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Welcome! If you're reading this... more than likely you have some questions regarding baby dedications at Grace Church. Great! We hope the following will give you the information you need to help you make your decision and we invite you to contact us.
Whether or not you're a brand new parent or you've been parenting for several years now... either way - you're a parent! And what does "being a parent" mean? Well, it means you're a person who will "bring up or care for another". Isn't that amazing?!?!
God has rewarded you with a child to raise. What an awesome responsibility parents have. And here's the good news... He hasn't left any parent unnecessarily wondering "How do I do that?" No, not at all... because He shows us in His Word exactly what a good parent looks like. He even refers to you and me as "His children"; and refers to Himself as "our Father". So, it doesn't have to be all guess work.
Did you know the Bible has many insights to share with us about being a parent and being a child? Here are some verses...
Proverbs 22:6
"Train (or dedicate) a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.
Psalm 127:3
"Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from Him."
Here's one most parents learn quickly...
Ephesians 6:1-3
"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and your mother - (which is the first commandment with a promise) - that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth."
This next one may appear a bit confusing, but it's good advice from God; which brings us back to our need to dedicate our children to Him and His ways.
Ephesians 6:4
"Fathers (parents) do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord."
That just means... as a parent, we give up any right we feel we may have to act "unreasonably" toward our children. (And at times every parent will feel unreasonable toward their children). Instead, [we, the parents are encouraged to "choose", "decide" or "dedicate"]... bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
Isn't this wonderful... God gives parents and
children clear direction in the Bible!
Knowing that God has entrusted each parent with a responsibility to establish a foundation (built upon Jesus Christ) early in the life of a child puts you and your child at a great advantage! God leads... and you (the parent) follow. Thus enabling you to lead... and your child follows. Now you're both following God!
So when we talk about a "baby's dedication"... we're talking about a parent making a vow before the Lord (publicly) accepting this responsibility to be that child’s example of a loving parent. We'll be asking God to give each parent the strength they need (Philippians 4:13) to parent well. To give each parent God's wisdom and equip them to meet their child’s particular individual needs. We'll ask God to teach parents how to discipline their child - as the Lord would discipline us (Proverbs 13:24; Proverbs 29:15 and Proverbs 29:17). All the time remembering this... He not only knows our children and their needs, but He knows us (the parent) and what we need to fulfill our call as their parent for His glorious purpose.
Wow - God is a wonderful Father! With God's help, you can be an excellent role model to your child; and a great reflection to your child of who God is. Example: being patient and loving, a good provider, a gentle comforter, a caring healer, a wise teacher and more. What an incredible privilege we have as parents to come along side our children and introduce them to their Creator. It will happen in the simple, ordinary, everyday routine of life!
Keep in mind... none of us will ever be a "perfect parent" - only God fits that description. But God chose to entrust YOU with one (or more) of His "original creations" and you have the incredible opportunity to introduce him/her to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. To show them what it means to "be a family" and experience a parents love. Parents are the first person to show them just how valuable and special they are - not only to you, but more importantly... to God. God obviously believes in you (since you're now a parent) and here at Gracekids... we believe in you too! And because we believe your child is special - (to God and to you) we make baby dedications available at Grace.
As you take this step of faith (together with God, family and friends), Gracekids is here to support you. We're eager and delighted to be able to share in some of life’s most meaningful moments with you and your child for years to come. Together we will watch as they grow, learn, and apply the truth of God's Word to their own lives and in their own families. Gracekids is available for your growing child from nursery - pre-K, as well as 1st - 5th on a weekly basis. Our prayer is that each and every child attending Gracekids will have a solid foundation of LOVE to build upon and we're eager to be a part of that with you.
If you are interested in dedicating your child here at Grace, you can call ext. 2118 at the church to sign up and attend our Baby Orientation class. Dates for these classes are listed on this Grace Church web site.
Happy Parenting!!!!
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