Celebration

Whenever there is a personal milestone of celebration, the family sits in the first several rows of the church. During the service, the pastor will recognize and bless the occasion. Our congregation is small and such a gathering is obvious throughout the church.
On Valentine Day the front pews filled as the extended family continued to arrive, beautifully dressed with smiles to match.
The service began and the pastor came forward touching the shoulders of the oldest couple in the family group. He stood quietly for a minute or two as if he were awed by the occasion.
Facing the congregation, Fr. Frank announced that today was the 60th Wedding Anniversary of this couple. Applause, sustained and sincere, filled the church.
Their life together began in Croatia 60 years ago. They came to the United States, raised a family, struggled with all the problems that come with learning a new culture, cherishing the former culture, finding work, educating the children, blending while staying separate.
A tribute to the bedrock meaning of love. It was a privilege to share this celebration.