Other Life Events that I would love to share with you:
Infant Baptism or Dedication Ceremony
I am often called upon to perform the Infant Baptism of couples whose Wedding Ceremony I have performed. Many couples have their children baptized or dedicated as infants and babies because of tradition rather than theology. My desire is for families to have a Christian vision for their children. To see parenting as a divine responsibility. I believe every child is a gift from God.
At the Dedication Service the parents stand with their child and are asked the following questions:
- Do you today recognize this child as a gift of God and give heartfelt thanks for God’s blessing?
- Do you now dedicate your child to the Lord who gave him/her to you?
- Do you pledge as parents that, with God’s fatherly help, you will bring up your child in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.? ?aking every reasonable effort, with patience and love, to build the character of Christ into his/her life?
- Do you promise to provide for the physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual needs of your children? Looking to your own heavenly Father for the wisdom, love and strength to serve them and not use them?
- Do you promise, God helping you, to make it your regular prayer that, by God’s grace, your children will come to trust in God and obey his teachings?
After the parents have affirmed the promises I will pray a prayer similar to this prayer of dedication. ________(child’s name), together with your parents, who love you dearly, and these witnesses who care about the outcome of your faith, I dedicate you to God, in the hope that you will belong wholly to God forever.
You will receive a Certificate of Baptism as a remembrance of this special day.
The Dedication Service can take place in your home, hotel, in a park, or at my church.
Blessing of your Home
Blessing of the home is an ancient tradition in both Protestant and Catholic faiths. Whether your home has just been renovated or you have purchased a new home, it is a sacred occasion to ask for God’s blessing on your family living there, and on those who visit.
Celebration of Life
It is always a privilege to be a part of a Funeral or Memorial Service. It truly is a Celebration of their life inspite of our loss. My experience as a Chaplain at Retirement Communities and Pastor has provided me with many opportunities to provide comfort to grieving families. But personally I have experienced great loss. My father when I was in my twenties, my mother in my thirties, my sister in my fifties and my 40-year old son just two years ago. So I have been there… and would love to be there with you during this difficult time. Perhaps the deceased was elderly. Or a young person who died through tragedy or illness. Each is handled in a unique and compassionate way. Because of the relationship already established, couples whose wedding I have performed will often call upon me to officiate the Memorial Service of their loved one.
I would work closely with you to create a service that is memorable and comforting. To remember joyful times, the impact that your loved one had on those around him/her.
Perhaps you will want to create a slideshow of your loved one’s life and have a table with significant pictures on it.
Scripture readings and poems are appropriate for this occasion. You may want family members to read them. Also, I suggest that several people, family and/or friends, share precious personal experiences.
Many incorporate Music that their loved one enjoyed during the visitation time, into the service, and at the reception following the service. It helps to bring comfort to all present at this difficult time.