Blessing of Little Children Ceremony
Although we all know that children are a gift from God, it had been quite a while since GC San Jose, CA was able to celebrate the birth of a newborn in our fellowship group. Most of our members are in the senior citizen category (or for lack of a better word — OLD). So it was with much rejoicing that we welcomed Sora Ann Guerrero to our church family. An after-church baby shower was planned for January 26, but baby Sora decided to arrive a few days before on January 21. She was determined to make her grand entrance on her mother’s birthday. Our shower was modified, but many brought gifts anyway. And we celebrated the birth of the healthy baby girl just without the guests of honor. Food and packages were delivered to the family, and we all waited with anticipation for the day when they could come to church.
Eight weeks passed before the happy parents brought Sora Ann to church. During church, Pastor Mel Dahlgren assisted by Richard Ely officiated a Blessing of Little Children Ceremony with our one and only small child. After church there was a time for food, fun, and fellowship with festive decorations, a delicious luncheon, and celebratory cake. More gifts and lots of love surrounded our newest church member and her parents.
To say our fellowship group is overjoyed would be an understatement. Whether it comes via spiritual regeneration, community engagement, or a baby’s presence, to see something new birthed in an older congregation teeming with love to share is amazing and creates such energy and joy. Yes, children are a gift from God, and this particular little girl is a precious gift indeed!
By Barbara Dahlgren
San Jose, CA, US
