Dedication of Dylan Layne Hong
February 8, 2004
Welcome
We welcome Tiffany and Clint Hong, who have brought their child, Dylan Layne Hong 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.”
Meditation Thought
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. There’s the red egg ginger party. We make a big fuss on his first birthday. We have a baby dedication during Sunday worship. In each of these occasions, the baby is unaware of what’s going on. For pastors, we just hope that they don’t cry.
But the real reason why we introduce a new baby 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 this new child 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 is this child just a new baby for Tiffany and Clint, but today we know of him by his given name, “Dylan Layne Hong.” From this day forward, we will pray for him to grow up, mature in faith in God by providing him 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 Dylan’s life and purpose in the world.
Ritual
In presenting Dylan to God, do you promise that through the grace given you and in partnership with this church you will teach him the truths and responsibilities of the Christian faith, and seek to lead him into a living relationship with Jesus Christ?
Tiffany & Clint: We will.
Do you, the members of this church, accept the responsibility, together with the parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, to teach this child, that he 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 Dylan: Dylan, 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 Certificate and Rose
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, Tiffany and Clint have brought this little one to this house of worship, that among your people they might present him to you. Give to these parents your special graces of insight and love, that under their guidance, Dylan 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 Dylan, providing him with food for the spirit to nourish him through the years of growth and maturity. With gratitude for this child we dedicate him, his parents, and ourselves, to the end that his life may be a blessing to you and a service to humanity. Amen.