A Wedding

Today we attended a wedding.  To the right is the Chapel at Casowasco, where the wedding took place.  The bride and groom met at Casowasco  (Camping Ministry) so that location was fitting.

As I thought about weddings,  I realized that most of the weddings that I have attended have been those of relatives, or children, or occasionally, those at which I might have officiated.  The most recent weddings attended were those of a grand-daughter in 2008 and daughters in 2010.

 It is most rare to be invited to a wedding simply as a "guest".  I cannot even remember the last time that happened.  That occurred in this particular case because I was once the pastor of the bride,  Stephanie.  During the years I was her pastor, she was confirmed

 Stephanie's father is clergy, and they made the same choice clergy families often make---the clergy father officiated at the service.  He did well, except for a couple of moments when he clearly was overcome by emotion and could not speak.  But that only lasted a couple of seconds.

Stephanie and Brian Henry

Gerry and I seemed to be sitting at the "clergy" table.  Several of Stephanie's former pastors, as well as some of her clergy friends were also in attendance.  She has been active in the conference ministries even as an adult, and has many connections.

Gerry also has connections to Casowasco having served on the conference Board of Trustees for some years, and the Board of Camping Ministries.   We both invested much sweat equity there over the years.


Thus, my name is embedded in the walkway.