To My Anna and My Wesley

My daughter and my son joined the church today. I presented them for membership and my father asked them the questions to receive them into membership.  It was a great day.  

What follows is my presentation of them to the congregation:  

"Anna and Wesley,

When you were babies, I stood beside your father and held each of you as we dedicated you to the Lord, with your Paw Paw presiding over each of the services.   Your father and I were so thankful that God had chosen us to parent each one of you and we wanted to do nothing less than lead you to Christ.  
That’s what we vowed to do on each of those days. 

(Anna - 1996)

(Wesley - 2000)

When you were older, your father and I were thrilled as each one of you repented of your sins, asked Jesus into your hearts, and trusted Him to be your Savior.  
Our prayers for your spiritual births had been answered.

When you were each yet a little older, I stood and watched you both as your father baptized you.  You both had stated that you were ready for this outward and visible sign of grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Your father and I felt so blessed.  
Our prayers for your spiritual growth had been answered.   

Today, on this Father’s Day, 

I stand alone, 

 to present you, Anna Elizabeth Shelton, and you, Wesley Robert Shelton, 

for membership into Smyrna United Methodist Church. 

And as I watch you today take personal responsibility for your own church memberships and you bind yourselves to this church through the voluntary vows you will speak ---

--- I will know the circle is complete 

– from the first services when you were babies with your Paw Paw presiding over the questions for us as parents 

- to your salvation 

- to the day you father baptized you 

- to today as your Paw Paw will ask you the questions of membership into Smyrna.  
And I will rejoice and be thankful that the prayers your father prayed during his lifetime and my continued prayers for you to choose to join the church will be answered."