Welcome to this child of grace
At Hallfold this Sunday we shall include within the service a Thanksgiving for the Birth of a Child. I am finding that more parents are opting for this service in preference to Baptism as they realise that they are unlikely to fulfill the promises of Baptism. In looking to pick a suitable hymn I became increasingly frustrated with the selection offered by Rejoice & Sing which despite the United Reformed Church's supposed commitment to offering both forms of baptism slants all suitable hymns towards infant baptism.
I had pondered writing a new hymn for some time and when in June 2005 I was preparing a Thanksgiving for a child called Emma, and remembered that we had a tune called Emma, I decided the time had come. Folk seemed to appreciate it's first airing and so on Sunday we will welcome Millie in word, prayer and song. Please hold Millie and her parents Andy and Nicola in your prayers.
Metre 7777
Tune: Emma (R&S 99)
Welcome to this child of grace,
Stepping out on holy ground.
May she know her time and place,
Ever walk where love is found.
Take the love that's yours to share,
Learn together all God's ways.
Welcome her into your care,
Let this love enrich her days.
May God's Spirit give her voice;
welcome her, give hope, inspire.
Help her grow to make her choice,
Speak with wisdom, soul afire
May God bless where you belong.
May you glimpse and know God's face,
Trust God's peace to keep you strong;
Welcome, Millie, child of grace.
Welcome now, this child of grace
Where the name is one syllable :-
Welcome, name, a child of grace
© Craig Muir June 2005
permission is given to copy this text for worship on a non-commercial basis using this acknowledgement and putting a Comment on here to let me know when it has been used.
Comments
I like your hymn, Craig. I shall copy into my PC collection and if I use it the recognition will be there.
On the subject of "non baptisms" has this increase been because you have suggested to the parents that it would be preferable if they were not wiling to bring the child to church or have they come up with it?
Hi Craig,
Love the site.. and the new hymn!
Be back soon!
Jane
"On the subject of "non baptisms" has this increase been because you have suggested to the parents that it would be preferable if they were not wiling to bring the child to church or have they come up with it?"
Most people ask for a "christening" - I talk about baptism and thanksgiving - point out the differences and the promises that they make with baptism but also make the point that thanksgiving is not second best - it was the option we chose for our children. I find that once people hear about thanksgiving - they realise that for them it is the honest option - and so long as they are not too worried about how Grandma will react to baby not being 'done" properly they go with it. In addition, like much else that we do - especially in a village type community - people have been to previous services for a friend/relative and so it is no longer a strange option.
Hi Craig,
I used your baptism hymn in Thurso URc last Sunday (6/8/2006) at the very end of the service, so that the whole hour of worship could be understood as being about baptism. The congregation loved it! I'll be happy to use it whenever we baptise children. Many thanks for your gift!
Thanks for using the hymn Kristin, glad your folk loved it - bear in mind that it is more specifically aimed at Thanksgiving services so I hope will br appropriate on such occasions.