Christian03

CHRISTIAN CEREMONY #3

RICHNESS OF LOVE

PRESENTATION OF THE BRIDE
Who gives _(Bride)_  to be married to _(Groom)_ ?  /   I / We do.

TO GUESTS
_(Bride)_ and _(Groom)_ have called you to assemble here today that, before God and in the presence of family and friends, they might publicly declare and affirm their love for each other, and their choice of each other as husband and wife. Further, they wish to exchange vows of mutual commitment to the fulfillment of married life together.

On their behalf may I tell you how honored they feel to count you as family and friends and how pleased they are that you have chosen to share with them in the solemnity and joy of these sacred moments.

INVOCATION
Father in heaven, thank you for the gift of life, for family and for friends, and for the love that exists between _(Bride)_  and  _(Groom)_ . Amen

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..

THE PLEDGE
_(Groom)_ , will you have _(Bride)_  to be your wife to live together according to God’s plan in the state of marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honour and keep her in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others remain faithful to her.   /  I will.

_(Bride)_ , will you have _(Groom)_  to be your husband to live together according to God’s plan in the state of marriage?  Will you love him, comfort him,  honour and keep him in sickness and in health,  and forsaking all others remain faithful to him.   /  I will.

THE VOWS

_(Bride)_ , please give your bouquet to your maid of honour? Turn to face each other and join hands.

_(Groom)_ , repeat after me your wedding vows to _(Bride)_ .

In the presence of God
and before our family and friends,
_(Bride)_ , with joy and in love
I take you to be my wife
the companion of my days,
and the mother of my children.
I promise to share with you
in whatever happiness or sadness,
abundance or want,
adversity or blessing
that may be a part of our lives
for as long as we both shall live. 

_(Bride)_ , repeat after me your wedding vows to _(Groom)_ .

In the presence of God
and before our family and friends,
_(Groom)_ , with joy and in love
I take you to be my husband
the companion of my days,
and the father of my children.
I promise to share with you
in whatever happiness or sadness,
abundance or want,
adversity or blessing
that may be a part of our lives
for as long as we both shall live. 

THE EXCHANGE OF RINGS
Wedding rings as they are worn, symbolize to others your union in marriage. In that your rings have no beginning and no ends, may that endlessness symbolize your love for each other.

May I have the rings please?

WORDS OF EXCHANGE

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

_(Bride)_ ,  as a sign and pledge
of my love, faith and loyalty,
I give you this ring.
May it constantly remind you
of my commitment to you this day. 

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

_(Groom)_ , as a sign and pledge
of my love, faith and loyalty,
I give you this ring.
May it constantly remind you
of my commitment to you this day. 

DECLARATION OF MARRIAGE
Having, in the company of God, family and friends, pledged your faith in and love to each other, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Province of Ontario as an ordained minister of the gospel, I pronounce you husband and wife.
May God himself sanctify and bless your union and may all persons take care to assist you in the keeping of your sacred vows.

You may kiss your bride.

SIGNING OF THE REGISTER

SPECIAL MUSIC

PASTORAL PRAYER FOR THE COUPLE
God of love and faithfulness, _(Bride)_  and _(Groom)_  have just committed themselves to undertake the most solemn and sacred obligation known. We who have witnessed and participated in this ceremony are conscious of their needs for your grace and help as they seek honourably and lovingly to fulfill their commitments. We pray, therefore, that the love that they have mutually pledged may be so enriched by your love that it may never falter or grow cold, no matter what their life experiences. May the wisdom and insight which is now theirs be enhanced by the wisdom from above, that they might clearly discern and choose the right path for living. May the strength and endurance of your Holy Spirit not only offer to them protection on their course of life, but also afford them the spiritual and physical resources they will require in their daily pursuit of love, happiness and fulfillment. As you have so faithfully and effectively communicated love, understanding, forgiveness, trust and hope, we pray that you will be the ever present teacher and helper as _(Bride)_ and  _(Groom)_ seek to communicate with each other. Grant to them, we pray, the qualities of kindness, mercy, honesty, openness and love in their relationship with each other and with all others. May the home they establish be blessed with peace, and the family that may be added to them know physical and spiritual well-being. May spiritual understanding and holy living be their inheritance. May the example of Jesus Christ, who gave Himself so selflessly in dying on the cross to purchase salvation be the inspiration for their service to each other, as he is the inspiration for the prayer He taught us to pray:

Our Father which art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive them that trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power and the glory,
forever and ever. Amen

BENEDICTION
Lord God, may your love, grace, mercy and peace be a part of their lives from this day forward, through Jesus Christ. Amen.

DOCUMENTS

PRESENTATION OF THE BRIDE AND GROOM

It is my privilege and pleasure to present to you Mr. and Mrs _(Groom)_ and _(Bride)_ ———.

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