Child Dedication and Naming Ceremonies

Each night a child is born is a holy night -
A time for singing
A time for wondering,
A time for worshipping.
- Sophia Lyon Fahs

Unitarian Universalists believe that every child brings new life and hope into the world. We set aside a special time, called simply the Ceremony of Dedication, for the community to bless the child and celebrate the blessing of this gift of life. The ceremony does not make the life of the child sacred; we believe that life is sacred inherently. When we dedicate a child we acknowledge the truth that each child's life is sacred and hold that truth in the light of our faith.

Ceremonies of Dedication and Naming take many forms, reflecting each individual family's beliefs and wishes. Most ceremonies, however, include:

The honoring of parents and family members, including godparents or special guides if you wish,
Formal naming of the child,
A gift - perhaps of a rose to symbolize beauty or a book to symbolize learning,
A blessing by the minister

We encourage church members to participate in Child Dedication ceremonies with the larger church community on special Sundays throughout the year. On these special Sundays the church welcomes and celebrates each new life and covenants to walk together with the family in protecting, raising, and nurturing each child. On occasion, we also offer private ceremonies of dedication and naming outside of Sunday morning worship services. These can take place at church or in your home.

For more information about our schedule of Sunday morning Child Dedications or to inquire about a private ceremony, please contact Rev. Kaaren Anderson (email).

September 12 2008