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Sam Allen's Naming Ceremony - 1 of 4

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• published: 22 Aug 2016
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Sam Allen’s Naming Ceremony August 20th, 2016, 11 am First Unitarian Universalist Church Stockton, CA ~Program Bulletin~ Hi! Welcome to Sam’s Naming Ceremony. Sam is honored that you are here for this Important step in their journey of becoming. As you may know, Sam has been going through a process of change over the last year: - Dropping out of an MPA program - Collaborating on a Book Project - Mulling Seminary - Legally Changing Their Name - Starting a New Job - Oh My! In this time of stability and change, Sam wants to honor the process of self-exploration that has guided them into being a more assertive, awesome person! (fingers crossed). Please enjoy yourself and participate in the following EVENTS as you feel able and comfortable. Iced water is available in the social hall to at the upper end of the hall if you need it. ~Order of Service~ Introductory Music – Lydian Improv. Rev. Dr. Katy E. Valentine Welcoming Words Rev. Bob Klein, Pastor of First UU Welcome/Reading by Sam Sam Allen Chalice Lighting Wendy Franks I have learned that to be with those I like is enough. – Walt Whitman Prayers and Concerns Anyone who Wishes This is a time to reflect on your week, your month, or your year, to quote the theme song from Friends. Come to the right-hand side of the pulpit and express how or what you are feeling about life, about Sam’s changes, or about the current moment. Sam will then give you a candle to light and place in our chalice’s sandbox. The candle will remain lit with the other candles to honor your individual light of light and spirit and the shared light that we all bring into the world. Wild Geese by Mary Oliver Sam Follow along in the grey hardback Hymnal in front of you, reading #490 Thoughts from Bob & Katy, Words from Ryn and Robyn read by Nicole Parker-Adams & Wendy Franks Going Through the Rainbow Door Anyone who Wishes As Bob said once before inviting the congregation to take part in this National Coming Out Day ritual, “We are not only minds, but bodies.” The Rainbow Flag was one of the first signs of the church’s acceptance of all people to Sam and their first experience of passing under it was emotional. Music: Drag Queens in Limousines (Chorus) Mary Gauthier Burning of Birth Certificate + Rainbow Flag Music: 23rd Psalm – Bobby McFerrin Raising our hands for Sam and sending positive energy Closing / Hugs: New Soul by Yael Naïm You’re invited to gather in the Social Hall for cake, punch, and Iced Water! Sam would like to thank their parents, Sharon Allen and Harold Allen, their brother Geoff Allen and sister in law / “SIL” Jennifer Allen, and their friends and chosen family in the academic, church, work, and LGBTQQIAA communities for their love and support. Special thank you to Mikayla System for operating the PA system and Rosalie Sauceda for agreeing to be the ceremony’s videographer. Most of all, Sam would like to thank YOU for being here!