Birth celebrations, Welcomings, Baby Blessings, Babies Naming, Christening, & Baptisms

~ The Celebration of Our Baby ~
~ Brooke Moon's Birth ~

~ Welcoming of the Guests ~

“What you are all about to witness here today is truly a celebration of love, and
of life! Knowing that this is the first time many of you have been to a ceremony
like this, Kim and Adam thought that going over some of the symbolism would
be helpful to you in understanding what you will be seeing here today.

It is important for us to know where we come from, so we will begin with an
ancestral blessing. This is where we honor the bloodlines, the history and the
people who have all gone into the creation of Brooke.

It is also important to provide not only food and clothing to a child but also time
and love and respect. So it is only right that this ceremony should include Kim
and Adam making their promises to Brooke to nurture her in all ways as she
grows.

As in ceremonies of many faiths, we then hear the oaths of those who would
stand in place of the father and mother should the need ever arise.

Next, we ask the blessings of the Elements of Nature so that this child may
come to understand the lessons they have to offer and, in so doing, be blessed
by wisdom of the divine the light which shines eternally from above. We will
also ask for a blessing for the family at this time

You are all very dear to Adam and Kim. That is why you have been chosen to
share in the blessing of their daughter and this day with them. This is the day
upon which Brooke is formally welcomed into the community of family, friends
and loved ones that you all represent. So let your spirits rejoice, and remember
that in the love and emotion that pours forth from each of you, lie the hopes,
dreams, best wishes and blessings that are the gifts your hearts have come to
offer to baby Brooke on this day.”

~ Ancestral Blessing ~

Brooke is censed and blessed with oil

“What name is it that you have chosen to call your daughter?”

Adam: “We have chosen the name Brooke,
to signify the gentle beauty her presence offers our world.”

Kim: “We have also chosen the name Moon, to represent the Goddess and all
her loving power. It is the eternally bright, and strong love that her father
and I shared before her and now share with her.

Brooke is entrusted to the arms of his maternal grandparents.

“Karen and Matt, You have been kind and loving parents to Kim, for which she
is truly thankful. May she be blessed with your good instincts in raising Brooke.
If you will now hold your granddaughter and call to mind all of the wonderful
people who have shaped your lives. Your parents, your grandparents, as far
back as the stories you have heard and beyond. Remember what it felt to be
with these loved ones, that Brooke may come to know her ancestors and the
lineage that is her birthright.”

Grandparents kiss Brooke and return her to his parents,
Brooke is entrusted to the arms of her paternal grandparents.

“Carol and Mitch, You have led Adam to follow in your footsteps down the path
of parenthood. You have always done your very best in raising Adam. May he
have the patience with Brooke, that you had with him. If you will now likewise
hold your granddaughter and call to mind all of the wonderful people who have
shaped your lives. Your parents, your grandparents, as far back as the stories
you have heard and beyond. Remember what it felt to be with these loved ones,
that Brooke may come to know her ancestors and the lineage that is her
birthright.”

“Karen and Hector will you now come and join your Husband and wife.

Stepparents stand with their partner

In today’s world we are offered unique and wonderful opportunities to increase
the number of loving caring relationships we have in our lives. Kim and Adam
want you to know that they value your voices, your perspectives, and your
presence.”

Grandparents kiss Brooke and return her again to her parents

“If you will both reflect on the gratitude and joy in your hearts, remembering to
be thankful for all that has come to pass all that which has made it possible for
Brooke to come to be.”

Adam and Kim then kiss Brooke

~ Parents Vows ~

“In your momentous decision to become parents, you honor the love between
you as husband and wife. While you know the responsibility this entails, carrying
on the family traditions that bring you joy, journey back to the world of
childhood, cherishing your own sense of wonder and opening your hearts fully
to the adventure of life, are all things that will help you to be better parents. You
have brought Brooke here to be welcomed into the circle of your family and
friends and to make your promises to her.

Your own quest for spirit has brought you much joy. Do you promise to share
with Brooke what you have found while encouraging her to seek her own path,
and support her in exploring the places in which she finds the most peace and
love?

