Wedding Day

Wedding Day, a set on Flickr. Images captured by Canon EOS X450 nanocameras designed for field photography.

The Wedding of Jonathan and Melissa Wixston

Order of Service

Introductory Rites
(12:50) Prelude - "Amazing Grace"
(1:00) Seating of the Families
(1:02) Greeting from Father Pious Hunter
(1:04) Entrance of the Bride - "Bridal Chorus"
(1:06) Opening Prayer
Liturgy of the Word
(1:08) Bible Reading, 2 Corinthians 12:31-13:8
(1:12) Gospel Acclamation, "Celtic Alleluia"
(1:14) Gospel Reading, Matthew 5:1-12
Marriage Rite
(1:18) Invitation
(1:20) Stating Intentions
(1:22) Exchange of Consent
(1:24) Exchange of Rings
(1:26) Lighting Unity Candle/Hymn – “Ave Maria”
(1:30) Prayer of the Faithful
Concluding Rites
(1:34) Signing of the Register and Certificates
(1:36) The Lord's Prayer
(1:38) Final Blessing
(1:40) Dismissal/Procession to Club Caprice
(End.) Organ - "Wedding March"

Prelude - "Amazing Grace"

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iT88jBAoVIM)

"All please be seated", I began.

"May the groom and his best man stand to position? Thank you. Choir, The Wedding Song please, while we wait for the bride."

*They sing as the bride gracefully descents the isle*

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFTnFErJEu4)

“Here comes the bride
“All dressed in white,
“Sweetly, serenely in the soft glowing light.
“Lovely to see, marching to thee,
“Sweet love united for eternity.”

*Bride and Groom exchange a warm smile as the service begins*

“In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the sweet fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Let us bring our attention to Corinthians 2, chapter 12 verse 31 to chapter 13 verse 8. 

“Be ambitious for the higher gifts. And I am going to show you a way that is better than any of them. If I have all the eloquence of men or of angels, but speak without love, I am simply a gong booming or a cymbal clashing. If I have the gift of prophecy, understanding all the mysteries there are, and knowing everything, and if I have faith in all its fullness, to move mountains, but without love, then I am nothing at all. If I give away all that I possess, piece by piece, and if I even let them take my body to burn it, but am without love, it will do me no good whatever. Love is always patient and kind; it is never jealous; love is never boastful or conceited; it is never rude or selfish; it does not take offense, and is not resentful. Love takes no pleasure in other people's sins but delights in the truth; it is always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope, and to endure what comes. Love does not come to an end. This is the word of the Lord."

"You see, in a world of constant danger and life threatening conflicts, one comes to cherish the smaller things in life. The simple elevation of joy this day brings to our couple, the look of hope shining in their eyes and the sound of true love carried in their beautiful voices. It makes me appreciate my responsibilities up here all the more, as it took a lot for this world’s Church to reinstate me."

“Let us sing the Gospel Acclimation”

(http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=HUWmQl4laGs)

“Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! “Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! “Stay awake, pray at all times, “praying that you may be strengthened, “that with confidence “you can meet the Son of Man. “Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

"Let us read from the book of Matthews, chapter 5, verses 1 to 12" said the Priest.”

"Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them saying: 'Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Jonathan and Melissa, may you find blessing in all that you do."

*A moment passes as Cleric lowers his bible and stands directly before the bride and groom, ready to begin the Rite of Marriage.*

"In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the sweet fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all, Amen"

*Cleric prays, signing the cross as he did so.*

"Jonathan Wixston, Melissa Dawn, we gather here today, in this place so that the Lord may seal and strengthen your love in the presence of the Church's minister and this community. Christ abundantly blesses this love. He has already consecrated you in birth and now he enriches and strengthens you by sacrament so that you may assume the duties of marriage in mutual and lasting fidelity."

*Cleric pauses momentarily*

"If there is anyone here who has any reason why these two shouldn't wed, speak now or forever hold your peace."

*Cleric invites the congregation to objections.*

"Alright then. In the presence of the Church, I ask you to state your intentions.”

“Jonathan Wixston and Melissa Dawn, have you come here freely and without reservation to give yourselves to each other in marriage?"

"I have" said Jonathan.

"I have" said Melissa.

"Will you love and honour each other as man and wife for the rest of your lives?"

"I will" said Jonathan.

"I will" said Melissa.

"Will you accept children lovingly from God and bring them up in the light of Good?"

