Church ceremony allows couples to reaffirm vows

"The first 40 years of life give us the text; the next 30 supply the commentary on it."

- Arthur Schopenhauer

This year, St. James United Methodist Church is marking its 150th anniversary, and the beautiful old brick church on Greene Street has come up with a unique event to get the yearlong celebration under way.

On Feb. 13 - the day before Valentine's Day - the church is inviting couples to take part in a ceremony reaffirming their vows during the 11 a.m. service.

Judy Cox said the original plan was to invite couples who had been married at St. James over the years, but church members decided to open the ceremony to others.

Pastor Ronald Wasiluk will do the honors.

If you're interested, the church would like you to let them know before next Friday. Their number is 722-8373.

There is some paperwork involved.

SPEAKING OF AGE: Saturday, I am told, is a noteworthy birthday for Chronicle fishing editor Bill Baab.

I'm not 100 percent sure how my old friend will celebrate the arrival of his seventh decade, but ... I hope they're biting.

l

TODAY'S TIP: In life, you really only need two tools - WD-40 and duct tape. If it doesn't move and should, use the WD-40. If it shouldn't move and does, use the duct tape.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: The smallest good deed is better than the grandest intention.

TODAY'S JOKE: For the fine folks out at Fort Gordon ...

As a group of soldiers stood in formation, the drill sergeant said: "All right! All you idiots fall out."

As the rest of the squad wandered away, one soldier remained at attention.

The drill instructor walked over until he was eye-to-eye with him, and then raised a single eyebrow.

The soldier smiled and said, "Sure was a lot of 'em, huh, sir?"