DEDICATION / Infant BAPTISM
At HOPE, we host regular celebrations for families who are looking to have their young children dedicated or baptized. This is a public proclamation for parent(s) to indicate a desire to raise their child(ren) in a way that encourages them to follow Jesus. You can sign up to be included at any of the three services, and we even host a reception for your family and friends!
Upcoming celebration dates:
July 28
September 1
December 1
What is the purpose of a dedication / infant baptism?
For parents, a child dedication or infant baptism is a public commitment to do your best, by God’s grace, to raise your child to know Jesus as his or her Savior and Lord.
For the church body, it is a commitment to support the parents and to come alongside them in encouraging their child to become a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ. It’s also a time of asking God’s blessing over the child and family, praying that God will draw the child to place their faith in Jesus for salvation.
What will happen on Dedication / infant Baptism Sunday?
At HOPE Church, we love to celebrate the gift of children with their families! There will be front sections of seating reserved for you and your friends or extended family so that you can be sure to have them nearby during the ceremony. During the service the parents and children being dedicated or baptized will be invited on the platform as we present them to the church body. As parents, and then as a congregation, we will verbally affirm the following commitments:
“Do you commit to living in (or walking toward) relationship with Jesus Christ?”
“Do you commit to living your lives in such a way that your child would see Jesus in you and choose to follow Him as well?”
Families who wish to participate in a water baptism will be invited to stay after the service, along with their guests, for a baptism ceremony held in front of the cross in the Worship Center.
Reception Hour
In addition to the ceremony during the Worship Service, this celebration Sunday will also include a special reception for the families participating! Depending on the service time, this will take place either before or after the service, and you can invite your extended family and close friends to join you. We are excited to offer you a free professional photographer to capture this special day with your friends, family, and pastor! We will also have refreshments and a special gift for your child that we pray will help you grow in your faith journey as a family.
FAQ
Q: Is there an age limit for dedications and baptisms?
A: No. However, we do practice believer baptisms on a regular basis as well! If your child is old enough to have made their own personal decision about following Jesus with their life, we would encourage you to talk with them about the option of a believer baptism instead! You can always meet with a pastor to learn about the option that best fits your child.
Q: Can Sponsors participate?
A: Yes! Sponsors are not required, but if you would like to have a couple sponsors join you that day they are more than welcome to come! Sponsors will not be on the platform during the ceremony, but are invited to sit in the reserved seating with you and invited to join the reception as well.
Q: What is the difference between a dedication and an infant baptism?
A: Both are a proclamation that the parents are intending to lead their child in a way that points them to following Jesus. Both practices are offered in the Evangelical Covenant Church denomination. HOPE Church is careful to teach that we do not believe infant baptism eternally saves a child. That will still be their personal decision in their life. However, baptisms and dedications are a way that the church can come alongside and affirm parents as they do their best to raise their children experiencing the love of Jesus personally.