Wedding

Natalie and Caleb Plattner

Service Order:

2:30pm

Siting of Grandparents and Parents

Groomsmen and Bridesmaids

Play Romantic Flight: How to Train Your Dragon)

Moms Stand

ME: Will Everyone Please Stand

Natalie and Matthew walk down the Aisle

ME: Who gives Natalie to Caleb?

Matthew: Her family and I.

Natalie and Caleb—Walk hand and hand up the platform Turn and face each other.

ME: You may be seated.

Family and Friends we are gathered here to today to witness the marriage of Natalie Ross and Caleb Plattner.

My name is Zach Klundt and I had the tremendous privilege of being Caleb and Natalie’s youth pastor.

This day had been planned for the past three years.

3 years ago I had a phone call from Natalie and she said I need to book the church for June 1st, 2024— the year was 2021.

She was not engaged yet but she assured me that this was happening on this day.

Well here we are!

It is truly an honor to be with you guys today.

I had a front seat in watching them learn and grow into faithful followers of Christ.

They each did an internship right here at Bethel with our student ministry.

Allow me to share just a little bit about each of them.

Caleb showed up in the fall of his senior year in high school.

And Caleb I was most impressed with your love for Jesus.

The way your owned your faith was very different then most high school students.

I loved being able to connect with you after high school ended as we read books together and talked about living out our faith, at the good old Carriage House.

You Always came to the table with questions and an eagerness to learn.

And then having you as an intern was special as their were three of you with the same name— so that was fun!

But I saw you embrace getting out of your comfort zone— getting up and speaking in front of junior high student and leading a workshop for high school students— running games, leading small group discussions and I’ll never forgot the PIT— and the chant and the epic battles that ensued.

You grew in your faith and your leadership and it has been awesome to see the Lord move and work in your life.

My prayer is that my kids have a faith and love for Jesus like you do.

Natalie I had the chance to know you longer then Caleb.

As a freshmen who came with a friend to a trip called snowblast where you would meet my wife Brittni as your small group leader— which then fostered a friendship that is still alive today.

Over the next year, I saw you wrestle with doubts and questions about God, and Jesus, the trinity, faith, the Bible and so much more.

Then durning a prayer night where you made one of the most important decision's of your life— You surrendered your life over to Jesus and made Him Lord of your life.

And over the next several years you grew in your faith, were baptized, you were always asking questions, always willing to serve, and always over at our house.

You watched our dumb dog and loved on our kids, you became part of our family.

I think if my girls grew up to be like you, that would be just fine by me.

While I can’t say that you were my favorite intern, as several of them are in attendance, As much as you want me to.

I can say that I am beyond proud of who the woman have become and it has been incredible to see the Lord move and work in your life.

And today the two of you become one in the union of marriage.

But How did we get here?

I think it is always important to share with everyone your story:

Caleb and Natalie’s story is like many other’s.

Girl meets boy from a far— he caught her eye with his sweet bare feet and white tunic.

The image of Jesus Natalie would say.

The next encounter you would see and speak to him and after only minutes make the claim we have heard countless times “That’s my husband.”

But Caleb was in the process of pursuing being single.

And would not date until his birthday.

Yet something about this girl caught Caleb by surprise.

From FB messages, text messages, to phone calls, to hanging out, something began to change in Caleb’s heart.

From saying I don’t want to be Boaz— I want to be Paul.

Saying I think i’ll be single forever—

Then this young woman begins to change his thoughts.

I got to speak with Caleb this week Natalie and I ask him what changed.

Beside the Lord as Caleb and Natalie will tell you.

They both were always going back to God to ask for clarity and wisdom on how to proceed with this friendship and if there was more.

They didn’t want to do anything unless the Lord was in it.

But as I asked Caleb what changed he said:

It was you, Natalie, who began to convince him that he wanted a family.

Natalie you convinced him not forcefully but by how you cared for him, how you spoke to him and the way you loved him, even before you said you loved each other—

What started out as a friendship blossomed and you became the best of friends and Caleb coming to the conclusion of I never want to lose my best friend.

It made the difference in Caleb’s life.

While Caleb may have needed some change of heart— Natalie never did, just ask her.

She told anyone and everyone that you were the one.

