The Naming Ceremony
for
Elijah Wilson Guest
God parents:
Ron and Moira Guest
Fred Guest
Alana Wilson
Mary Dodwell
at
238 St. Georges Road,
Templestowe.
Sunday 24th November, 2023.
Parents:
Norma Wilson
Michael Guest
Grandparents:
Alison Guest
George Guest (dec’d.)
Alana Wilson
Reuben Aitken
Celebrant:
Marjorie MESSENGER
Introduction
Friends,
We meet here to take part together in a simple ceremony. We do so for a number of reasons.
Firstly, Norma and Michael wish to express their joy that Elijah has arrived safely into the world; that he is healthy and happy and much loved.This ceremony is to welcome Elijah into their family unit, to the wider family of his relatives, and to the community of his friends and the world. They wish you all to share this joy.
It is certain that the more love this child receives the more he will benefit in his life and the more love in turn he will be able to give to others. The more people to whom he relates the more balanced and rich his growth will be.
One of our culture’s closest relationships will also be established today—that of the godparents. I use this word in the cultural and human sense, not in any religious sense.
The god parents, Ron, Moira, Fred, Alana and Mary, traditionally undertake a special and lifelong interest in the welfare of Elijah, and to assume a more than ordinary responsibility in the event of the death or default of the parents.
So your presence at this celebration today is appreciated, as will be your interest and involvement in the years ahead.
The first reading I would like to read involves us all. As a community of friends and family we all share a responsibility to provide the atmosphere in which young Elijah will develop as a person. It is called:
A CHILD LEARNS WHAT HE LIVES –
If a child lives with criticism
he learns to condemn.
If a child lives with hostility
he learns to fight.
If a child lives with ridicule
he learns to be shy.
If a child lives with shame
he learns to feel guilt.
But,
If a child lives with tolerance
he learns to be patient.
If a child lives with encouragement
he learns confidence.
If a child lives with fairness
he learns justice.
If a child lives with security
he learns to have faith.
If a child lives with approval
he learns to like himself.
If a child lives with acceptance and friendship
he learns to find love in the world.
PARENTS
This celebration also is an occasion when Norma and Michael want to make themselves aware of their proper role as parents. This they feel is expressed well in the words of the prophet Kahlil Gibran.
And a woman who held a babe against her bosom said,
Speak To us of Children.
And she said:
Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of Life’s longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you.
And though they are with you yet they belong not to you.
You may give them your love
but not your thoughts,
For they have their own thoughts,
You may house their bodies
but not their souls
For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow, which
You cannot visit not even in your dreams
You may strive to be like them,
but seek not to make them like you
For life goes not backward
nor tarries with yesterday
You are the bows from which your children
as living arrows are sent forth.
GRANDPARENTS
It is not always possible for grandparents to involve themselves in the development of their grandchildren — but when it does happen it is a great bonus and blessing. The important role played by grandparents is the passing on of cultural values to children.
They assist children find their identity and their inner security — and how to integrate themselves into society. The special relationship of trust and mutual enjoyment which develops between child and grandparent is really something very special. Through this relationship children learn their lineage, their history, — and so many values and skills.
This cultural inheritance lays the foundation for the young person to construct their personality during childhood and adolescence and adds great meaning to their existence.
For this reason Norma and Michael wish to recognise and express their gratification that Alison and George and Alana and Reuben are here today.
GODPARENTS
The next special and unique step in this ceremony involves the god parents. In this age of the nuclear family when many of us live isolated from our family and friends, god parents have perhaps a more important role today than they have had in the past.
As I said in the introduction, they undertake a special and lifelong interest in the welfare of Elijah and to assume a more than ordinary responsibility in the event of the death or default of the parents.
So I ask Ron, Moira, Fred, Alana and Mary. For Elijah, are you willing to accept this serious charge?
Ron, Moira, Fred, Alana and Mary: We are.
Then with me, touch this child.
The NAMING
I would like eveyone to name Elijah with me by repeating the words after me:
We all agree to call you Elijah Wilson Guest
So we therefore name you, Elijah Wilson Guest.
We wish you long life and happiness
in a loving and peaceful world.
May you bring joy to your parents,
your god parents, your grandparents
and to each of us,
your family and friends.
And may you help make this world
a better and happier place.
FINAL DECLARATION
This ceremony will in no way inhibit Elijah from seeking the truth during his life and any future religious or non religious commitments of belief. In fact, it is our duty to present them in the coming years with a broad and balanced view of life, and encouragehim in the virtues we all agree as good—integrity, honesty, concern, fairness and love toward his fellow human beings.
Elijah, may life’s richest joys and blessings be yours.
May you grow in health of body and mind to full adulthood
and may it be your good fortune
to play some worthy part
in making life a more pleasant and lovelier thing
for all those with whom you come in contact.
*************************
Australian Humanist Celebrant Network 