Dedication Prayer—Canon Watson Kushner
July 10, 2011
Marin Covenant Church, San Rafael, CA
O God, our heavenly parent, we thank you for the miracle of birth, for the way that you bring joy and love into our hearts through the mystery of the formation of a baby. We are overwhelmed by your goodness in the birth of this child, Canon Watson Kushner and for your being at the side of these parents. Give to these parents a new awareness of your presence as Lauren Ng and Daniel Kushner along with Sage and Story draw closer to one another and with you.
Just as Mary and Joseph brought the child Jesus to your house that he might be consecrated to your service, we pray for all parents of this faithful church that they continue bringing their children to this place to receive Christian teachings, the love of God, and nurturing fellowship of the Holy Spirit. Bless this church family to provide for all the children with food for the spirit to nourish them through the years of growth into maturity. Give to Lauren and Daniel your special graces of insight and love, that under their guidance, Canon may grow in wisdom and stature and in favor with you and all people.
With gratitude to you for this child we dedicate Canon Watson Kushner, his parents, and ourselves, to the end that his life may be a blessing to you and a service to humanity. In the name of Christ Jesus, our Lord, we pray. Amen.
Yeh Yeh’s Note to Canon
July 10, 2011, 8:55 PM
Dear Canon:
What a special day for you today! You were the featured highlight at Marin Covenant Church when Pastor Jeff Mazzariello took you in his arms and did a “loop” around the sanctuary to show you off to everyone. And he did that twice in two services and you did not cry at all! We were all proud of your bravery and composure under the bright lights! Your Mom and Dad along with the “Church” promised to raise you up to know God and to follow Jesus. After church, your Mom and Po Po planned a great party and invited all your friends to celebrate your dedication, but unfortunately, you didn’t get the chance to eat the lollipop cakes!
When you grow up you will know that you are the last of our grandchildren to be born. You might think that after Po Po and Yeh Yeh have fussed over 5 other grandchildren before you that there’s no more time or energy left for you. Quite the contrary! You might not like to be called the “baby” in the family but that’s an honor to be proud of! Your older sisters Sage and Story are already squeezing your cheeks and making you giggle. They promised to watch out for you and protect you when other kids might pick on you. That’s a benefit of being the baby in the family!
Being the only boy in the family means that you will always get new clothes and shoes—no hand me downs from your sisters! While your sisters might share a room, you’ll have your own bedroom. Being merely 6 ½ months old, you are already exhibiting the physique like your Dad when you grow up—tall and strong. And most likely stronger than Sage and Story put together!
While your Dad knows the difference between baseball and basketball, I can’t wait to teach you the details and statistics of baseball when you grow up. I want you to root for the Red Sox even though everyone will expect you to cheer for the Giants or the A’s. I will look forward to taking you to see the Red Sox play the A’s in Oakland and try to catch a fly ball. Like your cousins Gavin and Sebastian are diehard Rex Sox fans, I expect you to be one too. And of course, if Dad wants to come along to see the game, he’s always welcome too.
So enjoy these baby years and especially today when your Mom and Dad presented you to God and promised to teach you about Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior so that you will give your life in discipleship and be a gift to humanity. But always remember what Pastor Jeff preached on today—to keep that “child-like” faith that Jesus told his disciples if they want to know the Kingdom of heaven. We want you to know Jesus for yourself too.
And Yeh Yeh can’t wait to take you out to the ballgame!
Love,
Yeh Yeh