Jake and Cindy

A Service of
Thanksgiving and Dedication

The Address

Minister:
This congregation rejoices with you in the gift of this child entrusted to your loving care. We are glad that you, moved by the blessings and responsibilities of parenthood, have brought your child to the house of God to show your gratitude and to acknowledge your need for God's help in fulfilling your parental responsibilities properly.

In doing this, you are observing a custom which had its beginnings in the hearts of devout and grateful parents many centuries ago. In the scriptures we read that Hannah brought the child Samuel to the house of the Lord in Shiloh, and that Mary and Joseph presented the infant Jesus in the temple in Jerusalem. No ceremony has the power to change the character of a person or alter one's relationship to God; nevertheless, the measure of consecration which you give, the manner in which guide and instruct, and the faithfulness with which you exemplify the life and spirit of Jesus Christ will determine in large measure your child's character and eternal destiny.

The Covenant

Minister: Do you now present your child before God in dedication?

Response: I / We do.

Minister: Do you covenant to rear this child in the nurture and admonition of the Lord?

Response: I / We do.

Minister: Do you promise before this congregation to instruct your child in the teachings of Jesus Christ and in the practice of prayer, and to provide guidance in the development of a Christlike character?

Response: I / We do.

Minister: Do you promise to shape the home life of your child so that both by family worship experience, and by your own words and example, at the proper age this child may naturally come to an open confession of faith in Christ and into the fellowship and service of the church?

Response: I / We do.

The Charge of the Congregation

Minister:
The responsibility for the Christian training of this child cannot be fully discharged within the immediate family relationship alone. For good or ill, the neighborhood, the nation, the whole world will exercise influence. Since we as Christians are members one of another, the responsibility must be shared by all. As an evidence of your willingness to participate as fully as you can in the creation of a Christian environment for this child and, indeed, all children, will you, members of this church and community, now raise and join in the prayer of dedication.

The Prayer of Dedication

For all your gracious gifts to us, O God, we give grateful thanks, especially for this young child whom we desire to dedicate this day to you. Bless what we do here to the end that this child may increase in wisdom and stature and in favor with you and with all humankind. Grant that the vows made here in this service may be faithfully performed. Give all of us some measure of Christ's love and appreciation of children. Help us to do our part in building a world wherein all children may grow up in health and happiness. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Blessing

Minister:
"I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the Kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles one's self like this child, is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven."

"Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me."
-- Matthew 18: 3-5 (RSV)

I dedicate you to God and to the service of God's holy purposes, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.