*All who are able may stand.

Our songbooks:
HS = Hymns of the Saints, large burgundy book
SP = Sing for Peace, small burgundy book
NS = Sing a New Song, small gold book
R-x = By Request: Songs for the Community of Christ, small book with Temple Spire

1. Make every attempt to use the World Church theme and lectionary scriptures for the day. If they just do not seem appropriate for the sacrament, select a theme and scriptures that highlight the blessing of children.
   
   
2. Announcements should be made prior to the prelude. After announcements, the congregation is invited to a time of reflection and preparation for worship as the musical prelude is offered.
   
   
3. A song leader invites the congregation to make an offering of praise to God in song. Though many songs and hymns are appropriate, these are offered to focus on the ‘new’ and ‘creation’ in preparation for celebrating the birth and blessing of a child.
   
   
4. The presider warmly welcomes the congregation to this sacred time and space. He/She informs participants that they will share in a sacrament of blessing of a child [It is of course appropriate to bless more than one child in such a service. Only slight adjustments would need to be made to the program.]. The presider either reads, or invites the congregation to read in unison, this psalm about "Divine Majesty and Human Dignity."
   
   
5. This hymn is an invitation to all to ‘Come before the Creator.’ It is especially appropriate to the blessing of children in the assurance that God’s faithfulness endures to every generation (stanza 4).
   
   
6. The prayer is a humble expression of thanksgiving, praise, and trust in the Creator and Sustainer whom we worship.
   
   
7. The offertory statement and prayer is an opportunity to invite the congregation to tangibly express generosity to the children of the earth; that joy may increase and grace abound throughout the world, not simply for the one child who will be blessed in the congregation this day. The children of the congregation may be invited to receive the offering.
   
   
8. The Focus Moment should not be used as a time to speak about the sacrament of blessing. That will be done by the speaker later in the service. Show in pictures, sonograms, video clips, etc. the miracle of new life and the amazing potential that resides within those tiny, fragile, intricate creatures (human or animal). Share the uniqueness of every creature. Point out unique aspects of some people in the congregation, ending with something unique about the baby(ies) about to be blessed. Each of us is God’s miracle!
   
   
9. This is a beautiful child blessing hymn written by Geoffrey F. Spencer (HS 349) from which the theme for the service is drawn. It can be sung as a solo or by a trio or quartet, either accompanied or a cappella. Alternatively, a children’s choir could offer this ministry of music.
   
   
10. Additional scripture readings would include: Matthew 19:13-15; Luke 18:15-17; Mosiah 2:25,27; III Nephi 8:23; Doctrine and Covenants 17:19.
    
    
11. The 8-10 minute message could include reflection on the inestimable worth of one human being, the potential resident within this new life, the purpose and significance of the sacrament of blessing. It is also appropriate to speak to the parents and family, thanking them for bringing the child for blessing, impressing upon them their responsibilities, as well as challenging the congregation to help nurture and teach the child as he or she grows. It is always appropriate to acknowledge the love and blessing of God as Creator and Sustainer of the child.
    
    
12. It is appropriate to announce the blessing of the child prior to or immediately following the singing of the congregational hymn of preparation. Announce the name of the child, the names of the parents, and the names of those who will perform the sacrament. The parents, and possibly other significant family members—brothers and sisters, for example, bring the child forward to a designated place as the last verse of the hymn is sung. The child is given to the elder who will assist in the blessing.
    
    
13. The prayer should be brief and loud enough for all to hear. It is desirable that the elder use the name of the child in the prayer of blessing. The blessing represents a covenant entered into by the parents (or guardian), the congregation, and God. It is an opportunity to acknowledge God’s love and concern for the child, to recognize the uniqueness and worth of the child, to confess our human dependency upon God, and to request God’s care for the child and provision of the Holy Spirit as guide and strength.
    
    
14. The congregational response could include one of the following: a statement/testimony by a congregational representative promising love and support to the child and parents; a written statement to the child by each member of the congregation that could be bound in a small book and given to the family in a follow up visit to the home by the pastor, or the elders who performed the sacrament; the presentation of a small gift to the family from the congregation, symbolizing the privilege and challenge of Christian parenthood. Or, the response might be by a sibling, grandparent, or parent who articulates how they see God reflected in the face of this child; or what vision and hope they have for this child’s life.
    
    
15. Though this hymn is not specific to baby blessings, it is most appropriate. We are told that God knows each of us by name, that we belong to God, that God will not abandon us; that God will help us learn God’s name as we grow.
    
    
16. The brief closing prayer thanks God for abundant grace and asks a blessing as the congregation departs to tell all God’s precious children they belong to God.