At Hillcrest we celebrate life! As your faith family we want to partner with you in raising your child to know and love Jesus with all their heart, soul and strength (Matthew 22:37). We invite you to participate in a special time of Child Dedication.
What is Child Dedication?
Baby dedication and child dedication are the act of giving back to God the gift he has given you as parents. It is an act of worship, thanksgiving, dependence, trust, and commitment. During this brief ceremony you will dedicate your child to God and commit yourselves to being godly parents. Your church family will also affirm their commitment to encouraging, supporting and helping you in this process.
We encourage you to invite relatives and friends to this special event. Flash photography and video cameras will be allowed during the dedication portion of the service.
Is Child Dedication in the Bible?
The practice of child dedication has been modeled throughout the Bible.
The Israelites brought their 8-day-old children to the priest for blessing. Hannah brought her long-awaited son Samuel to the priest Eli to dedicate him to the Lord. Mary and Joseph brought baby Jesus to the temple for his dedication.
We recognize that salvation only comes to a child through a real and personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It is not passed on to a child through dedication. Parents covenant to raise their children by modeling Godly principles with the desire that one day their children will receive Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.
Is dedication the same as infant baptism or christening?
Child dedication is different from infant baptism or christening. While these rites are significant for a variety of faiths, at Hillcrest we practice dedication of babies and children.
We believe that all infants are destined for heaven should they die before they are old enough to enter into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We also believe the Bible teaches that baptism should take place after a person has made a personal choice to follow Jesus Christ.
Who can participate in Child Dedication?
- Children: Dedication is not only for babies but for children of all ages. Many parents of teenage or college-age children find a time of Child Dedication to be spiritually formative for their family.
- Parents: Child Dedication is open to parents who can truthfully say, “I will commit myself to raising this child to know the Lord Jesus Christ by loving, discipling, training, supporting in prayer and setting a positive Christ-like example.”
—Single parents: Single parents are encouraged to participate in Child Dedication
—Membership: Membership at Hillcrest is NOT a requirement to Child Dedication
When & Where is Baby & Child Dedication?
Child dedication is held in the sanctuary during one of our Sunday morning worship services. For more information or to schedule your child to be dedicated, contact the church office.
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