Reverend Theresa Sutton

I've been slow getting back in the race. The events of the last few months have turned most folk's live upside down and mine is no exception. Memories of things I witnessed on our black and white TV in the 60's and 70's, seem to be flashing before my eyes on FB. Change is needed, so I understand. The Covid-19 issue has thrown some curves. If anyone needs wedding officiant service, feel free to contact me. It would nice to get back to normal, at least almost normal. I'm not feeling particularly eloquent, so I'll leave it at this. Be safe, proud and strong!

So, the Rev. has been sheltering in place except for needed trips. I have rediscovered my love of vintage sewing machines. I have been keeping busy restoring, inventorying and sewing with my mostly Singer collection. I seem to be favoring the people powered machines. Though neither of my treadles are up to sewing, just yet, my 1927 model 66 hand crank is my current go to machine. It is quiet enough to use while other watch TV. Making masks for family and other who need them. I may get some sewing done for myself. I do miss the weddings, but life is what it is and we will get through this. I'm still available for quick low contact ceremonies if you need to complete the license before it expires, or for medical and compassionate reason. Contact me and we can make it work.

As we enter the last month of 2019, I am struck with as sense of wanting to tidy up this decade. It would be nice if we could lift the primordial carpet and sweep all the ugliness under there and forget it. But we can't and shouldn't do that. We must reach out and embrace our neighbors and strangers, if we are to enter this new decade with a feeling of hope rather than doom. Seek to laugh for joy, rather than lashing out in anger, see beauty and shared values rather than arguing over differences. It takes an effort to unlearn hate and lean toward love. As we enter this season sacred to those of many religions and special to most folks may we all be safe, loved and excited about the future!

A beautiful day! What's on your calendar? Have a wonderful experience!A beautiful day! What's on your calendar? Have a wonderful experience!

It is starting to get chilly in the evening, remember that when planning your wedding. The strapless gown that would work great in June could leave you shivering and covered in goosebumps. You love the dress and it is altered, and paid for. Not to worry, a simple shawl or shrug can save the day and a personal touch to complete your outfit.

There's nothing like a wedding full of love, laughter and happiness to help erase the daily cares of the world. Unfortunately, those cares come back with the flicker of a phone or computer screen. We all have to care for each other in these confusing, troubled times.

As a minister, I am occasionally thrown into contact with folks that I really don't identify with. I bite my tongue and remember we are all part of the same family. I TRY to let politics and the like roll off like water. I don't force couples to have God in their ceremony by way of prayer or Bible verses. I also will not exclude the deity of their choice. I have learned along my path to being 60 years old, that God takes many forms, wears many titles, what is important is how each person relates to that. There isn't a one size fits all religion, thus there are many. There is no one skin, which fits all of us. We are pieces of a whole. We can be that edge that cuts all who touch it. Or we can be the cohesive factor which holds society together.

This is a business, for sure. However, I love what I do and I share that joy. Weddings are, essentially, parties. Yes, there may be somber moments, but you planned the food, the music, the flowers and decorations to share with your friends and family. Even though I am usually gone when the partying begins, I want to make sure the legal part of the whole thing goes off with as little stress as possible. So here are a few tips to help make that possible. 1. Make sure to ...apply for your license early. Most counties allow you to complete the application online and some allow you to book an appointment. Once you have the license it is good for 90 days. 2. Make sure you know who you want to sign as witnesses. Make sure they know to catch up with the officiant to complete this task. Also decide who is turning in the license, many counties allow the couple to turn it in to speed up registration and issuing the certified copies. Please check on this when getting your license. 3. Make sure the license makes it to the ceremony. Yes, it has been forgotten, at least a few times. 4. It hasn't been taken care of at the rehearsal or before, make sure to have the payment for the officiant. The exact amount is nice, they may not have change. 5. The more little details that can be decided and taken care of ahead of time the less day of headaches you will have. I look forward to helping you through the legal necessities and having a little fun while we are at it. See more

For 11 years a worked side by side with a Muslim coworker. He carried his prayer rug with him and stopped several times a day to pray. He also did more work than some of our self proclaimed Christian coworkers. And although I am a woman and a Christian minister, he stepped forward to shake my hand one day. I guess I could have been insulted when he said that he was glad to call me a coworker and friend because there were days when I out worked him. However, because I kne...w the cultural chasm between our religions meant merely touching my hand was a great leap. The day I left that job, the fact that I couldn't hug him goodbye still hurts, but I understand. We are all so the same and so different, but somewhere along the line our fingertips may just touch and enrich the lives of each. Religion has always been the greatest divider in history. The irony is that the biggest tear is between the Abrahamic sects. In chronological order Judaism (the base of the other two religions) in the 7th century BCE, Christianity in the 1st century CE, and Islam in the 7th century CE. It is like a great big horrible family feud! It needs to end, 1400 years is more than enough. See more

I don't travel much more than a couple hundred miles anymore. I travel the globe vicariously through my wedding couples. Mostly, it is great fun. Some of my clients are from far slung places, other just travel there. Sometimes the connections aren't all good, as the world has bad along with the good. I read world news with an ear toward the homes of clients and their families. Today, like many times before, I searched through my email to find a certain bride. Her family ...lives in Sri Lanka. Other times, it has been Japan during the tsunami, uprisings in Africa and I know there will be more. Every time, my thought in these major terrible events is how it is affecting that one small segment of humanity. Yes, I do feel concern, anger and sorrow for all involved, but we all think of those closest first. We will all go about our Easter, Ostara or Spring festivals. Sharing time with family and friends, be thankful for this time and love we can share. See more

Just a little advice for couples planning their wedding. Find an online listing service and stick with it. Most vendors are listed on almost all of the bigger sites. Spreading your quote requests over more than one site causes potential confusion for you and the vendors. You may find a vendor or two whose profile really speaks to you, there is nothing wrong with looking them up by name. Many wedding vendors have websites or, at least, Facebook pages. Happy planning!

As the holidays are upon us, with all the hectic joy the season brings, it pays to take a couple deep breaths and gather your thoughts. Now, smile and go about your daily routine knowing everyone will wonder what you are up to!