The Ceremony

The Greeting

Rev. Mike Harper

We have come together from various directions in life

as families and as brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ

to uphold and encourage these two special people,

Eric and Joyce, as they pledge to one another their vows of marriage.

We celebrate with them the love they are discovering in each other

and we support their decision and conviction of God's will

to commit themselves to one another for the rest of their lives.

Marriage is a holy estate born in the love and wisdom of God.

It is a relationship entered into thoughtfully, reverently,

and obediently with gratitude for the past and hope for the future.

In the tradition of our faith, we believe God calls a man and a woman

to leave the homes of their childhood to become together a new family.

Charge to the Couple

Rev. Mike Harper

Eric and Joyce, your marriage is intended to join you for life;

yet you live in a society in which divorce is commonly accepted

and expected. My charge to you both and to those who are witnessing

 this beautiful occasion is to strike a word from your vocabulary

so that it never is even considered as an option. That word is “Divorce”!

 As children of God you have been joined

and chosen to be a light of example to the dark world around you.

You have at your disposal the key ingredients to be over comers

in any situation you may find yourselves.

The Holy Spirit who is to be your guide, Jesus to be your Lord and example,

and God the Father to be the one whom you only serve.

With this team there is always a way to overcome adversity

in both your personal and married lives.

If either of you know any lawful or spiritual reason why you should

not be married you are now to declare it.

Scripture Reading

Read by:  Kevin Beougher, Friend of the Bride's family

Treat yourselves and each other with respect,
and remind yourselves often of what brought you together.
Give the highest priority to the tenderness,
gentleness and kindness that your connection deserves.
When frustration, difficulties and fear assail your relationship,
as they threaten all relationships at one time or another,
remember to focus on what is right between you,
not only the part which seems wrong.
In this way, you can ride out the storms
when clouds hide the face of the sun in your lives...
remembering that even if you lose sight of it for a moment,
the sun is still there.
And if each of you takes responsibility for the quality
of your life together,
it will be marked by abundance and delight.
For where two or three are gathered together in my name,
there am I in the midst of them. -- Matthew 18:20

Blessing and Exchange of Rings

Rev. Mike Harper

Marriage requires much generosity, unselfishness, flexibility,

patience and love.

The realness and happiness of your marriage

depends upon the inner experience of your heart

and the strength of your commitment to Jesus Christ

and to one another.

As a symbol of your commitment you have chosen rings.

They are a circle without end, symbolizing

the unending presence of God and love in this covenant.

At this time we will have the exchange of rings.

Eric:   “With this ring I thee wed, with all that I have, and all that I am,

in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.”

Joyce: “With this ring I thee wed, with all that I have, and all that I am,

in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.”

The Art of A Good Marriage

written by Wilferd Arlan Peterson

Read by:  Jeffrey Arlan Wilkinson, Brother of the Bride

Happiness in marriage is not something that just happens.

A good marriage must be created.

In marriage the little things are the big things.

It is never being too old to hold hands.

It is remembering to say "I love you" at least once a day.

It is never going to sleep angry.

It is at no time taking the other for granted;

the courtship should not end

with the honeymoon, it should continue through the years.

It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives.

It is standing together facing the world.

It is forming a circle of love that gathers the whole family.

It is doing things for each other, not in the attitude of duty or sacrifice,

but in the spirit of joy.

It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating

gratitude in thoughtful ways.

It is not looking for perfection in each other.

It is cultivating flexibility, patience, understanding and a sense of humor .

It is having the capacity to forgive and forget.

It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow old.

It is a common search for the good and the beautiful.

It is establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal,

dependence is mutual and the obligation is reciprocal.

It is not only marrying the right partner, it is being the right partner.

Wedding Links

NEW Our Wedding Photos!

The Wedding Homepage       The Vows    

 The Wedding Party      

Some Snapshots    The Reception  and dinner    

 

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