Basic Spiritualist Wedding Ceremony After wedding party assembles around the minister: Opening Meditation:Let us form a Circle of Love in our hearts, and begin with a moment of silent prayer or meditation. In that moment, let us connect our hearts and souls with the Divine, Let us bring to this Circle of Love a sense of Respect and Joy in our celebration of this special day for and , and bring into our hearts the presence of those who could not be with us in this time and space. (a moment of silence) Even as we have asked, so may it be. Charge to the Community Love is the eternal and divine force of life; the mirror in which we mortal humans may see the infinite expressions of God. Love is the power that allows us to face fear, challenges and uncertainty with courage and faith. We call upon Love to bless this gathering, and to shine in our hearts as and affirm their love for one-another. We come together not to mark the start of a relationship, but to recognize, as a community of love, a bond that already exists. This marriage is one expression of the many varieties of love. It is our responsibility as a community of Love to support and as they set forth in this their vow of unity. We live in a world of joy and fear. We search for meaning and strength in seeming disorder. We discover the truest guideline to our quest when we realize Love in all its magnitudes. Opening Thoughts - A Charge to the Couple to be Married: and : In presenting yourselves here today to be joined in holy union, you perform an act of faith. This faith can grow and mature and endure, but only if you both determine to make it so. A lasting and growing love is never guaranteed by any ceremony. If you would have the foundation of your union be the love you have for each other, not just at this moment, but for all the days ahead, then cherish the hopes and dreams that bring you here today. Resolve that your love will never be blotted out by the commonplace, shaken by fears, nor obscured by the ordinary in life. Whether or not you have children, they are the future of humanity. It is an especially important, yet difficult, challenge to raise them up to be love-filled adults. Children are forever connected to your spirit in the same way each of us is bound to our parents. As much as they are part of your past, so are they a part of your present and future. While you cannot neglect them or their needs of love and nurture, neither can you hold them above your partner. Children will grow and mature, and they will find life partners of their own someday. When that day comes, it is your partner who will remain at your side. Be mindful to model for them what a healthy loving partnership is as you grow together in your love. The Challenge of Loving Let us all remember: Giving of yourself in love is difficult. You must learn to give of your love without total submission of yourself, and yet without condition. Therefore, in your giving, give your joy, your sadness, your interest, your understanding, your knowledge and all expressions that make up life. But in this giving, remember to preserve yourself, your integrity, your individuality. This is the challenge of love within marriage. What is Your Intent? I welcome those who are married among us to join hands with their partners, and to look into one-another's eyes to remember your commitment as and proclaim theirs. and , take and hold one-another's right hands. (*at this point, couple is facing minister). and , do you come before this gathering to proclaim your love and devotion for one another? Do you promise to affirm, respect, and care for one-another during times of joy and hardship? Do you commit yourself to share your feelings of happiness and sadness? Do you pledge to remain faithful? If so, answer: I Do. The Vows of Marriage and , please join both hands and face one-another. , will you look into 's eyes and into her heart, and repeat after me? I commit my life to our partnership in marriage. I promise to comfort you. I promise to encourage you in all ways of life. I promise to express my thoughts and feelings to you. I promise to listen to you in times of joy and in times of sorrow. , I love you, and you are my closest friend. Will you let me share my life and all that I am with you? , if this is your wish, answer: I will 's Vows , will you look into 's eyes and into her heart, and repeat after me? I commit my life to our partnership in marriage. I promise to comfort you. I promise to encourage you in all ways of life. I promise to express my thoughts and feelings to you. I promise to listen to you in times of joy and in times of sorrow. , I love you, and you are my closest friend. Will you let me share my life and all that I am with you? , if this is your wish, answer: I will Ring Blessing (hand rings to the minister for blessing) The circle is the symbol of the sun, the earth and the universe. It is a symbol of holiness and perfection and of peace. These rings are a symbol of unity, in which your two lives are now joined in one unbroken circle. As often as either of you looks at this symbol, I hope that you will be reminded of the commitment to love each other, which you have made today. Ring Exchange, please place this ring on 's finger and repeat after me: I give you this ring, as a symbol of my eternal commitment to love, honor and respect you. , please place this ring on 's finger and repeat after me: I give you this ring, as a symbol of my eternal commitment to love, honor and respect you. Unity Candle (lighting): (As couple lights the candle): Yesterday, you were as two candles, burning alone in the night. Today, you bring your flames together to light a larger flame to show the world the Light of Love. In the words of the Navajo wedding ceremony: Now you have lit a fire and that fire should not go out. The two of you now have a fire that represents love, understanding and a philosophy of life. It will give you heat, food, warmth and happiness. This new fire represents a new beginning---a new life and a new family. The fire should keep burning; you should stay together. You have lit the fire for life, until old age separates you. Blessing of the Community This is a moment of celebration. Let it also be a moment of dedication. The world does a good job of reminding us how fragile we are. Individuals are fragile; relationships are fragile too. Every marriage needs the love, nurture and support of a network of friends and family. On this wedding day and from here on out, it is our duty not to be friends of or , but friends of them together, friends of the relationship. In the moment of silence that follows, I ask each of you, in your own way, to confer a silent prayer, blessing, wish or hope upon this wedding. (A Moment of Silence) So as we have asked these blessings, so may they come to be. Blessing of the union Out of this tangled world two souls have come together, drawn by mutual love and respect. May their days and years yet unborn deepen the joy of their choice and make it abidingly true. May the Love you have found grow in meaning and strength until its beauty is shown in a common compassionate and life-giving devotion to all that is. May the glow of your Love help brighten the face of the earth. May the Source of All Love touch and bless you and grace your lives with wisdom, courage, joy, peace and love. Pronouncement and , having heard your intent, and having seen the love that abides between you, it is my great joy and honor to pronounce that you are, in the eyes of God and State, Husband and Wife. and , you may kiss to seal your commitment of marriage. Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you and , partners in Love and in Life. Go in peace, with love, light, and joy in your hearts. The service of marriage is ended. *Source: www.associatedministers.com
