More people are enjoying the special occasion of celebrating an important Anniversary with class.  Invite your friends to celebrate with you as you publicly renew your vows!

You can hold a Marriage Renewal Ceremony in Hollywood (or another location).   A Renewal ceremony is similar to, but different from a wedding.  Here are some ideas to help you plan.

• Include time in the ceremony for sharing great memories!
• Involve your friends and families -- including your children, if any.
• Repeat your promises of commitment to one another (if possible, in front of your original witnesses).
• Remember God's many blessings down through the years, and pray for God's continued help and love for the years to come.
• Bring photographs, old lovel etters and other memorabilia to share with everyone.
• Instead of asking for gifts, or saying "Please, no gifts" why not invite gifts to a worthy cause you believe in?  Examples:  cans of food, baby food or even diapers for the Food Pantry; monetary gifts to Habitat for Humanity, Heifer International or Lutheran World Relief; or start a fund to help young couples afford to pay for their own wedding.

40th Anniversary:  What a Wonderful Day

     "My brother and I were both ordained to the ministry many years ago.  Our parents didn't get a church wedding, however.  They had eloped to Yuma, Arizona and were married in a 5-minute ceremony by the Justice of the Peace. 

     "When it came time for their 40th wedding anniversary, they decided they wanted to renew their vows in a church.  What a wonderful day it was for them to have their own two sons officiate at the renewal ceremony.   I will never forget what happiness it brought them to take part in this amazing day.  (They were true soul-mates, by the way, and were married nearly 60 years.)"

Pastor Dan Hooper, Hollywood Lutheran Church