We are available for:

• Baptisms (see sample at bottom of page)
• Funerals
• Counseling Sessions

• Weddings, Workshops and Counseling Sessions have set fees (in some cases sliding scale).

• Baby Blessings and Funerals/Memorials are done on a donation basis
• We perform traditional marriages as well as same sex unions. ... Unfortunetly, legal issues are still being cultivated to make same sex unions legal and binding in the state of New York; but through it we support everyone's basic right to love happiness and family; ...and making same sex unions legal is a cause we proudly fight for.

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Sample Baby Blessing

Have small cups filled with water ready for each guest to take upon entering the ‘ceremonial area’. These will be for them to fill the baptismal bowl with prayer and good intention, and in which Layla will be baptized.

Invocation

Let us pray: As we join together in love and community, we ask that the blessings of God be upon us. May the pure Grace of the Divine shine upon Layla, her parents, Godparents and all gathered here today as we celebrate her baptism into the light, the precious gift that is her life, and all the blessings that have led to this moment. Amen.

The ceremony of baptism symbolizes cleansing, acknowledges new beginnings and formally calls forth the child by name. For this reason baptism is traditionally represented by the color white, which is a symbol of purity. Now I’d like to ask Layla's parents and big brother to pour the first water into the baptismal bowl with their prayers, love and good intentions. Now Godparents Grandparents I ask all of you now, to step forward, and with your love and prayer and good intentions, pour your water into the baptismal bowl.

Play Music: "Holy Breath" in background

Now I’d like to ask Layla’s parents and big brother to pour the first water into the baptismal bowl with their prayers, love and good intentions. ...Now Godparents ...Grandparents ...I ask all of you now, to step forward, and with your love and prayer and good intentions, pour your water into the baptismal bowl.

Foundation

The birth of a child is the culmination of a long journey. Heaven lies about us in infancy. Whenever a new child is born, a new light, and a new hope for the world is born along with them. It is the light of their spiritual purity, untouched. It is also a light born of and enriched by the love of their parents, grandparents, and all who love them. Thus it is with Brook, who has this love and support with her every day.

The purpose of this rite of passage called baptism is to consciously sanctify the entrance of this new little soul into the world; to acknowledge that she is free from sin and that she might walk through her life remembering her true spiritual essence; and so with that, and all of the love, prayer and good intention of this gathered community, and in the light of God, I baptize you Full Name. (a few drops of water on Layla’s forehead- or soft cloth)As Matthew wrote in chapter5: vs16 -In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Benediction:

 Now we give thanks for Divine Love and for the miracle of new life. We offered continued prayer support Layla and her mother and father. We acknowledge and offer Thanks for the sacred roles of all the people that touch her life; You her extended family; ... her grandparents, who so joyfully help to care for her. They offer unconditional love, acceptance and wisdom. ...God parents, who will love and support Layla and her parents along the way. We also acknowledge and honor the interconnectedness of the child and her family, with the larger community and to all creation. This is a day of great celebration, gratitude and joy.

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