In our society, where automation and technology threaten to put more and more of us at the end of the line, it might prove helpful to turn to Jesus’ parable in our striving to determine anew the meaning of labor and reward.

WE NEED TO STOP LETTING THE SMALL THINGS SLIDE. Stop putting yourself and your needs first. Stop blaming the world outside for your irritation. Stop making excuses for not treating this world as though your every action matters. Stop pretending that the occasional Chick-fil-A doesn't make a difference. 

We knit our hearts and intentions together in this solemn moment to resolve individually and as family, friends, and community to honor and support these two in the vows they now make.

From New York Times bestselling author Rachel Held Evans comes a book that is both a heartfelt ode to the past and hopeful gaze into the future of what it means to be a part of the Church.

Labour Day weekend marks a milestone in my life. You see 24 years ago, after a driving about 4,000 kilometres, all the way from Vancouver, I arrived in Waterloo, Ontario, just in time for the long Labour Day weekend. I didn’t know anyone in Waterloo. I didn’t have a place to live. But on the Tuesday after Labour Day, I was scheduled to report to Waterloo Lutheran Seminary to begin orientation for what would be a four year masters of Divinity program. In the course of that long ago Labour Day weekend, I found a place to live, unpacked all the belongings that I’d been able to stuff in to my old 84 Oldsmobile, and discovered that in Ontario, milk comes out of in plastic bags. You have no idea how mystified I was wondering just how those plastic bags functioned as an appropriate container for milk. I actually remember standing in the grocery store wondering what people here in Ontario did once they’d opened the plastic bag. Visions of milk spilling everywhere caused me to well up with such a feeling of homesickness. Since then, Labour Day Weekends have been strange combination of nostalgia for what once was and excitement for what is yet to be.

We wish you love, like soft and kindly blessings We savor from a fire’s gentle glow; Reminding us that life is good and friendly, That warmth and tenderness can always flow.

From time immemorial the circle has been a symbol of inclusiveness and unity.

O God of all new visions Of hope and tenderness, The source and inspiration Of love and friendliness, Enable these two people Each other to affirm And find within their marriage The love for which they yearn.

Is love a grand illusion That comes and goes at will, A heart that’s always longing, A heart that's never still?

To eternity this moment yields By rings imbued with covenanting power

Like potter’s clay on spinning wheel, Grasped by strong hands that push and pull, Our lives take shape in height and breadth, In form and grace most wonderful.

In community we gather, Off'ring blessings on this day. Friends and fam'ly joined together, Raising voices now to pray.