Baby Dedication Information

125 days ago by Suzie McCord Join the Oasis Church Forum » 1 people have responded

What is Baby Dedication?

Baby dedication is a ceremony where parents bring their child before the Lord to thank Him for that child and to ask wisdom in raising that child to love God and honor Him. During the dedication, the babies and families are prayed for by our pastors. Baby Dedication does not ensure salvation. Because an infant or toddler has not yet reached the place in his life where he understands salvation and is ready to make a commitment, we do not baptize. When he is older and understands fully the sacrifice that Jesus Christ made for him by dying on the cross for his sins; and he receives Christ as his Savior, he can then be baptized in water as a testimony of his faith in Jesus Christ.

We are now doing Baby Dedication separate from our regular worship services. This is to allow more time for the baby dedication ceremony. The ceremony will include: a message from the pastor, special music, a time of introducing mom, dad & baby, a challenge to parents, and prayer for your child. Baby dedication occurs twice a year – once in September and once in March. It will be a 1 ½ hour service in a warm, inviting atmosphere, with refreshments being served and plenty of seating for friends and family members. To register for baby dedication, visit the www.visitoasis.org website three weeks prior to the event date. Under “Event Registrations”, on the right hand column of the web page, you can register your baby for the ceremony.

The upcoming baby dedications will take place on:
Saturday, September 13, 2008 5-6:30 p.m. (Parent meeting at 4:30 sharp!)
Saturday, March 14, 2009 5-6:30 p.m. (Parent meeting at 4:30 sharp!)

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Baby Dedication:
Is there a fee for baby dedication?
There is no fee for baby dedication.

Is there a limit on the number of guests I can invite?
There is no limit on the number of people you can invite, though you may not be able to sit together if you do not arrive early (4:45 pm).

What role do God Parents play in the ceremony?
We realize that raising a child is a big task and that you have some very special people who support you in that. However, God Parents do not play a part in the baby dedication ceremony and are not recognized as part of the program. Appointing God Parents is not a tradition that all people observe and has historically not been part of baby dedication. We are also very limited in time and stage space for the ceremony. So, if you have chosen God Parents, we recommend that you honor your God Parents as a part of your personal baby dedication celebration.

Will someone tell me what to do after I register my child?
After registering your child online, a member of the Children’s Ministry Staff will be in contact with you. You will be fully informed of all the details regarding baby dedication prior to the event.

What role will I play in the baby dedication ceremony?
When signing up for baby dedication, realize you will be required to attend a parent meeting that will take place at 4:30 p.m. on the date of the dedication. This is where you will learn the order of the ceremony and what your role is. (no speaking roles, don’t worry!). It is very important that you attend this meeting and that you are on time.

Do I need to be a member of Oasis Church to have my baby dedicated?
You do not need to be a member of Oasis Church to participate in Baby Dedication; though, we hope you’ll continue worshiping with us!

Is there an age requirement for dedication?
Small children of various ages are dedicated. Some families dedicate multiple children. Dedication is really a parent commitment to raise the child to know Jesus Christ as Savior. So, if you have a three year old, or even a five year old, and just recently came to know Christ yourself, it is more than appropriate to wish to dedicate those children. As children reach an age where they are able to understand salvation, our hope is that they will personally trust Christ as their savior and choose to be baptized. So, if you have a 6 ,7, 8 year old, etc., it’s the time to begin speaking with your child about salvation and praying that they will accept Jesus as Savior. idsWorld also offers bi-monthly salvation and baptism classes for children, to help you in explaining what salvation means.

What should I wear to baby dedication?
Parent attire for baby dedication is slacks or a suit for men and a church appropriate dress or pants suit for ladies (think graduation ceremony or casual wedding). Babies should be dressed in what you feel looks cute on them! No specific color required.

Will there be time to celebrate with my guests at baby dedication?
Following the dedication, we offer finger foods, punch, and cake in the café for your family members who wish to stay.

Can I take pictures during the ceremony?
Photography is encouraged, but we ask that you not interrupt the flow of the ceremony.

Do I receive any sort of record of the dedication?
Immediately following the ceremony, you will receive a baby dedication certificate and small bible for each child that is dedicated.

If you have any questions that were not addressed in these FAQ’s, feel free to e-mail Suzie McCord, Children’s Ministry Director and Baby Dedication Coordinator, at suziem@visitoasis.org.