Meadow Park Church of God 2425 Bethel Road Columbus, OH

Transcription

1 Meadow Park Church of God 2425 Bethel Road Columbus, OH

2 Jesus Loves Children! Matthew 19:13-14 One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so He could lay His hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering Him. But Jesus said, Let the children come to me. Don t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children. Why Do We Have Child Dedication? Child dedication was modeled by the parents of Jesus. He was dedicated as a child by Mary and Joseph. Luke 2:22 Then it was time for their purification offering, as required by the law of Moses after the birth of a child, so his parents took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. Jesus was baptized as an adult by his own volition. Matthew 3:16-17 After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. And a voice from heaven said, This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy. What is Child Dedication? Child dedication is the dedication of the parents and families. The purpose of the ceremony is found in the parents intent to bring their children to the Lord. Parents are dedicating their child to God and dedicating themselves to be God s instruments in raising their children according to God s will. Child dedication does not provide salvation for the child, but is a commitment of the parents, their families, and the church to give the child every opportunity to come to a saving relationship with Jesus. Deuteronomy 6:6-9 And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed, and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. II Timothy 3:14-16 But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.

3 What are the Steps for Child Dedication? 1. Complete and submit the Child Dedication Service form to the Director of Children s Ministries. 2. Meet with the director to discuss the meaning and reason for child dedication and the value of Christian parenting. 3. Invite as many family members and friends as you would like. Let the church know one week in advance if you would like seats reserved for your guests photo of your child and 1 photo of your family to the church at least one week in advance. These photos will be placed on the large screen during your dedication ceremony. 5. A church photographer will be available to photograph your family following the service. The church will provide a disc of the photos for you. 6. The church kitchen and meeting rooms at the Bethel campus may be available for your use after the service if you would like a place for your family and friends to eat together. Please indicate your interest on the Child Dedication Service form. What Takes Place During the Ceremony? 1. Child dedications usually take place at the very beginning of the service. 2. The pastor will give a short explanation of the meaning of child dedication. 3. The pastor will invite the child and his/her parents, along with other family members and special friends to come to the front of the sanctuary. 4. Each child and his/her parents will be introduced to the congregation. A photo of the child and of the family will be shown on the screen. 5. The parents will be asked a few questions of commitment and will answer aloud. 6. The extended family will be asked a question of commitment and will answer aloud. 7. The congregation will be asked to stand and will answer a question of commitment aloud. 8. The pastor will pray over each child and family. 9. Each child will receive a Bible and a Certificate of Dedication. 10. The families will return to their seats. 11. The church photographer will be available immediately following the service to take a family photo for you.

4 Child Dedication Commitments Questions for Parents: Do you promise as a Christian parent(s) that you will raise your child in the discipline and instruction of the Lord, depending on God for grace and guidance? Do you promise to give your child every possible benefit of home, church, and school? Do you ask God s blessing and guidance upon the life of this child? Question for Grandparents/Extended Family Do you promise to love and support these parents and this child? Question for Congregation Do you promise to support this family in every way possible as this child is raised in the caring fellowship of the church?

5 Child Dedication Service Request This form is to be completed by the parents and submitted to the Director of Children s Ministries. Upon submission, a meeting will be scheduled to discuss the commitment being made and the scheduling of the ceremony. (Please Print) Child s full name (as it is to appear on certificate): Child s date of birth: / / Father s full name: Mother s full name: Address: City: State: Zip: Primary Phone: / / Cell Home Work Primary Address: Do you consider Meadow Park to be your church home: Yes No Have you completed a Connections or I Belong class: Yes No Please indicate your choice of date: November 7/8, 2015 February 20/21, 2016 May 7/8, 2016 (Mother s Day) September 17/18, 2016 November 19/20, 2016 Please indicate your choice of service time: Bethel: Saturday Night 6pm Sunday Morning 9:30am Sunday Morning 11:00am Powell: Sunday Morning 10:30am See next page:

6 If you would like a pastor other than the Director of Children s Ministries to perform the dedication, please indicate your pastor of choice: Please check to indicate your interest in the following (No fees applicable): Reserved sanctuary seating for people Reservation of kitchen and room for lunch/reception following the service for people (Bethel Campus Only) Family photograph taken by church photographer following service (Bethel Campus Only)