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| I just found out that I'm doing the Baby Dedication May 12th. It's a first for me and I want to take this opportunity to make it a real milestone experience for the family.
I would like to take a fresh approach with some new ideas. Our current Baby Dedication is basically a very long litany. I dread the idea of hearing the congregation drone through the same call and response.
I'm looking for new ideas that will not just charge the congregation and parents with responsibilities, but will inspire and encourage parents and the congregation as spiritual mentors.
Can you please share your ideas for a memorable and meaningful Baby Dedication?? I've got 5-7 minutes in the service.
Lisa B from NC |
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Last Login: Today @ 8:48:56 AM
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| | Eureka! I found just the perfect thing for our Baby Dedication. I found it in our denomination's worship periodical. The idea is not mine. It is from Frank Lewis a pastor in Nashville, Tennessee. The parents will bring their child down the aisle as I introduce each child to the congregation. While the parent and children stand in front of the congregation, I will talk briefly to the parents and congregation about creating an atmosphere around the children that will guide and direct the children toward faith in Jesus Christ. I will talk about the coming day that each one of the children will walk up the aisle on their own and publicly profess their faith in Jesus Christ. I will also remind them of other milestones we will celebrate with the children as they stand before the congregation... (first Children's Sunday, first Bible, and their high school graduation etc.) and how it is our role as parents and as a church to encourage the children and support the parents as the children to grow in faith between now and that special graduation day. I have prepared a brief litany. To the parents - Do you promise to provide an loving atmosphere of spiritual nurturing that will guide your child's heart toward the gospel and a saving relationship with Jesus Christ? (Parents respond) To the congregation - Church family, do you take the responsibility to assist these families, as you teach and work with them in Sunday School, Bible Study, choirs and in conversations in the hallways that will encourage them in the spiritual development of these children before you? (Congregation responds) Then closing in prayer, I will pray for God's protection and guidance and close by blessing each child by name. "(Child's name),By God's power, may you be wise, be strong, be pure." Each family will receive a certificate and a letter addressed to their child to be opened on the child's 12th birthday. (That letter tells about their Dedication day, their parent's promise, the congregation's promise and letting the child know that how they respond to God's love for them through Jesus is now their decision to make, if not already decided, to receive Jesus as their savior.) I note that many of you read my post, but no one replied. Must be that God wanted to be the only one to help me to discover His way.
Lisa B from NC |
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