Stephen's Dedication Day

Photo credit: Matthias Giezendanner

Our little guy, Stephen was dedicated in church this past Sunday, September 3. Chris's dad was in town and I'm so glad we could do it while he was with us! Pastor John Lloyd, who has been our pastor for nearly a year led the service. 

A dedication is a covenant we make with God in the presence of our congregation. It isn't something that provides salvation for Stephen or forgives his sins (he will have to make the decision to believe in Jesus and follow him on his own. We have prayed and will continue to pray that he makes that choice early in life!). The dedication is just us as his parents (and Bob as his Grandfather) standing up and proclaiming that we will do our best to share the gospel with our son, teaching him who Jesus is and what it means to follow Him. And asking the congregation to be a part of his spiritual journey. 

Photo Credit: Matthias Giezendanner

Both of the boys did pretty well up front. Of course the 15 1/2 month old was a bit fidgety but he had randomly taken a morning nap that day so he was actually in a decent mood! 

Photo Credit: Matthias Giezendanner

Chris was tasked with holding the mic but at one point, Stephen reached for it too! It looked like he might actually say something but tried to bite it instead!

Photo credit: Matthew Ronan

Praying over Stephen with our congregation was really special. I love the photo above and below because it's a glimpse of the people that love our son and care about his salvation! (as well as the support we have in this journey!)

Photo credit: Matthew Ronan

At the end the pastor prayed, "Gracious God, giver of all life, may your blessing be and remain upon this child; keep Stephen always in your love, that he may grow wise and whole. Bring Stephen safely through the dangers of childhood and temptations of youth. Lead Stephen to personal faith in Jesus Christ and to be Christ's faithful disciple throughout his life. May goodness and mercy follow Stephen Christopher Babiak all the days of his life." 

My heart sang an "Amen." And then Chris did the proud dad-lion thing: Announcing Simba Stephen!

Photo credit: Matthias Giezendanner

After the service our good friend Matthias followed Stephen outside and took the most adorable photographs! I just can't get enough. Here are two of my favorites:

Photo credit: Matthias Giezendanner

Photo credit: Matthias Giezendanner

Ghah! Isn't he just the cutest! I love this little baby-man. I'm so glad the suit fit that my sister sent us and the shoes we had actually fit and even matched!

Stephen we love you so very much and trust God for your salvation. I'm so thankful he has given you to us and pray I would be the mom you need me to be. I look forward to watching you grow in knowledge and love of Jesus.

Photo credit: Matthias Giezendanner

Our little guy, Stephen was dedicated in church this past Sunday, September 3. Chris's dad was in town and I'm so glad we could do it while he was with us! Pastor John Lloyd, who has been our pastor for nearly a year led the service. 

A dedication is a covenant we make with God in the presence of our congregation. It isn't something that provides salvation for Stephen or forgives his sins (he will have to make the decision to believe in Jesus and follow him on his own. We have prayed and will continue to pray that he makes that choice early in life!). The dedication is just us as his parents (and Bob as his Grandfather) standing up and proclaiming that we will do our best to share the gospel with our son, teaching him who Jesus is and what it means to follow Him. And asking the congregation to be a part of his spiritual journey. 

Photo Credit: Matthias Giezendanner

Both of the boys did pretty well up front. Of course the 15 1/2 month old was a bit fidgety but he had randomly taken a morning nap that day so he was actually in a decent mood! 

Photo Credit: Matthias Giezendanner

Chris was tasked with holding the mic but at one point, Stephen reached for it too! It looked like he might actually say something but tried to bite it instead!

Photo credit: Matthew Ronan

Praying over Stephen with our congregation was really special. I love the photo above and below because it's a glimpse of the people that love our son and care about his salvation! (as well as the support we have in this journey!)

Photo credit: Matthew Ronan

At the end the pastor prayed, "Gracious God, giver of all life, may your blessing be and remain upon this child; keep Stephen always in your love, that he may grow wise and whole. Bring Stephen safely through the dangers of childhood and temptations of youth. Lead Stephen to personal faith in Jesus Christ and to be Christ's faithful disciple throughout his life. May goodness and mercy follow Stephen Christopher Babiak all the days of his life." 

My heart sang an "Amen." And then Chris did the proud dad-lion thing: Announcing Simba Stephen!

Photo credit: Matthias Giezendanner

After the service our good friend Matthias followed Stephen outside and took the most adorable photographs! I just can't get enough. Here are two of my favorites:

Photo credit: Matthias Giezendanner

Photo credit: Matthias Giezendanner

Ghah! Isn't he just the cutest! I love this little baby-man. I'm so glad the suit fit that my sister sent us and the shoes we had actually fit and even matched!

Stephen we love you so very much and trust God for your salvation. I'm so thankful he has given you to us and pray I would be the mom you need me to be. I look forward to watching you grow in knowledge and love of Jesus.