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.
The name 'Millie' should be replaced by the child's name where appropriate. Where the name is more than two Syllables the final line should be:- 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.