Sundays 9:00am and 11:00am
680 York Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Sundays 9:00am and 11:00am
680 York Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Next Steps / Child Dedication
At Central, we recognize and celebrate the life that God gives. Child dedication is a commitment by the parents and the church to give a child every opportunity to know and experience what it means to follow Jesus.
Dedication
Next Dedication Service
Dedications happen three to four times a year during the 9:00am and 11:00am Experiences. Each service is limited to ten families, first come, first served, and forms are due at least 14 days before the date.
About Dedication
The tradition originates from the story of Hannah, who prayed for a child and gave him back to the Lord. Child dedication is a commitment by the parents and the church to provide an opportunity for the child to know and experience what it means to follow Jesus.
At Central, we dedicate, rather than baptize, children. We see baptism as a reflection of an individual’s decision to follow Jesus. It’s why we wait to baptize children until they are old enough to understand and believe.
I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life, he will be given over to the Lord.
1 Samuel 1:27-28
What Is Child Dedication?
The Parents
Parents voluntarily present their children and themselves to God. They commit to faithfully fulfilling their parental responsibilities (1 Timothy 5:8; Proverbs 22:6), training their child in a biblically shaped environment (Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Colossians 3:21; Ephesians 6:4), and being a godly example by modelling and teaching their child how to walk in a personal relationship with Jesus (2 Timothy 3:15-16). Parents also acknowledge their need for prayerful support and encouragement from others in the church to do this (Hebrews 10:24-25).
In Jesus Christ’s example, Luke 2:22 says, “When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord.”
The Church
At the time of dedication, the family at Central also commits to participate in the raising of this child through our children and youth programs, and to encourage this child in such a way as to be a positive witness and influence, so that the child can grow up to one day accept Jesus and live for Him.
Watch
A short teaching on what child dedication means at Central and why we do it.
Important Information
We hold child dedications three to four times a year during our Sunday morning Experiences at 9:00am and 11:00am. We limit each service to ten families; service time preferences are given on a first-come, first-served basis until each service is full. We encourage you to invite your family and friends to attend and participate in this special day.
One week before the dedication, we meet each family and walk through the service order. On the day, families arrive 20 minutes before the start time and check in with the designated staff. We reserve the front section near the stage for our families to sit until the dedication portion of the service.
Only the parent(s) of the child will be on the stage. In the case of a single parent, you may request another family member to stand with you on the platform if they are available. All other family and friends are welcome to attend and are encouraged to sit with the family near the front of the auditorium.
By submitting your application, you are indicating your agreement with the purpose and intent of dedication and the logistical requirements.
How to Register
01
Step One
Use the register button to register your child for dedication. Forms must be submitted at least 14 days before the scheduled date.
02
Step Two
You will receive a confirmation email from our team confirming your spot. We must limit the number of families to ten children per Experience.
Photo Coming
A family checking in with staff before the Experience, or the walk-through the week before
03
Step Three
Once your date and Experience time (9:00am or 11:00am) have been confirmed, feel free to invite family and friends to participate in this special time.
Photo Coming
Extended family and friends gathered near the front with a dedicated child
Dedication Sundays
Young Families
Whatever stage of parenting you’re in, there’s a group at Central built to help you connect with God and with other families. Central Kids welcomes children from birth through Grade 5 every Sunday.
For anything about baby and child dedications, contact Kambrea Rutledge, our Family Ministries Assistant, at 905.937.5610 x 227.
Sunday Experience
9:00am and 11:00am
680 York Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake
