Service #4

 

Service #4

 

PROCESSIONAL AND PRESENTATION

 

Who offers their blessing of the union of this woman and this man?

 

CONVOCATION

 

We have gathered here for the marriage of _____and_____.  May they continue to grow together and to strengthen their love throughout their lives.

 

ADDRESS

Marriage begins in the giving of words. You cannot join yourselves to one another without giving your word.  This must be an unconditional giving, for in joining yourselves to one another, you join yourselves to the unknown.

 

Marriage is one of the most important obligations that two people can commit to, in their lifetime. A successful marriage is dependent upon many factors, the first being a strong bond of friendship and respect.  Your love for each other will grow with each passing day, yet it is your willingness to accept each other's strengths and weaknesses, with patience and understanding, that is the true foundation of a healthy marriage.

 

When a man and a woman decide to join together in marriage, they should do so with a full realization of its responsibilities.  It is a serious commitment.  When they come together to make a public confession of their love and devotion, pronouncing vows and pledging their lives to each other, it is a threefold union.  They are joined together legally, spiritually and physically.  While marriage is a big commitment, it is also cause for a joyous celebration.  You are about to take a new step forward into life.  It is my hope that your joy in your relationship as husband and wife increases with each passing day.

 

 

Are you fully prepared to meet these obligations?

 

PRAYER (Optional)

 

Collective Spirit, we call upon you in the midst of this celebration to be with this man and woman and walk with them during their days together as husband and wife. Grant that they both be filled with faith and trust. Give them grace to live with each other in peace and harmony. May they always bear one another's weakness and grow from each other's strength. Help them to forgive one another's failings and grant them patience, kindness, cheerfulness and the spirit of placing the well-being of one another ahead of one's self. Amen

 

CONSECRATION

 

You have always had dreams for the future, believing that anything was possible.  As you live in this world and make a difference in it, your beloved will be by your side.  Having found each other, you have made a decision that there is no moment in your lives more profoundly significant than this one, the moment you offer yourselves to become husband and wife.  May you share with each other, from this day on, the unending joy of growth and discovery.  May your relationship continue to inspire you to be your best selves.

 

For many years to come you will remember this day; yet, beyond the fragrant flowers, beyond the melodious music, beyond the expressions of joy and encouragement from family and friends, beyond albums filled with pictures and memories, may you celebrate through the years that which is most fundamental about your union.  You are joining because your love each other, you respect one another, and you will honor each other, because you are committed to sharing equally in both the triumphs and trials of the days to come.

 

As you begin this new chapter in your lives, remember, all of your yesterdays have led you to today, and your love will lead you into tomorrow.

 

VOWS

 

_____(Groom/Bride), do you promise to love, respect and care for _____(Bride/Groom) for life, remaining faithful to your love as it enters into new meanings and definitions?

 

RING CEREMONY

 

May I have the rings please? Rings are an ancient symbol, blessed and simple. Round like the sun, round like the eye, and round like arms that embrace. May these rings symbolize that your love, like the sun, illuminates and warms the others heart, like the eye, you must see clearly even amid the adversity of life, and like arms that embrace as grace upon the world. May they also remind you that love given comes back around again and again.

_____, (Groom/Bride) take this ring and place it on _____(Bride/Groom) finger and repeat after me.

I,_____, (Groom/Bride) take you, to be my wife/husband, in equal love, as a partner and companion, to have and to hold, to honor and to cherish, in joy and in sorrow, from this day forward.

 

UNITY CANDLE (Optional)

 

In the calm of this moment, as you join together as husband and wife, having left the darkness to stand before the bright light that is the love of God, may the lighting of this candle symbolize the collaboration of two hearts that are united in one life.

 

A READING:  "THESE ARE THE HANDS"

 

These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you. These are the hands that are holding yours on your wedding day as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow and forever.  These are the hands that will work along side yours as together you build your future.  These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years and with the slightest touch will comfort you like no other.  These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief wracks your mind.  These are hands that will countless times wipe tears from your eyes, tears of joy and tears of sorrow.  These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children.  These are the hands that will help hold your family together as one.  These are hands that will give you strength when you need it.  These are the hands that even when wrinkled with age will still be reaching for yours, still giving the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.

 

PRONOUNCEMENT

 

_____and_____ have chosen each other, declared their love and purpose before family and friends, and have made their pledge to each other, symbolized by the giving and receiving of rings. By virtue of the authority vested in me by the State of Minnesota, I pronounce you husband and wife.  You may kiss!

 

ANNOUNCEMENT

Ladies and gentlemen, it is my sincere honest and privilege to introduce to you for the very first time, Mr. & Mrs. _____ and  _____ _________!