The day was such an amazing reminder of the tremendous support Kevin and I have in helping to raise our family. Our kids are quite lucky to have not only a very active and supportive extended family but also a wonderful church community. In addition to the congregation, Oliver had 2 grandfathers, 2 grandmothers, 2 great-grandmothers, 1 aunt, and 2 cousins come to commit to helping raise him.
FMCSF has been a safe, supportive place for Kevin and I to question and reexamine our own faith. We are finding it an especially important place as we try to raise kids with an open, growing, and vibrant faith. The strong commitment to social justice, the important connection to Mennonite community and history, and openness to question and doubt are just a few of the reasons we love this community. We have seen several of the youth in our community grow and become amazing teens and young adults. While we know their parents were the key to creating such amazing kids, it is no coincidence that these youth were touched and shaped by the FMCSF community.
We look forward to the years ahead; the fun and challenges of raising kids with the help of this community.
Just so we can remember, I have documented what we (as parents) agreed to as well as what the congregation agreed to.
Our commitments:
- Do you dedicate your home as a place where the spiritual nature of Oliver may unfold and grow, where he can question and seek his own answers?
- By teaching and example, will you nurture Oliver so that he may learn what it means to walk in the way of Jesus in community with others?
- Do you promise to gladly release Oliver to the vocation and ministry to which he may be called?
The congregation:
- Do we accept responsibility for the spiritual well-being and care of Oliver?
Final Blessing:
Gracious God, we Oliver before you and this congregation for dedication into the life of faith – faith in God’s great, never ending love for him; and faith in the way of Jesus – the way that leads to abundant life. As he grows in years, may he also grow in grace and knowledge of your way. Guide and direct Jennette and Kevin as they nurture and teach and learn from their children. Give them the wisdom and patience and strength they need to fulfill their calling as parents. We also ask you to bless us as a congregation, that we may uphold and surround this family in their journey of faith. May Oliver know the love that God has for him through the love he experiences here. Amen.
