Dear Friends & Neighbours,

The month of June with its promise of Summer is traditionally the beginning of the wedding season… and I’m excited to have six weddings across the Benefice in my diary for this summer.

There’s something particularly special about a village church wedding. It’s not just about the beautiful buildings, although our churches are full of character and charm, each within its own unique setting. It’s not just about the photo opportunities either – although ancient stone walls and beautiful rural churchyards certainly do make for a good picture!

What makes a church wedding truly special is the almost indescribable sense of God’s presence in the beautiful rich and timeless words that are spoken by the priest and repeated by the bride and groom. There is the deep sense of history and community to stand as a couple on the same spot where generation upon generation of couples have stood before and made the same promises before God, family and friends. There’s something very moving about being part of that long tradition and it is a wonderful reminder that love is not just about the moment, but it is also about the years to come, and the shared life ahead.

The Church of England wedding service itself uses such beautiful, thoughtful language… not just romantic, but real. It talks about love that is patient and kind, that bears all things and endures all things… echoing the words of St Paul in 1 Corinthians 13:

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud…”

It’s a reflection of God’s love for us… A love that remains faithful through the good and the difficult times, in sickness and health… a love that never gives up but keeps drawing us into a closer and better relationship . This is the kind of love we pray for, for every couple and it’s the kind of love we pray for in our own lives too whether we are married or not …. And of course, a village wedding is never just about two people. It’s a moment that brings families and the whole community together – everyone wanting to catch a glimpse of the bride, bells ringing out across the village , flowers arranged with loving care, …tradition being continued and a real sense of celebration shared by all.

If you’re planning to get married later this year or in the next couple of years or so why not consider getting married in one of our beautiful Benefice Churches and become part of that wonderful tradition. If you live in the Benefice of Stanton you can marry in any of our eight beautiful churches (Stanton, Barningham, Coney Weston, Market Weston, Hopton, Thelnetham, Hinderclay or Hepworth) so do get in touch with me … I’d love to chat to you about it.

So, whether you’re getting married in church this Summer or attending a wedding or simply passing the church as the bells ring out, do spare a thought and a prayer for those beginning their married life – and take a moment to think of the gift of love … a love that first comes to us from God.. a love full of Hope, Life and New Beginnings.

God Bless, love Rev Cathy.

Email: revcathybladen@gmail.com

Phone: 01359 250239