MARRIED couples wanting to put a sparkle of romance back into their relationships can renew their wedding vows at a special pre-Valentine’s Day event.
Christian ministers are offering pairs the chance to reaffirm their commitment and have their bands blessed during a simple ceremony at the town’s St Godwalds Church next Saturday (February 7).
It is for couples who have been married many years or those with just a few marriage miles on the clock.
‘Celebrating Marriage’ has wide support from all of the churches in Bromsgrove and Rev Richard Wilde, the minister of the Methodist church who hosted this event last year, said it was a very touching occasion which moved many to tears.
“I welcomed folks and took part leading the service then my wife and I joined all the other couples repeating our vows.
“It was wonderful to hear others around us repeat their vows phrase by phrase as Christine read them.
“There were some who had been married many years and linked this to their ruby year or some other point and some married just a few years who had never had a church ceremony and wanted to make these promises in a place of worship.”
He said he would recommend the event wherever couples were on their journey of marriage.
Couples need to be at the church for 4.45pm for a run through of the ceremony which will take place at 5pm.
It is anticipated the service, which will be conducted by by Rev Christine Holzapfel, will last some 20 to 30 minutes.
It will include some traditional ‘wedding’ hymns accompanied by the church organ.
Refreshments will be served and a cake will be cut afterwards.
Family and friends are very welcome.
There is no need for a lot of preparation but the organisers would find it helpful to have in advance the names of people taking part and some idea of how many will accompany the couple.
Anyone wanting to be a part of the ceremony or find out more should e-mail Rev Christine Holzapfel at [email protected] or call her on 01527 579561 or 07749 898698.
