Writing the Name

Many traditions acknowledge naming and other ceremonies by writing out the name(s) involved in some way to commemorate the date.

• Graduations usually involve the receipt of a diploma certificate.
• At an ordination ceremony, a Buddhist teacher will write a new name on the back of your rackusu (article of clothing) with the date and sign it. A certificate may also be given.
• Christian baptism certificates show the full name and are usually signed by the relevant religious leaders. Bibles engraved with the person’s name are often given at confirmation.
• Quaker weddings involve a marriage certificate that is signed by all of those present as witnesses.

If a teacher, mentor, or religious leader is involved, you may ask them to present you with a certificate stating your name and the date. To involve the entire community, you may have a larger certificate prepared and ask all those present to sign it.

A number of simple alternatives could also be considered — especially as your community presents you with gifts to mark the day. A blank card with your name written inside could be presented during the ceremony and become a treasured memento of the day. A mentor or loved one might present you with a meaningful book with your name written inside the front cover.

But you and your community can be creative. What about a handkerchief embroidered with the new name? An embosser or custom bookplates to customize your library? All kinds of jewelry can be engraved with a name. Even a rubber stamp with your name and return address can take on significance.

Audience participation: Reflections, Prayers and Candles

Candles and prayer are common elements in many traditions. They can be used in many ways to enable the community to engage the moment.  The concept of audience participation through candles and/or spontaneous reflection can be adapted for Non-Christian or Non-Religious contexts.

In Quaker communities, it is typical for the audience to sit in collective silence, allowing for individuals to speak as they are moved to. No additional preparation, materials, or set-up is required–though some introduction may help audience members to feel comfortable with long stretches of silence that may occur.

This sample (Christian) responsive reading provides a structure which allow members of the audience to participate spontaneously during pauses. The audience may be invited to light candles (tea lights may be assembled on a front table), to offer spontaneous prayer or reflections, or pause in thoughtful meditation during those moments.

Sample (Christian) Responsive Reading
This version would require a printed program, showing the appropriate response to be spoken by the audience.

Facilitator: God be with you.

People: And also with you.

Facilitator: Let us pray. 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 ______, who now fully claims _____ name. Strengthen and uphold ______ as ____ grows into the power, and authority, and meaning of this name; we pray in the Name above all names, Jesus your Son, whom with you and the Holy Spirit, the Triune God, we adore. Amen.

Facilitator: As many of you as have been baptized have clothed yourselves with Christ.

People: There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male or female, for all of us are one in Christ Jesus.

Facilitator: “The prophet Miriam, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine in her hand and sang,” ‘Sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously.’” We pray for the renewal of God’s church in all its forms.

Pause for candle lighting, spontaneous prayers, silent prayers etc

Facilitator: As many of you as have been baptized have clothed yourselves with Christ.

People: There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male or female, for all of us are one in Christ Jesus.

Facilitator: “God said, ‘This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: I have set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth.’” We pray for the health and welfare of the earth and all its peoples.

Pause for candle lighting, spontaneous prayers, silent prayers etc

Facilitator: As many of you as have been baptized have clothed yourselves with Christ.

People: There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male or female, for all of us are one in Christ Jesus.

Facilitator: “I will save the lame and gather the outcast, and I will change their shame into praise and renown in all the earth.” We pray for all who struggle against oppression, sickness, or any kind of trouble.

Pause for candle lighting, spontaneous prayers, silent prayers etc

Facilitator: As many of you as have been baptized have clothed yourselves with Christ.

People: There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male or female, for all of us are one in Christ Jesus.

Facilitator: “‘And you shall know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves, and bring you up from your graves, O my people. I will put my spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will place you on your own soil; then you shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken and will act,’ says the Lord”. We pray in love and joy for all who have died.

Pause for candle lighting, spontaneous prayers, silent prayers etc

Facilitator: As many of you as have been baptized have clothed yourselves with Christ.

People: There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male or female, for all of us are one in Christ Jesus.

Facilitator: “For you shall go out in joy, and be led back in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall burst into song, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” We give thanks for all the blessings of this life.

Pause for candle lighting, spontaneous prayers, silent prayers etc

Facilitator: As many of you as have been baptized have clothed yourselves with Christ.

People: There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male or female, for all of us are one in Christ Jesus.

Responsive Reading Credit: Cameron Partridge drawing on Galatians 3:28 and the suggested themes for the Prayers of the People and the readings from the Great Vigil of Easter in the Book of Common Prayer (New York: Church Publishing, 1979)