Parent/Child Dedication
We're honored to partner with you as you commit to raising your child to know and love Jesus.
Below is everything you need to know to get ready. Find your campus for the details that apply to you.
What to Expect
Parent/Child Dedication Class
A Parent/Child Dedication class is required for parents who haven't taken it at Bethel before. The class offers insight and support, shows how your family and Bethel will partner together, and shares practical ways to help your child learn to love Jesus.
A Letter to Your Child (optional)
We invite parents to write a letter to their child expressing their commitment to raising them in a godly home. You might share:
- Why dedicating your child matters to you
- What your faith in Christ means to you
- Your hopes for your child to know Jesus and follow Him
Your letter is placed in a commemorative baton you'll receive during the dedication, along with letters from our pastors. When your child turns 13, you can open it together - another opportunity for a Gospel conversation.
Family Photo
We'll take a photo of your family to help you remember this special day. Timing varies by campus - see below.
Cedar Lake
Dedication Class
Sunday, October 25 · 10:45 am · 3rd Floor Big Room
Your Letter (optional)
Email it to Anne DeYoung at adeyoung@bethelweb.org, or bring it to the Bethel Kids Welcome Desk the Sunday before the dedication. It will be included with letters from Pastor Steve and Pastor Jared.
Your Child's Photo
Send a picture of your child to be shown on a slide during the dedication - candid or posed, and it can include one or all of the children you're dedicating. Email it to Anne DeYoung at adeyoung@bethelweb.org at least one week before the dedication (by Sunday, October 25).
Dedication Sunday - Where to Meet
Gather in the commons near the coffee station 20 minutes before your service, and check in with Anne.
- 9:00 am service: 8:40 am
- 10:45 am service: 10:25 am
Family Photo
Immediately after the dedications.
Crown Point
Dedication Class
Sunday, October 25 · 10:45 am · Commons Classroom
Your Letter (optional)
Email it to Liz Cuozzo at lcuozzo@bethelweb.org, or bring it to the Bethel Kids Welcome Desk the Sunday before the dedication. It will be included with a letter from Pastor Steve.
Dedication Sunday - Where to Meet
Gather in the South Hallway outside the Worship Center 30 minutes before your service, and check in with Liz.
- 9:00 am service: 8:30 am
- 10:45 am service: 10:15 am
Family Photo with Pastor Steve
- 9:00 am service: before the service, at 8:35 am
- 10:45 am service: before the service, or immediately after the dedication if we can't finish them all beforehand
We'll email you the photos later in the week.
Questions? Liz Cuozzo
Bethel Kids Crown Point Coordinator
Hobart/Portage
Dedication Class
Sunday, October 25 · 10:45 am · West Classroom
Your Letter (optional)
Email it to Laurie Rodriguez at lrodriguez@bethelweb.org, or bring it to the Bethel Kids Welcome Desk the Sunday before the dedication. It will be included with letters from Pastor Steve and Pastor Ben.
Your Child's Photo
Send a picture of your child to be shown on a slide during the dedication - candid or posed, and it can include one or all of the children you're dedicating. Email it to lrodriguez@bethelweb.org at least one week before the dedication (by Sunday, October 25).
Dedication Sunday - Where to Meet
Gather in the Commons outside the Worship Center 20 minutes before your service, and check in with Laurie.
- 9:00 am service: 8:40 am
- 10:45 am service: 10:25 am
Family Photo
- 9:00 am service: before the service, at 8:45 am
- 10:45 am service: immediately after the dedication
Questions? Laurie Rodriguez
Administrative Assistant, Students/Kids Ministries
Dedication Vows
During the dedication, the pastor will ask these vows and parents will respond together.
We encourage you to read them ahead of time.
Parent/Child Dedication Covenant
Pastor:
Parents, do you covenant before God and this church:
- To receive your child as a gift from God, and to give heartfelt thanks for His kindness and blessing?
- To dedicate your child to the Lord who gave him/her to you, surrendering your own plans and desires in the hope that your child will belong wholly to Jesus Christ?
- To bring up your child in the discipline and instruction of the Lord, teaching God's Word, modeling the character and love of Christ, and seeking to build the joy of the Lord into the life of your home?
- To care faithfully for your child's physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual needs, looking to your heavenly Father for wisdom, strength, and grace?
- To pray regularly for your child, asking that by God's grace he/she would come to trust in Jesus Christ alone for the forgiveness of sin, and follow Him in joyful obedience all his/her days?
Parents:
By God's grace, we do.
Words of Dedication (Pastor):
Together with your parents who love you dearly, and this church family who stands with them, we dedicate you to God, prayerfully trusting that you will belong wholly to Jesus Christ forever.
What's Next
We'll be in touch with more details about Parent/Child Dedication as the day gets closer - keep an eye on your email.