Three weddings and a minister
Most ministers have some wedding tales to tell. If you have one, why not post it on our bulletin board, Forum ?
The minister with L Plates
I was very excited as it was the first time I was to take a wedding since becoming a Minister. Having met with the couple over a few months going through our marriage preparation course I had got to know them well. It was her second marriage, her husband having been killed. She was a little nervous, especially as it was his first marriage - he had been a bachelor for many years.
The church was full with over 150 people. I requested the congregation to stand for the entrance of the Bride. Everyone present was very happy for this couple and I stood confident at the front as she walked down the aisle. She arrived and was joined by the groom and I went into the wedding service. As they exchanged vows and I pronounced them man and wife, I felt a glow of success. Then they signed the Register.
Just one thing wrong. Imagine my horror when I realised that I had forgotten the opening hymn, the welcome to visitors and the 'special prayers' they had asked for! Oops. So I just tucked them on the end and everyone was happy. I learnt my lesson though. Ever since, each Bride/Groom have been warned about looking out for me missing hymns when I do a wedding!
Dancing in the Aisles
It was a rather pleasant summer! Just right for the wedding of a couple who had experienced so much personal tragedy and difficulties. Through it all both had become Christians and the change in both their lives was so obvious.
They were not well off financially and the Church members had pulled together to give them a day to remember. The photographer, a very well known local quality guy, was ready armed with all the necessary gear. Many long standing friends also turned up, but most of these were very poor and had probably never been to Church in their adult life. I was to take the service and the Bride and Groom had chosen some of the modern lively songs of worship for their ceremony.
As we began the second song, I realised that none of their friends knew these songs or understood what they were about. I stopped the service and began to explain about the joy, and happiness of knowing Jesus as Lord. I concluded with the story of David dancing and leaping before the Lord.
Well! That did it! When the music started again everybody started to dance, sing, laugh and enjoy themselves. The photographer was caught up in all this - he couldn't stop taking pictures. Each time he stood still someone grabbed him by the arm and twirled him around. This went on for some time and I can say it was one of the most real times I have experienced in worship.
Yes we did get through the service in the end and the photographer realised that instead of taking only one roll of film he had taken nine! Bless him! He developed them all and gave them all to the couple because: 'I have never enjoyed myself so much.'
The 'Joy of the Lord is my strength' was clearly demonstrated that day. It was certainly a wedding to remember!
The Reluctant Mother-in-Law?
At another wedding I took, the groom turned up.
The best man turned up.
The congregation turned up.
The bridesmaids turned up.
The bride turned up.
But the bride's mother was caught in a traffic jam for three quarters of an hour!!
Tip by David Brown
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