Transition ritual or service?

[MaryXYX]

I have been thinking for a while about being re-baptised.  I'm a different person now and I have a different name.  I feel I need a re-dedication.  On the other hand it's the same body which has already been baptised, and in the resurrection I will have all my history.

This morning the organist of the day told me that one of his friends held a cremation for their former person.  I hadn't thought of that but it is an interesting idea and I do need a way of working through the grief and finding closure.

This evening the minister of my church said she wasn't keen on either idea but she does know of a person who had a transition ceremony.  She will follow up and get more information.

Well that's three ideas.  Does anyone have any experience of any of these?

[Constance]

I had 2 such ceremonies in November.

The first was a Pagan rebirth during which my former self was laid to rest. My daughter read a eulogy I'd written and I was "buried" under blankets before being reborn.

For my Christian rebaptism, it was simply that. I didn't have a formal bidding of farewell to my old self there, though.

[MaryXYX]

I can understand the reasoning behind not supporting the re-baptism idea.  The minister of my church says she would be OK with a rededication and repeat of baptism vows.

I'll have to learn more about the rebirthing idea.  That could turn out to be more appropriate.

[Vicky]

I renewed my Baptismal Vows and made a re-commitment to Christian Service which is a recognized rite in my church.  I actually did mine as a normal person at a service where our bishop was adminstering Confirmation for other people and received that laying on of hands.  This was at 5 1/2 months post op. The Bishop knew and everyone in the congregation knew since I transitioned there. 

The Baptismal vow is based on a dying to the old self and ways, so no funeral per se is needed.  We do have a Holy Water Font, and I used it in full public view to cross my forehead, again a normal practice for us. 

[Constance]

Here's how mine played out. The pastor preached her sermon (about cultivating time) and then introduced me, announcing I was to be rebaptized. I came up to the chancel and gave a brief talk about the welcome of our church and explaining about the Transgender Day of Remembrance as I was baptized four days after that. I talked about how blessed I was to be part of a community such as the Congregational Church of San Mateo and asked the congregation's patience while I received another blessing. That was a seque to the baptism itself...

Rev. Dr. Penny Nixon: Is it your wish to be baptized in this church?

Me: It is.

Penny: In this commitment will you do your best by GOD's abundant grace, to continue to walk in the ways of love, to follow the teachings of Jesus about inclusion and justice, and to keep your heart wide open as possible to all that is good in this world?

Me: I will, with the help of GOD.

Penny (to the congregation): And community of faith, will you do your best to support Connie on her spiritual journey as it continues to develop? If you will say, "we will."

Congretation: We will.

Penny: What is your chosen name?

Me: My name is Constance Anne McEntee.

Penny (taking my hands in her right, dips her left into the font): Constance Anne McEntee I baptize you this day in the love of this community, and in the name of the GOD who is love itself, (touches my head and dips her hand into the font again) of Jesus who will walk with you through everything, (touches me and dips her hand again), and of the Holy Spirit who fills you now and always. (Penny touches my head a third time, the holds me by my shoulders) Hear these words: "You are my beloved, in you I delight." (She embraces me.) Amen.

Me: Amen.

Congregation (spontaneously): Amen.

[MaryXYX]

Thank you for the input, Vicky and Constance.  I could ask for a re-dedication or renewal of vows or something similar and let our minister decide how to do it.  I couldn't actually be baptised in this church as it doesn't have a baptistery.  If we went to the nearest (and friendly) Baptist church most of our own congregation wouldn't be there.  I feel I would prefer to compromise on the way it was done in order to be part of my own congregation.