Michael James Clouse

Dearly Beloved and Honored Guests,

We are gathered together here to join Amie Hughes and John Kotz in the spiritual union of marriage.

A year ago, I was contacted by these two wonderful souls, and was asked if I could marry them. Initially, I thought , and was flattered ,but thought that would certainly be a rather non traditional union....Me. Amie AND John..... fortunately Amie clarified the terms of her request, and stated she meant for me to officiate the ceremony. I quickly recovered from the feelings of rejection as they were replaced with a great sense of honor in my being asked to participate in this capacity for two of the finest souls and best friends I have. I was sitting home at the time, and responded to amies request with a, "Hold on, lemme check."I researched and responded later that evening, and told them could and would love to.

All of our lives contain crossroads and interactions with others. the moments may seem insignificant at the time, especially in a world filled with mostly human doers instead of human beings.

I have been reflecting on the significance these two have on me and my life. the lives of myself and Amie intersected hen I found myself looking for a part time position counseling folks who are struggling with addiction. I contacted Amie, and she invited me in for an interview. I arrived for the interview, probably late, and made her an offer she couldn't refuse. I told her I could only work the sessions no one else wanted to do, and she couldn't pay me much. she stated she had to confer with the director, but liked my terms. I hadn't made it out 3 miles out of town before she called and offered me the position. later when Amie announced to....I think most of Hagerstown..i had done the entire interview with my fly open. This was truly a bonding moment in our relationship. and with that, the tone was set...

John has been someone I have respected from the day I met him. We have gradually become closer as he and amie have become a couple. I believe a key moment in my relationship with John is when a number of us from the wells house family caravanned up to Lancaster pa to visit a haunted house. The entire trip was gut busting hilarious. It was during a haunted hay ride when I found out Tammy could levitate. it really was an amazing thing to see. John rode with me, and at the end of the evening, Amie was insistent on riding back with me in my car. I had just purchased this vehicle and I thought Amie wanted to check it out. Well, turns out she was checking something out alright, it was John. I believe the seeds for this union were planted in the back seat of my new car that very night.

On a serious note, and in an illustration of what John and Amie mean to me, I suffered a recent serious health scare , that put me in the hospital. when I arrived at the ER I immediately requested Amie be contacted. true friends that they are, they were there for mean in my time of need. the reflection that I've had in preparation for today has made me realize the importance of these momnets and serves to remind me we should all take as a time to be human beings, not human doings and to focus on the here and now, enjoying this moment without distraction.

these experiences are among many that have served to cultivate and strengthen the very special bond I have with Amie and John.

This contract is not to be entered into lightly but thoughtfully and seriously, and with a deep realization of its obligations and responsibilities. Please remember that love, loyalty, and understanding are the foundations of a happy and enduring home, and although we are not perfect, we can strive to love the imperfect perfectly.

Amie Hughes and John Kotz will now share their vows.

*(Vows)*

Do you Amie Hughes take this man John Kotz to be your lawfully wedded partner, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and woe, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto him for as long as you both shall live?

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

Do you John Kotz take this woman Amie Hughes to be your lawfully wedded partner, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and woe, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto her for as long as you both shall live?

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

Amie Hughes and John Kotz will now exchange rings as a symbol of their love and commitment.

*(Ring Exchange)*

By the authority vested in me by American Marriage Ministries and the State of Pennsylvania I now pronounce you wife and husband! You may now kiss as husband and wife

guests, I proudly introduce Mr. and Mrs. john kotz