Five Tips For Choosing the Best Christening Presents
Posted on August 20, 2010
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1. A important factor when you start to shop for christening presents is making sure that you put some thought into it. The reason why this is important is because many people just buy some sort of silver item and think it’s okay. If you don’t put some thought into it, then you run the risk of giving yet another silver rattle or comb, and they will not get much use because everyone gave it!
2. Another important consideration for finding unique christening presents is to think about your relationship to the family and child. It’s critical that you don’t just give a Holy Bible because this is a common gift, and only the godparents should do that. If you make sure that you don’t give a gift the child can’t use, then you’ll be fine.
3. You don’t have to spend lots of money in order to give good christening presents. Even what you spend at a restaurant would make a fine gift. All you need to do is shop around, and make sure that you give something useful.
4. Instead of complicating yourself by looking for a perfectly fitting piece of clothing or hat, try it this way: give something the child cannot outgrow! In fact, if you give something that will be more useful down the road – maybe like a pocketknife – then you will find that your gift keeps on giving!
5. Have you considered giving an investment? It’s not as difficult or expensive as you might think. Anything will help. What you need to do is talk to a financial adviser, and within an hour you can have one of the most useful christening presents for boys or girls setup.
So if you really want to give good christening presents, follow these tips to ensure success.
Civil Baby Naming Ceremony and Church Christening
Posted on August 19, 2010
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A naming ceremony focuses on parenting, on a declaration of commitment or intent towards the child, and on welcoming the child into his family and his community. Unlike a christening, a civil naming ceremony gives you the opportunity to appoint older sponsors in various roles (not just as godparents) to ask family and friends for their support as you raise your child, and to formally show your appreciation to your parents for their parenting of you. The opportunity is also provided to explain the significance of the names chosen for the child.
While most parents choose one or the other, there is a growing trend for church-going families to have both to mark the birth and naming of their child by having a civil naming ceremony, either before or after the church christening, perhaps as part of the party that follows the christening.
Baby naming ceremonies can be held at home, or in parks or other child-friendly venues.
Christian Lapel Pins
Posted on August 17, 2010
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Recently there has been a rise in popularity with Christian jewelry. News stories report on politicians and others wearing their Christian lapel pins with pride. Following on the heels of the popular “WWJD” (what would Jesus do?) jewelry trend amongst teens, there has been a trend for cherub lapel pins as well as fish, Celtic crosses and also Christian quotes and sayings.
A Christian lapel pin is a thoughtful, affordable gift for a first communion, baptism or confirmation. With so many to choose from it is easy to find a beautiful and suitable design. Custom Christian lapel pins can also be created for religious camps, special events and even weddings! As the popularity of lapel pins continues to grow, more religions and groups will find their organizations represented in specialized lapel pins.
Many churches on tight budgets find Christian lapel pins an affordable way to thank the many volunteers and community members who contribute to the work at the church. Many churches also provide lapel pins to their ushers and altar boys and girls. Christian lapel pins are wonderful gifts for get togethers or gift exchanges. With so many options, a gracious and respectful lapel pin is easy to find. Many church suppliers carry a wide selection of stock Christian lapel pins.
Naming Ceremonies: Advice for First Time Godparents
Posted on August 15, 2010
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Congratulations! It is a great honor your friends have done you, because being asked to be a godparent is a significant responsibility and signals that they really trust you to look out for their child.
Many first-time godparents are hazy about what their role is and what is expected of them during the Naming Ceremony.
Role
Godparents step in when parents are not available, especially if they die or default. Godparents are asked to make promises to the parents as well as to the child, in order to signal their willingness to support the whole family.
Gifts
The main gift a godparent gives is the gift of self. During the ceremony, you can give a symbolic gift, and of course, you can always give the baby a significant gift to mark the occasion. Of course, it is perfectly acceptable for a godparent to give the naming ceremony as a gift.
Dress
What anyone at the ceremony wears relates to the formality of the occasion. Most naming ceremonies are held at home, either indoors or in the garden or in parks, dress tends to be casual/smart casual. Of course, the baby can be dressed formally in a Christening gown or party clothes irrespective of what the guests are wearing.
Cake
Traditionally, the parents provide a celebratory cake which is cut at the party after the ceremony. But this would be a very nice gift for the godparents to bring. The cake and be a fully iced and decorated special occasion cake with a christening type topper, or it can be something simpler with flowers and/or the child’s name on it which might be from a bakery, supermarket, or home made.
The most important thing is to be authentic to yourself. There is no right and wrong beyond doing what comes from the heart and is authentic to you, to the child and to the family.
Etiquette and Wording Samples for Thank You Notes
Posted on August 13, 2010
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Yes, we all love to receive gifts, and weddings are a perfect occasion for gift-giving, as friends and loved ones customarily honor the commitment of the newly betrothed by showering them with wedding gifts. As the happy couple, just remember to always feel privileged – not entitled. Approach thank-you notes with as much thought and organization as the rest of your wedding planning process.
