Opening (Victoria)
Jon and Beth, in their love for one another now choose to celebrate their relationship by becoming husband and wife.
A Reading from the Book of Ecclesiastes (IV: 8-12) (Jim)
Again I saw something meaningless under the sun: a person all alone, no parent, no sibling, no child; there is no end to his effort, her eyes were not content with her wealth. For whom, then, do I work so hard, and why am I depriving myself of pleasure? This, too, is vanity and the chasing of the wind. Better two than one alone, since thus their work is really profitable. If one should fall, the other helps her up. If one should rise, he can pull her up behind him. Woe those who stand alone with no one to help them up when they fall down. When two sleep together they find warmth, but how can one keep warm alone? Where one alone would be overcome, two will put up resistance, and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
Homily (Victoria)
Jon and Beth, as you make your home together, may you know great love together. May your home be a place of happiness for all who enter it, a place where all are renewed in each other's company, a place for growing, understanding, and laughter. When shadow and darkness creep within its walls, may it still be a place of hope, strength, and love. May those who are nearest to you be constantly enriched by the beauty and bounty of your love for one another.
Vows (Victoria)
Do you, Jonathan, choose Elizabeth as your wife, joining with her today in spirit, offering your friendship and loving care? Do you promise to honor her growth and freedom as well as your own, to cherish and respect her, love and protect her in times of challenge as well as times of joy?
Do you, Elizabeth, choose Jonathan as your husband, joining with him today in spirit, offering your friendship and loving care? Do you promise to honor his growth and freedom as well as your own, to cherish and respect him, love and protect him in times of challenge as well as times of joy?
Blessing of the Ring (Victoria)
Beth and Jon, your rings are an external and visible sign of the bond of love which unites you. May they serve as a seal of the vows the two of you have made to one another. Bless these rings, symbols of eternity, beauty and strength. Bless You, the couple who give them and wear them—may they ever live in love and happiness from this day forward.
As you exchange rings, may you remember that from this day forward you shall not walk alone. May your hearts provide shelter and in each others’ arms may you find your home.
Apache Wedding Blessing (Josh )
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 loneliness for you.
Now you are two bodies, but there is only one life before you.
Go now to your dwelling place, to enter into the days of your togetherness.
May your days be good, and long upon the earth.
Irish Blessings
(Jacob) May God be with you and bless you;
May you see your children's children.
May you be poor in misfortune,
Rich in blessings,
May you know nothing but happiness
From this day forward.
(Lee) May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the warm rays of sun fall upon your home
And may the hand of a friend always be near.
(Tim) May green be the grass you walk on,
May blue be the skies above you,
May pure be the joys that surround you,
May true be the hearts that love you.
Pronouncement (Victoria)
I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss!
Jon and Beth, in their love for one another now choose to celebrate their relationship by becoming husband and wife.
A Reading from the Book of Ecclesiastes (IV: 8-12) (Jim)
Again I saw something meaningless under the sun: a person all alone, no parent, no sibling, no child; there is no end to his effort, her eyes were not content with her wealth. For whom, then, do I work so hard, and why am I depriving myself of pleasure? This, too, is vanity and the chasing of the wind. Better two than one alone, since thus their work is really profitable. If one should fall, the other helps her up. If one should rise, he can pull her up behind him. Woe those who stand alone with no one to help them up when they fall down. When two sleep together they find warmth, but how can one keep warm alone? Where one alone would be overcome, two will put up resistance, and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
Homily (Victoria)
Jon and Beth, as you make your home together, may you know great love together. May your home be a place of happiness for all who enter it, a place where all are renewed in each other's company, a place for growing, understanding, and laughter. When shadow and darkness creep within its walls, may it still be a place of hope, strength, and love. May those who are nearest to you be constantly enriched by the beauty and bounty of your love for one another.
Vows (Victoria)
Do you, Jonathan, choose Elizabeth as your wife, joining with her today in spirit, offering your friendship and loving care? Do you promise to honor her growth and freedom as well as your own, to cherish and respect her, love and protect her in times of challenge as well as times of joy?
Do you, Elizabeth, choose Jonathan as your husband, joining with him today in spirit, offering your friendship and loving care? Do you promise to honor his growth and freedom as well as your own, to cherish and respect him, love and protect him in times of challenge as well as times of joy?
Blessing of the Ring (Victoria)
Beth and Jon, your rings are an external and visible sign of the bond of love which unites you. May they serve as a seal of the vows the two of you have made to one another. Bless these rings, symbols of eternity, beauty and strength. Bless You, the couple who give them and wear them—may they ever live in love and happiness from this day forward.
As you exchange rings, may you remember that from this day forward you shall not walk alone. May your hearts provide shelter and in each others’ arms may you find your home.
Apache Wedding Blessing (Josh )
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 loneliness for you.
Now you are two bodies, but there is only one life before you.
Go now to your dwelling place, to enter into the days of your togetherness.
May your days be good, and long upon the earth.
Irish Blessings
(Jacob) May God be with you and bless you;
May you see your children's children.
May you be poor in misfortune,
Rich in blessings,
May you know nothing but happiness
From this day forward.
(Lee) May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the warm rays of sun fall upon your home
And may the hand of a friend always be near.
(Tim) May green be the grass you walk on,
May blue be the skies above you,
May pure be the joys that surround you,
May true be the hearts that love you.
Pronouncement (Victoria)
I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss!