That you will respect her dreams, simply because they are hers
and valuable as such?

That your home shall be a place in which kindness, honesty, mutual respect, and
love prevail, where communication is encouraged and no is ever subject
unspeakable?

To give her a wide variety of experiences that she may find
the things in life that make her heart sing?"

Kim and Adam: “We do.”

~ Jacqueline and Scott's Vow ~

“Many cultures believe that it takes a whole community to raise a child with a
balanced perspective. As hers parents the duty befalls you to safeguard Brooke’s
future. Have you chosen those who will aid you in giving love and council to
your child as he grows? To whom if the Fates and the Gods see fit to remove
you from this world, would you entrust to take Brooke into their care and see to
it that she is raised as you would have raised her?”

Adam & Kim: “We Have.”

Kim: “Jackie & Scott, for they are kind and loving people”

Jackie & Scott step forward

Adam: “Who know how it is that we would have our daughter raised.”

“Is this true? Are you aware of the hopes of Adam and Kim, that they may be
able to guide Brooke in understanding the spiritual nature of all that surrounds
her, and their wish for her to have a personal relationship with the divine?”

Jackie & Scott: “We are.”

“And you will take the responsibility should need be to see to it
that Brooke is raised in accordance with their wishes?”

Jackie & Scott: “We will.”

“May the time never come for you to act upon this vow, but know how special
you are that Adam and Kim that they would ask you to tend to the most
precious thing that they have in the world.”

~ Elemental Blessing ~

“Since ancient times, people have communed with nature to learn more about
themselves by example. Since it is within nature that we all do abide, and nature
within us, we ask for Brooke the blessings of Nature’s Elements Air, Fire, Water
and Earth. We do this that she may fully come to understand the lessons they
have to offer. The attributes of each element are examples to us of the aspects
they mirror not only within divinity, but within ourselves as well.

We ask the spirits of Air to open the lines of communication for this child. May
her future be as bright as the dawn on the horizon. As Air flows freely to and
through and from us all, may her heart, and mind, and soul come to know the
world in this manner. Seeing not only with her eyes, may she grow wise with
wisdom.

Yellow bear is placed in with the baby

Spirits of Fire, we ask that Brooke’s passion for life, remain ever strong and
vital, fortifying each day with a vibrancy rooted in strength, boldness, and
courage. As Fire clears the way for new growth, may she know that this power
is hers: to create change and bring about the richness and quality that comes with
a true love of life.

Red bear is placed in with the baby

We ask the Spirits of Water, that the comfort of loved ones, like the serenity of
the deep blue ocean, be the oasis that forever surrounds Brooke. May she be
well loved and love well, letting the assuredly with which Water makes its
journey to the sea, flowing over rocks, around trees, even turning into vapor
and ridding a cloud, ever serve as a reminder that with love all is well and will
endure.

Blue bear is places in with the baby

Spirits of Earth, we ask that you give unto this child the rock solid place to stand
and fulfill her destiny. May her journey mirror the vast planes and fertile fields,
expansive and alive. May she find the right seeds to sow to ensure a bountiful
harvest. And when she looks up at the Northern Star, may she know it is as
bright and constant as the love of the divine is for her.

Green bear is placed in with the baby

Lord and Lady, descend and shine upon us,
She who is all knowing, all loving, all accepting,
Mother of all living things,
He who is mighty as the ancient Oak and bold as the Sun,
Without whom there would be no life.
We thank you for the gift of Love
that you have bestowed upon this couple.
The gift whose name is Brooke Moon.
May they, all together as a family,
forever dwell in the light of your love,
and flourish as the leaves on the trees,
and the fruits of the vine.”

These stuffed bears, the green bear with the flowers for Earth, the yellow bear
with a feather for Air, the red bear with his gold chain and fiery garnet for Fire
and the blue bear with his seashell for Water, have all been embodied with the
attributes and blessings of the elements they represent. In keeping with the true
spirit of the word ‘celebration,’ we ask for you to remember that this is a
participatory event! Which is why these bears will be left out throughout the rest
of this gathering for all of you to hold. As you are doing so, think of all
wonderful things that you would wish for Brooke for her happiness and for her
future. Later they will be placed on a mobile above her crib, symbolic of how
she will forever be encircled, surrounded and protected by the love and blessings
of her friends and family, as well as from above.”