"We will" said Jonathan.

"We will" said Melissa.

"Do you, Jonathan Wixston, take Melissa Dawn, as your lawful wife, to love and to honour, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, all the days of your life?"

"I do" said Jonathan.

"Do you, Melissa Dawn, take Jonathan Wixston, as your lawful husband, to love and to honour, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, all the days of your life?"

"I do" said Melissa.

"You have declared your consent before the church. May the Lord in his goodness strengthen your consent and fill you both with his blessings. What God has joined, no one must divide. Amen"

"The rings, please."

*Dr Jack, the Best Man hands over the rings*

"A circle is the symbol of wholeness, perfection, and unity. Like circles, these rings have no beginning and no end. They are tokens of the growing relationship that Jonathan and Melissa have come here to celebrate and confirm. Lord, bless and consecrate Jonathan Wixston and Melissa Dawn in their love for each other. May these rings be a symbol of true faith in each other, and always remind them of their love, that they are one in heart and mind. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen"

*Cleric offers the rings to the bride and groom respectively*

"Jonathan, Melissa, you may exchange rings and custom vows. After it, well, I guess it wouldn't be inappropriate to kiss the bride"

*gives a warming smile and the couple exchange vows*

*As the couple kiss, the final hymn plays – “Ave Maria”*

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvVDbc6t1js)

"Jon and Melissa are going to light their Unity Candle, a symbol of their relationship and love. The candles from which they light it have been lit by their friends to represent their lives to this moment"

*gestures over to the candles for Jon and Melissa, urging them to light the middle one*

*an Angel of the Lord graces the congregation with its divine presence and Cleric bows humbly*

*Cleric continues as the Angel fades away once again*

"The lights, representing the faith, wisdom, and love they have received in their lives, are distinct, each burning alone. Jon and Melissa will light the centre candle to symbolize the union of their lives. As this one light burns undivided, so shall their love be one. Amen."

*gestures them back to their positions*

"May the radiance of this one light be a testimony of their unity, may these candles burn brightly as symbols of their commitment to each other, and as a tribute to their family and friends' everlasting love for them. Amen."

"My dear friends let us pray to our Father in heaven that he will keep Jonathan and Melissa Wixston united in undivided love, and that he will bless them throughout their married life. That their love may be patient and gentle, ready to trust, and to endure whatever comes. Lord, hear us. That God will bless their daily and heroic work and perfect through them his work of creation. Lord, hear us. That his peace may dwell in their home and give hope of peace to the world. Lord, hear us. That the Church will bring salvation to the world by expressing Christ's love for all people. Lord, hear us. Almighty God, you have come into the lives of Jonathan and Melissa Wixston through the gift of married love. Remain with them always, and show your great love for those who call you their Father. 

"We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen."

*Cleric produces the Certificate of Marriage and signs his name as Minister*

*Passes the two quills to the bride and groom, to sign their names*

"The Lord's prayer" I asked, and the congregation prays.

"Our Father, who art in heaven, hallow'd be Thy Name.
“Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.“Give us this day our daily bread,
“And forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us,
“Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,
“For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever. Amen."

"God the eternal Father keep you in love with each other, so that the peace of Christ may stay with you and be always in your home. May your children bless you, your friends console you and all men live in peace with you. May you always bear witness to the love of God in this world so that the afflicted and the needy will find you true heroes and generous friends. May almighty God bless you all."

*Cleric smiles to the new couple, hearing the ceremony’s concluding music, the Wedding March*

(http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=jdmTxxpESD8)

*whispers to the couple*

“I know you’re married now, but it’s not the end of the world, smile, go get drunk! I’ll see you at the Club Caprice reception really soon.”

*smiles and sneaks off as the bouquet is thrown*

*Helena in her true giant form catches it and the girls fight for it. It remains unclear who has the bouquet*

Purpose of Power

Moral Power, a set on Flickr. Images captured by Canon EOS X450 nanocameras designed for field photography.

My students Lacy Deveraux aka Astrea a pyrokinetic (who won 100 points during the class), Moonlight a wielder of light and shadow magic, Felix Darius a highly skilled gunman aka Deadly Aim, Maximillian a half-demon highly-skilled martial artist and psionic hero-in-training Karesa aka Mentalia all attended Morality Class: Purpose of Power. In this previous lesson we covered the meaning of morality - a general or self-accepted code of conduct, one that separates hero and villain. During this second lesson, we moved on from our backgrounds and history and focused on how our powers and possession of said power contributes to our chosen state of morality. Before going out and demonstrating the purpose of our power (we were in Canada to shut down an illegal VIPER weapons facility), we explored different heroic archetypes and in pairs, matched each other with them.

