“Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.  Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.”  Proverbs 3:3-4

On Saturday, January 9, at the bright and early start time of 9:30 AM, Jeff Mathew and Nneka Hewitt – long-term disciples in our church – were united in holy matrimony.
As the guests entered the auditorium, a slide show of Jeff and Nneka greeted them.  Finally the anticipated hour arrived, the music began and the mothers walked in to light the outer candles, representing their two families of origin (Indian and Jamaican).
Even the ministers were allowed to walk in from the back to the “Facing the Giants” theme.  The groomsmen, led by best man Rich Robertson, marched triumphantly to “Autumn Thunder: 40 Years of NFL Film Music.”  The groom entered to rousing applause and took his place front and center to watch the rest of the proceedings.

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Thankfully, the beautiful bridesmaids came next.  Led in by Shani Hewitt (maid of honor) and Dorothy Salesman (matron of honor) – the large wedding party was now almost completely in place.  All that was left was some excitement and a little damage done while pulling the runner down, and the entrance of the junior bridesmaids and flower girls.
Finally, Nneka and her father walked through as the double doors swung wide.  To “The Power of Love” Nneka moved gracefully down the center aisle.  Tim Blake welcomed the crowd, prayed a prayer of thanks to God and shared some brief comments.  Then Jimmy Allen spoke on the theme of “Wedding Clothes” from several scriptures (Isaiah 61:10 , Zechariah 3:3-5 , Romans 13:14 and Colossians 3:12-17 ).
As the hour-long ceremony reached its climax, Jeff and Nneka shared personal vows, lit the unity candle (as Monet Clarke played the violin) and added in their “I Do’s!” emphatically.  One different part of the ceremony was the Thali and Mantrakodi Blessings, taken from the Indian culture.  Finally, the couple kissed, a pronouncement was made and all departed in a spirited way to “Jai Ho – Slumdog Millionaire.” 
Jeff and Nneka have meant so much to our congregation through the years.  God has blessed them with many spiritual blessings.  However, now – He has also given them each other for a life of love, respect and honor.  Let’s pray for and assist them on this new and thrilling part of their life journey.

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