~ Rose Petal Shower ~

Kimberly and Adam face guests, holding baby
Jennifer begins showering Brooke with white petals

“As the petals of the white rose symbolize, may your ideals and your heart
remain untarnished and ever pure, with the wonders of childhood’s innocence
forever your companion.”

Vidya begins showering Brooke with yellow petals

“May the petals of the yellow rose foreshadow the friends and the friendships,
steadfast and unwavering, that will bless you in the years ahead.”

Marianne begins showering Brooke with pink petals

“The pink rose and her petals speak of the tender love and compassion your
spirit shall know. The love that knows no bounds both in this life, and that
which shall follow.”

Sara begins showering Brooke with red petals

“And as always, may the passion of the red rose forever kindle the fire in your
heart for both life itself and for all the passions you find there in.”

Kim: “May you know blessings in your life, that your
father and I have had in ours.”

Adam: “Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends and family,
Our daughter Brooke Moon!”

Madelyn’s
Baby Blessing Ceremony

~ Opening Words ~

“What you are all about to witness here today is truly a celebration of love, and
of life! As Madelyn is here today, she is new and perfect, with no need of fixing
nor cleansing. She is a gift. Her smile, her laughter, and her presence enrich the
lives of all who know her. Only half way through her first year here, seven
months old, and already she has made the world a better place.

‘In every birth, blessed is the wonder.
In every creation, blessed is the new beginning.
In every child, blessed is life.
In every hope, blessed is the potential.
In every transition, blessed is the beginning.
In every existence, blessed are the possibilities.
In every love, blessed are the tears.
In every life, blessed is the love.
There are three names by which a person is called:
One which her father and mother call her,
And one which people call her,
And one which she earns for herself.
The best one of these is the one that she earns for herself.’

Today we simply give thanks and celebrate all the many wonderful blessings
Madelyn brings and do our best to remember, and be thankful for, the very
special role that we all have in her life.

Dawn and Rani, as you hold your daughter will you now reflect on the gratitude
and joy in your heart, remembering to be thankful for all that has come to pass,
and all that has made it possible for Madelyn to come to be as well as all of the
amazing things that her future shall hold.”

Parents reflect for a moment then kiss their daughter

~ The Parent’s Vows ~

“Dawn and Rani, the journey of parenthood is one of amazing beauty, this is
clear just to look at you both. The love that radiates from and around you and
your daughter today shall change over the years. We gather here because it is our
wish that Madelyn grow to be a woman who truly loves her life. You most of all
will be her guide on this journey. It is important to provide not only food and
clothing to a child but also time and love and respect. So it is only right that this
ceremony should include your promise to nurture your daughter in all ways as she
grows. Therefore as a promise to her and a reminder to yourselves as the years
pass, I now ask you…

Do you promise to teach Madelyn not who or what, but how to love, to trust, to
respect, and to dream so that she may truly participate in the remarkable journey
that is life?

Parents: “Yes.”

To be honest about your triumphs and as well as your missteps so that Madelyn
will have the valuable opportunity to learn form your example,
yet still be free to learn her own lessons in life?

Parents: “Yes.”

“That you will value her hopes and dreams and let her
know that she will always be welcomed, accepted and loved
for who she is and for who she is not?”

Parents: “Yes.”

To expose her to a variety of experiences, showing her the beginnings of many a
wondrous journey, instilling in her a sense of wonder and passion, and the
knowledge that she alone has the power to complete herself?

Parents: “Yes.”

Do you promise to hold her close in your hearts always, yet still encourage her to
stand on her own when the time comes so that she may discover her own true
self?

Parents: “Yes.”

~ “I Am Love” ~
Author Unknown

“Dawn and Rani have asked Maggie to read for us.”

