Naming Rite for Asher, a lovely transgendered member of HFASS

My apologies for taking so long to post this, but here is the rite we used at Baptism of our Lord Sunday when a transgendered member of House for All Sinners and Saints was undergoing a name change.  This is largely taken from a rite shared with me by Episcopal priest, Michele Morgan


One really lovely thing about this day was that Asher made a little shrine to his previously female self, Mary.  It included the whole name lovingly written out, several photos and a candle. 


 


(Prayers of the People)


 


Presider:


Holy One of Blessing, in baptism you bring us to new life in


Jesus Christ and you name us Beloved. We give you thanks for the renewal


of that life and love in Mary Christine Callahan, who now takes on a new name.


Strengthen and uphold him as he grows in power, and authority, and


meaning of this name: we pray in the Name above names, Jesus, your Son,


whom with you and the Holy Spirit, the Triune God, we adore. Amen


 


(Lindsey) A reading from the letter of Paul to the Galatians.


 


There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no


longer male and female; for all are one in Christ Jesus


 


The word of the Lord


Thanks be to God


 


(Laying on of hands)


Let us pray:


We pray for your servant Asher, with thanks for the journey and awakening that


have brought him to this moment, for his place amongst your


people, and for his gifts and calling to serve you.


 


O God, in renaming your servants Abraham, Sarah, Jacob, Peter,


and Paul, you gave them new lives and new tasks, new love and new hope.


We now hold before you our companion. Bless him with a new measure


of grace as he takes this new name. Write him again in your


heart and on your palm. And grant that we all be worthy to call ourselves


Christians, for the sake of your Christ whose name is Love, and in whom,


with you and the Spirit, we pray. Amen


 


The Giving of the name


 


Pr. Nadia: By what name shall you be known? 


Kate: The name shall be Asher  


Asher:  My name is Asher


 


The community may respond by repeating


Your name shall be Asher


 


Pr. Nadia: Bear this name in the Name of Christ. Share it in the name of Mercy. Offer it


in the name of Justice.


 


Christ is among us making peace right here right now.  The peace of Christ be with you all. And also with you.  


 

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Published on September 14, 2011 05:13
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