Child Celebration Form
The arrival of a child into a home is a joyous occasion. We at Grace Church celebrate new arrivals and desire to provide support and encouragement for the parents and children.
At set times each year, we offer an opportunity for the entire church family to celebrate God’s gift of children to our community as well as express our communal commitment to helping raise up these children of Grace to follow Jesus. During this time of celebration, three things occur:
Parents acknowledge that their child is a gift from God to them and that the child belongs to God.
Parents commit to raising their child in the ways of the Lord, helping the child to understand the importance of God’s love and the offer of salvation through Jesus Christ.
The congregation is invited to commit themselves to assist the parents in fulfilling their commitment and offer support and encouragement to them as well as prayers for the parents and their child.
When parents feel led to take this step with their child, they will meet with the Pastor or other appointed leader to discuss their desire.
At an appropriate time, part of a worship service will be fashioned around celebrating and praying over the family and child. Families will be invited to the platform. A family member, pastor, or leader will briefly read a meaningful Scripture passage that the families have chosen for the child and any explanatory notes the family would like to share along with the passage (please limit to one paragraph). A charge to the parents and the congregation will be given at that time for all to respond, followed by a prayer over the families and children.
(It is a great opportunity to invite grandparents and other family members!)