Maggie comes forward introduces and delivers the reading

“Some say I can fly on the wind, yet I haven’t any wings.
Some have found me floating on the open sea,
yet I cannot swim.
Some have felt my warmth on cold nights,
yet I have no flame.
And though you cannot see me,
I lay between two lovers at the hearth of fireplaces.
I am the twinkle in your child’s eyes.
I am hidden in the smile lines of your mother's faces
I am their shield as they guard your home.
Some say I am stronger than steel,
yet I am as fragile as a tear.
Some have never searched for me,
yet I am around them always.
Some say I die with loss, yet I am endless.
And though you cannot hear me,
I dance on the laughter of children.
I am woven into the whispers of passion.
I am in the blessings of Great Grandmothers.
I embrace the cries of newborn babies.
Some say I am a flower, yet I am also the seed.
Some have little faith in me,
yet I will always believe in them.
Some say I cannot cure the ill, yet I nourish the soul.
And though you cannot touch me,
I am the gentle hand of the kind.
I am the fingertips that caress your cheek at night.
I am the hug of a child.
I am love.”

Maggie returns to her seat

~ The Godparents Vows ~

“It is often mistakenly thought that the Godparents are the ones who shall raise a
child in the event that the parents cannot. But this is not so. Godparents are those
who promise they will be there to help the child grow spiritually. Theirs is a place
in Madelyn’s life almost like a guardian angel. The promise is one of a physical
presence in her life as someone who she knows will always be standing quietly
behind her, encouraging her to make good choices, and sharing with her the
lessons they themselves have learned along the way.

Dawn and Rani, as Madelyn’s parents the duty to safeguard her future is yours.
Have you chosen those who will aid you in giving love and council to your child
as she grows?”

Dawn and Rani: “We Have.”

Dawn: “We have chosen Genine and Ray

Rani: Because these are two very special people in both of our lives,
They have both have been there through all we have gone through to get to this
day and have stuck by us all the way.”

Godparents come forward

“While you are not Madelyn’s parents the place that you have both taken in her
life is an important one. Dawn and Rani trust your motivations and your
judgment completely and they take comfort in knowing that although there will be
times when Madelyn cannot come to them, that she will always be able to come
to you for guidance and support. By accepting the role of Godparent you say to
Madelyn and the world. I promise, I will be there for you as you grow into
womanhood. With this in mind I now ask you...

Will you as best as you can, help take care of Madelyn?
To protect her at all times from harm?
To encourage, guide and support her in all her endeavors,
Help her recognize the beauty within herself and all things,
And to become some day not the woman we wish for her but the realization of
her own hopes, dreams and the fulfillment of her soul?”

Godparents: “We will.”

“May you always know how special you are to Dawn and Rani that they would
ask you to tend to the most precious thing that they have in this world..”

~ Pledge of Support ~

“The Godparents do not stand alone this day, for their role is a special one the
presence and support of all of you, family and friends, is needed for Madelyn to
grow strong and balanced. Each of you possess such beautiful qualities, and
strength of character that have been a blessing to Dawn and Rani‘s life. Today
we ask that you acknowledge your acceptance of the task of providing a
supportive community to Madelyn. Through your presence and example, you will
help her discover her own extraordinary talents and contribute them towards a
better world. There are many paths, and each must find their own. So do you
agree teach young Madelyn all the things you know to be true in your heart, so
that when she is fully grown, she shall discover her own truths. She will know
which path is hers and shall travel it with joy. Do you so accept this
responsibility?”

Guests: “We do.”

~ Blessing ~

“Our Lord God,
You have blessed this family with a new life,
May the gift of Madelyn’s presence bring joy and gladness
to the hearts of all who love her.
May she be blessed and protected
through all of the wonderful
and difficult things that they years will bring.
May she find goodness and inspiration, and be given
the wisdom to discern the true from the transient,
May her life be rich and full,
in wealth that is measured by both the physical
and spiritual context of her existence
May Madelyn be prosperous in all ways.
May she love well and be well loved.
Through each passage and season,
May she always be surrounded
by the warmth of family and friends.
And may her days be forever filled with love and happiness.

