Thanksgiving Service for the Gift of a Child
The service is introduced in these or similar words
The minister prays
God our creator,
we thank you for the wonder of new life
and for the mystery of human love.
We thank you for all whose support and skill
surround and sustain the beginning of life.
We thank you that we are known to you by name
and loved by you from all eternity.
We thank you for Jesus Christ,
who has opened to us the way of love.
We praise you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Blessed be God for ever.
The Naming
Parents and sponsors stand at the front of church. The minister says
The minister asks for each child
What name have you given this child?
His/her name is N.
Then to all parents and sponsors
Do you receive these children as a gift from God?
We do.
Do you wish to give thanks to God and seek his blessing?
We do.
The minister addresses the supporting friends and says
Will you do all that you can to help and support N and N in the bringing up of N?
With the help of God, we will
The minister addresses the congregation and says
Will you do all that you can to help and support these families?
With the help of God, we will
Thanksgiving and Blessing
The minister will take each child in his arms and says
As Jesus took children in his arms and blessed them,
Heavenly Father, we praise you for his/her birth;
surround him/her with your blessing
that he/she may know your love,
be protected from evil,
and know your goodness all his/her days.
During this prayer he anoints each child with oil and when all the children have been prayed for we say
May they learn to love all that is true,
grow in wisdom and strength
and, in due time, come through faith and baptism
to the fullness of your grace;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Giving of the Gospel
A copy of a Gospel is presented, with these words
Receive this book.
Take it as your guide.
The minister also presents a Certificate of Blessing.
Prayers for the Parents
The minister prays for the parents
May God the Father of all bless these parents
and give them grace to love and care for their children.
May God give them wisdom, patience and faith,
and, by their example,
reveal the love and truth that are in Jesus Christ.
Amen.
The minister prays for the Parent(s) and may anoint them with oil
The Lord bless you and watch over you,
the Lord make his face shine upon you
and be gracious to you,
the Lord look kindly on you and give you peace;
and the blessing of God almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be among you and remain with you always.
Amen.
