Dedication

 


Our has pretty cut and dry rules on baptism as it pertains to both infants and small children. It's not necessary.  I know that sounds weird at first, but when you look at what The Bible says about baptism, it makes perfect sense.  To our congregation at least.  So according to the way we, as a church, have interpreted the meaning of baptism, we feel that an infant does not yet possess the aptitude to fully understand meaning of being baptized.
    
 "We believe that when people are old enough to understand what it means to put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, they should have the opportunity to make that choice for themselves. An infant is not able to understand sin, forgiveness, the sacrifice our Savior made for us, and what it means to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ." (socParents.com)


Instead, we do what is called a Baby Dedication.  This ceremony is simple and is somewhat similar to baptism.  During the ceremony, the parents of the fairly newborns vow to teach their children about God and the tremendous sacrifice he made in sending Jesus Christ  to die so that we might live eternally with him in heaven. 


On January 9, 2011, Mari and I took this leap of faith for Leila.  In doing so, this is oath that we took:
     "Do you promise by God's help and in partnership with the church to provide a Christian home of love and peace, to raise you child in the truth of God, to discipline them and encourage them to one day trust Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord?"