Amen”

~ “On Children” from The Prophet ~
by Kahlil Gibran

“Dawn and Rani have asked Dawn‘s Aunt Peggy to come and read for us.”

Aunt Peggy comes forward, introduces and delivers the reading

“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 not tarries with yesterday.
You are the bows from which your children
as living arrows are sent forth.
The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite,
and bends you with might that the arrows
may go swift and far.
Let your bending in the Archer’s hand be for gladness;
For even as the Archer loves the arrow that flies,
so the Archer also loves the bow that is stable.”

Aunt Peggy returns to her place

~ Closing Words An “Irish Baby Blessing.” ~

“May all the blessing of our Lord touch your life today.
May He send His little angels to protect you on your way.
Such a miraculous gift, sent from above.
Someone so precious to cherish and love.
May sunshine and moonbeams dance over you head.
As you quietly slumber in your bed.
May good luck be with you wherever you go.
And your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow.”

Dawn: “May you know blessings of love family and friendship in your life, that
we have had in ours.”

Rani: “Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends and family,
Our daughter Madelyn Breitstein!”

~ Sean Michael's Baptism Ceremony ~

Ceremony begins with the Godmother holding the Child

"Dearly beloved, we are honored with the privilege of being present here today
to witness and support in faith the christening of Sean Michael; the son of JP
and Luisa born into this world on April 6th 2004.

You have been invited here as family and friends and request your prayers and
spiritual support in Sean’s life. It has been said that in a Christening, Heaven
comes down and surrounds the child with God's love for which the effect is
lifelong. We join our thoughts and sincere goodwill, asking that Christ's peace
might embrace this family and an arc of God's light surround Sean for all of his
days.

Jesus said:
'Let the little children come unto me and forbid them not; for the kingdom of
God belongs to such as these.'

Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ instructs us that all should come to faith with
the eyes and heart of a child. Today, we dedicate Sean Michael to Our God in
this Christening. In Jesus Christ, we are set free of the punishment of sin and
oppression of law. By grace in faith we are forgiven and assured eternal life.

Jesus gave unto us two great commandments, which we should strive in heart
and mind to obey. Both are of Love. To love God with all our hearts, and to
love others as we would have others love us."

~ Charge to Parents ~

"JP and Luisa, will you teach Sean the truth that from this moment he may
realize his unity with God and of Christian doctrine, the gospel ministry and of
the salvation by grace through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? Will you try to
conduct your own life so that by both word and example, Sean may learn to live
joyously and harmoniously with Christian principle and the assurance of
salvation - will you strive to do this to the best of your ability?"

parents: "We Will."

~ Charge to Godparents ~

"Elizabeth and Michael, as Godparents to Sean, God will give you the wisdom
and ability to hold within your heart forever his spiritual welfare. You are
charged with the responsibility of seeing to the spiritual welfare of this child
should the need arise and it is you who stands as spiritual counselors. Do you
accept this duty and charge?"

Godparents: "We do."

"Do you promise to love, honor,
support and encourage Sean throughout his life?"

Godparents: "We do."

~ Christening of Name ~

"What name have you chosen for this child?"

Parents: "Sean Michael"

"So be it. We christen you Sean Michael" in the name of the Father,
the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen. I christen you that you may know the pure
and holy spirit of God, your eternal source of faith. May you come to know
God within your heart all the days of your life and express your highest potential
in Christian service.

~ Baptism ~

"I baptize you Sean Michael in the name of the Father;
In the name of the Son;
and in the name of the Holy Spirit;
Amen.

Mother, then Father, then Godmother and Godfather make the sign of the
cross on Child’s forehead, repeating:

"In the name of the Father; of the Son; and the Holy Spirit; Amen."

Celebrant continues

"Let us pray.
Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from
whom no secret is kept, we place ourselves under the guidance of the Holy
Spirit. Grant us and this child now dedicated to you, our Lord God and
Heavenly Father, a clear understanding of the duties and obligations we now
assume.

