Pastor Steve Means

Ceremonies

Ceremony 1

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Who gives this woman to be married to this man? (response)

Friends and family, we are gathered here in the sight of God, and in the presence of this company, to unite ________ and ________ in holy matrimony. Marriage was ordained by God in the Garden of Eden and confirmed in Cana of Galilee by the presence of the Lord Himself, and is declared by the Apostle Paul to be honorable among all men. It is therefore, not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly; but reverently, soberly, and in the fear of God. It is fitting, therefore, that we should begin by seeking God’s blessing for this marriage service. Let’s pray…

Heavenly Father, we pray that you will bless ________ and ________ 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. Give them such love and devotion that each may be to the other a strength in need, a comfort in sorrow, a counselor in difficulty, and a companion in joy. In the name of Christ Jesus we pray, Amen.

The scriptures give us a very clear description of what love is to be:

First Corinthians tells us that “Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. So faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest is love.”

In love, just as in life, 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 never taking one another for granted. The courtship should not end with the honeymoon, but should continue throughout the years. It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family.

________ and ________, in presenting yourselves here today before God and these witnesses to be joined in marriage, you perform an act of faith. This faith will grow, develop and last, but only if you both decide to make it so. There is no ritual or service that can guarantee a lasting and growing love.

If you would have the foundation of your marriage be the devotion you have for one another, not just at this moment, but for all the days to come, then treasure the hopes and dreams that you bring here today. Establish that your love will never be blotted out by the common nor obscured by the ordinary in life. Faults will surface where you now find comfort, and admiration can be shattered by the routine of daily life. But dedication, love and joy will grow when you nourish them together. Stand fast in that hope and confidence, having faith in your shared destiny just as strongly as you have faith in yourselves and in one another today. Only with this spirit can you forge a union that will strengthen and endure all the days of your lives.

And now, if you have appeared for the purpose of being joined in holy matrimony, will you please signify this intention by joining hands.

Groom to repeat after Pastor Steve by phrases:

________, with all my heart
I take you to be my wife.
On this day
and for the rest of my life.
With the Lord’s help
I promise to be patient and kind with you,
never jealous,
To have a humble heart,
to honor and respect you,
To place your needs before my own,
to be slow to anger,
And quick to forgive,
to bear all things with you,
To believe in you,
supporting you in all you do,
To hope with you,
and to remain faithful,
only to you forever.
I will make you a part of me,
and in turn,
become a part of you.
Until death do us part.

Bride, to repeat after pastor Steve by phrases:,

________, with all my heart
I take you to be my husband.
On this day
and for the rest of my life,
With the Lord’s help
I promise to be patient and kind with you,
never jealous,
To have a humble heart,
to honor and respect you,
To place your needs before my own,
to be slow to anger,
And quick to forgive,
to bear all things with you,
To believe in you,
supporting you in all you do,
To hope with you,
and to remain faithful,
only to you forever.
I will make you a part of me,
and in turn,
become a part of you.
Until death do us part.

What tokens do you present as a visual 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.

Pastor Steve gives ring to groom and groom presents to bride saying:

________, with this ring,
I pledge my love and commitment.
May it ever be a symbol,
of the unbroken bond of our love.

Pastor Steve gives ring to bride, and bride presents to groom saying:

________, with this ring,
I pledge my love and commitment.
May it ever be a symbol,
of the unbroken bond of our love.

Let us pray: Father, I pray that YOU would be the bond that will hold this union together. We ask your blessings to be poured out upon ________ and ________, and that they be held safely in your hands and find their peace in your presence. In Jesus name, amen.

Then by the authority vested in me as a representative of the state and a minister of the gospel, and because of the vows made in the presence of these witnesses, it is my joy to pronounce you husband and wife. Those whom God has joined together, let no one put asunder. You may now seal your vows with a kiss.

Friends, it is my pleasure to present to you Mr. and Mrs. ________!

