Patricia Newman

I have a long history of being involved in the life of my local church. I was asked to officiate a wedding for some very close friends and that was my original reason for ordination. However, it was such a great experience and I loved the feeling of unifying people, I now want to do more of it.

Knoxville TN

Initially, I wanted to use the ordination to perform a single wedding, however, I now feel I can be a positive instrument of love, peace, joy, kindness, total acceptance of each and every person.

I have a long-standing relationship with church life, but have always been involved in churches with more broad minded theological ideations. I'm proud to be a United Methodist for the most of my life, but never more proud than in the last 2 years when the church made the decision to change the wording of the Book of Discipline. The change solidifies our full acceptance of each individual without regard to sexual orientation and the ability to perform same-sex weddings.

I always want a wedding to fulfill the expectations of the couple. It isn't my wedding. I'm there to assist with the ceremony (or any way I can be of service), but not to give advice as to specifics of the wedding. For a wedding to be special, it must be carried out in the manner that pleases the couple. Flexibility to be as accommodating as possible for such a joyous occasion.

No preferences.

I attempt to live by this simple statement in my everyday life: everybody is God's somebody. I am here to serve all.