Christian23 — brief

CHRISTIAN CEREMONY #23 brief

A Unique Spirit — brief

WELCOME
We have gathered here in joyful celebration for (Groom)_ and _(Bride)_ .  For them this ceremony represents the start of a new chapter in their lives.

DECLARATION
Marriage is a holy estate born of love. It is a relationship entered into thoughtfully, reverently, with gratitude for the past and hope for the future. 

_(Groom)_ and _(Bride)_, I welcome you to this moment in your lives and to the place you have come to in each other’s hearts. The vows you are about to make are made in the presence of God, who is judge of all and knows all the secrets of our hearts; therefore if either of you knows any reason why you may not lawfully marry, you must declare it now.

EXPRESSION OF FAITH 
As we proceed we pause to recognize that there is an unseen Guest here today Who is here with us by reason of _(Groom)_’s and _(Bride)_’s beliefs and faith.  In the presence of God we come together in faith for this momentous occasion. 

Let us pray
Thank you for giving the gift of a beautiful love between _(Groom)_ and _(Bride)_ . Today they want to dedicate that love to each other. We ask Your presence with us here today. Enhance all that we seek to do and place your seal of love and approval upon the union that is about to be formed between _(Groom)_ and _(Bride)_ .   We pray that Your loving presence will encircle this wedding service. We pray that Your blessing will surround the marriage of _(Groom)_ and _(Bride)_ .  We ask this blessing in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

WHAT IS MARRIAGE?
Today, _(Groom)_ and _(Bride)_ your celebration of love 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. No ceremony can create your marriage. What this ceremony can do is witness and affirm the choice you have made to begin a new life today as husband and wife. It is meant to enhance trust and intimacy towards mutual enrichment, a mingling of two souls which diminishes neither, but enhances both, a commitment to the best that two people can find and bring out in each other. As such, marriage is the most holy of all relationships in life. In a healthy marriage two people create a unique spirit of safety and comfort which binds them closer than any spoken or written words. A joyful marriage is never being too old to hold hands. So, let your courtship not end with the honeymoon, but continue throughout the coming years.

PLEDGE
_(Bride)_ , would you please pass your bouquet to your maid of honour?

_(Groom)_ and _(Bride)_ if at this time you wish to affirm your free choice to unite as partners in marriage please indicate that now by turning to face each other,
join hands and
look deeply into each others eyes
as you share your wedding commitment to other.

_(Groom)_ , I ask you now, in the presence of the God to declare your intent. 

_(Groom)_. will you have _(Bride)_ to be your wife?  Will you love her, comfort her, honor and protect her and forsaking all others be faithful to _(Bride)_ as long as you both shall live?  /  Answer: “I will.”

_(Bride)_ , I ask you now, in the presence of the God to declare your intent. 

_(Bride)_ will you have _(Groom)_ to be your husband? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and protect him and forsaking all others be faithful to _(Groom)_ as long as you both shall live?  /  Answer: “I will.”

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

I, _(Groom)_ ,
take you, _(Bride)_ ,

to be my wife,
to have and to hold
from this day forward;
for better, for worse,
for richer, for poorer,
in sickness and in health,
to love and to cherish,
always and forever.
In the presence of God I make this vow.

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

I, _(Bride)_ ,
take you, _(Groom)_ ,

to be my husband,
to have and to hold
from this day forward;
for better, for worse,
for richer, for poorer,
in sickness and in health,
to love and to cherish,
till death us do part;
In the presence of God
I make this vow. 

RING EXCHANGE
I will ask you now to seal the vows you have just made by the giving and receiving of rings.

May I have the rings please?

These rings are your gift to each other; they are the outward and visible signs of an inward and spiritual bond that unites your two hearts in a love that has no end.

_(Groom)_ , please repeat after me while placing this ring on _(Bride)_’s finger.

I give you this ring
As a symbol and promise

of my everlasting
love, faith and loyalty.

_(Bride)_ please repeat after me while placing this ring on _(Groom)_ ’s finger.

I give you this ring
As a symbol and promise

of my everlasting
love, faith and loyalty.

BLESSING AND CLOSING
_(Groom)_ and _(Bride)_ , may the challenges of your life together be met with courage and optimism.  May you learn from your challenges and grow in your achievements.  May life bless you with friends and family in a wide network of mutual support and enjoyment.  May you face adversity with courage and a light heart.  May your union last through all of your moments together, so that in the triumphs and the trials that lie ahead, you will feel just as happy as you do now – happy to be in love and married to one another.

May God give you His light, His truth and His love for your walk together into the future that lies before you.

PRONOUNCEMENT
_(Groom)_ and _(Bride)_ , you have openly declared your wishes to be united in marriage and in the presence of these witnesses have pledged your love to one another.
You have confirmed the same by each giving and receiving a ring and by joining hands.

By virtue of the powers vested in me by the Province of Ontario as an ordained minister of the gospel, it is my honour and delight to pronounce that you are husband and wife. Those whom God has joined together, let no one put asunder.

Please seal your vows with a kiss.

Signing of the Register


PRESENTATION OF COUPLE

It is my delight to present to you for the first time Mr. & Mrs. ————-.