   

Ceremony 2

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Who gives this woman to be married to this man ? (response)

Friends and family of the bride and groom, what a joy it is to welcome you here, for we have come to celebrate the miracle of love, and to witness the union of ________ and ________. Every experience you have ever had, everything you have ever done, everything you have ever learned, has brought you to this moment as you now stand before these witnesses to take each other as husband and wife. New experiences lie before you with opportunities to grow deeper in love with each other. As you walk hand in hand into the future, cherish each moment as a gift, a gift given to strengthen the bond between you.

________ and ________, as you give your hand to the other, are you both prepared to be united as husband and wife? (Taking hands, ”WE ARE”)

Today, you are taking into your care and trust, the happiness of the one person in the world whom you love with all your heart. You are agreeing to share life’s deepest and richest experiences. You are adding to your life, not only the affection of each other, but also the companionship and blessing of mutual respect. You have invited these guests to share in the celebration of your love, a love that now culminates in your union as husband and wife.

When you enter into marriage, you enter into life’s most important relationship. It is a gift, given to bring comfort when there is sorrow, peace when there is unrest, laughter when there is happiness, and love when it is shared. Real love goes far beyond the feelings of romance and bliss. It is caring more about the well-being and happiness of your marriage partner than your own needs and desires. Love makes burdens lighter because you share them. It makes joys more intense because you share them. It makes you stronger so you can become involved with life in ways you dare not risk alone. Real love says that you are stronger together, than when you are apart.

A successful marriage is not something that just happens. It takes work and it takes effort. Most importantly, it takes a commitment from both of you. A good marriage must be created. Listen to these words of wisdom on how to create a successful 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, but should continue through all the years,
It is forming a circle of love that gathers in 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 expecting the husband to wear the halo, or the wife to have the wings of an angel,
It is not looking for perfection in each other,
It is having the capacity to forgive and forget,
It is establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal, the dependence is mutual, and the obligation is reciprocal.
And finally, it is not only marrying the right partner, it is being the right partner.

(groom and bride to repeat after minister)

I (groom) (bride),
pledge to you (bride) (groom),
my absolute belief in us.
I fell in love with you
for your qualities,
abilities,
and outlook on life.
In return,
I will share what I have
and who I am.
I will be true to you
in all things.
I will keep myself open to you
and let you see
my innermost fears and feelings,
secrets and dreams.
I will talk with you,
listen to you,
and find comfort in you.
With the passing of every moment,
my love grows stronger,
and my devotion deeper.
I promise to walk by your side forever,
and to love, help and encourage you,
in all you do.
I promise you my unconditional love,
and unwavering trust.
May my love bring you joy,
and give you strength.
For whatever may come,
I will be there always.

(rings are given to minister)

The wedding ring serves as a symbol of the promises you have just spoken. It is the outward and visible sign of an inward and invisible love, which binds your hearts together. It is made of precious metals that symbolize a love that is pure and enduring. It is made of rare gems that symbolize a love that is priceless and irreplaceable. It is made in a perfect circle that symbolizes a love that is permanent and everlasting. Whenever you look at this ring, may it forever remind you of the promises you have made this day to keep your love pure, priceless and everlasting.

(groom and bride place the ring on the others finger and repeat the vows)

(bride) (groom),
as I place this ring on your finger,
may it always remind you,
of my never-ending love,
and may it always remind me,
of the precious treasure
I have in you.
Wear this ring with joy,
for your love has made me complete.

Now, may all that you are, always be in love. May your love be as beautiful on each day you share, as it is on this day of celebration, and may each day you share, be as precious to you as the day when you first fell in love. May you always see and encourage the best in each other. May the challenges life brings your way, make your marriage even stronger. And, may you always be each other's best friend and greatest love.

________ and ________, now that you have shared with each other these words of love and commitment, and we have witnessed the expression of your love as you have given each other these rings, then by the authority vested in me by the state of Ohio, as a minister of the gospel, it is with joy and happiness, that I now pronounce you husband and wife.

________, you may now kiss your new bride.

Ladies and gentlemen, it is my privilege to introduce to you for the first time, MR. and MRS. ________.