Namings and Dedications
"Hello, babies. Welcome to Earth. It's hot in the summer and cold in the winter. It's round and wet and crowded. One the outside, babies, you've got a hundred years here. There's only one rule that I know of, babies--God damn it, you've got to be kind."
--Kurt Vonnegut
Congratulations! You've had a baby! Now what?
Now take a moment to breathe, wait, pause--and welcome your child.
I believe that children are born messy, complicated, and good--not full of sin or shame. Welcoming your child, then, into the world, your family, or your community, should be a time of joy and celebration. In your child's dedication, baptism, or naming ceremony, you will offer your child promises about how they will be raised. You'll tell them your wishes and hopes for them. If your community or family is present, they'll state their intention to support you and your child. I'm also available for adoption rituals and emergency baptism at any age.
--Kurt Vonnegut
Congratulations! You've had a baby! Now what?
Now take a moment to breathe, wait, pause--and welcome your child.
I believe that children are born messy, complicated, and good--not full of sin or shame. Welcoming your child, then, into the world, your family, or your community, should be a time of joy and celebration. In your child's dedication, baptism, or naming ceremony, you will offer your child promises about how they will be raised. You'll tell them your wishes and hopes for them. If your community or family is present, they'll state their intention to support you and your child. I'm also available for adoption rituals and emergency baptism at any age.
Coming of Age
"Welcome, welcome, welcome."
"Glad to be here, glad to be here."
"The stronger the root, the taller the tree."
--Bridging Song, Jennifer Hazel
Crossing from childhood to the teenage years, or from youth to young adulthood, should be marked with story, ritual, and song. You, your child, and your community can celebrate the new person they're becoming. You might build a symbolic bridge for them to cross, or pack a spiritual backpack for them, or ask them to present a long-term project reflecting study, work, or artistic growth. Whatever you choose, I'm available to help craft a ceremony that celebrates their achievements and this new time in their lives.