Christian01

CHRISTIAN CEREMONY #1

GROWING IN LOVE

ANNOUNCEMENTS
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PRESENTATION OF THE BRIDE
Who is it that brings this woman to this man? / Who gives this woman in marriage? “I do”

TO GUESTS
We are gathered here today to join _(Bride)_ and _(Groom)_ in Holy Matrimony. _(Bride)_ and _(Groom)_ are very honored that each of you is here to witness the beginning of their new life together. Love can be one of the highest experiences that comes to humankind. At its best, it reduces our selfishness, deepens our personalities and makes life more meaningful. Matrimony symbolizes the ultimate intimacy between a man and a woman; yet this closeness should not diminish, but strengthen the individuality of each partner. A marriage that lasts is one that always has a little more to grow.

TO COUPLE
When you love someone, you do not love them all the time, in exactly the same way, moment by moment.  That is impossible. It is even a disservice to pretend it is possible. Yet that is what most of us demand. We have such little faith in the ebb and flow of life, of love and of relationships. We leap forward at the flow of the tide and resist in terror its ebb, for we are afraid it will never return. We insist on permanence, on duration, on continuity. But the only continuity possible in life, as in love, is in growth, in fluidity and in freedom, as dancers are free, barely touching as they pass, but partners in creating the same pattern. In this love, the trust and freedom of the other person becomes as significant as the trust and freedom of one’s self. This is our hope for your continued growth through patience, one for the other.

May you, _(Bride)_ and _(Groom)_  keep the vows made on this day, in freedom, teaching each other who you are and what you yet shall be, enabling you to know that, together, married, you will be more than yourselves and more than each other.  Successful marriage will enhance both of you.

Today, _(Bride)_ and _(Groom)_ your celebration of human affection is a sign of a sacred and inward commitment. We gather today to unite you in marriage, an institution which the government may regulate and the church may sanction, but which can only become real in the lives of two people. This celebration is but an outward sign of the inward union of two hearts. As such, marriage is the most holy of all relationships in life. We celebrate together the love that you have discovered in each other, and support your decision to commit yourselves to one another for the rest of your lives. Marriage is a holy estate born of love of God. It is a relationship entered into thoughtfully, reverently, with gratitude for the past and hope for the future.

DECLARATION
Should there be anyone who has cause why this couple should not be united in marriage, they must speak now or forever hold their peace.

PRAYER
In Christ’s name we ask your blessing now for _(Groom)_ and _(Bride)_  as they make their marriage vows. Dear Lord, as _(Bride)_ and _(Groom)_ pledge themselves to each other, help them and bless them that their love will be pure, that their vows may be true.  We ask your protection on this couple and their union today and all of their days together.

SPECIAL BLESSING
Here we pray for
a.) Children from a former marriage
b.) parents
c.) any special intentions

DECLARATION OF INTENT
God calls you into union with him and with one another. I ask you now, in His presence, to declare your intent_(Groom)_. will you have _(Bride)_  to be your wife, to live together in holy Marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and care for her in sickness and in health and forsaking all others be faithful to her as long as you both shall live?

Answer: “I will.”

_(Bride)_ will you have _(Groom)_ to be your husband, to live together in holy Marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and care for him in sickness and in health and forsaking all others be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?

Answer: “I will.”

VOWS

_(Bride)_ , please give your bouquet to your maid of honour.

Face each other, please?

_(Groom)_ , please repeat after me your wedding vows to your bride?

_(Bride)_ , I love you.
Today is a very special day.
Long ago you were
just a dream and a prayer.
This day, like a dream come true,
the Lord Himself
has answered that prayer.
For today, _(Bride)_ ,
you, as my joy,
become my crown.
I thank Jesus for the honor
of going through time with you.
Thank you for being what you are to me.
With our future as bright as
the promises of God,
I will care for you,
honor and protect you.
I lay down my life for you, _(Bride)_ ,
my friend
and my love.

_(Bride)_ , please repeat after me your wedding vows to your groom?

_(Groom)_ , I love you
and I know you love me.
I am confident
that God has chosen you
to be my husband.
It is my prayer and desire
that you will find in me
the helper God designed
especially for you.
Therefore, _(Groom)_ ,
I pledge to you my life
as a faithful and loving wife.
Wherever you go I will go,
wherever you lodge I will lodge.
Your people shall be my people,
and your God my God.

RINGS
The circle is a symbol of God, without beginning or end, with no points of weakness; so the circle is a reminder of the eternal quality of God and of unending strength. These rings will be a reminder of your intentions, which you have just stated before me today. A reminder, to keep God in the center of your relationship and a symbol of your decision to remain faithful to each other always.

BLESSING OF THE RINGS
Bless these rings, O Lord. May they symbolize eternity and the love in _(Groom)_ and _(Bride)_ ‘s union. Dear Lord, we ask a special blessing upon _(Bride)_ and _(Groom)_ , as they give each other their rings. May they always remember the words that they speak today. May You comfort them when times are difficult and remind them of the love they feel this day.

EXCHANGE OF RINGS

May I have the rings please?

_(Groom)_ , as you place your ring on _(Bride)_ ‘s finger repeat after me your commitment to your bride.

_(Bride)_ , I give you this ring
as a symbol of my love for you,
my intention to be your husband,
to be faithful to you
throughout our lives
and as a reminder of
God’s presence in our life.

_(Bride)_ , as you place your ring on _(Groom)_ ‘s finger repeat after me your commitment to your groom.

_(Groom)_ , I give you this ring
as a symbol of my love for you,
my intention to be your wife,
to be faithful to you
throughout our lives
and as a reminder of
God’s presence in our life.

May these rings forever be to you the symbol of your growing love.

DECLARATION
_(Groom)_ and _(Bride)_ , by exchanging these vows and rings before me, you have publicly declared your marriage to each other. By virtue of the powers vested in me by the Province of Ontario as an ordained minister of the Gospel, therefore, it gives me great delight to pronounce you husband and wife. Let all others honor your decision and the threshold of your home.

You may kiss your bride.

BENEDICTION
Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be shelter for the other. Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to each other. Now you are two persons, but there is only one life before you. Go now; enter into the days of your life together. And may your days be good and long on the earth.  Now go in peace and live in love sharing the most precious gifts you have–the gift of your lives. May the blessing of God be with you to guide you this day and forever.

SIGNING OF DOCUMENTS

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Please provide these to your Officiant in written form.

ANNOUNCEMENT
It is my privilege to present to you Mr. & Mrs. ———–.

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