Child Dedication
"Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6 Your child's first glimpse of spiritual community is in your own home. As a parent, you are the first impression of God that your child gets. It's an awesome responsibility and privilege - one that we at GCC support through our Child Dedication Service. The Child Dedication experience provides parents of infants and young children a formal, public opportunity to dedicate their children to the Lord. During this service, parents affirm their own faith in Jesus Christ and promise to model and teach that faith to their children. At the same time, the church body agrees to walk alongside parents and hold them accountable.
What is Baby/Child Dedication?
Child dedication is the act of giving back to God the gift he has given you as parents. It is an act of worship, thanksgiving, dependence, trust, and commitment. The practice of child dedication has been modeled throughout the Bible. The Israelites brought their 8-day-old children to the priest for blessing. Hannah (I Samuel 1:24-28) brought her long-awaited son Samuel to the priest Eli to dedicate him to the Lord. Mary and Joseph brought baby Jesus to the temple for his dedication. We recognize that salvation only comes to a child through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Salvation is not passed on to a child through dedication. Parents covenant to raise their children by modeling Godly principles with the desire that one day their children will receive Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.When & Where is Baby & Child Dedication?
Call 603-415-4000 to find specific times and dates.
Child dedication is held generally on the second Sunday of every other month as a part of the Weekend Celebration Service.