A new home is an exciting time. As one moves in, they claim the space for themselves: decorate it with a personal touch, add things that express themselves, put up family pictures, etc. A new home is full of possibilities, but can also be a time to grieve what is being left.
This milestone contains two parts: a devotion for use in the household and a home blessing that can be done separately and include additional family and friends.
We know that Christ is present with us in our homes. We know that God watches over us wherever we are. A home blessing doesn’t bring God into the home (God’s already there) but is our chance to acknowledge what God is already doing. It is a way of helping us recognize that God is with us throughout all of our life moments.
Download the Milestone Resource
We would like the opportunity to recognize your milestone during worship and present you with a special milestone token. Please talk to pastor about arranging a time for this.
Some things to think about as you mark this milestone:
- The home blessing can be done by those who live there or can include family and friends. You may wish to make it part of an open house party. Talk with your household members about how they would like to do it.
- Sometimes a new home is the result of not-so-exciting circumstances. And even if it is an exciting time there are often some sad parts about it: moving away from old friends, having to go to a new school, etc. It is important to recognize these circumstances and feelings.
- provide time for household members to name and list how they are feeling. It’s often tempting to dismiss the feelings by looking for something good (“you’re going to meet new friends”). Resist the temptation and instead name the feeling (“I know you’re going to miss Mary, I will too.”). There will be ample time to focus on new possibilities later.
- If the new home is the result of a painful circumstance (I.E. foreclosure, eviction, divorce, etc.), take time to name the pain of that experience.
- If your household includes children, find appropriate ways to be vulnerable with them in sharing how you’re feeling about the change.
- Be aware that this may be an opportunity to get help from a counselor or therapist.
- Remember that there is no magic fix, it will take time to heal from what ever has happened.
- Revisiting the New Home Devotion and Blessing on the aniversary of the move can be a useful time to check in. Set out the special milestone token and use the devotion again but with the following change of questions:
- Caring Conversation
- How do you feel about the new home now? How have your feelings changed since last year?
- What has been something that has happened in this home you’re really thankful for?
- What is something you wish would change about this home?
- Devotion
- What wisdom have you gained from living here the last year?
- Service
- What is something you learned your community needs?
- How have you been able to be a positive force in your community this past year?
- Caring Conversation
- You may want to consider redoing the home blessing periodically
- Epiphany (January 6th) is a traditional time to bless a home. Download a special Epiphany Home Blessing liturgy.
- If something traumatic happens in your home like a break-in, family separation, fire, or something else, reblessing the home can feel appropriate. We know God was present in the home before, was with you through the trauma, and continues to be in your home, but sometimes it’s important to name that again.
- If you add on to or change your home (either the physical structure or by adding additional household members), it may be appropriate to do a home blessing to acknowledge the change.