“We Will”
Our Own Royal Wedding
No doubt at all about the intent of the congregation. They had gathered to give witness and support at the Celebration and Blessing of the Marriage Uniting Martie Merretta Carson and John David Doran on November 19, 2011. The resounding “We Will!” was testimony to the unbridled spirit and sheer joy of the overflow crowd filling the Church of the Holy Spirit on Martie and John's special day, as family and friends promised “. . . to uphold these two persons in marriage.”
The love affair between Martie and John blossomed and matured at Holy Spirit. With justification, Bob (and Pat) Magnus lay claim to playing Cupid's role, which Bob stated in the homily. In truth, all of us lay claim to both the bride and groom, for the love and respect for them which formed over the past five years had prompted an outpouring of willing hands helping to make their wedding day a wing-ding celebration. Kudos especially to Linda Ballard, Genevieve Burda, and Linda Tull who were the major coordinators.
In old-age society page fashion, let’s describe the wedding party’s attire. Martie was lovely in an ankle length cream two-piece sleeveless gown. The scalloped bodice was highlighted with seed pearls and tiny glass beads formed into flowers. The groom looked handsomely regimental in his navy blue suit accented by a striking gold and blue print tie. The couple was escorted down the aisle by family members: Martie by sister Kaye Butler and John by his daughter, Tammi Bernard from Louisiana. Other out-of-town family members included John’s son-in-law Todd Bernard and grandson Spencer Bernard and Susan Prescott, Martie and Kaye's cousin from Maine.
You can't say Holy Spirit doesn’t offer full-service clergy support for a wedding. In the chancel were six clergy: Officiant, The Reverend David McNair; Celebrant, The Right Reverend Robert H. Johnson; the Gospel reader, The Reverend Dr. O.C. Edwards; Prayers of the People reader, The Reverend Barbara Petersen; the Homilist, The Reverend Robert Magnus; and the Preparer of the Table, The Reverend Deacon Bill Thomsen. This number of clergy — one bishop, four priests, and one deacon — would be required for a royal wedding. Shall we agree that this was our own royal wedding?
The intentional care that went into the service was extraordinary. The music was eclectic— classical performed by Carolyn Ogburn at the piano; Celtic by Sam Bingham playing the bagpipes; and traditional mountain love songs hauntingly sung by June Trevor. Bob Magnus’ homily on love as a decision grounded in the teachings of Jesus and the Old Testament was directed to Martie and John as well as to the congregation. And finally, the familiar words of the marriage vows taken by Martie and John reportedly brought tears to the eyes, especially from those who were close enough to observe the interaction between Martie and John. One parishioner who had never attended a wedding remarked, “This is how a wedding ought to be.”
Not only was the food plentiful, thanks to all who prepared their favorite recipes, but also the beautiful floral arrangements by Ginny Koranek, Ginny Lentz, and Libby Woodruff were everywhere. Larry Burda coordinated parking with EYC and photography was done by Pete Von Dreele. This was another full-service offering of the parish.
Those of us in attendance witnessed the Spirit of the Lord at work. Here was a coming together of dispersant relations — those who have known the Carson and Doran families over the years and those who have experienced Martie and John here in the parish. It was a day of celebratory liturgy, good humor and ebullient spirit, and a visible acknowledgement of how essential relationships are. It was all about God’s working through and among us. It was the church at her best.
As read at the service from Psalm 67: 6,
The earth has brought forth her increase;
May God, our own God, give [Martie and John] his blessing.
They certainly have ours!
Lin Von Dreele