Marriage is a dwindling institution in the USA, dropping 54% since 1960. During that same time, the number of couples cohabiting has skyrocketed. Craig Gorc, pastor of Cedar Park Assembly of God in Seattle wanted to fight for marriage and against cohabitation. He found one of the biggest barriers to a couple's wedding these days is the enormous cost (averaging $26,542 in Seattle), so he and the congregation at Cedar Park Assembly put on a Free Wedding Day last June, advertising through their website, social media, the news media and their senior pastor's email list of more than 6,000 people. Three couples took them up on the offer and more will this June. ‘The cost that we're saving them is about $8,000 to $10,000,’ Gorc told CBN News. ‘We provide everything you need except for the bride and groom.’ The main goal was to ensure couples wouldn't feel judged for their lifestyles or life choices.

Praise: God for this initiative and may many similar Christian outreach avenues be opened at such a time as this. (Php.3:7)

More: http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2012/May/Church-Offers-Cohabiting-Couples-Free-Wedding-Day/