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It's exciting whenever a new child enters a family. There's no greater moment when parents sense that children are a gift from God. In these joyful moments, parents can express their full appreciation to God through baby dedication. Here at PBC we are always happy to have a special dedication service at regular intervals!

If you would like to speak to one of our Pastors about dedicating your child, please call the office on 01892 825590 or e-mail

What is 'dedication'?

Some denominations choose to christen infants. While we recognise the right of other churches to practice infant christening, we understand Scripture to teach that only professing believers qualify for baptism. Baptism does not make you a believer, rather it shows that you already believe. Dedicating a child acknowledges God's sovereignty and love not only over the child, but also Mum and Dad. It also acknowledges that baptism is a decision the child may make when they are more mature.

In a dedication service, parents present their child before God and His people asking for grace and wisdom in carrying out their responsibilities. PBC members also stand as part of the dedication ceremony to promise their support to the child being dedicated and to its parents. Parents also come praying that their child might one day want to follow Jesus for themselves.

Deuteronomy 6:4 "Listen, Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord is one! 5 You must love the Lord your God with your whole mind, your whole being, and all your strength. 6 These words I am commanding you today must be kept in mind, 7 and you must teach them to your children and speak of them as you sit in your house, as you walk along the road, as you lie down, and as you get up."

This passage commands parents to love God; if they truly wish for their child to one day love and follow God, their lives must be an example. Dedicating your child is a good opportunity to recommit your lives to Christ.

Second, Deuteronomy makes clear that the duty of teaching children belongs to parents; PBC will do its best to support you in this journey, but parents must seize the teachable moments that arise throughout life.

Sometimes parents want to choose godparent(s). If you choose to do this, we encourage parents to choose godparents who will encourage the child in their faith and demonstrate a Christian example to the child.

 

News & Announcements

HOPE Pembury Churches Together Sais Mandi Masquerade Ball

30th January, 2012

HOPE Pembury Churches Together's year of fundraising for the flood torn Sais Mandi region continues with a Masquerade Ball on Saturday 18th February, being held at Pembury Village Hall from 7.30pm to 11pm. There will be live music, a curry banquet, other fundraising opportunities and great fun as well as a licensed bar. Tickets are fifteen pounds each and are available from the PBC Church Office on 01892 825590 or from St Peter's Pembury on 01892 824761. There is a limited number of tickets so please book your place as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Thanks: Blythswood Shoebox Appeal

23rd January, 2012

We have received a letter of thanks from Blythswood Shoebox Appeal and a little detail and photos of the handing out of shoeboxes, some of which you donated before Christmas to be taken into Eastern Europe and India. You can read it by clicking on the header then clicking the link in the article.

Pastor Dave Baxter's New Year Message

10th January, 2012

Pastor Dave Baxter welcomed in the new year in the PBC News with a story of Hans Nielsen Hauge. That touch of God's hand and answer to prayer was the start of Hauge's God-driven mission to the whole of the Norwegian people. It was a time when Norwegians were emigrating to America and consequently, Hauge's teaching on repentance and salvation went over to the US with the Lutherans. What will God do in our lives this year? What are we praying for? Click on the header for the story and our Pastor's welcome in full. Happy New Year!