Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Parent Child Dedications


Parent Child Dedications

We make a big deal out of celebrating the certain milestones of the Christian faith life that we cross through in our church. The first “faith celebration” that we cover is our Parent Child Dedication service. When a child is born parents are called to present them before the church and pray a blessings and dedication of that child to the Lord and to His service. The church also commits to following in the love and support of that family to see them give that child every advantage of a Christian home and community of faith while raising that child.

Think back to when you first had your children. Think about the name that you gave to your children. Let this discussion guide your thoughts about Parent Child Dedications and there importance in the church.

Mothers Day, May 12th New Beginnings will host our next Parent Child Dedication service for all children not yet dedicated. Might you consider joining in the celebration? To sign-up for this celebration service contact Pastor Travis at travis@nbchurch.info by May 5th.


1.       Take turns sharing briefly how you came up with your child’s name and, if you know it, what the name means. Write the meaning here:

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Read the following passages and reflect upon the importance of a name of a child and what that name signifies for that child.

1 Samuel 1:9-18 says, Once when they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh, Hannah stood up. Now Eli the priest was sitting on his chair by the doorpost of the Lord’s house.  In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly. And she made a vow, saying, “Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.”

 As she kept on praying to the Lord, Eli observed her mouth. Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk  and said to her, “How long are you going to stay drunk? Put away your wine.”

 “Not so, my lord,” Hannah replied, “I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the Lord.  Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief.”

 Eli answered, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him.”

 She said, “May your servant find favor in your eyes.” Then she went her way and ate something, and her face was no longer downcast.

2.       How does your child’s name—and its meaning—reflect the person you want him or her to become?

3.       What hopes and dreams do you have for your children?

4.       Draw a picture of your family’s faith foundation.

5.       Talk to God about your picture. Jot down any thoughts God gives you.

In closing here are some of the most important scriptures I can find about dedicating ones child to the Lord. May they bless and encourage you!

People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them.  When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”  And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.   Mark 10:13-16

Now I am giving you the Lord, and you will belong to the Lord your whole life.  1 Samuel  1:28

May God be your God from the moment you are born.  Psalm 22:10

God saw you before you were born. Every day of your life was recorded in his book.  Psalm 139:16

1 comment:

  1. What an exciting opportunity for families to partner with the church to support & encourage each other...a beautiful picture of believers doing life together!

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