Child Dedication at Crossroads

 

At Crossroads, we love that God has blessed our community with so many children, and it is our joy to celebrate the arrival of each one. When we dedicate children to God by having a special time of prayer and commitment during a Crossroads service, both parents –- and the whole community –- are making a promise to create an environment in which the child can flourish; we are passing on a heritage of faith.

To what are we committing when we dedicate a child?

We are acknowledging that we are dependent on God to give us the wisdom, the patience, and the stamina that we will need to be an expression of God’s love for our children. By doing this as a part of a Crossroads gathering, we are acknowledging God’s intention that our children be bonded with the family of faith from the beginning. We commit ourselves to raising our children in a way that will help them to take their next steps of faith in their own relationship with Jesus.

We know that our children will need to continue to choose Jesus for themselves when they are ready. We have decided, as a church, to save baptism as a step to be taken after a person has made his or her own faith commitment. (For additional reflection, see I Samuel 1:24-28, Deuteronomy 6:4-9 or Proverbs 3:5-6.)

What child dedication is not

* Child dedication is not a substitute for baptism.
* Child dedication doesn’t replace an individual’s personal decision to follow Jesus.
* Child dedication is a statement of commitment to raise your child in a way that honours God.

 

What actually happens at the dedication service?

You have to be at church 15 minutes early and report to the stage manager. Your family should sit near the front by an aisle where you can easily get to the podium. You and your child will be invited to the stage. You will be given the opportunity to introduce yourselves. A Liturgy of Child Dedication will then be followed by a pastoral blessing over your child. (A copy of this will be sent to you before the actual dedication).

Do I need to say anything at the Dedication?

You aren’t obligated to, but we would like to give you the opportunity to introduce yourself and your family to the congregation.

Do I need to prepare anything for the dedication?

Parent(s) are asked to choose a Short Bible Verse or Short Poem. This needs to be sent, in advance of the dedication date. The text will be read aloud and place on the large screens for the congregation to read along. The language must be in English and, if needed, another language of your choice. The English version will be read. Also feel free to add a digital picture of your child if you wish.

When will the dedications be?

Dedication can be done on the following dates:

• 7 October 2012
• 13 January 2013
• 12 May 2013

Let us know you are interested in dedicating your child, by filling in this form which you can download. In this form you can also mention the Bible verse or Poem you would like to use. Please send the completed form to children@xrds.nl. We will then contact you.