We pray for the care and protection of Sean in body and soul. We surrender
him to your hands. Please, Dear Heavenly Father, bind your angels to bless and
attend him always. May his heart grow strong, may he love patiently, and may
he do what is good and holy in your eyes. This we pray in the name of our Lord
and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

Sean, as a child of the covenant, receive this blessing. In Baptism you are sealed
by the Holy Spirit and marked as Christ's own forever and ever. Amen."

~ Anointing of Oil ~

"Throughout the Bible, Old and New Testament, anointing with oil was an act in
recognition of wealth, prominence, inheritance and position. Yet in the anointing
of Christ before his death on the cross, we were shown the true measure of
possession, inheritance and wealth is not found by worldly measures.

Sean, having now been dedicated into the Kingdom of God, Your family and I
will now anoint thee with all the wealth you now possess as one in the Kingdom
of God - the power and majesty of our Lord God; the unlimited and sacrificial
love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and the spiritual wisdom and
assurance of the Holy Spirit; and of your great inheritance - life everlasting in the
paradise of heaven - of perfect peace, harmony and joy.
No man or woman could possess more than this.

Celebrant anoints Child’s chest

"In the name of the Father; of the Son; and the Holy Spirit; Amen."

~ Candle Ceremony ~

"In Christian worship traditionally, the lighting of candles has many spiritual
meanings. The light of candle represents the light of a person's life. The flame
represents the eternal truth of God. The light shining forth represents God's truth
shining forth upon the world. For believers to collectively light a candle,
represents the sharing and fellowship of faith; and traditionally represents the
unity of the individual believers with Christ and the body of believers of
Christianity, both in this world and in heaven.
I ask each Godparent and each parent to take one of the candles and light this
candle. Then, together, light the center candle for Sean, as the light of his life.

Parents and Godparents light their tapers then together they light the center
candle

I ask that at the conclusion of this service, each of you keep your candle for this
reason:

Should there be a time in Sean’s future for which he faces difficult times of trial,
or be called upon to make grave decisions - of hardship or joy, or become lost in
spirit - you should, as the duty and obligation you have assumed today - find a
quiet place alone to yourself. Light this candle or another and through pray ask
for the safekeeping of Sean in both body and soul from our Heavenly Father,
the revelation of grace and salvation of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and
the spiritual guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Hear the words of Our Lord, Jesus Christ:
"All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and
make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the
Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have
commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of time.
(Matt. 28 18-20)

Sean, from this day onward, no matter how dark the world may seem nor how
alone and lost you may feel, you shall never be alone again, never without hope
or assurance of final victory.

The Lord will Bless you and Keep you;
make his face shine upon you and be gracious unto you;
Lift his Countenance unto you and give you peace.
In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Amen."

Seong-Jin’s
Blessing Ceremony

~ Preamble ~

“Good afternoon and welcome! As we will be beginning shortly I would ask that
those of you with telecommunications devices, Cell phones, beepers and such, if
you will please turn them off or switch them to vibrate at this time.

This is the home in which three generations of Lauren’s family have grown up
and at the close of their ceremony they will be enhancing the landscape here
with the National lower of Korea, a Rose of Sharon. The Rose of Sharon
blooms every day from early July through late October. Some 2,000 to 3,000
bloom on a single plant, which is strong enough to survive even when it is
transplanted or cut for decoration and flower arrangements. Thus, the flower
represents the wish for lasting development and prosperity. Koreans cherish and
care for the national flower as it symbolizes many achievements the country has
realized, and the trials and tribulations the people have overcome. This is much
like the journey that a family shares as each of it’s members seek their own path.

Lauren and Colin ask that as we conclude the ceremony you help them by
taking one of the containers of dirt over by the new shrub and bring to mind
your love and support, perhaps a wish or a blessing and add your soil to the
roots of the plant that it Song-Jin and this family will all grow strong with time.
And now without further delay we will begin!”

