FAMILY BLESSING

From the Open Files of: Eastern North Dakota Resource Center, 701-232-3180 Contributed by: Calvary Lutheran Church, Grand Forks, ND This file is available in Rich Text Format version for editing

Family Blessing For Use in Weddings Rev. Jennifer English, Calvary Lutheran, Grand Forks, ND The majority of weddings today involve children, either children from previous relationships or children of the couple being married. We have yet to find a satisfactory way of making the children an important part of the ceremony. Yet, the marriage is as significant in the lives of the children as the adults. The wedding might even cause the children a certain amount of anxiety, as they are wondering how their life will now change. Below is a family blessing ceremony intended to include children in the marriage ceremony in a meaningful way, as well as soothe some of the children's concerns. This blessing was originally written for a couple that has two children, one from a precious relationship and one from their union. The blessing took place at the center of the service, just after the couple had said their vows and exchanged rings. Prior to the service, the couple had purchased rings for the children (which the six year-old proudly showed off to people at the reception). Other tokens could be given - a different couple had purchased pendants for their boy and girl children. This blessing was significant and meaningful to both the adults and the children. The blessing involves a blessing of the token, a promise of love and care by the adults to the children, and a prayer for the family. I will strongly encourage all couples with children to make this family blessing a part of their wedding ceremony. Family Blessing As name and name join their lives as one, they create not only a new marriage relationship, but also a new family. They have purchased rings/pendants/other gifts for children's names. They give these to the children as a reminder that just as name and name have pledged their love and commitment to each other, so do they pledge their eternal love and commitment to children's names. Blessing of Rings: Loving God, Jesus took the little children into his arms and blessed them. Bless these rings and children's names who will wear them/receive them. Let children's names find comfort in the love that name and name have for them and help them always to know the love that you have for them as their heavenly parent. And all God's children said, "AMEN." The coupled gives the gift to each child, saying these words together: Child's name, we give this ring to you as a sign that we will always love you and care for you. Let us pray, God, thanks for families. Thanks for love. Bless this family now and forever. Amen.

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