by Michelle McFarland

Judy was just fifteen years old when she told her father, “I just saw the guy I’m going to marry, “ after seeing a handsome sixteen-year old from her vantage-point up in Bethany’s balcony. It was a short while later that she met Bill for the first time and they began to date. Five years later, when Bill was on Christmas leave while in the Navy, they married at the place where they first met—Bethany Presbyterian Church.

Tara and John also met at Bethany some years ago, quickly becoming close friends. Though they admit their love story is “complicated,” the consistent thread they have seen together “is God’s utter and absolute faithfulness.” In October, they will unite in marriage at the place where they have discovered the “family of God” - Bethany Presbyterian Church.

As you know , these wonderful stories are not alone. There are eight to twelve weddings held at Bethany each year, with probably over a thousand wedding ceremonies celebrated since Bethany was first established in 1888!

Weddings at Bethany are truly joy-filled celebrations…beautiful flowers are delivered, the banners are fluffed and hung, the pews are polished and decorated, the aisle runner is gently tacked down. Though the sanctuary that we know and love on Sunday mornings gets “enhanced,” it continues to be a place of worship whenever weddings take place.

In scripture, marriage is symbolic of God’s relationship with His people (Hosea, Song of Solomon). Jesus saw in marriage both great seriousness and joy (John 2, Matt 25, Mark 10). And the great picture we read in Revelation whereby Christ is reunited with His people is described in the imagery of a wedding (Rev. 19).

You see, Bethany doesn’t just act as a gorgeous building to hold weddings, nor does it “rent” out its space—instead, weddings are a sacred time—an act of worship to Jesus Christ, our Lord. A time to honor and invite Him in; to not only bless a marriage, but to be a part of the marriage. Though humor is often woven into wedding ceremonies, it is done so with respect and reverence. You will not find any canine ring bearers or any practical jokes. Instead, this is a protected time. A moment of holiness.

Even the act of putting on a wedding at Bethany is a ministry in and of itself. Obviously Pastor Dan and the rest of the Bethany staff play a huge part in this. But there are also musicians, sound technicians, custodial staff and four wedding coordinators who not only help with all of the details before, during, and after a wedding; striving to humbly serve the couple, their families, and guests when they walk into Bethany’s big wooden doors. Gifts of hospitality, kindness, listening, patience, hard work, and sense of humor (as well as the occasional plumbing skills in the bathroom) are what it takes to be the hands and feet of Jesus during this joyful, but often emotionally-charged time.

Bill and Judy Marshall , who met and essentially grew up here at Bethany, will be celebrating 50 years of marriage this Christmas (married December 27, 1958). Their children, Pam (and husband Steve) and Greg (and wife Mary), were also married here at Bethany.

As for John Chase and Tara Taylor, their marriage journey is just beginning (October 11, 2008). “John and I know that marriage will be a joyous thing and also a challenging thing (so we’ve been told!),” says Tara. “We hope to learn and grow in our love for the Body of Christ, as we grow in love for one another. We hope to learn to love Christ more as we consider, through marriage, how deeply He loves and longs for His people.”