What's really romantic? Couples who want to strengthen their love for each other, God and the world.
By EBONY WINDOM
Published February 14, 2004
HUDSON - It was love at first sight for Joyce and Gus Ernst.
They met in 1943 and tied the knot two months later.
The Ernsts plan to renew those vows today. This time, they'll join other couples in an intimate ceremony at All Saints Lutheran Church in Hudson.
It's the perfect day to celebrate love, the Rev. William Deist says.
"We wanted to make Valentine's Day something more than chocolate and cherubs," he said. "We wanted to deepen their love with God and with each other."
Today, Deist will lead 24 couples in renewing their commitment to each other.
It has been 61 years since Joyce and Gus Ernst first made that commitment. But, they insist, Valentine's Day is no big deal. Every day is special, says Joyce Ernst, 78.
Gus Ernst, 84, offers his strategy for longevity:
"We don't argue, we don't fight. We do everything together."
Today will be no different.
The ceremony is set to start at 11 a.m.
They'll take their vows:
I renew my promise to be a loving husband (or wife). To love and to cherish. To respect and grow deeper in love toward you, toward God and toward the world.
Later, Deist will read a scripture from the book of I Corinthians, known as the "love chapter."
"It talks to us about Christ's love for us and how we are to love one another," Deist said.
After renewing their vows, couples will be treated to music, games and a small reception.
Ron and Marcia Bartel of Hudson will be among them. After 42 years together, they're ready for a renewal.
"It makes you focus back on a lot of memories," said Mrs. Bartel, 63.
Like the time she and Ron, 66, decided to sneak into a drive-in movie theater without paying. It was their first date.
"We snuck in the back and we got caught, too," Mrs. Bartel said with a laugh.
For the Ernsts of Port Richey, six decades have passed since they first met in Hartford, Conn. Joyce was 17 and working as a clerk at a retail store. Gus Ernst walked in wearing his crisp green Army uniform.
She was impressed.
"I think I knew he was the one the day we met," Mrs. Ernst said. "It was his smile and his beautiful blue eyes."
Since then, their love has grown. So has their family. They have three children, 15 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
But today's ceremony will be filled with their church family. Later, couples will take part in a trivia game and answer questions about each other.
They'll trade stories, too.
"It's really kind of nice to hear of other couples' experiences and what's kept them together," Mrs. Bartel said.
The Bartels say tolerance, patience and acceptance have kept them together for so long.
"(Marriage) is not all rosy all the time," Mrs. Bartel said, "but you hang in there because that's what your vows say: for better or for worse."
The Bartels have two children and two grandchildren.
Today's event will be quite different from their wedding ceremony four decades ago.
Marcia Bartel doesn't plan to wear a fancy gown or carry a bouquet this time. Instead, it will be a simple ceremony with a special meaning.
"The longer you're married, the more you take each other for granted," she said, "but the love is still there."
