Baby Dedication

Family and friends God has blessed Kenneth and Leah by bringing Kenneth Wesley III into this world. Let us rejoice together in the dedication of this child to the Lord and let us pray together for his spiritual health and growth.

Matthew 19:13–14 NASB 2020

13 Then some children were brought to Him so that He would lay His hands on them and pray; and the disciples rebuked them. 14 But Jesus said, “Leave the children alone, and do not forbid them to come to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

Let us pray:

Father, your Son, the Lord Jesus, welcomed the children into His kingdom. Protect, we pray, this child and bring him up into a saving relationship with your Son, and into fellowship with your church, the body of Christ. We pray through Jesus, Amen.

In presenting Wesley for dedication you signify not only your faith, but also your desire that he may from an early age know and follow the will of God, that he may live and die a Christian, and come into everlasting blessedness.

In order to attain that glorious end, it will be your duty, as parents:

To be his teacher: teach him early the fear of the Lord, watch over his education, that he not be led astray;

To be his guide: guide his youthful mind to the Holy Scriptures, and his feet to the sanctuary for worship;

To be his protector: restrain him from evil associates and habits; and as much as lies in you, bring him up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Will you endeavor to do so by the help of God?

If so answer: I will

Turn to the church:

I ask you the congregation; will you commit yourselves as the body of Christ to support and encourage these parents as they endeavor to fulfill their responsibilities to this child and to assist by nurturing his growth toward spiritual maturity?

If so, answer: we will!

We do here and now dedicate Kenneth Wesley III in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Kenneth: Certificate

Leah: Flowers

Wesley: First Bible

I am reminded of the encouraging words of the Apostle Paul to his beloved disciple Timothy: 2 Timothy 1:3-7

2 Timothy 1:3–7 NASB 2020

3 I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience the way my forefathers did, as I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day, 4 longing to see you, even as I recall your tears, so that I may be filled with joy. 5 For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelled in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well. 6 For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.

Let us Pray:

Father, we humbly pray that you will take this child into your loving care. Abundantly enrich him with your heavenly grace, bring him safely through the perils of childhood; deliver him from the temptations of youth; lead him to personal knowledge of Christ as Savior; help him to grow in wisdom, stature, and in favor with God and all people. Father, uphold these parents with your loving care, that with wise council and holy example they may faithfully discharge their responsibilities both to this child and to you. In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.