Friday, July 24, 2009

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Honoring 50-plus years of marriage By STAFF WRITER ~ Nassau Guardian: In its commitment to hold up marriage on the highest possible pedestal, Grace Community Church has instituted an annual "Marriage Is Honourable Day." And on Sunday, June 28 at 11 a.m., the 12th annual service honoring couples, whose marriages have lasted 50-plus years, will be held. Since this memorial has been set in place, 94 couples have stepped out publicly to celebrate their joy and appreciation for their blessed marital experience. All couples that have been honored for the past two years are asked to return as patrons of this service, as new couples step forward to be recognized. Since it is also a moment for the renewal of marriage vows, all married couples — no matter how long they were wed, are encouraged to share in the service. The service is conducted in similar fashion to a wedding. The couples are all part of a processional with young couples of the church attending them, signifying the fact that they desire to walk in the footsteps of couples whose marriages have endured. Standard features of this service includes, a time of reflection and renewal, when couples renew their vows and a dedication of marriage by which the congregation makes a solemn promise to uphold the purpose of marriage. Special prayers follow for the honorees and their families, and commemorative certificates are issued. This year, Grace Community Church's senior pastor emeritus Rex Major and his wife Doreen will be among the honorees. It was under Major's pastoral leadership that the marriage recognition and ceremony was established. n For further information, telephone 394-7223, 393-8120 or fax 394-6243 or e-mail gracebahamas@yahoo.com. Thursday, June 25, 2009