We congratulate you on the birth of your new baby and your decision to have the child dedicated here at COGIC.

Dedication of Babies and Children The biblical basis for dedication is found in Luke 2:21-22, when Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the temple when he was eight days old. Unlike the traditions christening service, we do not baptise babies. Following the teaching of scripture, we believe it necessary for an individual to first be taught the scriptures and then to repent; that is, be sorry for their sins and make a change in the direction of their lives, before they are able to be baptised (Matt 28:19).

In the Dedication service, we give parents and godparents the opportunity to promise to teach their children about the Bible and with the help of the church family expose them to Christian teaching in the hope that when they are older, they will make their own commitment to Christ.

Dedication Service Your child’s dedication will be done as part of our morning worship service. We ask that you, your chosen godparents and family and friends arrive no later than 11.45 am. There will be seating reserved for you. We traditionally ask one of the “Mothers” in our church to sit beside you in order to assist you with holding your child when you are making your promise.

The minister will ask for the godparents of the child to stand, they are not required to say anything during the service; but the promises made by the parents are also applicable to them.

The minister will ask you if you promise to bring up your child according to the doctrines and teachings of the Bible. To this you will reply wit the words “I/We will”. At this point the baby is normally handed to the minister, wed do however realise that some children can become fretful and it is ok for you to hold onto your child if this happens. A short prayer will then be said, during which the minister will both name your child and pronounce a blessing on him or her.

Once the blessing is over, we do ask that you join us for the remainder of the service. We also ask that you keep all movement to a minimum during the sermon.

Photography We understand that you may wish to keep a record of your child’s special day; however, we ask that you do so as discreetly as possible during the worship service. A dedicated place will be given for photographs to be taken. Video recording is not permitted during the service.

Children’s Ministry at COGIC It is our aim and we are fully committed to provide children and young people with a solid foundation in the Word of God. We do this by providing in our Sunday school biblical teaching, tailor made for children of all ages.

Our youth group, which meets on a Friday evening at 7.30 pm, also offers children from the age of 5 upwards the opportunity to take part in various activities designed to influence them in making the best possible life choices.

Booking a Dedication Dedications can be arranged subject to availability.

In advance prior to the date We do ask that you give us 4 weeks notice of the date you require and that you attend at least one Sunday morning service during that time.

Host Pastor (Superintendent for the Midlands)

Rev: Geoffrey Folkes