On Sunday, August 7, we will be having a celebration service. Psalm 118:24 says to let us rejoice today and be glad, as the stone the builders rejected has become our cornerstone. Sometimes it is good to pause and give the Lord thanks and praise for Christ, for what he is doing in and among us. To that end, we will spend Sunday, August 7 celebrating by worshiping together, doing a Child Dedication, and having a Baptism afterward at Sunset Park.

Why do child dedication? Well, it is an opportunity for us to pray for and bless our families with children. We stand and promise to one another that we will commit ourselves to raising our church family in the training and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). We acknowledge the importance and weightiness of that task, and we celebrate the new life that the Lord has provided us. Child dedication has no particular age range. Typically, it is for newborns through toddler age, but if you have never had your child dedicated, feel free to do so. 

Why do baptism? Well, primarily because it is biblical to do so (Mark 1:9; 16:16; Acts 2:38; Romans 6; 10:9–10, et al). It is one of two ordinances found in Scripture (along with the Lord’s Table), and it is an opportunity for people who have given their lives to Christ to publicly declare their allegiance, surrendered lives, and full hearts to him. The symbol of going down into the water and being raised to newness of life (Romans 6), mirrors Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. It is one of the great privileges in the Christian life that we celebrate together.

Neither of these merit salvation or God’s grace. Salvation comes by our faith alone in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. It remains God’s free gift to those whom he has called (Ephesians 2:8–9).

Please prayerfully consider if you would like to have one of your children dedicated, and then please click here. Let us know by July 18.

Likewise, please prayerfully consider whether you or one of your children would like to be baptized, and then please click here. Let us know by July 18.

In either case, Pastor Joe will be respond with more information.