OTHER CEREMONIES

Naming Ceremony

A name giving ceremony is not a baptism or a christening, though it is sometimes referred to as a 'secular christening'.

This ceremony is a fulfilling and meaningful experience for all concerned. It is an occasion where a new birth is celebrated and a child is welcomed into the world. Family relationships are deepened and parents become more fully aware of their responsibilities. So, too, do the grandparents and godparents/guardians/mentors.

The naming ceremony is an excellent occasion for the cultural expression of joy, hope and acceptance. Many Christians do not believe in infant baptism, so choose this cultural celebration and leave the child free to choose or not to choose baptism later in their lives.

Every aspect of the naming ceremony can be personalized to suit your personal situation. The introduction, the prose, poetry, verse, music, lyrics and/or choreography generally reflects you as a parent (one or two), your style, your feelings, aims, dreams and wishes for your child.

Most often naming ceremonies are held in or around the home, a meaningful expression of nurturing, love and togetherness. As small children are often present in the form of siblings, cousins or friends of the family, the family home is often the safest, most practical and convenient place to have a ceremony.

Informality is usually the order of the day. Saturday or Sunday morning or early afternoon ceremony followed by lunch or refreshments is very often the choice.

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Same Sex Commitment and Vow Renewals  

Perhaps the one significant difference between a marriage ceremony and a ceremony to renew marriage vows is that there is no legal component.

Similarly, for commitment ceremonies, whether it involves same-sex couples, or a man and a woman.

Frequently, couples choose to commit to a relationship with one another and have a ceremony to mark the occasion.

A ceremony or celebration can be as ritually symbolic or as simple as you desire; as big and all-inclusive or just for the two of you. Couples often choose a special anniversary to celebrate a reaffirmation ceremony. A commitment ceremony, like a wedding ceremony, can be held at any time of a couple's choosing.  More.

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Funerals  

The starting point for all celebrant funerals is secular, i.e. non-religious, but the more important principle is that the words said should express and celebrate the life of the person who has died, and, if that person had beliefs and ideals, these are reflected in the ceremony, if requested.  

I have experienced grief myself and know that at the end of a person's life the tribute we pay deserves to be the best that human skill can present.


Nothing can take away the shock of death, but a genuine, well prepared tribute, a carefully composed, personal ceremony can ease some of the pain.  

Firstly, information is needed and gained in an unhurried interview with the family.  Once informed, I can then go about the creative writing of the eulogy and, usually in cooperation with the funeral director, make provision for selections of music chosen by the family.  

Meeting with the bereaved family and preparing for the ceremony itself means being generous with time as it involves care and skill.  

No ceremony is delivered unless every detail of the eulogy is carefully checked with the family to ensure that it is accurate.

If requested, I can provide the family with a complete copy of the ceremony as presented, after the ceremony.

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