A family dedication in church

This morning Merlande Daniels and Pierre Charles brought their son before the congregation in a service of family dedication. I married the couple several years ago. Last fall they brought their newborn son, Kaidens before us. At the time they asked if Jalen was too old. I told them he wasn't and they said that they would like to do the same thing for him on a different day.

Just before Christmas they set the date. They joined us with some friends and family members and we built the ceremony into our morning worship service today.

In a family dedication ceremony the parents declare that they believe their child is a gift from God and promise to raise him or her in a Christian home.

Then we ask the congregation if they are willing to stand by the parents. The congregation promises to provide a place for the parents to come to find support and encouragement as they fulfill their promises.

In recent years I have introduced the child to the congregation. This morning Jalen and I walked down the aisle together. He was a little nervous to begin with but h warmed up by the time we got back up front. We even got a smile out of him when I gave him his own flower.

Cal