Family Dedication
June 19 & 20, 2010 at all services 
 
WHAT IS FAMILY DEDICATION?
Our theology concerning family dedication is that it is a commitment of Christian parents to raise their child in a loving Christian home, to model the love of Christ, and to be connected to the Body of Christ. This is not the same theologically as infant baptism, which we do not practice.

WHEN ARE THE NEXT DEDICATIONS?
Dedications are held on Father's Day Weekend each year at the Saturday evening service and at the two Sunday services (at 9:30 & 11:15am). You can choose which service you would like to have your child dedicated at.  The next dedication will be held on Father's Day weekend, June 19 & 20, 2010.  The deadline to register your child is June 6th.

WHAT IS A DEDICATION LIKE?
Our Father's Day Weekend services will be designed around the dedications and the unique role that parents play in the lives of their children.  Rod will ask the families to come forward for the dedication, after introducing you and your child to the congregation, he will invite extended family members and friends to participate by joining you up front during the time of prayer and dedication. In this special service we recognize the blessing of children, and the unique, important role of parents. It is also a time to pray over the child and commission the parents to raise their child in a loving, Christian home, to model the love of Christ, and to be connected to the Body of Christ (the church). 

A photograph of everyone participating in the service will be taken by a professional photographer.  After the dedication service you will receive a large frame with this photo and the letter you write to your child in it as a memorable keepsake from this event.

CAN WE DEDICATE TWO OF OUR CHILDREN AT THE SAME TIME?
We understand there are many reasons why you want to dedicate two or more of your children at the same time.  We are happy to accommodate this request.

HOW OLD ARE THE CHILDREN WHO PARTICIPATE IN THE DEDICATIONS?
The majority of children who are dedicated are infants and toddlers, on occasion older children participate for various reasonsl.

HOW DO I SIGN UP?
The first step when you decide if you would like to participate in the service, is to register online. The deadline to register your child is June 6th.

The second step is to then write a letter to your child.  This can only be one page long, and no more than 3 paragraphs.  We will frame this letter along with a group photograph of the event and give this to you as a special memorable keepsake of this day for your family.  Letters are due by June 13th, one week prior to the dedication service.  Please note, your child will not be considered registered for this event until we receive your letter. 

The sermon message Rod will be sharing during the dedication weekend will be centered around " The Power of Words".  So we really encourage you to take this opportunity to write down what this day means to you as a parent.  Your letter can be  a reflection of the significance of this day; a prayer for your child; or a letter of encouragement regarding your hopes and dreams for your child.  Our staff would love to help you and offer guidance in writing this letter if you feel you need help getting started!  Please just contact us!   


If you have any questions, please contact valeriedickson@fairfax.cc or 703-745-1030.