Little girl, welcome to this house of worship
and to the community of faith.
Prayers have surrounded you these many months
as we waited expectantly for your safe arrival.
Little girl, you are a magnet for our love,
a compass that points to your Creator.
We are drawn to your fresh beauty,
fascinated by your personality, newly-minted.
Little girl, you are the centre of circles of love;
the love of your family and friends,
the love of this congregation,
all circled and surrounded by God`s eternal watchfulness.
Little girl, we will walk this journey of discovery with you
as you learn who you are and who you can be.
No road can take you away from God’s love.
Little girl, we will be with you
in your crying and your laughing,
in your crawling and your running,
listening to your voice, offering words of hope.
We begin with these words:
Welcome little girl, grow in peace.
I am a Mennonite pastor currently teaching theology at Conrad Grebel University College in Waterloo, Ontario. I’ve served congregations in Ontario and most recently, Alberta.