A Liturgy of Transition
Opening Scriptures —
Isaiah 56:5 (NRSV)
I will give, in my house and within my walls,
a monument and a name
better than sons and daughters;
I will give them an everlasting name
that shall not be cut off.
Isaiah 62: 2–4a (NRSV)
The nations shall see your vindication,
and all the kings your glory;
and you shall be called by a new name
that the mouth of the Lord will give.
You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord,
and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.
You shall no more be termed Forsaken
Opening Statements —
Our loving God has given us such a beautiful image of naming. Today we come to honor another moment when God has spoken a true and everlasting name. A name that God has given that will not be cut off, but is welcomed. A name that shall not bear dismay but is beautiful. A name that no longer forsaken, but included.
Let us pray -
Loving God, there are times when we need to mark that things have changed significantly in our lives. There are times when old ways of living need to be put to aside so that new and affirming ways of living, loving and being can be taken up. Be with us as we celebrate the journey that _____ has made and bless this faithful step they are making this day. Bless each one of us that are here to witness this miracle of faith and transformation and keep us in love with each other now and in the future.
In the poems of your creation we are witness to the ever unfolding diversity among us, as we have sun and moon, we are blessed at the transitions of sunrise, and sunset. As we are blessed to see men and women, we are also blessed to see you at work in the journey of our non-binary family, and our transgender brothers and sisters.
Today we join together to celebrate diversity, and we celebrate the diversity and beauty of transition. Today we celebrate ______ and their chosen family here today. May you continue to keep us and guide us in your ever transitioning beauty O Lord.
Amen
Reading — Genesis 32: 23–28
Jacob was left alone; and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he struck him on the hip socket; and Jacob’s hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. Then he said, “Let me go, for the day is breaking.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go, unless you bless me.” So he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” Then the man said, “You shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel for you have striven with God and with humans and have prevailed.”
Remarks — The pastor can highlight the person’s journey and add any additional remarks after this reading before the prayer ceremony.
Jacob wrestled until daybreak. Sleepless nights are not unfamiliar to those of us in transition. Our lives have been a struggle with family, with ourselves, and with God to be true to who we have known ourselves to be. Jacob would not let go until he was blessed. And he was blessed with a name. Today we celebrate that. For ______, they have wrestled with our world, and with God to blossom into who they are created to be.
A name marks who we are, as Jacob was blessed with a name he was named Israel. One who has striven with God and humans and is still standing. How apt is that for us within the transgender (or non-binary) community? Each day at the start of our journey we have struggled with who we are, and having the world, other humans acknowledge that.
Today like Jacob we celebrate a new name. And as the earlier readings pointed out this name is affirmed by God. As Isaiah recounted God has given each of his people a name that will stand. A name that will not be cut off.
Our name as gifted from God is a sign of eternal love, and redemption. This new name we celebrate is name of beauty, and a crown of blessing. As we begin the naming ceremony we rejoice. Our God has blessed this transition, and we continue to go before us as will live boldly among this world.
Transitional Prayer —
Words sufficient for the participant and the family are added here.
Affirmation of Name and Identity —
So what is the name that God has gifted you with in this new stage of your journey. NAME.
And is it your calling to live as a woman/man/non-binary/gender-queer person? (Use which is applicable.) It is.
Are you willing to accept yourself as a child of God in this stage of your life, seeking God’s will for your life and acting with faith, love, mercy and kindness to all those you meet? I am.
Then, we welcome you _____ among us.
As tokens of this welcome, we gift you with symbols of your new calling (at this stage family friends come and present symbols of the new identity and gift them to N).
