At Valley Christian Center, we see children are a gift from God!


Why should we dedicate our children?

Because children belong to God, it is only proper and appropriate that children be dedicated back to God.
Psalm 127:3 proclaims,  “Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from Him.”   As Christians we are called to recognize that children belong first and foremost to God and are given by grace as gifts to parents.  Parents not only have the awesome responsibility of caring for this gift, but also the wonderful privilege of enjoying the gift. 

The dedication of children is taught in the Bible.
We are told in I Samuel 1 that Hannah presented her son Samuel to the Lord.  In Luke 2:22 we read that Mary and Joseph brought their baby Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem in order to present him before the Lord.  In the same way, parents today bring their son or daughter, presenting first themselves and then their child before the Lord our God.



Is dedicating our children considered baptism or salvation?

The dedication of your children is not a baptism, nor a sacrament of the church.
Rather you, as the parents entrusted by God, are demonstrating a commitment to Him.  You are commiting and seeking to do everything that is in your power, as God gives you wisdom, to see that your children grow up to respect and honor God and to love and serve Jesus Christ.   This “setting apart” is an act, by you the parents,  a powerful declaration of your acknowledgement of your stewardship over God’s children.  

The Dedication Ceremony is not the salvation of your children, but a public expression of the fact they belong to God. 
It is also viewed as a confirmation between you and the church to partner in raising your children in a godly way until they are old enough to make their own decision in accepting Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. 



How do we schedule a dedication ceremony during a Sunday Service?

1. Complete the Personal Information Card.  click here
Once you’ve read over the dedication brochure,  return the card to: 

2. Contact the Senior Pastor’s secretary. 
You may contact Lorraine Demmel at ldemmel@dublinvcc.org or [925] 560-6202, to schedule a date.

3. Contact family and friends.
Don’t forget to invite people you would like to participate.  We recommend the entire family be involved in the ceremony.  This would include all of the siblings, Grandparents and Godparents.

4. Schedule a personal interview or telephone interview.
You may do so by contacting Lorraine Demmel at ldemmel@dublinvcc.org or [925] 560-6202 no later than two weeks prior to the dedication ceremony.  She will request family information and give you a detailed description of what will happen during the service.



On the Sunday of your dedication:
•  Arrive 15 minutes prior to the service. 
•  Encourage all participants to sit within the first 2 rows of the sanctuary.
•  You will be called forward at the appropriate time during the service.
•  Be prepared to make this a very special day in the lives of your family!