Add a Tree Planting To Your Ceremony
Tree planting:
To celebrate (Child's name) birth, _____ and ____ will plant a live oak sapling tree in their backyard. Trees represent life itself and are the link between Mother Nature and heaven. Their wood is used for building, their fruit for food. They symbolize growth and sustainability. This tree that we will plant today symbolizes the growth of a new branch in this family tree. This tree will grow along with____ marking milestones in his life.
A child is like a tree that is grown from a seed. Both require constant nurturing in order to grow strong and healthy. The more "rooted" a child is in his source of nourishment, the stronger he will grow and the happier he will be. Most important of all is to remember that being a parent- like being a gardener is a full time job. It is your job to tend to this precious seedling that has been placed in your care.
May this tree seedling be a symbol of the love of God, and the Holy Spirit guiding (Child's name) every day of his life. Now I would like to invite the parents to plant this tree. (Parents plant the tree either in a container or in the yard)
Prayer (Adapted from prayer by Rev. Frank Girello)
Officiant:
Dear God, we stand before you in awe
as we witness the miracle of your creation – this young tree.
Unique and original, just like (Child's name).
And unlike anything that ever was before or will be.
Each began with a single seed,
Concealing a complex potential that miraculously unfolds with each passing day.
We pray that the roots of this tree will gain hold and spread deep,
drawing nourishment from the fertile earth.
We pray that the trunk of this tree
will grow healthy and strong,
withstanding the forces of nature
and to be able to support its canopy of branches and leaves.
So may this child possess a healthy body
and a strong moral spirit,
holding steadfast to his integrity
We pray that through each passage and season you guide (parents name) to nourish and nurture (Childs name) and her tree, so that they may both blossom, mature , and prosper,
fulfilling to the greatest extent possible the potential for which God placed them on earth.
And so it is.
Amen.
Closing words:
(To Parents)
(Parents names), I say on behalf of all of us, go in peace and build a strong and beautiful family life. Your wishes are rooted in truth, for we have prayed with you and joined our hearts with yours. Your prayers are our prayers, that you might have a home that is full of love and righteousness for you and your child. May she grow up to reflect the best in both of you, and extend unto the world she touches, the love she receives from his mother and father. Do not fear for God will guide you always. Do not despair, for she is ever there. The spirit of God is with you always, to guide you both and bless your child.
(To child)
(Childs name) Stand tall and proud.
Sink your roots deep into the earth.
Be content with your natural beauty
Go out on a limb.
Drink plenty of water.
Remember your roots.
And enjoy the view!
And so with abiding confidence and affection, we send you forth on your journey of life. May you be filled with thanks and wonder, humor and fun, hope and perseverance so that you may grow in wisdom and grace.
(To guests) Thank you all for being with us today to bless and welcome ____. Let the memory of this day fill us with love and family. Go in peace.
To celebrate (Child's name) birth, _____ and ____ will plant a live oak sapling tree in their backyard. Trees represent life itself and are the link between Mother Nature and heaven. Their wood is used for building, their fruit for food. They symbolize growth and sustainability. This tree that we will plant today symbolizes the growth of a new branch in this family tree. This tree will grow along with____ marking milestones in his life.
A child is like a tree that is grown from a seed. Both require constant nurturing in order to grow strong and healthy. The more "rooted" a child is in his source of nourishment, the stronger he will grow and the happier he will be. Most important of all is to remember that being a parent- like being a gardener is a full time job. It is your job to tend to this precious seedling that has been placed in your care.
May this tree seedling be a symbol of the love of God, and the Holy Spirit guiding (Child's name) every day of his life. Now I would like to invite the parents to plant this tree. (Parents plant the tree either in a container or in the yard)
Prayer (Adapted from prayer by Rev. Frank Girello)
Officiant:
Dear God, we stand before you in awe
as we witness the miracle of your creation – this young tree.
Unique and original, just like (Child's name).
And unlike anything that ever was before or will be.
Each began with a single seed,
Concealing a complex potential that miraculously unfolds with each passing day.
We pray that the roots of this tree will gain hold and spread deep,
drawing nourishment from the fertile earth.
We pray that the trunk of this tree
will grow healthy and strong,
withstanding the forces of nature
and to be able to support its canopy of branches and leaves.
So may this child possess a healthy body
and a strong moral spirit,
holding steadfast to his integrity
We pray that through each passage and season you guide (parents name) to nourish and nurture (Childs name) and her tree, so that they may both blossom, mature , and prosper,
fulfilling to the greatest extent possible the potential for which God placed them on earth.
And so it is.
Amen.
Closing words:
(To Parents)
(Parents names), I say on behalf of all of us, go in peace and build a strong and beautiful family life. Your wishes are rooted in truth, for we have prayed with you and joined our hearts with yours. Your prayers are our prayers, that you might have a home that is full of love and righteousness for you and your child. May she grow up to reflect the best in both of you, and extend unto the world she touches, the love she receives from his mother and father. Do not fear for God will guide you always. Do not despair, for she is ever there. The spirit of God is with you always, to guide you both and bless your child.
(To child)
(Childs name) Stand tall and proud.
Sink your roots deep into the earth.
Be content with your natural beauty
Go out on a limb.
Drink plenty of water.
Remember your roots.
And enjoy the view!
And so with abiding confidence and affection, we send you forth on your journey of life. May you be filled with thanks and wonder, humor and fun, hope and perseverance so that you may grow in wisdom and grace.
(To guests) Thank you all for being with us today to bless and welcome ____. Let the memory of this day fill us with love and family. Go in peace.
