“An Adoption Ceremony of Blessing” sample ceremony has been provided by Lutheran Family Services of Iowa. Adapt as needed.
Dear Friends,
We are assembled here today to recognize and celebrate the beginning of a new chapter in many lives. Gathered here are people whose lives after today will be moving forward in a new direction. Gathered here are people who share a common bond of love for a special baby girl whom we have called Sarah. Here today are:
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Sarah’s Birth mother, __________ and her family.
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Sarah’s Birth father, __________.
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Bridge Care parents, Ken and Markie.
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Adoptive parents, (Adopting Dad) and (Adopting Mom).
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LFS social workers, Tracy and Wanda.
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And Sarah, who is the reason we are all here.
We recognize that God is also here, to bless each of the people gathered for this occasion.
We begin in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Today a child is being entrusted to you, (Adopting Dad) and (Adopting Mom) and you are becoming her parents. In the past weeks, her birth family and her bridge care parents have been responsible for her care and now that responsibility becomes yours.
How do you wish to name this child?
(Adopting Dad) and (Adopting Mom) Answer: (First) (Middle) (Last)
As this child is placed into your hands, it is done with the confidence that God will give you His grace to sustain and inspire you, trusting that you will provide a home for her in which she will grow in love, health, and peace.
(Child is placed into the arms of adoptive parents)
We pray that God will grant you, (Adopting Dad) and (Adopting Mom), the gifts of kindness and patience, of understanding, and wisdom.
In keeping with God’s will and His Word so that this child may grow as a child of God, I now ask you:
Will you, (Adopting Dad) and (Adopting Mom), raise this child in the Christian faith?
PARENTS: We will
Will you guide this child by your own example of a good Christian life?
PARENTS: We will
Will you assume all the responsibilities of parenthood, and provide for the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of this child?
PARENTS: We will
Will you raise her with the knowledge of the love that her birth parents have for her, and share with her the nature of the great measure of love, maturity, and courage with which they made their decision for adoption?
PARENTS: We will
This is both a sacred and joyous moment; therefore let us listen to the Word of God as it is written in the tenth chapter of the Gospel of Saint Mark:
People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.
God has most certainly laid His hands upon this child, and so He now blesses you, (Adopting Dad) and (Adopting Mom). May the Lord continue to bless __________, and give strength to you, that you may love, nurture, and care for her.
Let us pray:
Oh God, our Heavenly Father, thank You for this special day. We are mindful of the mystery of life and of Your great providence. Help us always to remember we are Your children through adoption in Christ and even as You love us, we love one another.
Bless this child with wisdom, understanding, peace, and the assurance of Your love for her now and forever. Guide and protect her throughout her life journey, and bless her always with the knowledge of Your love and grace.
As (Adopting Dad) and (Adopting Mom) accept this child, we pray they may be filled with Your grace and be nourished by Your Word. We pray also that You will be the eternal partner in this family and in their home. Encourage them to continue to walk ever close to You, so they may grow together as a couple and as parents.
Father, bless (Birth Mom) and (Birth Dad) as they continue to find your direction in their lives. Help them to always be reminded of Your great love for them, and for the way You care and provide for their every need.
We ask all of this in the name of the name of Jesus Christ, Your Son and our Lord. May the peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
EVERYONE: Amen