 As we keep saying this year is a year of weddings - isn't it great how each is unique, different and special?
Ray Simpson officiated at Pete and Sarah Cox's nuptials; ray is a one off - an Anglican vicar who describes himself as 'part time hermit' he is the author of loads of books on Celtic spirituality. This isn't because he is nostalgic but because he, along with many others, feels the Celtic Christian roots in the UK have a lot to teach and give us.
Anyway Ray now lives on Lindisfarne, or Holy Island, ( its part of God's own country - Northumberland) the base which pioneered so much of the mission to England. In his recent newsletter he wrote some nice stuff about Pete and Sarah's wedding...
JESUS TURNS UP AT A GUILDFORD WEDDING
I have long wanted to be at a wedding like that one in Cana where Jesus turned water into wine and everyone was touched by his presence. Last summer I did.
Pete and Sarah brought together friends from Guildford Community Church, Burn (Watford Vineyard¹s evening congregation), Soul Survivor, as well as all sorts of relatives and friends.
Different groups from these churches did the music, the catering, the decor, the dresses and ties.Simon, Pete¹s surfing friend from The Burn, was MC. He introduced the service by saying that they wanted everyone to be themselves and to let the whole day be a God thing. Both bride and groom had written deeply personal Œvows of the heart¹, which they spoke through tears - and few of those present remained untouched.
While the musicians sang a song written by a Burn member, ŒBeautiful¹, people were invited to write down prayers for the bridal couple, and to sense Jesus¹ presence among them. Sarah¹s mum had been reading about St Cuthbert, and had made a series of banners. The rainbow banner was held over the bridal couple as a blessing was prayed over them. Ian Nicholson, Sarah¹s 'pastor', who is a leader of the 24.7 movement, gave the address, and during a stroll after the banquet he and I shared similar ways our two networks have been led. I believe God brought us together for a reason - see the review of ŒRed Moon Rising¹.
The best man, Nick, who for the first time in his life set off his dreadlocks with a white suit, riveted us with stories to illustrate Pete¹s qualities: as a chilled out guy, a sport guy (he and Sarah met while surfing and honeymooned off to surf in Sri Lanka), a God-intoxicated guy, a servant guy (he has worked for the homeless and the behaviourally disturbed), a hero (he nearly died to save his friend¹s life in a ski accident) a casanova (just perfect with the girls) and a wild man. For these reasons, said Nick, Pete had felt the draw of Celtic Christianity, and had sought out Iona and Lindisfarne. One day he and a friend arrived late evening on Holy Island, found all the B&B¹s were full, noticed the word Œwelcome¹ on my door, knocked and were allowed to kip down. That began a fruitful connection with them and their friends, and was why I was honoured to conduct this unique service.
Before midnight, after many hours of celebration and of blessing guests with gifts and hugs, the bridal couple departed. I then found myself with non- Christian guests who had been against things like marriage and having children. They were in animated discussion: the power of God and the clear statement of the wedding was causing them to rethink their lives. | 