Dedication & Baptism
In Luke 18:15-17 people were bringing their infants to Jesus so he could bless them. The disciples tried to stop them because they thought that Jesus was important and the infants didn't warrant his attention. Jesus rebukes his disciples and tells the people to bring the children to him. Children are of great importance to Jesus and when the infants come before him he blesses them. When a couple receives the wonderful gift of children from God there is a genuine concern that those children receive God's blessing. At Mona Vale Anglican we provide parents the opportunity to ask for God's blessing upon their children.
Dedication
The dedication service is a public and formal ceremony where the parents and godparents bring their child before God to seek his blessing. The child is named before God, promises are made to raise the child as a citizen in God's world, and we ask God for his blessing upon the child. We encourage family and friends to attend so they can be part of this important occasion and continue to support the child in their upbringing.
Since we believe that a dedication service is a very significant moment in the life of a family we ask that all prospective parents and godparents attend a Christianity Explored group. The sessions will help explain the Christian faith and understand the depths of God's love to all people who have been given the gift of life by God and born into this world. These sessions are run at regular intervals throughout the year.
In 2023 the groups will run on:
Wednesdays 8th, 15th, 22nd February & 1st March from 7:30pm-9:30pm OR
Wednesdays 3rd, 10th, 17th & 24th May from 7:30pm-9:30pm OR
Wednesdays 2nd, 9th, 16th & 23rd August from 7:30pm-9:30pm
Do I bring my children and others along?
As these sessions are in the evening it is probably your child’s bed time so it is best that they stay at home. Also from our experience, you will be able to focus more on the session. If you have difficulty getting a baby sitter then please let us know and we can discuss options.
We ask that you bring along the godparents to these sessions as they will be making the same promises as you the parents. Also, any family member or friend is more than welcome.
If you are interested in a dedication service for your child please complete the following application and we will be in contact with you shortly.
Since we believe that a dedication service is a very significant moment in the life of a family we ask that all prospective parents and godparents attend a Christianity Explored group. The sessions will help explain the Christian faith and understand the depths of God's love to all people who have been given the gift of life by God and born into this world. These sessions are run at regular intervals throughout the year.
In 2023 the groups will run on:
Wednesdays 8th, 15th, 22nd February & 1st March from 7:30pm-9:30pm OR
Wednesdays 3rd, 10th, 17th & 24th May from 7:30pm-9:30pm OR
Wednesdays 2nd, 9th, 16th & 23rd August from 7:30pm-9:30pm
Do I bring my children and others along?
As these sessions are in the evening it is probably your child’s bed time so it is best that they stay at home. Also from our experience, you will be able to focus more on the session. If you have difficulty getting a baby sitter then please let us know and we can discuss options.
We ask that you bring along the godparents to these sessions as they will be making the same promises as you the parents. Also, any family member or friend is more than welcome.
If you are interested in a dedication service for your child please complete the following application and we will be in contact with you shortly.
Baptism
Baptism is a simple ceremony of washing with water that Christians have practised since the time of Jesus. It symbolises that a person has a sincere faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God who died for us to make us right with God. The service communicates that we are an active part of God's family the church. The promises that are made within a baptism service are a commitment by the parents and godparents to raise their child as a disciple of Jesus Christ and as a part of God's community, the church.
Therefore, for those who are interested in baptism we ask that they attend a Christianity Explored course before having their child baptised. The Christianity Explored sessions are an opportunity to get together with other parents and couples to ask the big questions about life and Christianity. After the Christianity Explored course we also strongly recommend that you attend church each week and a mid-week Bible Study group. Attending church will allow you to be an active part of a church community within which your child will learn what it means to follow Jesus. By attending a mid-week Bible Study group you will learn more about what it means to follow Jesus.
In 2023 the groups will run on:
Wednesdays 8th, 15th, 22nd February & 1st March from 7:30pm-9:30pm OR
Wednesdays 3rd, 10th, 17th & 24th May from 7:30pm-9:30pm OR
Wednesdays 2nd, 9th, 16th & 23rd August from 7:30pm-9:30pm
Do I bring my children and others along?
As these sessions are in the evening it is probably your child’s bed time so it is best that they stay at home. Also from our experience, you will be able to focus more on the session. If you have difficulty getting a baby sitter then please let us know and we can discuss options.
We ask that you bring along the godparents to these sessions as they will be making the same promises as you the parents. Also, any family member or friend is more than welcome.
Our Sunday church services are 8am (Traditional style with Holy Communion), 10am (Family Service with creche and Children’s Church available) and 5:30pm (Informal and contemporary style).
Do we have to dress up for church?
No. Please don’t feel you have to dress or act in any special way when you join us.
If you are interested in a baptism service for your child please complete the following application and we will be in contact with you shortly.
Therefore, for those who are interested in baptism we ask that they attend a Christianity Explored course before having their child baptised. The Christianity Explored sessions are an opportunity to get together with other parents and couples to ask the big questions about life and Christianity. After the Christianity Explored course we also strongly recommend that you attend church each week and a mid-week Bible Study group. Attending church will allow you to be an active part of a church community within which your child will learn what it means to follow Jesus. By attending a mid-week Bible Study group you will learn more about what it means to follow Jesus.
In 2023 the groups will run on:
Wednesdays 8th, 15th, 22nd February & 1st March from 7:30pm-9:30pm OR
Wednesdays 3rd, 10th, 17th & 24th May from 7:30pm-9:30pm OR
Wednesdays 2nd, 9th, 16th & 23rd August from 7:30pm-9:30pm
Do I bring my children and others along?
As these sessions are in the evening it is probably your child’s bed time so it is best that they stay at home. Also from our experience, you will be able to focus more on the session. If you have difficulty getting a baby sitter then please let us know and we can discuss options.
We ask that you bring along the godparents to these sessions as they will be making the same promises as you the parents. Also, any family member or friend is more than welcome.
Our Sunday church services are 8am (Traditional style with Holy Communion), 10am (Family Service with creche and Children’s Church available) and 5:30pm (Informal and contemporary style).
Do we have to dress up for church?
No. Please don’t feel you have to dress or act in any special way when you join us.
If you are interested in a baptism service for your child please complete the following application and we will be in contact with you shortly.
