We frequently receive requests for some form of service for the dedication or blessing of an infant or child. Coming from a tradition where infant baptism is practised, we have not had experience of preparing such a service.

Lloyd Strickland (lstrickl@mercuryspeed.com), an internet friend and supporter of this ministry for many years comes from a tradition that does NOT practice infant or child baptism. He worked out the following after several people came to him requesting some sort of service of dedication for their infants.

Being part of a church where service books are not usually found, the opening and closing prayers are extemporal. Lloyd is the Minister of the Clearwater Christian Church and Prison Chaplain at Bear Creek Correctional Center in Clearwater, B.C

                      DEDICATION/ BLESSING SERVICE
                          FOR INFANT OR CHILD


PRAYER  (invocation for what is to follow)


SCRIPTURAL LITANY (Mark 10:13-16)
Minister:  Some people brought children to Jesus for him to place 
           his hands on them, but the disciples scolded the people.

People:    When Jesus noticed this he was angry and  said to his 
           disciples, "Let the children come to me, and do not stop 
           them, because the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." 
	  
Minister:  "I assure you that whoever does not receive the kingdom 
           of God like a child will never enter it." 

All        Then he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on 
           each of them, and blessed them." 


CONGREGATIONAL HYMN:  (Jesus Loves Me)


PRESENTATION OF CHILD 
The child is brought forward by the parents to where the minister or
pastor is standing.   The child and his/her parents may be introduced.


PRAYER:
God of our fathers and of our children, with Joy we praise you, We
thank you, we honour you. For your love which has made us and supports
us, we praise you. For your gift of life embodied in this child, we
thank you. God of our fathers and our children, with joy we praise
you. We thank you, we honour you forever.


QUESTIONS TO THE FAMILY
Name of Parents, by coming forward before God and his people, do 
you hereby declare your desire to dedicate yourselves and your child to 
the Lord?  If so, please respond by saying "we do".... 

Having come freely, I ask now that you enter into the following commitment 
in the presence of God and his people.   So that name of child may walk 
in the abundant life that Christ offers, do you Name of Parents vow by God's 
help and in partnership with the church, to provide name of child a Christian 
home of love and peace, to raise him in the truth of our Lord's 
instruction and discipline, and to encourage him/her to one day trust 
Jesus Christ as his Savior and Lord?


QUESTION TO THE CONGREGATION:
"Beloved in the Lord, do you earnestly promise to support this family
in faithful prayer, Christian teaching, wholesome example?"


PRAYERS FOR THE CHILD


RECOGNITION OF GODPARENTS (If they are to be designated)


CLOSING PRAYER


copyright  - Lloyd Strickland and Rev. Richard J. Fairchild 2002
          use only with proper acknowledgement