First United Methodist Church will add to the hearts-and-flowers sentiment of Valentine’s Day by offering brief marriage vow renewals for any interested couples, whether or not they are members of the church.
The five-minute ceremonies will be done between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. and 5 and 6:30 p.m. Feb. 14 and will include a brief liturgy, blessing of rings, and a short prayer in the appropriately decorated chapel of the church at 618 Eighth St. in downtown Columbus. Couples will be free to make donations to the church’s Love-A-Child Preschool Scholarship fund.
Organizers are encouraging couples to reserve a time slot if possible by calling 812-372-2851. But people are welcome to simply drop in and have Boles or associate pastor the Rev. Sarah Campbell affirm their renewal.
About 15 couples took advantage of the service last when it was offered for the first time, said the Rev. Howard Boles, senior pastor.
He’s unsure how to view that number, which he agreed could seem low.
“It may have been just the novelty of it,” he said. “Folks may not have been quite sure of what it was like or what it meant.”
One couple, not First United Methodist members, told Boles they were pleased to be renewing vows in the church that were married in. Others told him they were following their renewal with a dinner together.
“It became sort of their Valentine’s Day holiday package for them,” Boles said. “Even if it isn’t their anniversary date, it still seems to be a good day for two people to celebrate their love.”
Boles said perhaps the idea could grow.
“I think that’s a definite possibility,” he said. “Maybe the word of mouth from those who participated last year could add to the number for this year.”
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Call First United Methodist Church at 618 Eighth St. in downtown Columbus at 812-372-2851. But couples need not have a specific appointment.
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