May God bless you and keep you!

    May God make his face to shine upon you!

    May God bless you in your life and in your love!

    Amen.

    Valentine's Day has traditionally been the day for romantic gestures since the 14th Century and is celebrated all over the world in more and more inventive ways.

    All Angels Episcopal Church recognized Valentine’s Day on Sunday, Feb. 17 when more than 30 couples had the opportunity to receive a special “Blessing of the Couples.”

    The event took place during the 11 a.m. service with Rev. Susan Keedy (“Mother Keedy”) blessing married, domestic partners, significant others, and family and friends.

    “God showed his love by helping us to be the best we can be,” Mother Keedy said during the service. “If in every relationship we were to do that for each other, the world would be a wonderful place for each one of us. It would, in fact, be the Kingdom of God.”

    “It felt so deeply precious to stand with your dear life partner and receive that sacred blessing as Mother Keedy placed her hand on both your heads and pronounced words filled with wisdom and grace,” said Valerie McCarty.

    When all the couples were seated, a spontaneous flow of folk of all ages, solo or in small groups, eagerly bowed their heads to be blessed. Love was flowing … through the music, singing and the unity felt.

    Immediately following the service, a Valentine Brunch and Tea Dance to celebrate the season of love was held at the church hall.

    The hall transformed into Valentine’s Day with center pieces, balloons and music.

    Mother Keedy graciously gave thanks to our Heavenly Father for this beautiful day; that was followed by a breakfast prepared and served buffet-style by members of the church. Eggs, meats, breads, pastries and fresh fruit were found along the buffet line.

    There was no separation at all between songs as Kaotic Productions played all of the great love song classics.

    Said Zorayda Fort, who attended with her husband: “This ceremony means a lot to me because my husband was sick. We have been married 53 years.”

 

Love is in the air!

    • Councilwoman Jennifer Ator: “Our church family opens our doors and welcomes everyone in the community for this yearly event that is all about love. It is wonderful to see so many couples come to church to receive a blessing and then enjoy the delicious breakfast prepared by the members of the parish.”

    • Marla Alpizar: “I think today’s service of blessing was lovely. You can never have too many blessings.”

    • Monica Vigna: “It meant a lot after 15 years of marriage. Happily married! God’s faith is what is important to us. We build our relationship each and every day.”