National Emerging Adult "Taskforce").

Give it a look!

https://neatuua.my.canva.site/

If you are a UU emerging adult and you have insights, suggestions, or have big UU news to share, please let us know by emailing [email protected].

Thanks for being a part of this community!

01/05/2026

Emerging adulthood is a time for lots of important and celebrated milestones. New-ish NEAT member Erin recently joined her home congregation as an official member! The is cherished and important ceremony for UUs across age groups (Erin's congregations minimum age is 14 so she joined with a middle schooler, high schooler, and another full blown adult). Joining a spiritual home is always something to celebrate 🥳💕🌹

12/12/2025

✨ NEAT Spotlight! ✨
Meet Amélie Heise (she/her) — a lifelong UU and proud member of East Shore Unitarian Church. Amélie graduated from Seattle University, holding a B.S. in Computer Science, Business, and Spanish, and has been a core part of NEAT since 2020.
From shaping programming to building community at Camp Blue Boat, Amélie brings heart, skill, and deep dedication to UU young adult life. We’re so grateful for her leadership and spirit! 💛

11/18/2025

Ember Oak (any pronouns), is one of our new UUA advisors at NEAT. Ember Oak is one of the Youth and Emerging Adult Ministry staff at the UUA. Ember's came to Unitarian Universalism after moving through. variety of religious experiences-evangelical, catholic, and many more- and has found a home in the expansive possibilities of UUism. Welcome to NEAT, Ember! ✨😁✌🏻

11/01/2025

🌟 Calling all creatives in our young adult community! 🌟

We’re looking for chalice lightings, closings, poems, art, & more created by YOU to feature on the STONEs WorshipWeb library. ✨

Whether you write, draw, paint, or just feel inspired — we want to share your voice and vision. 🕯️🎨📝

💌 Submit your work or ideas via the QR code.
Let’s lift each other up and create something beautiful together. 💛

10/10/2025

Congratulations to Avery on accepting the call to ministry! 🎉 Avery will be studying at Meadville Lombard and has officially become an aspirant. Your friends at NEAT are so excited to celebrate this next chapter with you!