Marriage Service #11

Processional
OPENING REMARKS

All around the world, marriage is a sign of our Creator’s intention for wholeness in all creation. The joining together of two persons into one unique, intimate and creative unity in marriage is therefore not only a symbol but also a demonstration of the well being and God’s good work in the creation.

This day has been designed to reflect the traditions of two cultures and religions. (Woman) and (Man) see Hinduism and Christianity as two parts of the same circle, with God at the center. They wish to honor these cultures and religions today. They are mutually devoted to each of their families -- and could not be doing this without their strength and support. You are all integral to this ceremony, and to the lives (Woman) and (Man) are uniting here today.

In their love together (Woman) and (Man) demonstrate not only their joy in the present; but their commitment to share their future together.

PRESENTATION OF (Woman)

When a father presents his daughter in marriage, he is honoring the covenant into which she is entering and gives his and her mother’s promise of loving support.
With that understanding, I ask,

"Who presents this woman to be married to this man"?

“We do”

COMMEMORATION OF THOSE DEPARTED

Lighting of the commemorative candle

It is at this time we would remember those who have passed to spirit as well as those who could not travel to be with us today. Although they have been separated from us physically…faith and love will always bind them to family and friends, and continue through the rich legacy that (Man) and (Woman) begin today.

(Pastor Eastman to light as he speaks)

With these thoughts, I say these words for the Bride and Groom:

May the lighting of this candle be a reminder of the memories we have shared, a representation of the everlasting impact you have made upon the lives of those who remember and love you.

Today we pause to reflect upon those who have shaped our character, molded our spirits and touched our hearts.

(Momentary Pause)

Greeting
We are gathered here in the presence of God and of this company to join in holy matrimony (Woman) and (Man) and to bear witness to the transforming power of love.

Love is a quality of spirit and an attitude of the emotions, but a marriage is a life’s work, a spiritual art form. Therefore, this is an occasion of both profound joy and great responsibility, and we who partake in it bind ourselves as witnesses to the labor of love that (Woman) and (Man) are undertaking here.
The uniting in marriage of two individuals from two separate families and backgrounds to establish a new family is an important and memorable event. For as attached as we are to (Woman) and (Man) by special bonds of love and affection, the uniting of these two people in heart and body and mind is an occasion of great significance that we can all celebrate.

In acknowledgment of this holy purpose and of the power of this occasion, let us pray...

THE INVOCATION

Dear Father, we pray that you will bless (Woman) and (Man) as they begin this new journey together. In all the experiences of life, may they always stay close to You and to each other as they share the joys and blessings as well as the trials and heartaches.

Help them to honor and keep the promises they make here today, and remind them daily of Your great love for them so they, in turn, may reach out in love to each other.

Be with them on this joyous occasion of showing their love and making their vows; and be with us, their witnesses, that we may all be changed by what is said and witnessed here today.

Amen.

APACHE WEDDING PRAYER - Read by ________________)

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 only one life before you. And may your days be good and long upon the earth.

EXPRESSION OF INTENT

(Man), Do you choose (Woman) as your wedded wife, to live together in sacred marriage. Will you be honest with her always? Will you stand by her through whatever may come? Do you agree to make whatever adjustments are necessary so that you can genuinely share your life with her? Do you promise to faithfully cherish and honor her, encourage, comfort and support her, to attend her in sickness and in health, forswearing all others, remaining completely loyal to her, as long as you both shall live?

(Man): I do

(Woman), Do you choose (Man) as your wedded husband, to live together in sacred marriage? Will you be honest with him always? Will you stand by him through whatever may come Do you agree to make whatever adjustments are necessary so that you can genuinely share your life with him? Do you promise to faithfully cherish and honor him, encourage, comfort and support him, attend him in sickness and in health, forswearing all others, remaining completely loyal to him, as long as you both shall live?

