Scroll down
Whether you’ve just started coming to Hope Markham or have been here for a while, if you’re ready to get connected, Step 1 is for you.

Step 1 takes place once every month.

You’ll simply meet some of our pastors and leaders for refreshments in a casual environment. It’s a great opportunity to get to know them, learn more about Hope Markham, and find out how to take your next step. And no matter what weekend it is, you can always find answer your questions at the Information Centre.

What is Child Dedication?
  1. As a Christian parent, by dedicating your child to the Lord, you are acknowledging your need for God in your family. You are inviting God to be active in your family life, submitting your own desires for your child to God’s desires, and making a commitment to raise your child in God’s way. Parents are acknowledging that we believe that God must be a part of our family life if it is to be good and healthy. (Psalm 127:1)
  2. Parents are acknowledging that their child is a gift from God and they are earthly stewards of the life God has placed in their home. (Psalm 127:3-5)
  3. Parents are publicly declaring their intention to raise their child in such a way that they are given an opportunity to know God and to establish a personal relationship with Christ. Parents’ actions in raising their children are important to God. We have a responsibility as followers of Christ to raise our children in a way that will please the Lord.  The responsibilities the Lord has entrusted to parents include continuously praying for their children, instructing them in the way of the Lord, setting a godly example, and disciplining them as the Lord would discipline us. As parents, you are only able to do these things through Christ’s strength. (Deuteronomy 6:4-9, Ephesians 6:4)
  4. Parents are affirming their total dependence upon the Lord. (John 15:5)
  5. Parents are asking family, friends and the church community to prayerfully support and hold them accountable to these commitments. (Hebrews 10:24-25)
  6. Parents are following the Scriptural example of dedicating children to the Lord given in 1 Samuel 1:11, 26-28, where Hannah vowed to dedicate her child to the Lord if He would grant her one. The Lord honored her request and she kept her vow, dedicating Samuel to the Lord. (1 Samuel 1:11 )