Baby Blessing
Baby Blessing Service
Of Such Is the Kingdom
Worship Setting
The focal point of the worship setting should include a simple vase
containing roses, a child’s blackboard, and a couple of stuffed toys, and
a framed picture of Jesus. The inscription on the chalkboard is this
meditative thought for the service: "A child is God’s opinion that
life should go on." —Carl Sandburg
We Come before Jesus
Prelude
Welcome
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Hymn: "Gather Your Children"
OR "You May Sing of the Beauty"
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SP 3
HS 8 |
Call to Worship: Mark 10:13–16 NIV®
People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but
the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to
them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for
the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth; anyone who
will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter
it." And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and
blessed them.
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*Opening Hymn: "Creator of Sunrises"
OR "For the Beauty of the Earth"
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HS 186
HS 75 |
*Invocation
*Response
We Prepare for Christ’s Blessing
Responsive Reading
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Leader:
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The innocence and love found in the face of a child . . . this is
a reflection of God.
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Congregation:
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Of such is the kingdom.
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Leader:
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Tiny fingers wrapped around an adult’s; soft sighing as the
babe falls asleep; a smile that shines from its heart . . . this is a
reflection of God.
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Congregation:
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Of such is the kingdom.
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Leader:
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A tiny baby named Jesus came into our broken world who changed
everything . . . this is a reflection of God.
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Congregation:
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Of such is the kingdom.
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Leader:
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To love unconditionally. To forgive easily. To share without
reservation. . . this is a reflection of God.
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Congregation:
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Of such is the kingdom. We tell you the truth; we
must become as that tiny child. For we are called to change our world with
the power of God’s love.
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Hymn: "The Vision of a Life to Be"
OR "O Master to All Children Dear"
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HS 349
HS 347 |
Disciples’ Generous Response
Scripture meditation: Mark 9:36–37 NIV®
He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in his
arms, he said to them, "Whoever welcomes one of these little children
in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but
the one who sent me."
Blessing and Offering of Mission Tithes
We Bring the Child(ren)
The Charge to the Parents, Family, and Congregation
The Sacrament of Blessing
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Congregational Hymn: "If by Your Grace I Choose to Be"
OR "We Bring Our Children, Lord, to Thee"
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HS 432
HS 348 |
We Will Be a Community of Love, Joy, Hope, and Peace
Statements of love and support from the congregation
At the conclusion of these statements, the presider should take the vase
with the roses and present flowers to the parents.
We Leave United in His Love
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*Sending Forth Hymn: "Sent Forth by God’s Blessing"
OR "Eternal God, Whose Power Upholds" stanzas 1, 2, and 5
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HS
493
HS
370 |
*Sending Forth
For he took us in his arms, touched us with his Spirit, and blessed each
one during this service of blessing for one of our tiniest children. Go
forth. Be that tender love of the Master’s hand in your homes, at work,
among your neighbors, and in your community. May God bless you. Amen.
*Postlude
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