On Dec. 6, Bethel Joy Club held a marriage vows renewal ceremony for eight couples with approximately 160 family and friends. A couple of challenges were overcome.

• The minister's wife was going to be the reader for the ceremony, but six weeks prior to the ceremony, she and the minister announced their departure from the church.

• The group's pianist was notified of another commitment which provented her from participating.

The group rallied together in support of each other and they were able to fit the pieces of the puzzle together nicely with a friend minister performing the ceremony and a friend pianist.

It was Christmas season at the church with poinsettias, a decorated Christmas tree with white lights. Each window had a single white candle with garland and the balcony was decorated with lighted garland and red bows.

Guests were seated and the lights dimmed. "The Rose" was sung by a favorite singer.

All eight men entered, four from each side to the tune of "Amazed" by Lonestar.

The reader read each couples' intro as their song was played with their flower girl entering the church whild spreading a carpet of rose petals.

Each husband greeted his wife and they joined the other couples forming an arch. Rev. Vance Midgett read the following "Declaration of Intent."

"When you first joined hands and hearts years ago, you did not know where life would take you. You promised to love, honor and cherish one another through all things. Life has surely brought you both wonderful blessings and difficult tribuations. Therefore, you have fulfilled your promises, and God is smiling. You have helped one another grow into becoming a better person, and you complete one another. You are still the best part of each other's day. So, as you come here tonight to reaffirm and rededicate your wedding vows, and as you reflect back over the years as husband and wife, do you now reaffirm and rededicate the vows you took with each other years ago?"

As each couple said, "I do," a song was sung and each was  presented with a "Renewal of Marriage Vows" certificate with the number of years of marriage.

Each couple kissed under the mistletoe, hidden under the arch, and left the church to the tune of Vince Gill's "Look at Us."

Each couple had a few words to say:

Couple 1:  Rodney and Cheryl Watson

"The 'Renewal of Marriage Vows' in December was wonderful. Our favorite part of that night was watching the seven other couples show their love for each other."

Couple 2:  Jimmie and Leta Davis

"As we listened to the words of our song "Misty," our response was gratitude. We're grateful for the opportunity to stop and remember how thankful we are for God vigin us each other. By the world's standards we had very little to give to a marriage. God saw beyond what we lacked to the inward qualities of love, caring and sharing. These are good qualities to have as we grow old together, and that still makes us misty."

Couple 3:  Woody and Joan Waller

"Renewing of our marriage vows was a very special occasion for us. It was almost like having a real church wedding, which we didn't have when we first got married. There was so much excitement all around, and having our family participate made it even more special. It made us stop and think about what a special relationship we really do have after all these years. last, but certainly not the least, we just returned from our dream honeymoon, and we had a wonderful time. So glad we did it."

Couple 4:  Andy and Jill Wilmoth

"Renewing wedding vows holds such a deeper meaning because you have years of memories that are both good and not so good. You realize you have been through hard times, and yet you are still together, and it has made you stronger. When you marry the first time, you can only imagine a great future. When you are willing to renew your vows, it signifies you have made it through a past that was not always perfect, but you made it through together and are still committed."

Couple 5:  C.J. and Betty Womack

"The 'Renewal of Marriage Vows' meant a recommitment of our love we have for each other after 45 years of marriage. Second, we wanted to share our renewal with our familities and friends. We had the chance to share this with seven other couples, and we will never forget that night. It was a great day."

Couple 6:  George and Sarah Crump

"Our 'Renewal of Marriage Vows' is a memory that we will cherish forever. It meant our love for each other has grown stronger, and our dream of living together as one in a happy home is actually what God has blessed us with and continues to bless us each day. To be a part of such a magical event was truly awesome."

Couple 7:  Roy and Virginia Roberts

"We were married at Bethel Baptist Church in 1984 with a pastor and a special couple as our witnesses, but God was missing. Our 'Renewal of Marriage Vows' ceremony 25 years later with a special minister, the same witnesses, family and new special friends were there with God in their hearts to share this occasion with us. The love we felt was unbelievable it was amazing. God blessed us with His presence and continues to bless us each day. He is in control of our marriage--'til dealth do us part."

Couple 8:  Mitchell and Constance Gravitt

"Our 'Renewal of Marriage Vows' was special to us in so many ways. Our sons, friends, seven other couples and church family witnessed our recommitment and shared this wonderful occasion with us. The sacredness of the evening was so overwhelming and humbling knowing our most special invited guest was in attendace--God. As we continue to watch the video, see the smiles, hugs and the tears, it's clear that these eight couples were truly blessed and ar stronger for sharing this glorious event. Also, in the fall we are going to celebrate our 14th anniversary with a second honeymoon."