Ordination planning

With my ordination now only about three weeks away, I am caught up in the details. And I have to say, it's amazing how much it feels like getting organized for a wedding. I've only done that once, of course, and that was a long time ago; but I've had recently the pleasure of watching Hope and Andrew planning for their wedding day, and the similarities abound. Invitations, liturgy, reception... I can remember swearing loudly back then that I would never, EVER be doing this sort of thing again, and here I am. Once again I plan, and God laughs.

This time is much easier, though. Much.

• Invitations: No RSVP cards, no separate reception card, and no one telling me that delivering by hand isn't done. White card, black print, and a lovely, fun typeface (its name is Harrington, and AKMA can no doubt tell you more about it than I ever could. I just liked it). Address, stamp and mail to those at a distance, and simply hand out the rest with a smile.

• Outfits: No shopping for bridesmaids' dresses that need to suit the whole spectrum of body types and styles, have to be ordered six months in advance, and then require alterations because the maid of honor is 7 1/2 months' pregnant on W-Day with what turned out to be a 9 lb. nephew. This time a lot more people are dressing up, but here's the sum of my input: BYOA - Bring Your Own Alb - and a red stole. Of course, we have some diehard traditionalist clergy who insist on cassock and surplice as the only appropriate attire for those not in the liturgical party. Fine-- be that way. See if I care. Y'all are big boys and girls-- you figure it out.

• Liturgy: No prima donna musicians, no twitchy overcontrolling liturgists, no marathon rehearsal session. I put together an order of service for the liturgy with helpful and cooperative input from the organist at one church and the praise team leader at the other. Both have been wonderful. The bishop approved it all with no changes (yes, Ref-- even that suspicious, CCLI-licensed, canonically unauthorized music. Brace yourself). The rehearsal will be an hour before the service.

• Reception: No sit down dinner, no fussing over band and cake and seating. This time I pretty much told the nice folks who do the church catering that I was looking for a simple luncheon buffet, with a decent vegetarian option. What they suggested was fine, and I got out of the way.

Now if I can just get the house clean...