BABY DEDICATIONS
When the disciples asked Jesus, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”, he called a child to the group as an example of how all should be. He said "Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me” (Matthew 18:4-5). In another passage of scripture, Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Matthew 19:14).
Children and families are at the heart of the Kingdom of God and the gospel message itself. The story of Jesus began in the family of Joseph and Mary. This young couple had to stand against opposition, community gossip, and grow together spiritually while trusting fully in the promises of God. During his final moments on the cross, Jesus continued to show the deep meaning of family as he made certain that Mary was taken care of by giving John the role of 'her son.’ The home, the family, and the place of children in it are undeniably foundational to the Christian faith. Baby dedications, therefore, are not just for the baby; they are for the parents, the family, and the Church as a whole.
Baby dedications are beautiful moments in the life of a church during which parents/guardians present their young children (normally between birth and one year of age) before the church and devote themselves to raise that child in a godly home. For those parents/guardians who are believers in Christ and members of the church, the ceremony occurs during a regular church service. During the ceremony, the church body commits to partner with the parents in the faith development of the child for the duration of the journey.
For those parents/guardians who are not members of the church, we have made provisions for children to be dedicated during a separate event. We strongly encourage all parents to commit to membership in a church. The church is a powerful resource to aid parents/guardians in upholding the vows you make during the baby dedication to raise your children in Christian nurture and to allow the faith community of which you are a member to take part in that responsibility. Just like a Christian wedding ceremony, baby dedications are more than just a pretty event, but the initiation of a covenant relationship.
All parents and/or guardians are required to attend our Baby Dedication workshop prior to the dedication service. Baby Dedications will take place on the 2nd Sunday of specified months during the calendar year at the 11:00am service. The workshop will normally take place the Saturday prior to the 2nd Sunday. A schedule will be provided upon request.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS / SCHEDULE
CUCC BABY DEDICATION SCHEDULE
SEPTEMBER 2023 – JULY 2024
Please note that the Baby Dedication Class must be completed by at least one parent or guardian prior to the dedication ceremony.
Who may attend the Baby Dedication class?
The child’s parents and Godparents (Members and non-members of CUCC are welcome!)
MEMBERS OF CUCC:
How many participants may attend the class?
Parents & Godparents* of 7 children (*Godparents’ attendance is optional)
When and where will classes be held for members?
Saturdays from 12PM – 1PM in the BWS Family Life Center
2023: SEPTEMBER 9
2024: JANUARY 13, MARCH 9, MAY 11, JULY 13
When and where is the dedication ceremony for children of members of CUCC?
Sundays during the 11AM worship service in the Sanctuary
2023: SEPTEMBER 10 (during 9AM worship service),
2024: JANUARY 14, MARCH 10, MAY 12, JULY 14 (during 9 AM worship service)
NON-MEMBERS OF CUCC:
How many participants may attend the class?
Parents & Godparents* of 3 children (*Godparents’ attendance is optional)
When and where will classes be held for non-members?
Saturdays from 12PM – 1PM in the BWS Family Life Center
2023: SEPTEMBER 9
2024: JANUARY 13, MARCH 9, MAY 11, JULY 13
When and where will the dedication ceremony be held for children of non-members?
Saturdays at 1:30PM in the Sanctuary
2023: SEPTEMBER 9
2024: JANUARY 13, MARCH 9, MAY 11, JULY 13
IMPORTANT:
- Parents must complete the application on the Covenant UCC website or contact Mrs. Seena Brown in the church office at 708-333-5955 to reserve your space, no later than 5:00PM on the Wednesday prior to class.
- Dedication certificates will be prepared for each child and distributed on the day of the ceremony.