By Rick Wolcott*

On Valentine’s Day the Rev. Clark Stein of Brecksville United Methodist Church (North Coast District) officiated at a marriage vows renewal service.

Stein told the 40 couples gathered to renew their vows, that he wanted to celebrate with them the commitments that they had made to each other.

“There are over 1,000 years of marriage represented in this room,” he said. “I think it’s a wonderful testimony to the power of the word, both God’s Word and the vows that you’ve given to each other to stand by each other no matter what.”

Following the renewal of vows, the couples headed to Fellowship Hall, where the United Methodist Women held a wedding reception. Couples shared stories, ate cake, had their pictures taken, and received a Certificate of Renewal of Vows.

“I think it’s really been cool,” said Stein, who this year will celebrate 35 years of marriage to his wife Kathy.

“The sweetest thing I saw was when two parents were together saying their vows and their child was in between them,” Kathy said. “It was so touching.”

Click on the video above to hear and see the couples renewing their wedding vows.

*Rick Wolcott is director of Communications for the East Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church.