Which led a very nervous Caleb asking a sunglass wearing Natalie to be his Girlfriend.

Natalie would say she wore those sunglasses because she didn’t want him to see her emotions.

Which she brought with her today.

And this relationship started out slow and you set up strong boundaries and one of those boundaries was that you guys would not kiss until your wedding day.

Caleb only wanted to kiss his wife— and as the man in the relationship he set that standard early and was not willing to compromise his sexual integrity and he was protecting Natalie’s sexual integrity.

They each found that it allowed them to get to know each other on a deeper level.

One of Caleb’s first questions to Natalie was— people who score as a 4 on the Inagram are said to be lonely— tell me about a time when you were most alone?

That is a deep question my man.

You both over the next 4 years kept yourselves above reproach.

And in the wee hours of today when the clock struck midnight you guys shared that moment together.

Just the two of you and how beautiful of a moment that was for the two of you.

You have set a beautiful example of how to date well.

and if you approach Marriage with that same mindset you had while dating, you will have a beautiful God honoring marriage as well.

And as you look out and you see family and friends and maybe some strangers that your parents made you invite, you know who you are....

BUT it is these people here that all share something in common, it is the fact that they love you two.

They wanted to be here today to celebrate this next chapter of your lives.

You see God did something incredible, He created this thing called marriage, where early on in creation we find this glorious scene in the garden of Eden and God says:

Genesis 2:24 ESV

Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

While God created this beautiful thing called marriage God did something else even more incredible.

He sent his one and only son to this earth.

And while Jesus walked this earth he was fully God and fully man.

Jesus taught, he showed compassion, and kindness, gentleness, patience.

He showed Humility as he allowed his creation to take him to the a cross and on the cross he sacrificed his perfect life for the forgiveness of sins.

In John’s Gospel we are told why,

John 3:16 ESV

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

It was the love of God that he gave his one and only son to live and to die for me, you and for us.

And Jesus while he gave his life and he was buried in a tomb that was not the end of the story.

Jesus would raise from the dead three days later and he walked out of that tomb and then ascended to be with the father.

He conquered sin and death.

And you might be wondering why we are talking about sin and death at a wedding.

You see it is Caleb and Natalies deepest desire that everyone in this room would come to know Jesus and make Him Lord of their life just like they have.

They have an incredible amount of love for each other, that will only grow in the next 100 years together.

But they each will tell you that the love they have for their savior is greater.

They wanted this wedding to highlight their savior first and foremost.

And if you are here today and you do not know who this Jesus is, I would have no problem spending the rest of the day talking to each and everyone of you about our savior.

And as we talked about what Jesus did on the cross and because of his resurrection, I can’t help but think of Colossians 3.

Paul is writing and he talks about the Christian life and how our lives are the reflection Christ.

Allow me to read starting in verse 12

Colossians 3:12–17 CSB

Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a grievance against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive. Above all, put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. And let the peace of Christ, to which you were also called in one body, rule your hearts. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Paul in this passage is telling the church that you are to put on these virtues.

As a believer you are a new creation.

As a married couple you two are becoming one.

It’s new, it different.

Just as Paul challenged the chruch to be holy, beloved, compassionate, kind, humble, gentle, patience, forgiving, and loving.

These virtues are vital to your marriage as well.

Let me ask you a question or share a thought really as you guys get ready to join as husband and wife.

What if the greatest testimony to the lost world is our marriages with Christ at the center?

Our marriages— Your marriage is a testimony.

As two people who profess Jesus as Lord of your life your marriage will be your greatest testimony to this world.

If you to have a marriage that is built on Christ, He is your rock!

He is your foundation then even when it is darkest the foundation will not shake.

And if you follow these virtues your marriage will be a testimony to this world.

Continue to strive to keep your marriage holy.

Put on compassion everyday— you will need it.

Be kind— think the best of each other.

Be Humble

Root each on

Swallow the pride and listen to each other quickly and often.

Be Gentle

Be Patience

Forgive— In many marriages this one is where couples get hung up.

And maybe it is because they don’t know how, or the hurt is to great, but maybe it is because they never experienced the kind of forgiveness you have.

You both have been forgiven of your sins by Christ who paid the ultimate price for your sin.

If Jesus can forgive, then who are you to withhold it.

