September 13, 2008, 11:00 AM
Call to Worship
On the same Saturday of the same weekend one year ago when Bernice Lee and Erwin Yeh exchanged marriage vows with each other to be husband and wife, we have returned to celebrate the birth of Emma to Bernice and Erwin Yeh as a new mother and a new father! There’s much to “yah yah” about!
Bernice and Erwin along with their parents, Warren and Magdalene Lee and David and Yieng-Pin Yeh are presenting Emma Magdalene Yeh, born on June 15, 2008 to be dedicated to the Lord, 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.”
*Hymn #437 Jesus Loves Me
Message
When loving and first-time parents like Benice and Erwin bring a baby into the world, we always have the highest hopes and dreams for the child. We would expect nothing less. Every child who comes into the world is expected to find an answer to cancer or be the peacemaker to usher in world harmony or in these troubled economic times, come up with a new fail-safe formula for financial research or become the dentist who finally eliminates cavities.
Bernice and Erwin have named their new daughter, “Emma” because it means “wholeness” and “universal.” Emma means that all the dreams that her parents have for her are contained in this little one. There is now wholeness in the household of Yeh. They hope this little girl can accomplish anything she chooses—breaking any glass ceiling.
When we read the Psalms, the Psalmist in chapter 119 verse 10 says that he would give all of himself to knowing God—“With my whole heart, I seek you.” We pray that Emma will grow up giving her whole heart seeking God. When she does that, we believe that God will complete her life with blessings and joys and that God will never let her down.
As parents, Bernice and Erwin hope that Emma will know that her parents and friend always love her–all of us who are here. They hope that she will develop into a kind and caring person with the guidance provided by all of you here. And when she strives to reach for her own dreams whatever that might be that all of us will support and encourage her to succeed.
The name, “Emma” also means “the best in the world.” It has that universal quality to it! Emma Magdalene Yeh may be a native born American citizen but she is also going to live in Canada. She represents the “best in the world” or at least in North America!
When Jesus was old enough, his parents brought him to the temple for purification. In our Chinese American/Canadian cultures and Christian community, we introduce a new baby into the world a number of times. First, the parents show pictures of their newborn right after delivery. We have a red egg and ginger party. We have a baby dedication worship service like today. In each of these occasions, the baby is unaware of what’s going on. For pastors, we just hope that the baby doesn’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 this child 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 these parents but today we know her by her given name, Emma Magdalene Yeh. From this day forward, we will pray for her to grow up, mature in faith in God by providing her 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 this child’s life and purpose in the world.
Ritual
To the Parents:
In presenting Emma to God, do you promise that through the grace given you and in partnership with this church, you will teach her the truths and responsibilities of the Christian faith, and seek to lead her into a living relationship with Jesus Christ?
Parents: We will.
To the Congregation:
Do you, the loving family of this child and members and friends of this church, accept the responsibility, together with the parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, to teach this child that she 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 the baby, “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 have brought this little one to this house of worship, that among your people they might present her to you. Give to these parents your special graces of insight and love that under their guidance, Emma 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 this child, providing her with food for the spirit to nourish her through the years of growth and maturity. With gratitude for this child we dedicate her, her parents, and ourselves, to the end that her life may be a blessing to you and a service to humanity. Amen.
Announcements
On behalf of Bernice and Erwin Yeh, Warren and Magdalene Lee, David and Yieng-Pin Yeh, we thank you for participating in this dedication service. They along with baby Emma look forward to seeing you at the Gold Mountain Restaurant located on 644 Broadway between Grant and Stockton for a Red Egg and Ginger Party Lunch at 12:00 noon.
Go in peace.