Child Dedications, Namings, Christenings, Blessings
When a new life enters the world, it is right and proper to celebrate and welcome the child into the family and wider community. Our church provides services that are personalised to the child and parents.
Elements of the Service
All of our services follow a flexible order that can be tailored to each family. In brief, the order is:
- » Welcome
- » Hymn or Music
- » Readings selected by the parents
- » Reflection by the minister
- » Naming the child (can include Christening)
- » Parental pledge
- » Pledges from godparents or significant others
- » Blessing with tokens (usually a candle, a rose and water)
- » Prayers
- » Benediction
The services emphasise both that the child arriving is a gift to the family and to the world, and ask that those present dedicate themselves to the child and to the world that she or he will inherit.
Parents are encouraged to create their own pledges to the child, and to include elements that will be meaningful to them, such as remembering those who cannot be present or giving symbolic gifts to the child. Our minister will assist in and guide the creation of the service.
For more information, please contact Rev Linda Hart.