The Bishop's Note is a short weekly message from Bishop Eric Menees where he speaks about an area of Christian belief or practice in furtherance of our mission statement that "we will call and equip laity and clergy to bring people to, and disciple them in, a saving relationship with Jesus Christ." The Bishop's Note is currently going through the 2019 ACNA Book of Common Prayer. 

​Thanksgiving for a Child

This week we continue with our examination of the 2019 BCP’s Pastoral Rites section. Having examined Holy Matrimony the logical next rite is to look at the Thanksgiving for the Birth or Adoption of a Child. 

Pastoral rites are just that, pastoral. They speak into the major life events of individuals and families. Note that this service is equally fitting in a hospital, a home, or in the middle of our Sunday worship. 

The opening instructions and the first two prayers, given whether or not there is an adoption or natural birth are so important to mark the moment. In this moment we thank God for his grace and mercy and acknowledge that life will never ever be the same afterwards. 

Note that both prayers begin by expressly stating “birth” or “adoption.” That is because birth and adoption are of the greatest value and importance.  

The prayer for an adopted child also reminds us that we too are adopted children of God. This is both a reference to Romans 8:15, “For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”  and John 1:12, “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”  As stated in John 1:12, all Christians are adopted by our Heavenly Father and welcomed into the Christian family through baptism. 

Both prayers conclude with the acknowledgment that the child is a blessing from God and both name the child. As seen in the service of Baptism, the naming of a child is an important act as names bear meaning, and to name someone gives both power over and the consequences of protecting the named. 

Blessings and peace to you all! 

Bishop Menees

THANKSGIVING for the 
BIRTH or ADOPTION
of a CHILD

The Birth or Adoption of a Child is always an occasion for thanksgiving and prayer in family and community. This rite is provided for use in a hospital or home, during public worship, or in some other appropriate place. If used in public worship, this liturgy takes place at the Peace or at the close of the Office. If used apart from public worship, a passage of Scripture is first read. Luke 18:15-17 or the Gospel appointed for the day is appropriate.

​FOR THE BIRTH OF A CHILD

The Officiant addresses the mother and father
Dear Friends: The birth of a child is a joyous and solemn occasion in the life of a family, and an occasion for rejoicing in the Church. It has pleased Almighty God, our heavenly Father, to bless you with the gift of N., your son. ​

FOR AN ADOPTION

The Officiant addresses the mother and father
Dear Friends: The adoption of a child is a joyous and solemn occasion in the life of a family, and an occasion for rejoicing in the Church. Our heavenly Father has given us the Spirit of adoption, that we who were strangers might become members of the household of God. It has pleased Almighty God, our heavenly Father, to bless you with the gift of N. your son.

Calendar

September 23
​Diocesan Clericus on Zoom

September 25
Requiem Mass for Fr. Jack Faucett

October 13
Rural Deans Meeting

October 14
Diocesan Clericus on Zoom

November 6
Diocesan Convention
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