[catbite]

I'm Lutheran and interested in any special rituals or rites which could be added to the baptism of my daughter as it relates to adoption? Any religious or specifically Lutheran ideas?

[jayeljay1]

Hi,

I am a Lutheran who has adopted and I am a Lutheran Church worker, although not a pastor. I do have several suggestions:

1. Baptism in Lutheran belief is identified with our adoption as God's children. Would your pastor be willing to read or have read Scripture reflecting that belief? "I had family member soloist and then the congregation join in on the song "The Father Welcomes All His Children."

2. I believe in some synods, the hymnals or in the pastor's liturgy books contain specific blessings or prayers regarding the adoption of a child. You may want to ask about it. However these are not usually tied to the baptism.

3. Just an FYI: If you are doing a state adoption and it is not finalized yet, the case worker may frown on a baptism until after the adoption is finalized. This may vary from state to state so just check it out. Mine was through a private agency so did not affect me. However, a friend of my (in my church) did adopt two siblings
from the state and was told she could not have them baptized until the adoption was finalized.

4. Check with your Pastor. He may have suggestions.

Blessings to your family!

[athikers]

I know this is a VERY old thread, but we are baptizing our daughter soon... the pastor is using scripture related to adoption AND Pixie is wearing a t-shirt (yes, gasp, a t-shirt not a christening gown) that says "My favorite book says we're ALL adopted" We are so excited!

[mrsred]

congrats athikers! haven't been over here for quite awhile - is the baptism a done deal?
We had our adopted kids baptized two years ago, and it was great. At the end of the service, as the congregation was coming up and welcoming the kids into "the family" one of the older gentlemen shared that he too had been adopted at the age of nine! During the baptism they showed pictures on the power point from their adoptions.