Send thank you notes to acknowledge everything from place settings to gifts of time or talent. Remember, a separate handwritten note must be sent for each wedding present or act of kindness. Start sending thank yous as soon as gifts arrive, even if it is before your wedding (but make sure to use your maiden name). Gifts that you receive on your big day should be followed up with a thank you note no later than one month after you return from your honeymoon (now you can use your new last name). To ease the process, keep track of wedding gifts and thank-you cards on the same list of names and addresses used for your invitations. Personalize the thank you cards by ordering them with your monogram or with a picture from your big day on the front.
What to Say – Wording Samples
Thank you notes are written and signed by one person but should express the gratitude of both the bride and the groom. (“Mike and I sincerely appreciated…”) Make direct reference to the gift itself. For monetary gifts, indicate how the money will be used; whether to mention the amount given is optional. Here are some suggested wording examples to get you started:
To a close friend or relative:
Dearest Aunt Sandy,
Thank you so much for the generous gift. As you know, John and I have been saving for a new home and your contribution will help greatly. We can’t wait to have you over for a housewarming party very soon! Thanks again for thinking of us and for sharing in our special day.
To a more distant friend, relative or business colleague:
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Lee,
Thank you so much for the lovely vase. It will go beautifully on our kitchen table, and Meghan and I will think of you each time we use it. Thanks again for sharing our joy.
To someone who couldn’t make it to the wedding but still sent a gift:
Dear Denise & Chris,
Thank you both very much for completing our sterling place setting collection. Martin and I look forward to using it at every special dinner we host. We truly missed you both on our special day and look forward to seeing you soon.
To someone who wasn’t invited to the wedding but sent a gift anyways:
Dear Lorie & Mike,
Thank you both so much for the thoughtful gift certificate. Amanda and I look forward to purchasing new appliances for our kitchen with it. Thanks again for thinking of us during this special time in our lives.
Christian Gifts for Him
Religious Invitations
Posted on August 11, 2010
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Throughout the life of a person, there are probably going to be many opportunities for sending out Religious Invitations. Choosing the correct invitation announcements for the event is an important part of the process. Below are some examples of events that may warrant the sending of these announcement cards.
One of the first good reasons to send out religious invitations is to celebrate the baptism of a new baby. At the baptism, the baby is purified in the eyes of the church. During this special and intimate ceremony, the baby’s godparents are usually also announced officially. The parents should have already asked the individuals to take on the roles.
If you want to have a celebration after the baptism, you can also send invitations that will ask guests to join you at your home for an informal celebration. You might want to have a brunch buffet, for example, or lunch meat trays available for guests as refreshments. Be prepared to send out thank you cards to anyone who came, especially if they’ve brought a gift for your child.
First Communion
At this event, your child is first able to participate in the communion process. Prior to the event, he or she will probably spend a good amount of time preparing for the event through church classes that are intended to help him or her appreciate the symbolism and significance of the event.
Generally, a child’s first communion is celebrated by all of the friends and family members at the church and with a reception afterward. Because the event also coincides with the Easter celebration, most families can celebrate both events together with a nice meal at one member’s home. A traditional food for this event is a leg of lamb served with mint jelly but you can also substitute other popular treats such as an Easter ham. Make sure to mention on the invitation if a reception will be held after the communion.
After all of those early special events, sending out invitations for a wedding can be a pretty emotional event. Your little girl or boy is growing up and tying the knot: it’s definitely one of the most significant milestones in any person’s life. That depends on the wishes of the bride and groom. However, there’s nothing wrong with sending out personalized invitations for the event.
If you’re having a very formal wedding, then religious invitations are probably going to be the best choice. They will set the right mood for the event and will show the couple’s commitment to their faith, as well as to each other.
Christian Prayer Requests a Waste of Time?
Posted on August 6, 2010
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Pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. James 5:16
Prayer is one of the most important aspects in the Christians walk with God. Throughout the Bible we see many reasons for prayer, but the common thread that ties them all together is to have a connection with our Creator.
While two-way communication is extremely important, we also see that a Christian prayer request is most effective when many people gather and pray for a specific thing. This type of activity has unlimited power to create change.
Christian prayer requests can be about a number of things. People often gather in groups to pray for courage during difficult times, spiritual guidance to overcome sin, and new health in times of sickness.
It is important for us to pray not only when we have personal difficulties, but to also pray for others.
So how are we supposed to pray?
In Colossians 1:9, Paul stresses the importance of praying without ceasing in order to be fulfilled by God’s spiritual wisdom.If you have a Christian prayer request that you’ve prayed about once or twice, it is not always enough. You need to please God with your request and show that you are committed in your walk with Him.
Beyond that, you should bring more than just a Christian prayer request to his feet. Remember, prayer is all about having a relationship with God. You should give thanks to the Lord for all He has done. While life can be difficult at times, showing gratitude for life itself is often something we forget to do.
Philippians 4:6-7 tells us: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
This verse not only shows us that we should be thankful, but it also encourages us to not be anxious about our requests. Many times people are too ashamed of their problems to tell others, but a Christian prayer request that pulls a group together to pray is more powerful than the act of praying alone.