• It was decided that Moonlight was the classes's Silent Hero.
• Astrea was decided as the Classic Hero.
• Felix was unanimously the Accidental Hero.
• Maximillian was chosen as the Leader type.
• And young Karesa was also a Classic Hero, though tainted by a deep set anger against VIPER for murdering her father.

The Classic Hero is the person who goes on a quest to achieve some good end that benefits other people in some way.

The Tragic Hero reflects reality in that the slings, arrows and bullets that are thrown at them do not always miss, yet perseveres.

The Accidental Hero just happens to get in the excitement and adventure and is swept up, often protesting, in the action.

The Super Hero is an exaggeration of heroic character. The superhero is either serious or comical in their over-the-top caricature.

The Anti Hero's indifference or distraction irritates us as they seem determined not to be heroic, but when it really counts, they deliver.

The Knight is driven by the knightly code of honour that demands bold acts and confrontation of evil wherever it may be found.

The Crusader is driven by a powerful mission to which all others are subservient. Often aims to convert people to a way of thinking.

The Genius is a highly intelligent person, using their brain-power to solve the problems they are confronted with and offer instructions.

The Leader directs the troops, or other heroes, in achieving a critical goal. Their main skill is in inspiring and motivating others.

The Bold Adventurer is like the classic hero, but with the primary goal of excitement and stimulation more than achieving some end.

The Courageous Child is expected to seek protection, thus when they step forward and take on bad guys we are particularly amazed.

The Whiz Kid is first a genius who knows everything there is to know about some subject, usually more than the bumbling adults.

The Silent Hero says little and does what is necessary with the minimum of fuss. They express little emotion and just get on with it.

The Founder begins things, often institutions that become great, perhaps through taking on some of the greatness of the founder.

The Martyr first offers self-sacrifice in the name of a greater cause or the safety of others. This is characteristic of most other heroes.

The Saviour's noble goal is to rescue others from discomfort and distress. The saviour's promise is of succor and salvation.

The Noble Savage is a primitive who, from their appearance, would seem to be an animal and yet have a deep spark of humanity.

The Gentle Giant is the huge person capable of harming us without difficulty, yet they act in contrast to their appearance.

The Rough Diamond is someone who may appear as a villain but also have a heart of gold and may perform heroic acts.


Last three remind us that the world is not always as it seems and that goodness can be found in even the most unexpected places.

Teacher's Meeting

Teacher's meeting called at Dean Isabella Ravencroft's stately home.

I cannot yet reveal what was discussed at this teacher's meeting on the Club Caprice and Angel/Angie incidents but it was held at Dean Isabella Ravencroft's home and towards the end, myself and Dr Jack had to be excused for a few reasons, class was about to begin.

New Students

Enrolling new students Torcheus and Shelan at Westside High's Exemplar Hero's Academy

While interviewing new students Torcheus, Shelan, Justice and Hana, I formulated this usable template in student recruitment.

1. Applicant Name: Torcheus

2. Age:

3. Power:

4. History:

5. Motivation for Heroism:

6. Previous Experiences:

7. Motivation for Schooling at EHA:

8: Uniform:

Overall Character:

-

1. Applicant Name: Shelan

2. Age:

3. Power:

4. History:

5. Motivation for Heroism:

6. Previous Experiences:

7. Motivation for Schooling at EHA:

8: Uniform:

Overall Character:




-

1. Applicant Name: Isaac aka Justice

2. Age: 15. (Parents in London. Uncle is current Guardian)

3. Power: Healing magic.

4. History: Mother was a mutant, father was a magician. Abandoned by bad father.

5. Motivation for Heroism: Wants to help heal people.

6. Previous Experiences: Worked part-time healing at homeless centre Downtown.

7. Motivation for Schooling at EHA: Wants to learn to control powers more.

8: Uniform: Agreeable.

Overall Character: Seems like a nice enough kid. Enrolment application granted.

