In a year – 2020 – when so much of what brings people together has ground to a halt, what a joy it was Friday evening to attend a beautiful and joyful wedding (carefully planned, socially distanced, masked where necessary).

Not just a wedding but a coming together of two young people and two strong families who grew up together in our church. Their mutual commitment also served as a moment of theological insight, where the picture of what we are about at WFPC as a community of faith could not have been any clearer.

Rather than the typical wedding “go-to” favorites, Josh Griffin and Katie Kirby picked a scripture passage from Isaiah:

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

Isaiah 6:8

“Thanks a lot, Josh and Katie!” Rebekah said at the beginning of the homily. “So much for pulling out my standard wedding sermon notes!“

But it was all good, of course, because Rebekah then “opened up” the scriptures and laid out the background to the Isaiah passage. King Uzziah – who had become consumed by his own power and sense of self-importance – had died. Consequently there was turmoil in the land, division, and a need for a clear message from God. “Here am I,” the prophet responds to God, “send me.”

So?

The wedding message, then, was that God calls all of us to be light in darkness and clarity in the middle of a mess. Josh and Katie have this wonderful opportunity to launch their life together as people of faith who shine! To live as witnesses to the Good News of grace, mercy, peace, light, love, and reconciliation.

It was delightful to be in the presence of so many good people, where we could share in this joyful celebration.

I will let my photos tell the story (just click on one, below, then scroll through). But do not pass the opportunity by to be encouraged, and to be inspired by such a positive statement of love and hope and promise.

In love, and because love wins – DEREK

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