The First Welcome
Rite III — The First Welcome
Naming / Child Welcome
| Purpose | Ordinary leader | Typical length | Core symbols |
| To welcome a child or newly named person into the care and fellowship of the community without implying forced future belief. | Celebrant or Iambist Minister | 12–20 minutes | Laughing Lamp, Open chair or small cloth, Cup held by adults only |
Preparation
Obtain parent/guardian consent for a child.
Choose an age-appropriate setting.
Do not use alcohol as part of a child-centered rite.
Ask the family whether the child’s name and images may appear in any public archive. Default to privacy.
Order of the Rite
Opening
No child must earn the welcome we begin.
Reading
Leader: “Hospitality is worship. The first task of a community toward a child is not to demand agreement but to provide safety, learning, truthful care, and room to grow.”
Naming
The parent, guardian, or participant states the chosen name.
Leader: “We receive the name __________ with gladness.”
Promises of the Community
Leader: “Will you make this community safer for the young than it would be without your care?” Congregation: “We will.”
Leader: “Will you teach laughter without teaching cruelty?” Congregation: “We will.”
Leader: “Will you leave room for questions, growth, and future choice?” Congregation: “We will.”
Blessing
May kindness guide the jokes that you will make.
May tables open where your path is laid;
May laughter come, but never at your ache.
Charge
Leader: “Welcome first. Teach honestly. Protect without possessing.”
Online Adaptation
Online celebration is appropriate when family and congregation are remote. The family may place a lamp or bright object near the child. Avoid recording or publishing a minor without explicit guardian permission.