February 19th we will have our second baby dedications!

Just as Jesus was dedicated as a child, we follow the same tradition and offer parents an opportunity to dedicate their children to God and declare their intentions to raise them in a Godly manner.

WHY DEDICATION?

Children are a gift from God. Psalm 127:3 proclaims, "Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from Him." As believers we are called to recognize that children belong first and foremost to God. God in his goodness gives children as gifts to parents. You not only have the awesome responsibility of caring for this gift, but also the wonderful privilege of enjoying the gift. Because children belong to God and are given by grace as gifts to parents, it is only proper and appropriate that children be dedicated back to God.

NOT BAPTISM?

It must be stressed that we are dedicating and not baptizing. Jesus himself was dedicated as a child and then baptized as an adult. Baptism is done in response to repentance and faith in Jesus. Dedication is done by the parents and involves making a vow to completely submit their child to the will of God and raise that child in the ways of the Lord.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

The responsibilities God has entrusted to Christian parents include continuously praying for their children (Job 1:5), instructing them in the way of the Lord (Proverbs 22:6), setting a godly example (Proverbs 20:7), and disciplining them as the Lord would discipline us (Proverbs 29:15,17; 13:24). These responsibilities can only be fulfilled in Christ's strength (Philippians 4:13).

YOUR COMMITMENT

We ask that you enter into the following commitment in the presence of God and his people: So that your child may walk in the abundant life that Christ offers, you vow by God's help and in partnership with the church, to provide a Christian home of love and peace, to raise them in the truth of our Lord's instruction and discipline, and to encourage them to one day trust Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.