Q. WHEN & WHERE ARE BABY/CHILD DEDICATIONS?

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Baby/Child Dedications are held after 11:00 am worship service and are arranged according to the family's and church's availability. You must register for upcoming dedications by contacting Associate Pastor Dandridge at (323) 754-2885.

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Q. WHAT IS NEEDED BEFORE THE DEDICATION

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There should be a training/counseling meeting with the parent(s) several weeks before the dedication. We will use this as a teaching time to explain the dedication service and reinforce a biblical vision for Christian parenting. We discuss specific scriptures about parenting. We invite them to define their vision for their children. We encourage them to dedicate themselves as parents to raising God-centered children.  We also discuss the contents of the child dedication service.

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Q. WHAT IS BABY/CHILD DEDICATION?

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Baby/Child Dedication is the act of giving back to God the gift he has given you as parents (Mark 10:14). It is an act of worship, thanksgiving, dependence, trust and commitment. The practice of Baby/Child Dedication has been modeled throughout the Bible: Hannah brought her long-awaited son, Samuel, to the priest, Eli, to dedicate him to the Lord (I Samuel 1:24-28).  Mary and Joseph brought baby Jesus to the temple for his dedication (Luke 2:21- 31).

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The Bible is clear that salvation only comes to a child through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, that is evidenced through belief and confession (John 3:16; Romans 10:9-10).  Salvation is not passed on to a child through dedication.  Through dedication, the parents promise to raise their children by modeling Godly principles with the desire that one day their children will receive Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.

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Q. IS BABY/CHILD DEDICATION THE SAME AS INFANT BAPTISM OR CHRISTENING?

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Baby/Child Dedication is different from infant baptism or christening. While these rites are significant for a variety of faiths, it is the practice of Holy Light Missionary Baptist Church to dedicate children. The Bible teaches that all infants are destined for heaven should they die before they are old enough to enter into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ (2 Samuel 12:23; Matt 18:4). The Bible also teaches that baptism should take place after a person has made a personal commitment to follow Jesus Christ (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38, Acts 8:12; Acts 8:37).

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Q. WHAT WILL HAPPEN AT THE BABY/CHILD DEDICATION?

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At the conclusion of the worship service, the parents and all those who will be a part of the Baby/Child Dedication are to go to the front of the church (right in front of the communion table and below the pulpit). The service will include a word of encouragement to both parents and child/children, and special prayers will be offered to God on behalf of both parents and child/children. A special certificate will be given to the parents and the Baby/Child Dedication will be concluded.

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Q. I AM A SINGLE PARENT. MAY I STILL DEDICATE MY CHILD?

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Absolutely!

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Q. WHO SHOULD I CALL IF I HAVE QUESTIONS?

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Associate Pastor Dandridge at (323) 754-2885 or Email.

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Q. WHO SHOULD WE INVITE TO THE DEDICATION SERVICE?

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The Baby/Child Dedication Service is a very special time, so be sure to invite your family and friends.  There is no limit on the number of guests you may invite!

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Q. IS THERE A COST FOR THE BABY/CHILD DEDICATION?

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No!

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Q. DO I HAVE TO BE A MEMBER OF HOLY LIGHT MBC TO PARTICIPATE IN THE BABY/CHILD DEDICATION?

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No, but the parent(s) should have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ since the dedication represents making a commitment before the Lord to raise the child according to God’s word and his way.

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CHILD DEDICATION FORM