Here's our attempt at answering your most Frequently Asked Questions.
If we've left something out, give us a call or an email.
Frequently Asked Questions - Baby Dedication
What is the difference between Child Dedication and Infant Baptism?
At 12Stone Church, we believe that baptism is something done only after the person has made a conscious choice to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior. However, we recognize the importance of making a commitment to raise your child in a Christian manner. We designed Child Dedication as a way for parents to publicly profess their intent to raise their children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. Back to babyD
How does the ceremony work?
When parents arrive at 3:45pm, there will be a photographer available to take a family portrait. After families have your photo taken, they check in at the registration table and proceed into the Café Theatre to find their assigned area. There will be some finger foods and drinks available. Feel free to eat/drink as the rest of the guests gather. The ceremony will begin at promptly 4:30pm. Parents will be asked to line up in the back of the room alphabetically and each child and family will be introduced. Pastor Eric will then pray a special blessing over each child and they will receive a New Testament and go back to their area. Pastor Eric will share some words of encouragement and challenge with the parents. After this time the prayer partners will be asked to seal the covenant through prayer. We will close with brief comments and prayer and then families will be dismissed. Back to babyD
How many people can I invite?
It is very hard for us to put a number limit on this special event because family size varies so widely. We want you to feel free to invite grandparents, aunts, uncles and other special people. Please let us know how many to expect so we can plan accordingly. Back to babyD
I cannot attend the parent meeting on Sunday, January 10th at 4:30pm in Cornerstone Theatre, what should I do? Do both parents need to attend the meeting?
The parent meeting is very brief (30-45 minutes), but very important to finalize details for the Child Dedication. We strongly recommend that one parent be in attendance. Back to babyD
How long does the dedication last?
The ceremony itself is rather short, 30-40 minutes. How long you stay at the reception is up to you, though most families leave around 5:30. Back to babyD
What is the age limit on Child Dedication?
Newborn to toddler (2-3 years old). Back to babyD
What is the role of the prayer partner?
A prayer partner is one or two people that are special to your family. After the babies have been introduced, they will be asked to stand with you and pray for a few moments to seal the covenant you have just made. A prayer partner does not have to attend 12Stone Church or pray in front of anyone but you, your spouse, and your child. We ask that prayer partners arrive no later than 15 minutes before the ceremony to check-in and ensure themselves a seat at your area. Back to babyD
I have other children besides the one being dedicated; can they participate in the ceremony with me?
If your other child(ren) has already been dedicated or is past the age of dedication, we ask that they sit in the audience with family members so that this special moment is reserved for you, your spouse, and your new baby. Back to babyD
Do I have to be a member of 12Stone Church to participate in Parent/Child Dedication?
No, Child Dedication is open to both regular attendees and members. Back to babyD
What is the picture used for? Does it have to be professional? Will I get it back? Can I e-mail the picture?
We put all the pictures into a presentation, which is shown during the ceremony. The picture does not have to be professional, many people use candid photos. We do prefer it to be larger than wallet size (4 X 6 is best) but not as large as an 8x10 as it comes out better in the presentation. The picture will be returned to you. You can e-mail a picture as long as it is a .jpg file. If we find that it won’t work, we’ll call or e-mail you. Back to babyD
