First wedding since lockdown such a joy

By Revd Helen Rengert

It was such a joy to be at a wedding this week. There is something special and beautiful about two people making vows to each other in front of witnesses (28 allowed at the time of writing) – and of course in church. Love is God.

Like Revd Keith said in his talk at this wedding, in English we only have one word for love. We love our jobs, we love our kids, we love a good pizza.

When love is defined so broadly it loses its significance. We may confuse friendship, commitment or lust with love; God intends us to experience something far deeper.

Love is so much more: in the Hebrew Song of Songs love poem there are three words – Raya, which basically means a friend, a companion or soulmate (Song of Songs 4:7); Ahava, which means a deep affection, a desire that is unquenchable, a wish to be with the other person that makes your heart ache (Song of Songs 8:7); and Dod, which means to carouse, rock or to fondle (Song of Songs 1:2) – the physical passion and romantic feelings that are a part of a love relationship.

The four types of love in Greek are Eros, Phileo, Storge and Agape. Storge roughly translates to family loyalty, while Agape is an unconditional love. Eros is what we typically think of as romantic love, while Phileo means things like fondness, enjoyment and friendship.

When we combine love and all these expressions of love – loyalty, friendship, commitment and passion – it is good, as Revd Keith said it becomes a love that will last.

Lasting love is what we all long for and hope for. Weddings are such a joy to attend and to lead as a vicar. It is always an honour and a privilege to meet a couple, to get to know them and to celebrate their day with them.

It is also lovely to see anniversary posts on social media seeing lasting love. We also love to do wedding blessings and other celebrations and also to help if needed. Do get in contact.

Revd Helen Rengert, Team Vicar
Reepham & Wensum Valley Team Churches
The Bircham Centre, Market Place, Reepham NR10 4JJ
Tel: 01603 871263
Email: revdhelenrwv@gmail.com