Introduction: I have a Masters of Divinity from North Park Seminary in Chicago, IL
I am a practicing clergyman who actively Pastors a Church in Dixon, IL
Hire a authentic, ordained and licensed Pastor from a respected seminary like North Park Seminary in Chicago where I graduated.
Hire an officiant who actually pastors a real church like I do.
Jesus says in Matthew 18:18 Truly I say to you, Whatever you shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatever you shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Jesus told his disciples that his apostles carry the authority of God to bind others in marriage. You may not fully believe this and you may not have visited a church in years, but why take the chance?
Pick an authentic, practicing Minister and avoid hiring cheap on-line mail order fake officiants. Only authentic Clergy has God's Biblical promise to you that your marriage is bound on earth and bound in heaven.
As the French Philosopher Pascal said: You bet with your life whether God exists or not. It's better to bet that there is a God rather than that there is not. If you bet against God you gain permission to have a few more small earthly pleasures but you lose your immortal soul. If you bet there is a God, you lose little, but gain eternity in Heaven. Betting there is a God is a far less risky bet. Google "Pascal's Wager" for more details.
I officiate Marriages, Elopements, Baptisms, Baby Blessings, Renewal of Vows, and Memorial Services as you request. Last minute weddings welcomed. Other aspects of our work reflect my experience in adult education, pre-marital counseling, spiritual coaching, pastoral care, and chaplaincy. I will tailor your special day by working closely with you to make sure your wedding is just the way you dreamed it would be. I will travel to your location to perform your wedding in the greater Rockford and Chicago Area including parts of Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Indiana area. Also, if you prefer, the New Life Church of Dixon provides a wedding chapel and reception facilities here at our Church in Dixon, Illinois.
I love officiating weddings! It is great fun getting to know couples and sharing their big day. Your wedding can be traditional, romantic, relaxed, spiritual, and fun. I will travel to the location of your choice to perform your wedding or perform the wedding at our chapel at the New Life Church of Dixon.
I Love the seriousness of commitment and purpose of a High Church wedding dressed in full frock and vestments as well as the whimsy and fun of nontraditional weddings.
I have performed Hindu/Catholic combo weddings, One Hindu/Catholic wedding took all day and at the Drake in downtown Chicago. I've officiated weddings in the park, weddings on a farm, Star Trek weddings in full costume, (I speak Klingon), goth weddings, traditional Catholic Weddings with a mass afterwards, High Church Protestant Weddings, I once married a pair of marathon runner enthusiasts just before the starting horn went off before a big marathon. I wore a black jogging suit with a frock and ran the marathon too! I've married couples on yachts, on small motor boats down the rock river, on the Beach, in forest preserves, in their parent's living room, their parent's barn, riding horseback down the aisle, marriages with all their children from past marriages as best men and women, I married a couple in the Starbucks Coffee where they met, I married a couple at the Brookfield Zoo, I perform the traditional Catholic Mass, the Candle Ceremony, the Hands Ceremony, the Sand Ceremony, the traditional Irish Knot tying ceremony where the term "tying the knot" comes from, I even married couples who had their dog as ring bearer. Let's put our imaginations together and plan your perfect wedding!
