Andi Rae Folger Dedication

Introduction

Good morning. It is our honor this morning to dedicate Andi Rae Folger.

She joins her brother, Trace, as well as a long list of family members who have stood in this same place. God is not just a miracle-worker, He is a blessing-worker!

Trace, being a big brother is a fun responsibility! You get to show her what and what not to do. You’ll always have someone to call friend and someone’s hand to hold.

Mindi and Justin, you already understand the important undertaking of parenting. What a blessing it is. The schedule of a Christ-centered family does not look exactly alike in every family. But there are always signs that a family has Christ at the center. Humility, forgiveness, community, service, and discipleship, to name a few.

Growing in your faith comes with tests of faith, and as a parent, the tests will come. Like when you send the kids to Grandpa Andy!

But you also know that when your children are placed in the hands of the believers in this place or the believers in your family, it is done so out of trust. Trust that they also live Christ-centered lives. Consider this text from Mark’s Gospel.

Mark 10:13–16 HCSB

Some people were bringing little children to Him so He might touch them, but His disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw it, He was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me. Don’t stop them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I assure you: Whoever does not welcome the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” After taking them in His arms, He laid His hands on them and blessed them.

As we dedicate Andi Rae to God this morning, let us hold fast to God’s faithfulness and trustworthiness to love and care for her better than we could ever hope or imagine.

In the dedication of Andi Rae you desire to give her fully to God. You wish to thank God for entrusting this precious life into your hands, and you want her to be nurtured in all that is pure, lovely and honest. To this end you promise that you will keep from her, so far as you are able, everything which is likely to harm her in body, mind or spirit.

You also promise that, as she grows in wisdom and stature, you will teach her to seek Christ as Saviour, and support her in the commitment of her life to the service of God. You must be to her an example of a true Christian.

If you are willing to make these promises, I will receive the child in the name of God and of The Salvation Army.

Ask the congregation to stand.

In the name of the Lord and on behalf of the Lakewood Corps of The Salvation Army, I receive Andi Rae Folger in recognition of the promises which have been made by her parents this day. SHORT PRAYER.

Corps Responsibility - Andi, I know you don’t understand this, but this is your family. I want to tell you that they are wonderful people. I know that they love my kids and they support them in everything! So, Lakewood family, I charge you to continue to bless Andi Rae. Wrap your arms around her and her parents, love and encourage them, pray and provide for them. I pray that you are excited about participating in their lives. Let’s go meet them!

Lt. Adam walks around with Andi. Adam S. plays piano. Sign certificates now.

To Justin and Mindy:

In returning Andi Rae into you care, I charge you to care for her in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and to keep the promises that you have made concerning her.

Pray with me. Lord Jesus, we thank you for reminding us of the power of new life. We celebrate the Folger family this morning. We ask for your hands to be on every aspect of Andi Rae’s life, and that she would feel your love every day of her life. Lord, we ask that we learn from Andi Rae what it means to live in faith, as she seeks her parents, help us to seek You for all that we need. In Your Name we pray. Amen.