Child Dedication Ceremony

(Nancy) Leader introduces each family.

Today we have the honor of dedicating five beautiful children and coming alongside five wonderful families as they raise these children. Children dedications are a very important time in the life of our church, because it’s a time for us to partner with families in the discipleship journey. Today we have five beautiful families on stage, let me introduce them to you.

First family is Jon and Kari Garber and their precious daughter Hallie Garber

Second family is Charlie & Tiffany Carper and their precious daughter Nora Carper

Third family is Caesar & Chelsey Santiago and their precious daughter Lydia Santiago

Fourth family is Derek & Kelsey Yoder and their handsome son Weston Yoder

Fifth family is Neal & Jenna Mummau and their handsome son Conley Mummau

(Nancy)- At this time the parents have prepared a short blessing to read for their child.

(Josh) Leader: Luke 2:52 states that “And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature [or physical growth] and in favor with God and [hu]man[kind].” Parents, God has entrusted you with a magnificent responsibility of guiding your children as they grow. Do you lovingly accept this responsibility? If so, answer, “We do.”

Parents: We do.

(Nancy) Leader: God has given you the gift of life in these children you hold and love. Will you protect and nurture this gift? If so, answer, “We will.”

Parents: We will.

(Josh) Leader: God expects you to teach a child through the example of a godly life. Will you strive to live lives consistent with God’s Word before your children?

Parents: We will.

(Nancy) Leader: Deuteronomy 6:5-7 proclaims, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children.” Parents, will you dedicate yourselves to teaching the ways of Christ to your children? If so, answer, “We will.”

Parents: We will.

(Josh) Leader: At Mount Joy Mennonite we focus on God-centered worship, Gospel expansion, biblical training, and joyful service. Parents, will you dedicate yourselves to involve your children in God-centered worship? Will you teach your child how to share the gospel and model how to do it? Will you commit to If so, answer, “We will.”

Parents: We will.

(Josh) Pastor: Church family, God does not call parents to walk alone. Will you help these parents keep their commitment to guide their children as they grow in wisdom and stature, in favor with God and other people? If so, answer, “We will.”

Congregation: We will.

(Josh) Pastor: Will you help them protect and nurture the precious gifts of life God has given them? If so, answer, “We will.”

Congregation: We will.

(Josh) Pastor: Church family, will you also provide godly examples for these children to follow? If so, answer, “We will.”

Congregation: We will.

(Josh) Pastor: Will you help these parents teach these children the ways of Christ? If so, answer, “We will.”

Congregation: We will.

(Josh) Pastor: Will you joyfully serve the families and children of our church by volunteering in Next Gen Ministry, teaching and assisting during children and youth activities? If so, answer, “We will.”

Congregation: We will.

(Josh) Pastor: Let us pray… (Josh, Nancy, and Hilary lay hands on each child as we pray.)

(Nancy) Leader: Let’s celebrate these commitments with applause.

(Nancy Leader: As these families leave the platform, we will be presenting them with a gift to remember today. (Hilary gives gifts) Continue to keep these families in your prayers in the weeks, months, and years ahead.