Make Plans Now for the September 18 Baby Dedication!
13 days ago by Paula Ramirez
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 babies. 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.
Baby Dedication is separate from our regular worship services. This is to allow more time for the ceremony. The event includes a message from the pastor, special music, a time of introducing mom, dad & baby, a challenge to parents, prayer for your child, and refreshments. Baby dedication occurs twice a year – in the fall and spring. There is no charge for this event; however, we do require that the Mom and/or Dad of the baby be an active member of Oasis Church. Church Membership involves attending the Discover Oasis Class, salvation and baptism. Membership will be verified for registrations to be valid.
The upcoming baby dedication will take place on:
September 18, 2010 at 5 p.m. (parents are required to arrive no later than 4:30 p.m.)
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Baby Dedication:
How do I register my child for baby dedication?
Registration for baby dedication is done online only and begins at least one month prior to baby dedication. When registration is open, it will be announced online and in our church bulletin. Registration for the September dedication will start in August. We do not accept registrations over the phone. At least one parent of the baby must be a member of Oasis Church. Church Membership will be verified before online registrations are considered valid. (Membership involves having attended our Discover Oasis Class, salvation, and baptism).
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?
You may invite up to 10 guests in addition to Mom, Dad, & Baby.
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.
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. If at any time you have a question regarding baby dedication, you can always contact Paula Ramirez at paular@visitoasis.org or 954-433-4838 ×213.
What role will I play in the baby dedication ceremony?
During the baby dedication ceremony, the Mom, Dad and Baby will be introduced. Your baby will also be prayed for by a pastor. The real responsibility involved comes after the ceremony as you daily commit to raise your child to know Jesus Christ and follow him.
Do I need to be a member of Oasis Church to have my baby dedicated?
YES! Membership is required to dedicate your baby at Oasis Church. The Mom and/or Dad of the baby are required to be members of Oasis Church. Our church membership involves attending Discover Oasis, being saved and baptized, and completing a membership request card (given at Discover Oasis). Membership will be verified before online registrations are valid. Discover Oasis Classes are offered periodically throughout the year. The next Discover Oasis is September 12 at 1:30 p.m. at the Pines Campus.
Is there an age requirement for dedication?
Babies and toddlers are the primary group that is dedicated. However, baby 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 four-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 5 ,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. KidsWorld 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.
Can I take pictures during the ceremony?
Photography is encouraged, but we ask that you not interrupt the flow of the ceremony.
What is the baby dedication slide show?
The baby dedication slide show is something we put together to “show off” your little one during the ceremony. You will be asked to provide a picture of your child at least one week before baby dedication. After registering online, you can email that picture to paular@visitoasis.org, drop it by the church office (M-Th 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.) or place it in an envelope in the church offering plate. Due to the time it takes to prepare the show, any pictures not received at least one week before baby dedication will not be included in the slide show. Please include the baby’s name on any emailed or printed pictures given. Printed pictures will not be returned. If submitting a printed picture, please choose one that is no larger than 4×6.
Do I receive any sort of record of the dedication?
Following the ceremony, you will receive a baby dedication certificate and small Bible for each child that is dedicated.
What do I tell my family & guests regarding baby dedication?
You’ll definitely want to share your good news and let your family know about your decision to dedicate your baby. Baby dedication is really a parent commitment to raise your child to know Jesus Christ and follow him. This is a big, exciting commitment that you are making as a family. You are permitted to invite up to 10 guests to come and witness your baby dedication ceremony at Oasis Church. The program will begin promptly at 5 p.m. Please make sure your guests arrive by 4:45 p.m. It will be a very personal and special program just for you and you won’t want your guests to arrive late and feel awkward or cause a disruption to the ceremony.
If you have any questions that were not addressed in these FAQ’s, feel free to e-mail, Paula Ramirez, Interim Children’s Ministry Director and Baby Dedication Coordinator, at paular@visitoasis.org.
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