Over the past several years many couples at St Thomas have expressed their desire to get married here in their home parish but this has not been possible due to the policy our Diocese. Not knowing if this would change, many of you have been married in other places, sometimes even in other Episcopal churches outside of our Diocese.
As you know by now, this situation was changed by the passing of B012 at General Convention 2018. In the week following that decision I made a statement at the July Vestry Meeting informing the Vestry of my intention to proceed with performing same sex marriages at St Thomas. Beginning Advent I of this year, this involves following the new guidelines provided by the Church. The Vestry voted unanimously to support my decision and I provided both my and the Vestry’s statement to Bishop Sumner on July 18, 2018.
Realizing how much it would mean to many of you who have been married elsewhere, to receive a blessing at the altar of your home parish, we are planning something special. We will have a Celebration and Blessing of your marriages on the day of the Annual meeting, January 20, 2019. This will be a part of the 10:00 am service (no 8:00am service this Sunday), followed by a wedding reception in our parish hall. On that day we will also have a time of prayer in our memorial garden for those whose spouses have passed away.
Please note that while this is a celebration, it is not a marriage ceremony. Couples who are not already married and wish to be married at St Thomas are encouraged to get in touch with me separately. (There is information about the guidelines for this on the table in the Narthex titled Marriage Preparation).
A special welcome to our Guest Preacher, Bishop Gene Robinson. I look forward to this long awaited Celebration.
Joy+
