Wedding Ceremony
Statement of Intention Pastor Price- We are gathered here today in the presence of these witnesses, to join Jennifer Anastasia Julia Littleton and Rodney Stewart Sterry II in holy matrimony. This rite of marriage in which you now come to be united is the first and most blessed tradition of mankind. A union setting forth such an ideal is not to be entered into hastily or without due consideration, but reverently, discretely, advisedly and in the sight of God. I require and charge you both that the vows you take this day are sacred above words, and that your lives hereafter shall be bound together unbreakably.
For the security of your marriage will not rest in the rite or ritual of any Church, nor in the words of any pastor or priest. The security of your marriage will lie in the true character of your soul, in the steadfastness of your devotion, and in the love you posses in your heart. Giving of the Bride Pastor Price- Doubly blessed is the couple which comes to the marriage altar with the approval and blessings of their families and friends. Who has the honor of presenting this woman to this man? Michael Littleton- I do
Pastor Price- If any person can show just cause why these two shall not be joined together let them speak now or forever hold their peace. Sermon Pastor Price- In 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 the Apostle Paul beautifully guides us in the underlying meaning of love. Paul tells us that: love is patient and love is kind. It is not jealous, boastful or proud. It is not rude, self-seeking, or easily angered. It keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things and endures all things. Rodney and Jennifer, as a couple you need to experience and understand the kind of love God has provided to keep your marriage vital, growing, and safe. The expressions of God’s love needed for a rock solid, invincible marriage are : • Forgiving love – heals hurts and helps spouses feel accepted and connected • Serving love – discovers and meets the needs and helps each other feel honored and understood • Persevering love – stays strong in tough times and helps you both feel as bonded friends for life Guarding love – protects from threats and helps you both to feel safe and secure • Celebrating love rejoices in the marriage relationship and helps you to feel cherished and captivated • Renewing love refreshes and supports the marriage bond and helps you both to feel confident and rooted Rodney and Jennifer, the quality of love and the duration of your marriage will be in direct proportion to the depth of your commitment. May your love grow throughout the years and continue to be the expression of your commitment to each other. Remember – LOVE NEVER FAILS
Declaration of Consent Pastor Price- Rodney, will you have this woman to be you’re lawfully wedded wife, to live together according to God’s word in this holy estate of matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her, support her, honor her and keep her in sickness and in health; forsaking all others, keep yourself only to her, so long as you both shall live? Rodney Sterry- I will Pastor Price- And Jennifer, will you have this man to be you’re lawfully wedded husband, to live together according to God’s word in this holy estate of matrimony?
Will you love him, comfort him, support him, honor him and keep him in sickness and in health; forsaking all others, keep yourself only to him, so long as you both shall live? Jennifer Littleton- I will Exchange of Rings Pastor Price- Though small in size, these rings are very large in significance. Made of precious metal, they remind us that love is not cheap nor easily found. Made in a circle, their design tells us that love must never come to an end; we must always keep it continuous. As you wear these rings, may they serve as constant reminders of the promises you are making today. Marriage Vows
Pastor Price- Rodney, take this ring and place it upon Jennifer’s hand and repeat after me. I, Rodney; Take you Jennifer; To be my lawfully wedded wife; To have and to hold; To love and to cherish; For better or for worse; Enduring prosperity and impoverishment; In sickness and in health; Through conflict and tranquility; From this day forward; Until death do us part. Pastor Price- Jennifer, take this ring and place it upon Rodney’s hand and repeat after me. I, Jennifer; Take you Rodney; To be my lawfully wedded wife; To have and to hold; To love and to cherish; For better or for worse;
Enduring prosperity and impoverishment; In sickness and in health; Through conflict and tranquility; From this day forward; Until death do us part. Prayer Pastor Price- offers a prayer of strength and blessing over the couple’s marriage. Pronouncement of Marriage By the power vested in me I now pronounce you husband and wife. Kiss Rodney you may now kiss your bride. Parting Message May the grace of God , surround and strengthen you both so that you may live in faith, abound in hope and grow in love, both now and forevermore. What God has joined together this day, let no man break apart.
