Christening Ceremony

Several days ago we were invited to the Christening ceremony of Providence and then Proud Mary.   DeeDee Lisenby wrote the ceremony below which we used to Christen Meandering Joy. 

Meandering Joy Christening Ceremony

Preparation

We are about to carry on a very important tradition.  We have been blessed with the opportunity to christen a yacht.  For thousands of years this ritual has been a way to invite God into the lives of everyone who boards a vessel. 

This ceremony calls forth God's provision and protection.  We now call on Holy Scriptures as the wellspring for our Christening rite today.  Like other mariners through the ages, we read from Psalm 107:

Others went out to sea in ships; they were merchants on the might waters. They saw the works of the Lord, his wonderful deeds in the deep. For he spoke and stirred up a tempest that lifted high the waves.  They mounted up to the heavens and went deep down to the depths; in their peril their courage melted away.  They reeled and staggered like drunken men; they were at their wits' end.  Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress.  He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed.  They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven.  Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men.  Let them exalt him in the assembly of the people and praise him in the council of the elders.

 Presentation

This is the twenty eighty day of November 2012, in Edgewater, Maryland; in the name of the LORD we christen her Meandering Joy.  We claim this vessel for Christ. We invite the continued presence, protection and provision of Almighty God.

Prayer

Let us pray.  Lord God, we acknowledge you as the giver of every good and perfect gift.  We thank you for and pray you bless this vessel Meandering Joy.  We thank you for all who worked to bring this dream to reality.  We pray you would always guide Meandering Joy into calm waters.  We pray Meandering Joy be a place where you are known and made known to all who board her.  We offer this vessel, in addition to our lives as vessels, to instrument your righteousness.  We pray the beauty and majesty of this yacht continues to reflect your glory. 

In witness,

            Steve Poole

            Joy Poole

            Terry Lisenby

            DeeDee Lisenby

            Barrie Ricketts

            Mary Ann Ricketts

(We give thanks to DeeDee Lisenby who provided the format for this ceremony.)