Wedding Ceremony

Created by the Rev. Molly Housh Gordon

Prelude Processional Welcome Family Vow of Support Minister: Who brings (Name) to stand beside (Name)? Spouse 1's parents -- We do. Minister: And who brings (Name) to stand beside (Name)? Spouse 2s ParentsWe do. Minister: Will the other members of (Name) and (Name)s families please stand, as well. You have helped to form (Name) and (Name) in to the two people who come before us today to commit themselves to a life together of love, courage, and integrity. As they now set out to create their marriage, will you continue to support and strengthen (Name) and (Name) by upholding them with your love and concern? Families respond -- We will. Minister: You may be seated. Charge to the Couple Homily personalized to the story of the couple. Readings From Theologian Carter Heyward: We are not automatic lovers of self, others, world, or God. Love does not just happen. We are not love machines, puppets on the strings of a deity called love. Love is a choicenot simply or necessarily, a rational choice, but rather a willingness to be present to others without pretense or guile. Love is a conversion to humanity a willingness to participate with others in the healing of a broken world and broken lives. Love is the choice to experience life as a member of the human family, a partner in the dance of life. From Madeleine LEngle Ultimately there comes a time when a decision must be made. Ultimately two people who love each other must ask themselves how much they hope for as their love grows and

deepens, and how much risk they are willing to take. It is indeed a fearful gamble. Because it is the nature of love to create, a marriage itself is something which has to be created. To marry is the biggest risk in human relations that a person can take. If we commit ourselves to one person for life this is not, as many people think, a rejection of freedom; rather it demands the courage to move into all the risks of freedom, and the risk of love which is permanent; into that love which is not possession, but participation. It takes a lifetime to learn another person. When love is not possession, but participation, then it is part of that co-creation which is our human calling. Statement of Intent Do you, (Name), take (Name) to be your husband/wife/spouse/partner, in joy and in sorrow, to love, to respect, and to cherish him/her for as long as you both shall live? (I do). Do you, (Name), take (Name) to be your wife/husband/spouse/partner, in joy and in sorrow, to love, to respect, and to cherish her for as long as you both shall live? (I do). Community Vow (Name) and (Name) come here today thankful for each other and also with deep gratitude for the webs of community of which they are a part. Each of you, over the years, has consoled them during difficult times and celebrated with them during joyful times. You are their mentors, advisors, and teachers. You are their friends and colleagues. And they will need you in the years to come. They will need your silent support at some times, and your advice at others. They will often need your laughter and good humor and sometimes also your sympathy and tears. Therefore, will you who are present here today surround this couple in love, offering them the joys of your friendship? And will you support this couple in their relationship? Community: We will. Exchange of Vows I (Name), choose you, (Name)to be my husband/wife/spouse/partner. I vow to honor, trust and respect you for all that you are and will become. I will nurture myself so that I can nurture you fully. I will bring my whole self to our marriage so that it will grow along with us and withstand the tides of time and change. I will join with you and our community to help create a world we all want to live in, a world of compassion that celebrates love in all its many forms. I promise to challenge you, and to accept challenges from you. And I will help create the kind of love that gives us each courage for as long as we both shall live. Blessing of the Rings

Made from metals drawn from deep within the earth, may these rings remind you that your love, also, must be drawn from deep within you. Forged in heat and with great effort, may these rings remind you that your marriage is also crafted daily and tempered in the forge of daily giving and forgiving. Bright like the sun, may these rings remind you that your love is meant to illumine your lives. Round like arms that embrace, may these rings remind you that human love is a gift to this world. Exchange of Rings I give you this ring as a symbol of my love, my faith in our strength together, and my covenant to learn and grow with you. With all that I am and all that I have, I freely choose to join my life with yours. Blessing the Hands By Daniel Harris These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, 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 alongside 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 fills your mind. These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes; tears of sorrow, and as in today, tears of joy. These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children, the hands that will help you to hold your family as one. These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it. And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch. Prayer/Blessing By John ODonohue As spring unfold the dream of the earth, May you bring each others hearts to birth. As the ocean finds calm in the view of land May you love the gaze of each others mind. As the wind arises free and wild, May nothing negative control your lives. As kindly as the moonlight might search the dark, So gentle may you be when light grows scarce. As surprised as the silence that music opens, May your words for each other be touched with reverance. As warmly as the air draws in the light, May you welcome each others every gift. As elegant as dreams absorbing the night, May sleep find you clear of anger and hurt. And as twilight harvests the days colors, May love bring you home to each other.

Pronouncement I now pronounce you husband/wife and wife/husband. You may kiss each other. Kiss Benediction Now you will feel no rain, For each of you will be shelter to the other. Now you will feel no cold, For each of you will be warmth to the other. Now there is no more loneliness, For each of you will be companion to the other. Now you are two bodies, But there is one life before you. Go now to your dwelling place, To enter into the days of your togetherness. And may your days be good and long upon the earth. Recessional