Why I Became Ordained

My name is Rev. Connie R Wagar.

Thank you.

I was first led to your site by a friend in AZ who wanted me to marry him and his soon to be wife. The problem was the relatives of these tow were a mix of religions. The couple were young Pagans. One set of parents were Mormons, and the other Methodist. Many other relatives varied from Baptist to Catholic. The couple wanted a service that did not bring disharmony to anyone if possible. They wanted to include their own vows as well as more formal "sounding" vows, excluding the use of Jesus's name. This called for a complete new written vow set for them. (and this was my first wedding). Need I say panic set in, and I sat for days writing and re-writing the new vows. In the end I had a completed set of two different ceremonies and set of vows.

I also incorporated the families in the service, letting them know the new marriage would not succeed if the families were not supportive of the couple and their wishes. 

At the completion of the services, I had several family and friends walk up and say they loved the service, and never once did I break with the wishes of the couple and it seemed no one had realized I spoke of "their" god and blessings  and guidance, but never once brought ANY specific religion into the service. IT was lovely, and of the 150 people present not one complained about the service.

Weeks before the ceremony I had queried the couple to see how dedicated and serious they were. I offered advice to them and reminded them to never go to bed angry. To remember it is all an uphill trip that cultivated in  what energies they would put forth into it.

More services followed and all were required me to write services dedicated to the couples style of life, and many had to be tailored to the different beliefs of the family's. I now find myself pleased to have brought these folks to the beginning of their new journeys and hope they find life together a success.

I also have had the sad duty's of being there for folks who were in the process of passing. One instance was with a client I was with as a caregiver for. The lovely lady and her husband were  German and Lutheran.

 The husband was aware I was not of their faith, but had seen the sticker in the window as Minister. The visiting Nurses had a woman who was a Chaplin trained in many religions and had been called. The phone rang and we found she was not able to get there through traffic and the husband looked frantic. HE took my hand and asked if I could help her to find the Lord. She needed last rights.

 I happened to have my formal ministerial clothing in the car and some of the books from your offices. The husband followed me in to stand with her as I did as he asked. She knew me as a caregiver and smiled. I had nearly finished when the Chaplin arrived, I offered to give way to her but she shook her head and took the woman's other hand as I spoke and guided her to her to the hands of her Lord.

She smiled and her husband took the hand from the Chaplain. HE also took my hand with tears as she passed with a smile and such peace. 

I checked on him a few days later and he invited me in. We sat and talked, and he thanked me for what I said and how I did the service. And then he smiled, and said she knew I was Pagan he told me though I had Never told her. HE said it was what was in my heart that had taken her "home" and with that I wiped the tears from my eyes and hugged him as I left.

That was why I became ordained.

Rev. Connie R Wagar