Surprisingly, there’s is quite a bit out there on adoption dedication ceremonies. What a wonderful pastoral view of the ceremony.
(If you’re looking for the actual Adoption Blessing, it’s about halfway down the page. You are welcome to use or adapt it for your congregation.)
Although I am still surprised to be a pastor, most of the time I am glad that God called me to ordained ministry. There are times, though, when I am just in awe of the privilege it is to serve in this way.
Yesterday was one of those occasions. One of our parishioners has completed the long and bureaucratically arduous road to becoming a mom through adoption. Several months ago, her 8-year old soon-to-be-son became part of her family. They have lived together as mother and son, waiting for a judge’s imprimatur of their new relationship. That finally happened last week.
She asked me if we could do something in church to bless and celebrate the adoption. What a great idea! After all, shouldn’t the church do everything it…
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AdoptiveBlackMom 
September 28th, 2014 at 2:35 pm
This was a beautiful ceremony. When Wood and I married we had a communal call and response because we felt staying married takes more than the two people in the marriage. It takes the support of others. Reading this ceremony makes it even more clear what you are requesting from the church. The fact that another church “got it” and supported it still wholeheartedly makes it even more frustrating
September 28th, 2014 at 6:40 pm
I found it hopeful. There is precedent for something meaningful, inclusive, supportive and public in church for adoptive families. The fact that this minister got it gives me hope that maybe mine will too. It takes a village, right? 🙂
September 28th, 2014 at 10:34 pm
You know, you could hold your own dedication and invite your church family. God doesn’t just listen to clergy. It may not feel the same to you, but I bet people would turn out. Maybe there is someone lower down in the church hierarchy who would say a blessing or just other church members.
September 30th, 2014 at 5:23 pm
What a great service! I hope your church family is open and considers the idea.
March 12th, 2015 at 4:14 pm
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