Child Dedication for Noah Burton Ortega!

Intro:

What a joy it is being a part of our faith community. One family that involves a bunch of folks who bring their own groups with them. That can be your immediate family but it is your whole life you bring to your faith community!

As Michael touched on, we are celebrating new life in our community. In Mark 10, we see Jesus valuing and interacting with children during his earthly ministry. Jesus, who chose to experience childhood, embraced and prayed for children, demonstrating their importance. In our community, we follow his lead in cherishing and valuing our children.

Let me introduce Burton and Christi Ortega with their daughter Cici and the newest member, Noah Burton Ortega born on July 21st, 2023.

What an awesome little dude. Got to love the baby cheeks and smiles! Noah, in addition to a biblical name, means rest, comfort, peace. So far is Noah living up to his name?

(Burton/Christi talk about how he is easy going/good sleeper)

I try to engage with as many people as I can in my day who have great laughs. How is Noah’s laugh?

(Burton/Christi talk about his contagious laugh and how enjoys people making him laugh like his big sister CICI)

That is awesome! One of the things we want to be reminded of today is that parents and their faith community are the ones being dedicated today. Spoiler alter…Noah is most likely not going to remember today. But I hope that you guys (Burton and Christi) are reminded of your declaration today.

Today, you publicly declare your commitment to raising your children in a manner that glorifies God and benefits them, relying on God's grace and the support of His people. This involves nurturing, instructing, correcting, disciplining, and fostering their growth in faith. It means admitting when you are wrong and living out a life that demonstrates Jesus is Lord in your life.

Burton and Christi do you recognize that Noah is a beautiful gift from God by thanking God and glorifying Him?

Do you accept the joys and the responsibilities of parenting, promising to give proper love and care to Noah throughout his life?

Do commit to intentionally model and share your faith with Noah?

When you need help, do you commit to seeking out others for guidance and support?

Amen!

I also pray that us as a church family we remember that we are to not forget today either. We gather publicly because raising a child requires a community effort. These parents have just dedicated themselves to God, seeking support and accountability from our Christian family. Together, we create a warm and supportive environment for these families, ensuring the best conditions for the little ones to thrive. In Christian community, you're never alone in this journey!

Do we dedicate ourselves to offering love, support, and encouragement to whole Burton and Christi as they embrace their role as Noah’s parents?

Do we commit to faithfully pray for Noah and strive to set a godly example, with the hope that one day he will place his trust in Jesus?

Let us pray now for Noah, Burton, Christi, Cici and us as a church family:

Prayer of Dedication:

Dear Heavenly Father, we come before you with hearts full of gratitude for the precious life of Noah. We extend our hands in a gesture of blessing. We sincerely ask for your divine favor to be with him

We pray for the safety and well-being may you protect him lord. We trust in your your guiding hand to lead him through the journey of life, unfolding the purpose and blessings you have for him

May his life be filled with joy, and the fulfillment of your purpose. As he grows, may he come to know you, placing their trust in Jesus and experiencing the richness of a life lived in communion with you.

Dear Lord, watch over noah and his family. we offer this prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.