Press Release

Cathedral of Life Church

4111 38th St NW Canton, OH 44709

www.cathedraloflife.org

Press Contact:

Melissa Hackenberg, Committee Chair

330-353-8399

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Church Group to Offer Free Wedding Event for Cohabiting Couples in Stark County

Canton, OH (July 27, 2012) - The total of marriages that have occurred in the state of Ohio have declined dramatically in the last decade. According to the Ohio Department of Health, since 1990, marriage rates have dropped over thirty-two percent. Cohabiting couples are at an all time high in the United States. Among the top two barriers that stand in the way of holy matrimony for these couples is financial provisions and an overall lack of belief in the marital institution. Cathedral of Life Church in Canton is set on making a difference by offering a free wedding event for up to 15 cohabiting couples residing in Stark County. The Love Gift - A Free Wedding Event will be hosted on Saturday, October 20, 2012 at Cathedral of Life Church in Canton, OH.

Love is priceless, but weddings aren't, and some may be wondering why anyone would want to take this on. After all, the average cost of a wedding in Stark County is approximately $22,619. "We're involved because we care about the marriage act and we love people. It's simple - helping reduce financial barriers is far more effective than just telling them that we care. Our hope is to help these couples lead a fulfilling life according to God's purposes. We're not a part of this to condemn or judge anybody, rather to tell them that we're for them and that we love them,” said Dr. M. Dana Gammill, Senior Pastor at Cathedral of Life Church. With the cost of living skyrocketing, most couples forgo the whole thing altogether. In result, small pockets of church groups all over the United States are electing to get involved and host free wedding events.

"The Love Gift got its' name because we want to spread the love of Jesus Christ. We just want to help people in this community foster an unwavering love and commitment in their marriage before the sight of God,” said Melissa Hackenberg, Committee Chair. Each participating couple will receive a comprehensive package that includes a wedding consultation with a wedding planner, a facility and a private wedding for up to 25 guests, pre-martial counseling, a photographer, flower arrangement, and a light reception. All interested couples who are eligible to obtain a marriage license in the state of Ohio; or those wanting to sponsor and/or volunteer should visit: www.thelovegift.org or call 330-353-8399. Send all applications to The Love Gift, 4111 38th St. NW, Canton, OH 44718.

###