~ Opening Words ~

Lauren and Colin take their place with their son Seong-Jin

“Welcome dear friends and family. We gather today
celebrate Seong-Jin’s birth, our union as a family, and to give thanks to the
forces that brought us together. We acknowledge all of the people who love
Seong-Jin now, who have loved him in the past and those who will help in the
future help him to become the man he is intended to be. Today Lauren and
Colin pledge their love and support to their son, and officially share with you all
the name they have given him. To share a name is to “claim” him as a part of
this family. This has been a long awaited moment and their joy to be able to
share it with you whom they love most in the world, is yet another of their
many blessings.”

~ Naming ~

“Names are an important part of one’s identity. In Korea, the family name
comes first followed by a two-syllable given name. It is not a first and middle
name but rather the two syllables or words together are the given name. Seong-
Jin’s Korean name is Kim Seong-Jin. Lauren and Colin have chosen to keep
Seong-Jin’s beautiful name while adding new parts.

His first name will be Seong-Jin. Seong means accomplish, and Jin means true.
It is their hope that he always remains true to himself and to others and that he
accomplishes all that he sets out to do.

His middle name will be Martin after Lauren’s beloved grandfather. It was
Lauren’s grandfather who took the role of father in her life and they wanted
Seong-Jin to have his name. His second middle name will be Kim which is his
birthmother’s family name so he may keep his connection with her family.

And his last name will be Bartoldus continuing a tradition of fine Bartoldus men.”

~ Candle Lighting ~

“For three families, I Kate, Seong-Jin’s aunt, Joann, and Lauren and Colin to
come forward and light to come forward and light three candles in love,
respect, and gratitude for those who have made Seong-Jin’s past, present, and
future one that was overwhelmingly filled with love for this child.

With every new life, respect must be given to those who came before. Today
we give thanks to all of our ancestors from Korea, the US, and Europe.

Seong-Jin’s experience is different from most in that in his short life he has had
three families love him. In this ceremony we wish to acknowledge all of the
families who love Seong-Jin and have important roles in his life.

First Candle is for Seong-Jin’s biological family who made an adoption plan for
him out of pure, unselfish love. His birthmother put aside her own feelings and
desire to raise her baby boy in the hopes that he could have a better life than she
could provide. Let Seong-Jin always know how much his birth family loves him.
Let Seong-Jin’s birth mother find peace knowing how loved Seong-Jin is.

Katie lights the first candle

The Second Candle is for his Foster Family. Ms. Kang, her

husband, and daughter Yu Jin loved and cared for Seong-Jin from the time he
was a week old until Lauren and Colin picked him up in Seoul five months later.
Lauren and Colin were so lucky to be able to meet the Ms. Kong and see first
hand how well Seong-Jin was taken care of and how hard it was for her to say
goodbye. As Seong-Jin was their first foster child he will always have a special
place in their hearts.

Joann lights the second candle

The Third Candle is for the family that we are all a part of. Colin and Lauren
had their greatest dream come true on November 17th when they saw the
picture of the little boy who would become their son. In the realization of that
dream we celebrate the lifetime of joys to come in watching and helping Seong-
Jin grow into manhood knowing that he is forever part of their family.

Lauren and Colin light the third candle

And will you now together light the center candle representing Seong-Jin.”

All light the center candle together

~ Promises to Seong-Jin ~

“Lauren and Colin, the journey of parenthood is one of amazing beauty, this is
clear just to look at you both. The love that radiates from and around you and
your son today shall change over the years. We gather here because it is our
wish that Seong-Jin grow to be a man who truly loves his life. You most of all
will be his guide on this journey. It is important to provide not only food and
clothing to a child but also time and love and respect. So it is only right
that this ceremony should include your promise to nurture your son in all ways
as he grows. Therefore as a promise to him and a reminder to yourselves as the
years pass, I now ask you:

Do you promise to keep the bonds between you strong, thereby providing your
son with a stable and loving home, giving him a firm foundation, and a good
example of what it means to be committed to one another in love and joy,
through difficult and wonderful times as husband and wife, parents, partners,
teachers and friends?”

Parents: “Yes.”

Do you promise to teach Seong-Jin not who or what, but how to love, to trust,
to respect, and to dream so that he may truly participate in the remarkable
journey that is life? And hat you will continue to value his hopes and dreams
and let him know that he will always be welcomed, accepted

and loved for who he is and for who he is not and that there is nothing you can’t
conquer as a family?”

