August 6, 2006
Welcome
We welcome Scott Tsunehara and Courtney Tong who have brought their son, Roka Leong Tsunehara born on April 29, 2006 to be dedicated to God, the maker of all things and the giver of life. In doing so we follow the way of Jesus who said, “Let the little children come to me; for it is to such as these that the Kingdom of God belongs.”
Meditation Thought
Today, we are taking a moment to dedicate Roka which means the “white crest of the wave” in Japanese. We all know how powerful waves can be. They are symbols of the constant comings and goings that reflect how the rhythm of life is like. In Isaiah 48:18, it says, “your success is like the waves of the sea.” This means that as waves tend to have their way, if Roka is to live up to his name, he will be successful in fulfilling the purpose or the way that God has for him.
Most people are drawn to beaches where they can play on the sand and dip their toes in the ocean. We play tag with the waves as they surprise us with a bigger white crest than we expected. We pray that Roka is like the white crest of the waves that will bring you much delight and happy surprises every day.
When Jesus was old enough, his parents brought him to the temple for purification. In our Asian American culture and Christian community, we introduce a new baby into the world a number of times. First, the parents show pictures of their newborns right after delivery. Sometimes there’s the red egg and ginger party. They come to the church nursery for the very first time. We make a big fuss on their first birthdays. We have a baby dedication worship service. In each of these occasions, the baby is unaware of what’s going on. For pastors, we just hope that the babies don’t cry.
But the real reason why we introduce children into the world is to hear the promises and commitments from the parents, the family members and all of their friends that they will bring these children up in the teachings of Christ. Just as Mary and Joseph provided the right kind of family life to prepare Jesus for his God-given work, you as parents have this sacred responsibility too.
In the life of the church and especially here at FCBC, we have a responsibility too. No longer is this child just a new baby for Scott and Courtney but today we know him by his given name, “Roka Leong Tsunehara.” From this day forward, we will pray for him to grow up, mature in faith in God by providing him with nurture, instruction, and love that comes from God. When we make our commitments, we make them seriously and with the help of God, we will help fulfill God’s plan for Roka’s life and purpose in the world.
Ritual
To the Parents:
In presenting Roka to God, do you promise that through the grace given you and in partnership with this church, you will teach him the truths and responsibilities of the Christian faith, and seek to lead them into a living relationship with Jesus Christ?
Scott and Courtney: We will.
To the Grandparents (Ron & Tina Tsunehara; Shirlene Leong & Randy Nakano, and Don Tong) and Congregation:
Do you, the loving family of these children and members and friends of this church, accept the responsibility, together with the parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, to teach this child, that he may be brought to full maturity in Jesus Christ? If so, will you signify your acceptance by saying, “We will.”
Congregation: We will.
Don holds Roka: Roka, God bless you and keep you. God’s face shine upon you and be gracious to you. God look upon you with favor and give you peace. Amen.
Presentation of Certificates and Roses
Closing Prayer
Dear God, even as Mary and Joseph brought the child Jesus to your house that he might be consecrated to your service, so these parents, Scott and Courtney have brought this little one to this house of worship, that among your people they might present him to you. Give to these parents your special graces of insight and love, that under their guidance, Roka may grow in wisdom and stature and in favor with you and all people. Grant that we your people may truly be a household of faith to Roka, providing him with food for the spirit to nourish him through the years of growth and maturity. With gratitude for this child we dedicate him, his parents, and ourselves, to the end that their lives may be a blessing to you and a service to humanity. Amen.