Child Naming Ceremony in the Unitarian Union Tradiation

On November 7, 2010 I have dedicated and named 11 children in a child dedication ceremony at the Unitarian Church, Padu. To dedicate and name (Baptist) 11 children at one go is indeed and achievement in itself. I don’t know if there is anywhere else in the Unitarian Universalist world where there is a record much bigger than this.

In the Unitarian churches in the Khasi Jaintia and Karbi Anglong, we seldom use the "B" word instead we use child dedication and naming ceremony when we Baptised children. Every Child is belief to be God's Blessing. Hence the white dress.

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Order of Service for Naming and Child dedication in the Khasi Unitarian Tradition

From The Unitarian Union Hymn Book 1982 Edition

Translated by Rev. H.H. Mohrmen

Hymn 298 (or any hymn related with naming and child dedication)
Reading and Address:
Friends and relatives, God has been so good o bless the couple with twin/baby boy/baby girl. Of all the gift that God has granted, the gift in person/human is the most precious gift of all. Now they bring the child in the presence of the church to express their gratitude to God the Giver of life and as a mark of respect for the Church and all friends and relatives. They wishes to give a name to the child/twins and dedicate the twin/child in the name f living God and they have rightly done.
One can also use other relevant address/readings.
Explanation:
Water: Water is the symbol of purity, the divine virtues that God wanted all his children to have.
Flowers: Flowers are symbol of grace and beauty and sweet smell of life that God wanted all his children to possess.
White cloth on the altar: Ka white cloth that we covered the table and the pulpit symbolizes the spiritual light.
Then he worship leader will call the parents t come forward and bring children near the table then she/he will ask the following questions:
You will try your best, with all your heart, truly in deeds and in words to lead and guide this child/these children in the spirit of love, and trust and in worshiping the Living God and in love and service to fellow human beings?
The parents will response by saying- Yes, and God will help us.
You will teach and imbibe on this child/these children the habit of praying before they get up from their beds, before they sleep at night, before they take their meals and also to teach them to attend church services regularly?

The parents will response by saying- Yes, and God will help us.
The congregation is then requested to rise.
The worship leader will then take a child or with the child in bosom of one of the parent; take a flower and dip it in the water and put on the forehead of the child and declare:
IN THE NAM E OF THE LIVING AND THE ONLY TRUE GOD I NAME THIS CHILD …(Name of the child)…AND NOW I DEDICATE YOU …(Name of the child)…IN THE NAME OF THE ONE AND ONLY TRUE GOD. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND GUIDE YOU THAT YOU MAY GROW AND PROGRESS IN THE DIVINE FAITH OF HIS, NOW AND FOREVER – AMEN.
The congregation while standing will say the Lord’s Prayer.
The parents will then give donation on behalf of their child/children and resume to their respective seats.
Service continues…