Choose forgiveness every time.

Put on love—

Love is how you respond to each other.

I can’t promise you won’t have fights— you will

I can’t tell you that everyday you will feel love for each other, but I beg you to make that choice every single day to love each other.

Keep no records of wrong but always remember the laughs, the smiles, the snuggles, and of course the kisses.

Put on the peace of Christ:

Tough time will come and worry may creep up but in those moment put on the peace of Christ which surpasses all understanding.

Be thankful:

It is easy to be discontent when you are not thankful— give thanks everyday for what you have.

Paul then tell this church to dwell on God word— let that be a solid foundation.

and encourage one another through psalms, hymns and spiritual songs to God— which we are going to do today, but before we do:

And Paul then gets a bit more specific:

Colossians 3:18–19 CSB

Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and don’t be bitter toward them.

This is what Paul was getting too, that the wife, Natalie, you get to respond into this submission to Caleb by the way he loves you.

Responding to his love, joyfully, and out of heartfelt desire, not grudgingly or under compulsion.

To the Husband, Caleb, you are called to lead, but not with an iron fist— as that is not respecting— but to be loving, to protect, to sacrifice all, for the welfare of your wife.

Caleb, Love and Lead, Natalie in a way that it is easy to respect you and to submit to you.

This is what Christ did for us on the cross, as he gave himself up for us.

And one final piece of wisdom that perfectly sums this all up:

I was able to ask Kevin and Stephanie Fogerty, who did your pre-martial counseling, what was the final piece of advice they would give you as you step into marriage:

They Said

“Keep Christ a\t the center of your marriage always. Seek first His Kingdom and love each other selflessly. Pray without ceasing and rejoice always.”

“And On the hardest days of frustration, remember the selfless, steadfast love of Christ drew near to you when you were far from God. You’ll be irritated at times with your spouse, but keep asking God to see them through his eyes and unselfishly serve them. Have fun, marriage is the freaking best, you get to be with the coolest person in the world all the time! Enjoy it!”

Let your Marriage be a testament to all that Christ has done and will do!

Will You Pray with Me:

Lord we thank you for your son Jesus. We thank you for his sacrifice on the cross. We thank you that we have a an opportunity to know you personally. That we can experience fellowship with you. Father we thank you for marriage. The wonderful image of Jesus and the Church. We thank you Lord for bringing us here today to celebrate two amazing people. Caleb and Natalie love you and have devoted their lives to follow after you. Lord we pray for a blessing on their marriage. That they are an example to the world in the way live and the way they love each other. God thank you for bringing to together for such a time as this, you are so so good. We love you Amen.

Kevin announces: stand and sing and explains whats happening

This is Amazing Grace: Parents Pray over Caleb and Natalie

THE VOWS:

I love that we get to worship together as you guys were being prayed over, and now as we move into the exchanging of vows— these words are a committment that you two are making before God, each other and everyone in this room.

These vows are promises that do not expire this side of heaven.

Are you guys ready?

Caleb you can go first

Now Caleb Repeat after me:

I Caleb

Take you Natalie

To be my wife

I promise to respect you

To love you

To submit to you

To always keep Christ first

In sickness and in health

Till death does its part

Natalie repeat after me:

I Natalie

Take you Caleb

To be my Husband

I promise to respect you

To love you

To submit to you

To always keep Christ first

In sickness and in health

Till death does its part

And you two now have a chance to tell us about the your own personal vows that you have for each other.

Caleb will you share those with us.

Caleb’s Vows

Natalie can you share your vows now.

Natalie’s Vows

Kevin Explains communion

Here at the Table

Cable and Natalie share in communion— Zach Leads

Communion:

Hey!

First off you guys are doing great!

Now let’s go through communion:

After Jesus washed the feet of his disciples we sat back down and he had a moment together with them.

Luke gives us this account:

Luke 22:14–20 CSB

When the hour came, he reclined at the table, and the apostles with him. Then he said to them, “I have fervently desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks, he said, “Take this and share it among yourselves. For I tell you, from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” And he took bread, gave thanks, broke it, gave it to them, and said, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way he also took the cup after supper and said, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.

Jesus was setting the scene for communion.

