Third Marriage

Upstate NY Wedding. D and S’s Wedding (second(third) marriage with grown children, held outdoors at a historic site, guests were standing.)

Amy enters and gets in position, [CUE KAREN]

Processional: “Here comes the sun”Graham (ring bearer) ‐‐‐Carol and Brian ‐‐‐S escorted by daughter Sharon [CUE KAREN] andBridal Chorus from Richard Wagner's Lohengrin, played by Karen

Congregation stands ‐‐‐ D walks down aisle escorted by sons Gaven and Kyran [YOU MAY BE SEATED]

Opening Words Dear friends and family, we have gathered together today, on this day of bright sun and warm breezes, and in the midst of rich green growth, to join together D and S in marriage. An estate instituted in love, occasioned by joy, and honored and renewed by each couple who pledge themselves to one another. It is not therefore by any to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but with discretion and reverence for its responsibilities as well as with praise and delight for its inexpressible gifts. This celebration is an outward token of an inward union of hearts, which religions may bless and the state may make laws about but which neither the state nor religions may create or annul. Like the tiny sprout, a union is created by a willingness to leap into the unknown, like the leafy vine, nurtured by loving purpose and like the mighty oak tree, kept strong by abiding will. We are standing now on the site of one of the many Utopian communities founded in the mid‐ nineteenth century. This community, like all such communities, was created by men and women who believed in creating a better world, and who believed that creating that better world began with the relationships they built with one‐another.

Marriage is more than two people making vows to one another... Marriage expands a family, unites a community, and creates relationships that will change the world.

One of the values that D and S shares is their commitment to make the world a better place. They are beginning their journey well by standing together with family and friends here today, standing together with the memories of all who they have loved or who have loved them, standing together today to pledge their love.

Prayer Minister:

Let us pause for a moment to notice this beautiful day, the life‐giving sun, the sustaining earth, and the love that binds us all together. Let us invite the joy of life and the blessings of life into all of our hearts and know that the divine, which many call God, is with us here in this sacred moment. May that deeper love continue to call us to what is best within each of us. Let us be silent now, together.

Statement from the company gathered

Minister:

D and S would like to thank you all for being here to support and participate in this wedding. The ideals, the understanding and the mutual respect these two bring to their marriage have roots in the love, friendship and guidance with which you have surrounded them.

Let me ask of you, the children: Gavin, Sharon, Kirin: this question:

Will you, who have been raised and nurtured by these two, bestow your blessing on their union and promise them your love and support in fulfilling the commitment they are about to make to each other?

If you agree to support them, please signify by responding "We will."

Children respond:

“We will”

And let me ask this also of the friends and family gathered here today: Will you bestow your blessing on their union and promise them your love and support in fulfilling the commitment they are about to make to each other?

If you agree to support them, please signify by responding "We will."

Guests respond: "We will"

Reading: Excerpt "from The Little Prince" by Antoine de St. Exuperey ‐ Sharon Pastoral Charge:

Minister: Several thousands of years ago Lao Tzu wrote: Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” D and S are showing courage and strength today. They have both chosen to love again, though with love, you risk loss. This courage, to reach out and grasp life and to love is a great gift, and a great sign of the strength of their love for one another.

The following words, which, Saint Paul wrote to the Corinthians, are beloved by many: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self‐ seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails."

The Pledge

Minister: S, have you come here freely and without reservation to give yourself to D in marriage? S: I have.

D, have you come here freely and without reservation to give yourself to S in marriage? D: I have.

Since both of you are unique, you can be sure your partnership will be a creative adventure, with many surprises yet to come! When faced with "interesting times" keep in mind that you will strengthen your commitment and deepen your devotion to one another by working together and heeding the lessons that you have learned in your lives. I ask you now, to state your intent.

S, please repeat after me: I, S, pledge to you, D, that I will be caring and understanding, thoughtful and loving; and I promise that I will respect you and listen to you and that I will never go to bed angry.

D, please repeat after me: I, D, pledge to you, S, that I will be caring and understanding, thoughtful and loving; and I promise that I will respect you and listen to you and that I will never go to bed angry.

Exchange of Vows

Since it is your desire to enter into marriage, join your right hands, and declare your consent in the presence of family and friends assembled here and before all you hold sacred.

S, please repeat after me:

I, S, take you D, above all others, to share my life, 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 cherish, as long as we both shall live.

And D, please repeat after me: I, D, take you S, above all others, to share my life, 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 cherish, as long as we both shall live.

Song Karen: Ave Maria by Shubert

Exchange of Rings May I have the rings please? These rings are a symbol of the commitments that D and S have made to each other. The ring is a sign of love and fidelity. May you wear these rings as a seal upon this loving marriage, for many many happy years to come. May these rings remind you of the commitments you have made to one another this day.

Minister:

May I have D’s ring please? This ring is a symbol of unity, in which your lives are now joined in one unbroken circle.

S, please place this ring on D’s finger and repeat after me:

I give you this ring to wear upon your hand as a symbol of our unity. S: I give you this ring to wear upon your hand as a symbol of our unity.

Minister:

May I have S’s ring please? This ring is a symbol of unity, in which your lives are now joined in one unbroken circle. D, please place this ring on S’s finger and repeat after me:

I give you this ring to wear upon your hand as a symbol of our unity. D: I give you this ring to wear upon your hand as a symbol of our unity.

Closing blessing Minister: “ [CLASP HANDS]

D and S. Your love for one another shines brightly for all to see. May you always feel that lovelight in your lives. When times are tough, may the lovelight nurture you. When times are good, may the lovelight make them brighter. When it seems that the light is fading, may you remember, winters may come, but winter always ends, and the light will spring forth again, full of song and joy. Today you have formally created a new family. Your love already was creating something larger than either one of you alone.

Spirit of love, ground of being, that which we hold most sacred, which is called by many names, be with us as we call down blessings upon this loving couple. We wish for them the rewarding joy of partnership, the lasting joy of love. In the adventure of their life together, may their commitment and their love sustain them. For all the days of their lives, may their love continue to shine brightly.

[SILENCE]

Pronouncement Minister:

You may now seal your vows with a kiss!

Minister: On behalf of this community and in the name of the Mystery whose love moves it, I now pronounce you husband and wife Dearly beloved, may I present to you, the newly married couple S and D

Recessional Couple walks out, then best men and matron of honor, then attendants, then minister. Music will be played by solo saxophonist

Minister: Thanks for coming! S and D invite you to Please enjoy cocktails by the tent. They will join you shortly for dinner and dancing.