(Woman): I do

---- VOWS ----

We invite each of you as family and friends to share this happy occasion, to bless (Woman) and (Man), to add your joy to theirs as they exchange their vows:

(Insert Man's Vows Here)

(Insert Woman's Vows Here)

EXCHANGE OF RINGS

What tokens do you present as a symbolic confirmation of your promise to each other? (the rings)

Wedding rings serve as a fitting symbol of the vows you have just spoken. They are the outward and visible sign of an inward and invisible reality---the love that joins your hearts together in God. Let these rings serve not as locks binding you together, but as keys, unlocking the secrets of your hearts for each other to know, and thus bringing you closer together forever.

Taken from a Hindu wedding:
A circle is the symbol of the sun and the earth and the universe. It is a symbol of holiness and of perfection and of peace. In these rings it is the symbol of unity, in which your lives are now joined in one unbroken circle, in which, wherever you go, you will always return to one another and to your togetherness.

The rings you give and receive this day are the symbols of the endless love into which you enter as husband and wife.

(Man) puts rings on (Woman)’s hand:

With this ring, I thee wed. I love you for who you are, and I commit myself in trust to you and to our relationship. As I give you this ring, I join my life with yours.

(Woman) puts ring on (Man)’s hand

With this ring, I thee wed. I love you for who you are, and I commit myself in trust to you and to our relationship. As I give you this ring, I join my life with yours.

SAND CEREMONY

(Woman) and (Man), you have just sealed your relationship by the giving and receiving of rings and this covenant is a relationship pledge between two people who agree that they will commit themselves to one another throughout their lives. You are committing here today to share the rest of your lives with one another.

Today, this relationship is symbolized through the pouring of these three individual containers of sand into a fourth one.

One, representing you, (Woman), and all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be.
The Second representing you, (Man), and all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be.

And The Third one represents The Spirit or The Soul – the part of ourselves that guides our very existence, and that which will now guide your relationship together as well – call on it consistently and often.

As these three containers of sand are poured into the fourth container, the individual containers of sand continue to exist, but a fourth entity is also created; one which did not exist before but one which will forever more continue to be.

(Pastor Eastman pours the Spiritual layer) This layer represents Your Souls, who are and always will be the foundation of you both as individuals.

(Woman), please pour some of your sand which will represent you as an individual.
(Man), please pour some of your sand which will represent you as an individual.

(Pastor Eastman pours more of the Spiritual layer) This layer represents the Spiritual aspects of who are as a couple, being guided by your Soul purpose together as a team, out picturing your spiritual purpose in your lives together, and in the lives of any children that might one day gather onto you.

(Woman) and (Man), now pour your remaining sand into the container together to represent the joining of your two individual lives into this union of marriage.

Just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into the individual containers, so may your marriage be.

(Woman) and (Man), it is time to acknowledge the importance of the events of daily life you will encounter in your new life. Ponder now your new state of life, that you may live it well.

May every word you speak and every breath you take in each other’s presence, be twice blessed, in truth and joy, and may you walk together in strength each holy day of your lives, recognizing that what you undertake together will bring you continuous joy. Know that the love you share can truly help to change the world.

Your souls are united from this moment forward.
May you grow through the experience of oneness.
May your home be a haven of serenity to all.
May your life together be a tribute to the beauty of creation.
Go now, knowing that God is blessing you on your way.

Let us Pray:
Heavenly Father, we ask Thy blessings upon (Woman) and (Man) as they blend together in their marital union. Give them beauty, closeness, and the tender passion of deep friendship as they embrace the future. Bless them deeply and give them growth and joy as they walk this life together. Amen
PRONOUNCEMENT OF MARRIAGE

Forasmuch as (Woman) and (Man) have agreed to progress together in sacred marriage, and have expressed their intentions before God and this assembly by their solemn vows each to the other and by the exchange of rings, I now pronounce that they are husband and wife through the power of The One Eternal God

May those whom God has joined together be generously blessed forever!
THE KISS

(Man), You may now kiss your Bride!

PRESENTATION

Ladies and Gentlemen, May I present: (Man) and (Woman), now legally married!

Previous Ceremony

Call to discuss your wedding:
513 853 6180 (Pastor's Office)
800 825 4332 Toll-Free
859 757 4062 Kentucky

Pastor Eastman:
Pastor@MarriageChaplain.com