New Life Service

Main message: The service celebrated new life in Christ through baptism and baby dedication, teaching that baptism is a personal profession of faith while infant dedication is a covenantal act entrusting children to God and to the care of the church community. The congregation is called to support, protect, and model Christian life for these children.

Key points:

• Scripture reading (Colossians 2:6-15) emphasizes continuing in Christ, spiritual circumcision, baptism as being buried and raised with Christ, and forgiveness through the cross.
• Baptism is for those who personally profess faith; infant dedication is not “christening” but a historic Judeo‑Christian practice of presenting and committing children to the Lord.
• The church blends Judeo‑Christian and African traditions: parents dedicate children and fathers publicly name them while the “village” pledges to help raise them.
• The congregation is asked to vow to be role models and never harm the children, and leaders anoint and pray for the babies and families.
• The service included prayers asking God to protect, strengthen, and guide the families and that the children would grow to know and follow Christ.

Scriptures mentioned: Colossians 2:6-15, 1 Samuel, New Testament (Jesus presented in the temple)