Early May, Melbourne City Church, located in the heart of the CBD, had a special baby dedication service. Two families each welcomed a baby girl since the pandemic began, and it was with great joy that the church celebrated these new parents’ dedication to raising their children in the faith.
The whole service was about the baby dedication, including the sermon by Pr Jinha Kim who spoke on navigating the anxiety parents often face when raising their first child. The children in the church community welcomed the new babies to Sabbath School with a special item If I were a butterfly, complete with ukuleles, which is the tradition at MCAC, and the church made a commitment to support these families in helping their children grow up to love Jesus.
Julie Catton, the Children’s Ministries Director for the Conference, has put a fantastic resource package together for baby dedications, and one was given to each of the families.
Pr Roy Kim gave a personalised message and prayer for each family and highlighted how Jesus said that the Kingdom of God belongs to the little ones (Matthew 19:14) – not when they become valuable contributors, not when they become altruistic, but NOW. Jesus is trying to teach His followers to communicate to the little ones that they belong and are valued ALREADY. He wants His church to bless those who are helpless and needy.
What was really special that day, was that both families invited their unchurched friends and family – these attendees were almost more in number than the regular members! The baby dedication service was a great outreach day, as bridges were built with these individuals and hopefully a lasting impression remains that their loved ones are in a caring community which is always open to them as well.
Jinha Kim with IntraVic