Parents: “Yes”

“Do you promise to not only take the responsibility of loving and caring for
Seong-Jin as your own, but also to understand and be proud of where he comes
from? And to offer him to a wide variety of experiences, showing him the
beginnings of many a wondrous journey, instilling in him a sense of wonder and
passion, and the knowledge that he alone has the power to complete himself?”

Parents: “Yes”

“Do you promise to hold him close in your hearts always, yet still encourage
him to stand on his own when the time comes so that he may discover his own
true self? And to be honest about your triumphs and as well as your missteps so
that Seong-Jin will have the valuable opportunity to learn form your example,
yet still be free to learn his own lessons in life?”

Parents: “Yes”

“Children not only learn from their parents but are guided
by other caring adults. Although all of you here will help
fulfill that role for Seong-Jin, Lauren and Colin have chosen
two very special people to aid them. Nicole and Jamie will you join us?

Nicole and Jamie step forward

The promise Lauren and Colin ask you to make is one of a physical presence in
their son’s life as the two people who he knows will always be standing quietly
behind him, encouraging him to make good choices, and sharing with him the
lessons that you yourselves have learned along the way. Colin and Lauren trust
your motivations and your judgment completely and they take comfort in
knowing that although there will be times when Seong-Jin cannot come to them,
that he will always be able to come to you for guidance and support. With this in
mind I now ask you...

Do you promise to love and encourage Seong-Jin through out his life? Do you
promise to offer him your eyes to see his triumphs and his difficulties in a way
that will best serve him? Do you promise him your ear when he needs advice
and when he just needs to speak? Do you promise him your openness, your
honesty and your presence as someone who loves him almost as much as
Lauren and Colin themselves?”

Nicole and Jamie: “We do.”

“May Seong-Jin bring to your hearts a lifetime of joy and wonder.”

~ Name Chops ~

“Today we celebrate all kinds of family and relationships. Seong-Jin was very
lucky in that the family he came to included Aiden his “best cousin”. From the
first time Aiden saw a picture of Seong-Jin, he couldn’t wait to play with him
and teach him things. Aiden is very gentle, sweet, and protective of Seong-Jin
and Seong-Jin adores his big cousin. It is already clear that they have a special
bond that will grow as they grow. Aiden will you join us?

Aiden comes up

Your Titi and Uncle Colin want you to know how special you are to them and
to Seong-Jin. They love you very much and are so happy that Seong-Jin has
you as his cousin. And what better way to show you this than with a gift to
always remind you of their love.

Aiden is given his gift

Name chops are used in Korea as signatures. Seong-Jin and Aiden will both be
given name chops and special cousin charms. The charms say in Korean “Aiden
and Seong-Jin- best cousins.”

~ Closing Words ~

“Will you now each in your own way join with me in spirit as I ask for blessings
upon this child….

May you be blessed with love.
May your life be full of those whose hearts are pure
May you love well, and be well loved.

May you be blessed with wisdom.
May you continually learn from the world around you. Seeing with eyes of
kindness may they guide you always.

May you be blessed with community.
May you always be blessed with the awareness
that you are an essential part of a circle of family and friends. May there always
be within this group a sense of mutual love, trust, support and respect.

May you be blessed with art and beauty.
May your creative aspirations and experiences find expression and bring you joy
and fulfillment.

May you be blessed with health. May life bestow upon you wholeness of mind,
body, and spirit.
May you live long and know many joys.

With those good intentions still in mind will Seong-Jin’s grandparents come up
and place the Rose of Sharon in the ground?

Grandparents cone forward pause for a moment to reflect on the soil and then
begin the planting process and return to their seats

As the Rose of Sharon has been an important part of Korean Culture for
centuries, it was the natural choice for Colin and Lauren when they wanted to
show their gratitude for the past, for their integrated family and for the promise
of the future.”

Lauren: “Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends and family may I present…..

Colin: “Our son Seong-Jin Martin Kim Bartoldus!”