-

1. Applicant Name: Hana

2. Age: 11.

3. Power: Witchcraft. Enchanted scythe. Training Technomage. Teddy-bear pet is a Familiar.

4. History: Parents are half-demons, father and Hana once died 300 years ago. Mother is Captain Ren of Haus, a very busy person.

5. Motivation for Heroism: Happy about wanting to protect friends and other people.

6. Previous Experinces: Was once out of control after revival. Recently helped console a crying girl.

7. Motivation for Schooling at EHA: To learn to be a good hero and technomage. Happy helping people and making friends.

8: Uniform: Is looking forward to having a "superawesome uniform"

Overall Character: I am worried about her mother's poor parenting but she seems to have turned out okay.


Worryingly, Hana lives alone. Her mother feeds her but lets her wander around the City unsupervised. Her guardian Auntie Marjolie is not doing her job. I suggest we get this girl into Child Protective Services immediately, while she attends school, if so.

-

The comms ring allows you to communicate with other students and school staff. It also acts as a beacon to locate you and find other EHA members, as well as beam you to programmed teleport devices set. During your first month of student membership, any misconduct in behaviour or attitude will result in one warning before immediate expulsion. We want a good school, good students, good heroes.

Summer Nights

Summer Nights, a set on Flickr. Images captured by Canon EOS X450 nanocameras designed for field photography.

All in all, I thought the Ultimate Guardian's summer social was a great success. The best part I find, was finally being able to match faces with names and personalities with the voices I've so often heard on comms or read in personnel profiles. Another highlight of the weekend  of course, was meeting the well-known and highly regarded Thundrax, in his bright white and red Canadian tights.

Boogie Down

Boogie Down, a set on Flickr. Images captured by Canon EOS X450 nanocameras designed for field photography.

Indeed the Ultimate Guardian's summer social did end the weekend on a high note, with all our guests getting down with the boogie and shaking their bottoms to lively summer music. I myself did indulge in a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice and convinced Ms Midoree to at least hold a glass of clear spring water, however unaccustomed to our social culture she may be.

Meet and Greet

Meet & Greet, a set on Flickr. Images captured by Canon EOS X450 nanocameras designed for field photography.

Concluding the Ultimate Guardian's social event, I attended the party at Sakura Gardens where I was impressed to see the bottom of the bridge swarming with heroes in all their brightly coloured summer wear. I had a chance to speak at length with Tessi Midoree however and learnt of her extraterrestrial heritage, including her people's natural power of energy projection. I also met a hyper intelligent rat named Snatter who was also very proud of his ancestry -- a lineage of dead lab rats from which experiments only he has survived. At least the creature is proud of something and what a positively inspiring outlook on life, considering his otherwise abusive background.

Destroyed by Destroyers

In a world far far away, lost among the multiverse, more Shadow Destroyers battle Doctor Destroyers.

Over the weekends, I ran a rather taxing experiment together with star student Gadanette to ascertain the extent and number of Shadow Destroyers over the multiverse who battle a Doctor Destroyer and to observe the different outcomes. In each other worlds we explored, the outcome sadly, were exactly the same, a destiny left to the wandering hero to influence. Of course there will will always remain the Quantum Physical philosophy that merely observing an experiment changes its outcome, so there is hope yet, that a world we do not yet know of could quite possibly have seen better results than my several failures. One can only hope.

Champions of Millennium City

Group Shots, a set on Flickr. Images captured by MC News Photographer Ryan Santana

It was a fine social event and I shall forever treasure these photographs of Millennium City's greatest and most legendary heroes.

Best in Show

Best in Show, a set on Flickr. Images captured by MC News Photographer Ryan Santana

This is the hero costume contest held by the Ultimate Guardians (featuring Thundrax, Friendly Fire, Strobe and Angela Gabriel as judges) at the large fountain south-west of the Renaissance Town Centre. The winners of the Best in Show category were Tav'ith in third place, Ms. Infinite in second place, Ultra Rat in first place and an honourable mention  to the Bitter Clinger.
 .

Mr Beefcake and Mrs Cheesecake

Mr and Mrs, a set on Flickr. Images captured by MC News Photographer Ryan Santana

This is the hero costume contest held by the Ultimate Guardians (featuring Thundrax, Friendly Fire, Strobe and Angela Gabriel as judges) at the large fountain south-west of the Renaissance Town Centre. The winner of the Mr Beefcake - Best Man category was Azunai and Mrs Cheesecake - Best Woman was Sapphyre.