Auggie and Eland's Dedication

This Sunday we had the pleasure of finally dedicating our boys to the Lord. It's something we've always wanted to do, but we didn't get to for whatever reason at the church we went to when Auggie was born, and our last church did baby baptisms rather than dedications, so we decided to wait. The only thing lacking was having family here for the dedication, but we know they understand.

Our church here in Stellenbosch has a very nice dedication ceremony with the parents and congregation committing to raise the kids in a Godly way, followed by the pastors and church praying over the kids (well, usually they're babies).

After the dedication, our pastor, Andries van der Merwe, preached a great sermon about spiritual legacy, which we thought was perfectly fitting for the child dedication. It will be posted soon on this website under 1 JUL 2012 if you want to check it out.

A friend's son videoed the ceremony for me with my phone. Here are some screen shots:

Auggie on the big screen

Auggie's photo

Eland on the big screen

Eland's photo

Reading the parents declaration

Pastors Andries and Lize praying for the boys

Parents Declaration:

We thank God for this precious gift He has entrusted to us and we now follow the example of godly parents who throughout the ages presented their children to God in dedication. Before God and his people we hereby dedicate our child to the Lord. We commit ourselves, with God’s help, in partnership with the church, to bring up our child in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. By word and example, we promise to teach our child the Word of God and with patience and love we will build the character of Christ and the joy of the Lord in their lives. We will protect them from worldly claims upon their lives and make it our regular prayer that, by God’s grace, our children may walk in the abundant life that Christ offers. 

Amen