June 3, 2006
Welcome
We welcome Leslie and Hong Hua, who have brought their children, Madeline Grace Hua born on November 14, 2005 and Kate Lauren Hua born on April 29, 2002 to be dedicated to God, the maker of all things and the giver of life. In doing so we follow the way of Jesus who said, “Let the little children come to me; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.”
Hymn #59 Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee
Meditation Thought
Today, we are taking a moment to dedicate two sisters, Kate and Madeline. The most famous set of sisters in the Bible is Martha and Mary who knew Jesus. We assume Martha is the older sister since she felt the need to perform house chores while Mary was mesmerized at the feet of Jesus listening to what he was saying. Martha and Mary also had a brother named, Lazarus who became ill and died before Jesus arrived at their house but Jesus raised him up to live again. When Martha complained to Jesus that he should have arrived to help Lazarus earlier, Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and every one who lives and believes in me will never die.” This good news was first heard by Martha.
Like Martha and Mary, sisters have always had a special relationship that leads them to watch what the other one is doing (Kate, Madeline will copy everything you do.), to sometimes compete with each other, but ultimately to care for each other especially in times of trials. Carolyn and Shirlene are sisters. Leslie and Courtney are sisters. And now, Kate and Madeline are sisters. Kate and Madeline, you already have a long tradition of being sisters—a strong bond that will stretch across the years to come.
When Jesus was old enough, his parents brought him to the temple for purification. In our Chinese American culture and Christian community, we introduce a new baby into the world a number of times. First, there is the grandmother showing off the pictures of a newborn in her brag book. There’s the red egg ginger party. We make a big fuss on her first birthday. We have a baby dedication worship service. In each of these occasions, the baby is unaware of what’s going on. For pastors, we just hope that the babies don’t cry. In Kate’s case, we hope that she will have some memory of being here at church surrounded by her Mom and Dad and her family and friends.
But the real reason why we introduce children into the world is to hear the promises and commitments from the parents, the family members and all of their friends that they will bring these children up in the teachings of Christ. Just as Mary and Joseph provided the right kind of family life to prepare Jesus for his God-given work, you as parents have this sacred responsibility too.
In the life of the church and especially here at FCBC, we have a responsibility too. No longer are these children just a new baby and a child for Leslie and Hong, but today we know them by their given names, “Madeline Grace Hua” and Kate Lauren Hua.” From this day forward, we will pray for them to grow up, mature in faith in God by providing them with nurture, instruction, and love that comes from God. When we make our commitments, we make them seriously and with the help of God, we will help fulfill God’s plan for Madeline’s life and purpose and for Kate’s life and purpose in the world.
Ritual
To the Parents:
In presenting Madeline and Kate to God, do you promise that through the grace given you and in partnership with this church you will teach them the truths and responsibilities of the Christian faith, and seek to lead them into a living relationship with Jesus Christ?
Leslie & Hong: We will.
To the Congregation:
Do you, the loving family of these children and members and friends of this church, accept the responsibility, together with the parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, to teach these children, that they may be brought to full maturity in Jesus Christ? If so, will you signify your acceptance by saying, “We will.”
Congregation: We will.
Don holds Madeline: Madeline, God bless you and keep you. God’s face shine upon you and be gracious to you. God look upon you with favor and give you peace. Amen.
Don carries Kate: Kate, God bless you and keep you. God’s face shine upon you and be gracious to you. God look upon you with favor and give you peace. Amen.
Presentation of Certificates and Roses
Song #437 Jesus Loves Me
Closing Prayer
Dear God, even as Mary and Joseph brought the child Jesus to your house that he might be consecrated to your service, so these parents, Leslie and Hong have brought these little ones to this house of worship, that among your people they might present them to you. Give to these parents your special graces of insight and love, that under their guidance, Madeline and Kate may grow in wisdom and stature and in favor with you and all people. Grant that we your people may truly be a household of faith to Madeline and Kate, providing them with food for the spirit to nourish them through the years of growth and maturity. With gratitude for these children we dedicate them, his parents, and ourselves, to the end that their lives may be a blessing to you and a service to humanity. Amen.
Benediction
As you, O God, have blessed our coming in, now bless our going forth; and grant that when we leave your house we may not leave your presence, but be ever near us and keep us near to you. Amen.