So you see – Christian prayer requests are very important in building a connection with God and overcoming the difficulties of our lives on earth. Without prayer we would have no connection to our maker, but with it we have power that goes beyond this world.
Baptism Ceremony 101
Posted on August 4, 2010
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If you are organizing a baptism party for your baby, you may want to do some careful early planning to avoid possible hiccups in the event. Early planning involves making arrangements with the church, booking and confirming the venue, compiling and finalize guests list, preparing thank-you notes and gifts for all guests and the key people involved in the ceremony. If you are not sure whether you are doing the right thing, you may refer to an experienced person who had gone through the ceremony. If you have a bigger budget and do not wish to go through all the trouble, you may hire an event planner to organize the party for you. However, not everyone is fortunate enough to be able to splurge on such occasion, so in this kind of situation, a low-key event can be organized. With proper planning and clever ideas, even low-key celebrations can be equally wonderful and meaningful.
Choosing and selecting godparents for your baby should not be difficult as you can pick any of your close or most trusted friends. It is entirely up to you, there is no wrong or right about it. Ceremonies can be held outdoors, example by the park nearby a lovely stream, or indoors at the community hall prebooked by the host. Wherever the location is, you must discuss thoroughly with all the people involved such as the clergy, godparents, friends and relatives who help you out with the event. This is to make sure that the location chosen is convenient for them.
If you are organizing any event and want to avoid any possible glitches, it is best that you plan everything early and that includes sending out invitation cards. One month to two weeks prior to the actual event date is the recommended period for sending out invitation cards. Guests are given enough time to decide and inform you whether they are able to attend the event or not. Early planning benefits both the host and the guests alike.
In a traditional Baptism/Christening your baby will wear a gown during the service. This gown would be a long white or cream in color, it is worn by both girls and boys. Your family may have a gown that has been passed to them from other generations, but always purchase a new one easily.
After the ceremony ends, guests are treated to a reception at a venue of the host’s choice. It may be held indoors or outdoors, depending on the host’s style, preference and budget. Unless the reception is held in the host’s own home, he may have to reserve the venue early to avoid any glitches later.
Normally after the baptism ritual finish, guests will be invited to savor the foods being prepared especially for the occasion. Delightful treats like petite sandwiches, shrimp,fresh cut fruit, variety of salads, cake or petite pastries, ice creams and cocktails are sure to entice guests. However, if the host wishes to be more economical, he may opt for home-cooked meals with the assistance of family members, relatives and helpful friends.
It is good for the parents who are organizing baptism ceremony for their baby to plan early for the celebration. They can write thank-you cards in advance, maybe a week or two before the actual ceremony. They can also purchase items to be given as presents to their guests and prepare the presents early. This will save them from any stress due to last minute preparations and rush. Once the gifts have been prepared, the host can concentrate on other important matters pertaining the baptism rituals. No matter how busy they are, they must endeavor to show gratitude to their guests.
Christian Love Making – The Importance of Getting it Right
Posted on August 2, 2010
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1. While your Christian love making is a very joyous, celebration based affair, at the same time it should be seen as very serious as opposed to just a casual encounter. The seriousness stems from the faith based practice of being a Christian; the level of commitment you have in your religious life and professional life, should also be translated into your private life of a lover. For this is your time of celebration, performed through the most intimate physical contact. Thus it should be paramount to learn the highest levels of how to practice the amazing gift of Christian love making which God has given us.
2. You are not only celebrating Gods gift through intimacy, you are also celebrating the relationship with you’re partner. Thus this celebration should be practiced with high regard to being able to properly please you’re partner to the highest intimate, sensual degree as possible. This attention to sensual detail brings you’re intimacy in line to all other areas of a positive well lived Christian lifestyle.
Many times intimacy is seen as a secondary level of serious consideration, or even something that is not considered at all, when it comes to learning how to live a well rounded Christian lifestyle. As you see intimacy can not only enhance you’re Christian lifestyle, but also greatly enhance your relationship with your Christian partner in life.
Can There Be Bridal Shower Games Specifically For Christians?
Posted on July 30, 2010
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In recent years, the trend has leaned toward personality centered bridal showers, even theme bridal showers. Even if you’re not going to go all out with a theme, though, most brides really want their bridal shower to reflect who they are as an individual, who they are on the inside.
Naturally, if the bride is a Christian, particularly if she is very involved in the church and committed to her faith, then she would want to include her Christianity as a central theme of her bridal shower, just as it is a central theme of her personality.
In fact, in many instances, Christian bridal showers will actually be held in the church where the wedding is taking place, which is usually the church where the bride, and most often times the groom also, attends church on a weekly basis. This in itself lends a Christian theme to the party.
But what really defines bridal showers? The cake? The gifts? The chatting and mingling? Of course not! The hallmark of any bridal shower is the games. So to make it a truly Christian bridal shower, you need to have Christian bridal shower games.
This takes creativity, but it can be done. By putting a Christian spin on some classics, you can have a beautiful and fun Christian bridal shower complete with Christian bridal shower games.
Christian Wedding Gifts