About
My Hope for Your Special Day
My Hope for Your Special Day
In my journey as an ordained clergy-person, I have brushed up alongside many different theological stances. While I am proud to be a minister within an open and affirming denomination that seeks to make all people feel valued and accepted, and with roots that pre-date our country, I cannot ignore how church trauma has ripped through the lives of so many. The most welcoming church in the world can still resemble a house of horrors for some - a reason many weddings don't happen in churches anymore.
At the very least, church and religion are a source of discomfort for many. I've seen it in the way many feel the need to tip-toe or edit themselves when they are around me and realize that I am ordained. And I hate that. I hate that religion has made others feel the need - or even required them - to self-edit who they are to fit in. It is this disappointment that inspires this mission to redeem weddings for those who have been made to feel other by religion.
That being said, I am an ordained pastor that currently serves a church in North East Ohio! I've worked in churches for nearly a decade and have several degrees in theology. So if a traditional wedding is more your style, I am more than qualified to help provide an experience that fits that hope.
Whether you are a part of the LGBTQ+ community, partners that just simply don't want to be married in a church, or a couple that is rooted in tradition - I feel called to use the privilege granted by my ordained status to help everyone I work with to create an inclusive approach to wedding ceremonies that holds love and joy at the center of it all. If this sounds like something you need - I invite you to reach out and schedule an initial meeting!
At the very least, church and religion are a source of discomfort for many. I've seen it in the way many feel the need to tip-toe or edit themselves when they are around me and realize that I am ordained. And I hate that. I hate that religion has made others feel the need - or even required them - to self-edit who they are to fit in. It is this disappointment that inspires this mission to redeem weddings for those who have been made to feel other by religion.
That being said, I am an ordained pastor that currently serves a church in North East Ohio! I've worked in churches for nearly a decade and have several degrees in theology. So if a traditional wedding is more your style, I am more than qualified to help provide an experience that fits that hope.
Whether you are a part of the LGBTQ+ community, partners that just simply don't want to be married in a church, or a couple that is rooted in tradition - I feel called to use the privilege granted by my ordained status to help everyone I work with to create an inclusive approach to wedding ceremonies that holds love and joy at the center of it all. If this sounds like something you need - I invite you to reach out and schedule an initial meeting!
~ Rev. Connor Filkins