What About Baby/Child Dedications?
At Portland Christian Center, we see children are a gift from God! We invite you to participate in a Baby Dedication ceremony on one of the following Sundays:
NEXT DEDICATION:
May 13, 2012
Class with Pastor Linda on May 6, 2012
10:45 AM in the hospitality center
What to Know About Dedications
- Arrive 15 minutes prior to the service.
- Encourage all participants to sit within the first 2 rows of the sanctuary. You may invite family members to stand with you as your child is dedicated.
- You will be called forward at the appropriate time during the service. Pastor Ray and Linda will spend time with each family.
- Be prepared to make this a very special day in the lives of your family!
Q: Why should we dedicate our children?
Q: Is dedicating our children considered the same as salvation or baptism?
Q: When are the dedications held at Portland Christian Center?
Q: How do we include our family in this important act of our faith?
Q: What happens on the Sunday my child is to be dedicated?
Q: Why should we dedicate our children to God?
A: Because children belong to God, it is only proper and appropriate that children be dedicated back to God.
“Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from Him.” - Psalm 127:3
As Christians we are called to recognize that children belong first and foremost to God and are given by grace as gifts to parents. Parents not only have the awesome responsibility of caring for this gift, but also the wonderful privilege of enjoying the gift.
The dedication of children is taught in the Bible.
We are told in I Samuel 1 that Hannah presented her son Samuel to the Lord. In Luke 2:22 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 or daughter, presenting first themselves and then their child before the Lord our God.
Q: Is dedicating our children considered the same as baptism or salvation?
A: The dedication of your children is not a baptism, nor a sacrament of the church. Rather you, as the parents entrusted by God, are demonstrating a commitment to Him. You are commiting and seeking to do everything that is in your power, as God gives you wisdom, to see that your children grow up to respect and honor God and to love and serve Jesus Christ. This “setting apart” is an act, by you the parents, a powerful declaration of your acknowledgement of your stewardship over God’s children.
Dedicating your children to God is not the salvation of your children, but a public expression of the fact they belong to God. It is also viewed as a confirmation between you and the church to partner in raising your children in a godly way until they are old enough to make their own decision in accepting Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.
Q: When are the dedications held at Portland Christian Center?
A: Dedications happen during our morning service time. We like to scheduled them around special seasons and family times. This year dedications have been scheduled for:
Q: How do we include our family in this important act of our faith?
A: First, download the Baby / Child Dedication Form and or mail it to:Portland Christian Center 5700 SW Dosch Road Portland, OR 97239 Attention: Stephanie Van Raden
Second, you will be contacted by email or telephone to confirm your date.
Third, after the date has been confirmed, please contact family and friends and invite them to the service. We recommend the entire family be involved in the ceremony. This would include all of the siblings, Grandparents and Godparents!
Fourth, attend the Child/Baby Dedication class one week prior to the Dedication Ceremony in the services.
Pastor Linda Noah looks forward to meeting with you at 9:15 AM the Sunday prior to the dedication to go over your information, and speak to you about the name of your child. She will offer you a detailed description of what will happen during the service. We would also request you to supply a photograph of your child (or a family picture) to be shown to the congregation when your child is dedicated.
***Please email your photograph to prior to attending the class.
Q: What happens on the Sunday my child is to be dedicated?
A: On the Sunday of your dedication.