Thanksgiving is drawing near, so it seemed completely fitting to honor the children of Grace that we are so very thankful to know and love.
Our first ever child dedication service was set for Sunday, November 24th, and the love and creativity experienced by all was a real blessing. The dedication was not simply a moment inserted into worship; it was instead woven into the entire fabric of the service.
George Brown gave a warm welcome directed toward his two young daughters, and his wife, Brandie, followed with a special prayer. You can listen to both here.
The children also received a special sermon, followed by a blessing of oil and a song.
The Grace community was honored to hear two homilies from Grace Pastors and fathers, Rev. Matthew Hanzelka and Michael Evans. Each homily was followed by a prayer by their wives and for their daughters. You can listen to Matthew’s sermon here and Michael’s sermon here.
Overall, the service was a beautiful reminder of God’s love, unexpectedness and creativity that is so often seen through the lives of children. We are blessed as a church to have had so many to honor this week, and we are challenged to learn from the kids about all kinds of things, like honesty in questioning, amazement and wonder of the little things and a real zest for living.
Thank you, Grace children. As I said in the blessing to you as you were anointed with oil this Sunday: You are a child of God. You belong to God. God delights in you. Blessings upon you in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Aurelia Davila Pratt is the Pastor of Spiritual Formation and one of the Teaching Pastors at Grace Baptist Church.