Baby Dedication

Children are a gift from God. proclaims that "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.

They 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.

We are told in that Hannah presented her son Samuel to the Lord. In we read that Mary and Joseph brought their baby Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem in order to present him before the Lord. In the same way, (PARENTS) today bring their (SON/DAUGHTER + CHILD'S NAME), presenting first themselves and then their (SON/DAUGHTER) before the Lord our God.

Accompanying them in making this commitment are Lilly Jane Vickers and Harlie.

Jared and Jillian, Josh and Courtney, I call your attention to the commands of God recorded in Holy Scripture. tells us:

"Hear O Israel: The Lord our God is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on their children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."

says:

"fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." God's instructions are plain.

(PARENTS), love God with every ounce and fiber of your energy and teach (Logan, Addie Mae) to do the same. As you love God, one another, and Harlie and Lilly Jane, you will model before Logan and Addie Mae a wonderful love for God that he will want for himself.

(Jared and Jillian) By coming forward before God and his people, do you hereby declare your desire to dedicate yourselves and (Logan Leadon Etress) to the Lord? If so, please respond by saying "we do." ("We do.")

(Josh and Courtney) By coming forward before God and his people, do you hereby declare your desire to dedicate yourselves and your (Addie Mae Vickers) to the Lord? If so, please respond by saying "we do." ("We do.")

Having come freely, I ask now that you enter into the following commitment in the presence of God and his people, So that (Logan and Addie Mae) may walk in the abundant life that Christ offers, do you vow by God's help and in partnership with the church, to provide these precious children a Christian home of love and peace, to raise them in the truth of our Lord's instruction and discipline, and to encourage him to one day trust Jesus Christ as his Savior and Lord? ("We do.")

Modeling this kind of love can not be done alone. It requires the help of others. For this reason, I now direct my questions to you. By coming forward before God and his people, do you hereby declare your desire to help Josh and courtney, and Jared and Jillian fulfill the vow they have just made by becoming (CHILD'S) godparents? If so, please respond by saying "we do." ("We do.")

Having come freely, I ask now that you enter into the following commitment: So that (CHILD) may walk in the abundant life that Christ offers, do you vow by God's help, to encourage, through praise and correction, (PARENTS) in their effort to raise (CHILD) in the fear of the Lord, to uphold them in prayer, and if anything should happen to (PARENTS), to assume responsibility in helping (CHILD) receive our Lord's guidance and instruction? ("We do.")

Finally, I ask that the church make a vow as well. There's an old proverb that says "it takes a village to raise a child." Parents have first responsibility. But parents need the help and support of the community. So I direct my questions now to the church. By being present in God's house today, do you hereby declare yourselves to be the children of God because you trust in Jesus Christ alone for the forgiveness of sins and the gift of eternal life? If this is true, please respond by saying "we do." ("We do.")

Would you please stand? Having come freely, I ask now that you make the following commitment to those who stand before you: So that (CHILD) may walk in the abundant life that Christ offers, do you vow by God's help, to be faithful in your calling as members of the body of Christ, to help (PARENTS) be faithful to God, and to help teach and train (CHILD) in the ways of the Lord so that he might one day trust him as Savior and Lord? If you accept this responsibility, please respond by saying "we do."

(Dad hands child to pastor for prayer of dedication)

(Presentation of Certificate and Gift)

(May wish to sing dedication hymn)