After we renewed our vows to Christ, we were annointed with oil.
Our pastor then prayed for and annointed Elliot, invoking God's protective power over his life. I like the annointing in that it pre-figures baptism.
After Dr. Turner prayed for and annointed Elliot, he asked us to name the child in front of the congregation, and then proceeded to pronounce the dedicatory blessing on Elliot Hans Witmer Rhodes as he held him above the congregation and walked up and then back down the aisle to much applause. This is always the entertining part, as the child gets a pulpit eye's view of the congregation and invariably looks alternately amused and perplexed.
We were blessed to have both sets of parents as well as Philip and Rebekah present for the event. It was wonderful having them up front with us praying and laying hands on us parents and Elliot. Thanks too, for those of you who have prayed for and with us over the last 17 months, and we covet continued prayer for our rapidly expanding family.
(Pictures courtesy of Larry Bumgardner - a deacon in the congregation.)
2 comments:
Thanks for the update about Elliot's dedication. We wish we could've been there. I like the idea of encouraging a recommitment of the parents' baptism vows before the dedication of their child. We observed a different type of baby dedication at a large mega church in Colorado where it was announced in the bulletin that there would be a baby dedication that morning and whoever wanted their baby dedicated was to come forward. The pastor barely knew the parents' names, much less their spiritual commitment. I like the warmth that seems to be present at your church. Give Elliot a kiss from his aunt in honor of his dedication. Love to all four of you, Carmen
A truly memorable occasion! Folks really gathered around you and expressed a lot of warmth and support. Dad
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