WHY A FAMILY DEDICATION?
Family Dedication is the first in our series of Faith Passages, where significant spiritual steps are taken and celebrated. Family Dedication is primarily about you, as parents, committing yourselves to the Lord, to love Him with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength. Then you are able to pass that heart and passion for God on to your children. The Dedication ceremony has to do with you as parents, and the Family of Rolling Hills, declaring commitments to each other to raise your child to live and think like Jesus. We are dedicating our children to God’s ways, not our own. Though this usually happens during a Sunday service, we also encourage you to dedicate your child in a more personal, intimate setting with your Community Group or immediate family and friends. It is a sacred time to bridge the gap between the church and the home as we join together to raise the next generation for Jesus Christ.

WHO MAY DEDICATE A CHILD?
Parents who are followers of Christ essentially dedicate themselves and their child to the Lord. If you are the only parent who is a follower of Christ, or you are a single parent, we welcome you to be part of a Family Dedication ceremony. If you plan to participate in a Sunday service ceremony, the scheduled officiating Pastor will be announced during the Family Dedication class.

WHAT IS REQUIRED?
Attend RH-Engage ( previously known as RH 101). We need to share a common belief of what it means to be a Christian and you should be aware of how Rolling Hills can assist in the spiritual development of your family. RH 101 introduces you to the history, values, and vision of this church. You’ll discover our commitment to your family, and understand your commitment to this body of believers (Ephesians 4:11-16).

• Listen to online podcasts to prepare for the Family Dedication ceremony. The sessions focus on these important topics: · Imagine the End—Inspires parents to invest in what matters most in a child’s life by putting their faith and trust in their Heavenly Father · Make It Personal—Encourages parents to invest in their own relationships with the Heavenly Fathe · It’s a Partnership—Reiterates the importance of the partnership with the church ( see side for podcasts)
• Complete the “homework” after listening to the podcasts.
• Attend the Family Dedication class at the church (RSVP to the right)

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Does Rolling Hills baptize infants?
We do not baptize babies at Rolling Hills Community Church. We believe the Bible teaches that baptism is only for those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. Baptism follows this decision (Acts 2:41), and Rolling Hills offers Baptism Orientation Classes for elementary kids through adults. See our Baptism brochure for more info. Although infants and very young children belong to God (2 Samuel 12:23), they do not have the capacity to repent and believe before baptism. The dedication of a child does not ensure a child’s salvation, but is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your desire and willingness to teach your child the truths of God’s Word.
Does Dedication give my child eternal life or special favor with God?
No. There is nothing mystical or powerful in the act itself. Dedication does not merit favor with God or earn your child eternal life. As the Apostle Paul said, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV)

FAMILY DEDICATION PODCASTS

#1: Imagine the End
#2: Make it Personal
#3: It's a Partnership