Child Dedication Service
Introduction
This paper is a critique of a child dedication service that took place at Kennington Community Fellowship (KCF) on Saturday 29th March 2008. This paper will attempt to demonstrate my understanding and awareness of a child dedication service in accordance with the Seventh-day Adventist Ministers Manual, which will include my comments and observations of how I felt the service was conducted.
Background Information
The parents and baby were visiting KCF for the first time. They were non Christians, and found out about our church through word of mouth. Their neighbour, who lives in the Lambeth area, knew a member of KCF. The couple enquired to find out if our church would be willing to dedicate their daughter and made contact with the head elder. This was a tremendous opportunity to witness and reach out not only to the couple and their daughter, also to their family and friends who were all visiting our church for the first time.
Order of Service
The order of service, was the usual format that we follow each week, however we sandwiched the child dedication between the offering (gifts of love) and the introducer of the preacher (messenger revealed). The lets worship spot; we acknowledged visitors, friends and members to KCF. This would have been an excellent opportunity to acknowledge the fact that we have first time visitors within the congregation who are here to support the child dedication service. I feel this could have enriched the worship experience for the family and added a friendly, warm personal touch to this special day for the family.
Singspiration and Testimonies spot was lively and very spiritual; however the songs that were sung did not acknowledge or build to this special child dedication service. We sung songs such as, “Majesty”; “Oh Taste & See That the Lord Is good”; “This is the Day the Lord has made”; “He is exalted on High”; “I will Praise Him”. All of which are very inspiring songs, I felt that the songs did not add or contribute to the occasion. Hymns such as “Love at Home”; “Happy Home” or “Gentle Jesus Meek and Mild” would have been more suitable and could have lead smoothly into the homily and prayer.
Homily and Prayer
The parents, baby and all of the relatives and friends were called by Pastor to stand at the front of the church and face the church. Also the elders of the church were called to congregate at the front with the family as we made a semi circle and all faced the congregation. This was a nice touch, the family and the congregation all felt apart of this special part in the service. To add to the occasion a song relevant to children or families could have been sung which would have created and enhanced the introduction to the homily. The homily was brief and to the point acknowledging the importance God placed on children and family. Pastor appropriately referred to Matthew 18: 2-6, 10 and read the verses.
Pastor skilfully held the baby and made closing remarks for the homily and then asked an elders and senior pastor to pray. At this point, before the elder and senior pastor proceeded with prayer, I felt the parents could have been more involved in this aspect of the service. Pastor could have asked the parents to confirm their commitment to God and responsibility and duty in raising their baby by asking them a few questions, in the form of a litany. I felt this would have increased the participation of both the parents and congregation. This could have been conducted in an informal way; again this would have enhanced the occasion. The prayers were direct, one elder prayed specifically for the parents and the other prayed for the baby.
Certificate and Congratulations
When the dedication prayers ended, Pastor concluded the homily with an affirmation of the parents and family, thanking the family for visiting KCF and encouraged all to return very soon. The elders and officers of the church then congratulated the family for attending. At this point, the family again experienced the warmth of the elders and church family as a whole. I felt to enhance and add to the significance of the occasion for all, we could have ordered and prepared child dedication certificate. This would have left a very positive impact on the family, showing that we as a church are excited to share in their joy and be apart of their family. The certification would have not only proved to be an invaluable souvenir item, but a positive witness of the church to the family.
Conclusion
Overall, the dedication service was good, the parents and family were happy and I am sure all enjoyed their experience at (KCF). However, I believe there were areas that we could have improved on, which would have left a greater impact and influence on the family. The bulletin could have included the name of the baby and the parents. Just to add a further personal touch, the bulletin could have had a pink finish, as the baby was a girl, a little creativity can really add to the occasion. We could have even inserted a very small picture of the baby somewhere in the corner or centre of program. The bulletin now becomes a keep sake, a piece of sovereignty which the parents could treasure for a long period of time.
Another idea to enhance the personal touch for the family, the church could have created fliers or posters to hand to the family in advance of dedication with church details and contact information. The family who is dedicating the child could have distributed fliers or posters to family and friends to add to their special day. A final idea, the church could have informed the family and relatives that all child dedication services are video recorded for free and a DVD of short dedication program would be mailed to them if they are interested to sign and provide their contact details. The church pastor would now have a database of people to follow up and allow the church family to become their friends. Also by sending a DVD with the pastors’ business card attached, leaves the window open, for the family or relatives interested to easily make contact with the church for the future.
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