Both services include three common elements. First, they are an opportunity for you, as parents, to give thanks to God for the birth of your child. Second, both provide an opportunity to name Godparents (or guardians/sponsors etc.) if you choose to have them. These are chosen individuals who have a special relationship with the child, committing to help the parents raise the child well. The third is a chance for the wider community to celebrate with you in your joy, and welcome the new child into the community. Dedication is a symbolic christian ceremony, which has two additional elements. First, it includes an explicit commitment by the parents (and godparents, if chosen) to Train up a child in the way he should go" (Proverbs 22:6), raising the child in the Christian faith, and giving them every opportunity to hear and respond to the gospel. Secondly, it also includes an opportunity for the gathered Christian community to make promises before God to, as much as is possible, assist the parents in this task, by faithfully modelling the Christian faith, and taking opportunities to present the good news of Jesus with the child. Both services include some Christian elements, but a dedication includes significantly more Christian commitments. A Thanksgiving celebration can take place in any location, and at any time, whereas a dedication would usually take place in the context of our regular Sunday gatherings. While any parent may choose a thanksgiving celebration, due to the nature of the promises and commitments made during the dedication service, including by other Christians in our church community, we would generally suggest that a dedication may not be appropriate for a non-christian family, or parents who are not part of a church family, and do not worship together regularly.