Blessings & Baptism
Child blessing, baptism and related spiritual ceremonies.
ORDER OF CHILD BLESSING:
1 . The family of the child kneels before the altar
2. Asister carries the child to be blessed st 3. Reading of 1 Bible Lesson: Luke 2 : 22
4. Anthem by choir(s) or hymn from B.H.B 429 to be sung if there is no choir.
5. Prayer by 2 Sister, 2 Brothers standing behind the family of the child to be blessed.
6. Blessing song from B.H.B 427 by all kneeling down till the end the child blessing.
7. The officiating priest comes out from the pulpit to the altar.
8. The child is presented to the priest by the Sister for blessing while she wait by the altar till the child is handed back to her.
9. Blessing of the child:
(a) Place the child on the altar
(b) Sprinkle holy water on its face. © Rub holy oil and make the sign of Cross on the forehead ,hand and legs of the child.
(d) The child is turned unto four corners of the world wild sanctification (item 9a – d continue each time the turned).
10. The child is given holy water to drink
11. Raise and point the child to the four corners of the world, and give it back to Sister who should return to her seat before the altar.
12. The officiating Priest goes back to the pulpit st 13. Second Lesson: Ephesians 6:1-14. Golden Text: 1 Timothy 2:5
14. Brief advice by the officiating priest to the family st 15. 1 spiritual chorus: “Eyen Erong Uwa” (S.S.O). page
19. nd 16. 2 spiritual chorus: “Eyen amana ono nnyin” (S.S.O.) page 18
17. Everybody dances, and goes by the altar back to their seats.
18. Issuring of infant blessing certificate by the conductor to the parents of the child.
19. Feast
20. Testimony from the parents of the child if any
21. Closing. NOTE: only the family members, the child and others with them at the altar go round the altar three times while singing Eyen Eron Uwa spiritual chorus. While all others remain sitted till the second chorus.
ORDER OFBAPTISM
1. Reading of the first step to God to the new converts
2. Reading suitable texts on baptism such as follows: John 3:5-6; Romans 6:3-6; Mark 16:16-18, Mark1:5- st 11; 1 Peter 1:23; Galatians 2:26-28 for the advice of the convert(s) by the conductor.
3. Confession of sins one after the other by new convert(s) to the conductor Texts such as these are st read. 1 John 1:7-10; James 5:16; Mark 1:5 etc.
4. Prayer by the conductor to the new convert(s)
5. Marching to the river or pool for baptism with spiritual choruses such as these:
1. Now let us go to Jordan… S.S.O. page 25
2. In water I have been baptized with S.S.O. page 25
6. The conductor takes his stand in the river
7. Prayer by the conductor inside the river
8. Baptism commences ( by Emersion)
9. Prayer by a member after the baptism (if any)
10. Prayer by the conductor (after the baptism inside the river)
11. Back to the Bethel with spiritual choruses such as these:
1. Now I have washed my feet. (See page 26 of S.S.O.
2. The blood of Jesus…(See page 27 of S.S.O.)
3. Listen to the news of joy… (See page 26 of S.S.O)
12. Blessing and anointment of the baptized member(s) by the conductor
13. Advice to the baptized member(s) by the conductor these texts are use:11 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 4:22-24; John 8:10-11 etc.
14. Registration of baptized member(s) and issuing of:
(a) Membership card
(b) Men/Women Fellowship Card
(c) General Fellowship and
(d) Baptismal Certificate.
15. Love feast
16. Closing.
HOUSE BLESSING/HOUSE FEAST
Brethren are advised to have their new houses blessed before they move in or as soon as they move in. The Holy Father directs that house blessings be conducted with due consideration to the neighbours in the building or compound. The Spirit of prophets is subject to the prophets: No one should say he is so moved by the spirit such that he/she runs into the house of a neighbour against the neighbours wish. Do not force your neighbour to accept prayers. Do not sprinkle water in their rooms or holy oil or sit on their door steps. If you are living upstairs do not stamp your feet such that your neighbour on the ground floor is disturbed. Do not go to the window of the neighbour to pray.
Brotherhood is not an organization of confusion. Everything should be done in an orderly manner to the glory of the Father and brethren must behave themselves properly.
ORDER OFSERVICE FOR HOUSE BLESSING
1. Officing priest Jingle the bell
2. Hymn from B.H.B
3. Prayer by the priest
4. Psalm 1 to be recited by all
5. Prayer by a member
6. Text and sermon
7. Prayer by a member
8. Silent prayer
9. Anthem by choir(s)
10. Prayer by a member
11. Closing Hymn from B.H.B
12. Psalm 23 and the Lord’s prayer
13. Doxology: Come Holy Spirit of God….
14. Benediction
15. Doxology: Hear our prayer oh Lord….
16. Spiritual choruses and spiritual work
17. Blessing the members of the house
18. Feast
19. Visions, Dreams and Testimonies
20. Closing