This call to remember Jesus— his body and his blood—

It is in this moment that I ask you both to take the bread,

Lord we thank you for your body which was given freely as a sacrifice for us.

We remember as we eat.

In the same way we take the cup,

Lord we thank you for the new covenant in your blood. The blood that was poured out for the sins of the world. We know that sin had to be covered in perfect blood which you provided.

We remember as we drink.

Zach Explains Cord of Three Strands:

Chord of Three Strands:

We have just one more worship song together and as we worship, Caleb and Natalie will be tying the cord of three strands.

The Cord of Three Strands comes from

Ecclesiastes 4:12 Which says:

Ecclesiastes 4:12 ESV

And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

As you begin this union with each other there is a uniting of two.

You each come from different families, each with different experiences that have shaped and molded you.

And today those all get brought together in your new union.

And the three cords today represent Caleb, Natalie and God.

As you combine the individual chords you are leaving behind the individual to achieve unity with one another.

As the two become one flesh.

But like in life and in marriage we must keep God in our relationship.

When God is central in your marriage and the two of you are united together a threefold cord is not quickly or easily broken

At this time will you tie the cords together in unity.

Worship Team plays: All Glory be to Christ

Now to the Rings:

Now to the exchanging of the rings.

The rings are symbols of your commitment here today.

It does not mean that if you take them off you are not married anymore, that is not how it works

A circle has no beginning or end and is therefore a symbol of infinity. It is endless, eternal, just the way love should be.

Caleb will you take Natalie’s ring and place it on her finger and repeat after me:

Natalie

You are the love of my life

And you are my best friend

I give you this ring to wear

As a symbol of my abiding love

My eternal faith

And my undying devotion

It is an outward reminder

of our inner unity

And the promise

Of all my tomorrows

Now Natalie will you take Caleb’s ring and place it on his finger and repeat after me:

Caleb,

You are the love of my life

And you are my best friend

I give you this ring to wear

As a symbol of my abiding love

My eternal faith

And my undying devotion

It is an outward reminder

Of our inner unity

And the promise

Of all my tomorrows

Do you Caleb take Natalie to be your wife?

Caleb: I Do

Do you Natalie take Caleb to be your husband?

Natalie: I Do

Natalie and Caleb

Today you have showed us and have spoken of your love for each other.

It is with these in mind that I pronounce you husband and wife.

No longer are you simply partners and best friends, you have become husband and wife and can now seal the agreement with a kiss.

Today, your kiss is a promise.

(GET OUT OF THE WAY YOU CHUMP)

Caleb you may kiss your bride.

FOR THE FIRST TIME AS A COUPLE PUT YOUR HANDS TOGETHER FOR MR. AND MRS. CALEB PLATTNER.

Song: While Lives by Jake Scott

Bride and Groom leave

Bridesmaid and Groomsmen

Matthew get Momma Ross

Brain and Jeana leave

Zach—Announcements:

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

We are going to dismiss here in a moment, but I have a few announcements for you:

The Family of Caleb and Natalie— Don’t you go anywhere— you have pictures to take:

All the pictures and the rest of the day fall into your hands.

If you disappear and they can’t find you— it will cost valuable, precious time— and then once they do find you— you still have to take photo— but will eat last— so don’t leave.

If you don’t know if you are family or not— you most likely are not.

Number 2:

Go to the bathroom before you leave here.

There are several here at Bethel—

At the venue for this evening their are port-a-potties— but let’s be honest if you don’t have to use one that’s a great day.

You may want to start rationing water now— the choice is yours.

Number 3:

The venue is at the Plattners in Knoxville— the receptions begins at 5:00pm— and the first dances will begin at 5:30.

Here is the address to Community Bible Church where you need to park— not everyone will fit in their drive way.

Their is a shuttle that will take you too and from the venue.

Rick Welty and Charly Trone are going to be driving— men can you please stand up.

Remember their faces— if you get on a bus and they don’t look like these two men— you are not going to the right party.

You can totally walk if you would like: it is a beautiful 7 min walk.

You can go their now if you would like Rick and Charly will be heading that way soon.

Their are tons of games to play and real prizes.

Gift cards, fish, puppies, you name it— they are giving it away.

I think that is everything— We look forward to seeing you all at 5:00pm

As you leave know that You are loved.