Handfasting-by-Design             

Commitment Ceremony

 GAY VOWS  }were legal}

VOWS [Were Legal} Word of welcome My name is (Officiant), and I have the privilege of performing this ceremony today. On behalf of (Partner 1) and (Partner 2), welcome and thank you for being here. They are thrilled that you are here today to share in their joy during this wonderful moment in their lives. By your presence, you celebrate with them the love they have discovered in each other and you support their decision to commit themselves to one another for the rest of their lives. The greatest happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved, loved for ourselves. If there is anything better than being loved, it is loving. This afternoon we are here to celebrate love. We come together to witness and proclaim the joining together of these two persons in marriage. God does not make a love that is wrong. This is the union of two individuals in heart, body, mind, and spirit, Therefore, marriage is not to be entered into lightly, but reverently, honestly, and deliberately. And it is into this union that (Partner 1) and (Partner 2) come now to be joined. Reading Now a reading that express the sense of joy and love on this occasion. It is called 'To My Friend': I love you not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you. I love you not only for what you have made of yourself, but for what you are making of me. I love you because you have done more than any creed could have done to make me good, and more than any fate could have done to make me happy. You have done it without a touch, without a word, without a sign. You have done it by being yourself. Perhaps that is what being a friend means, after all. Second a reading from the Bible written by St Paul who writes: 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 easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs, but rejoices with the truth. Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, love never gives up... Three things remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. The expression of intent (Partner 1) you have chosen (Partner 2) to be your life partner. Will you love and respect him/her? Will you be honest with him/her always? Will you stand by him/her through whatever may come? (Answer: "I will") (Partner 2) you have chosen Partner 1) to be your life partner. Will you love and respect him/her? Will you be honest with him/her always? Will you stand by him/her through what ever may come? (Answer: "I will") And do you both promise to make the necessary adjustments in your personal lives in order that you may live in a harmonious relationship together? (Answer: "We do") The affirmation of family and friends Now in the spirit of joy and affirmation, I want to ask your families and friends a question. Do you, the families and friends of (Partner 1) and (Partner 2), give them your blessing and support this day, wishing them a wonderful life together? (Answer: "We do") The Exchange of vows (Partner 1) and (Partner 2), now we come to your vows. May I remind you that saying your vows are one thing but nothing is more challenging than living them day-by-day. What you promise today must be renewed tomorrow and each day that stretches out before you. Will you now please turn and face each other and hold hands, looking at each other. (Partner 1), please repeat after me: In the presence of (God and) our family and friends, I (Partner 1) choose you (Partner 2) to be my life partner, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, to love and to cherish, and to be faithful to you alone. This is my solemn vow. Now (Partner 2), please repeat after me: In the presence of (God and) our family and friends, I (Partner 2) choose you (Partner 1) to be my life partner, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, to love and to cherish, and to be faithful to you alone. This is my solemn vow. The giving and receiving of rings May I have the rings please. (Partner 1), I give you this ring, that you may wear it, as a symbol of the vows we have made this day. I pledge you my love, and respect, my laughter and my tears. With all that I am, I honour you. (Partner 2), I give you this ring, that you may wear it, as a symbol of the vows we have made this day. I pledge you my love, and respect, my laughter and my tears. With all that I am, I honour you. Affirmation of the marriage Now may those who wear these rings live in love all their days. Now may the love, which has brought you together, continue to grow and enrich your lives. May you continue to meet with courage any problems, which may arise to challenge you. May your relationship always be one of love and trust. May the happiness you share today be with you always. And may everything you have said and done here today become a living truth in your lives. Declaration of Marriage (Partner 1) and (Partner 2), we have heard your promise to share your lives in marriage. We recognize and respect the covenant you have made here this day before (God and) each one of us as witnesses. Therefore in the honesty and sincerity of what you have said and done here today and by the power vested in me by the Province of Ontario, it is my honour and delight to declare you married and partners in life...for life. You may seal your vows with a kiss. Signing of the Marriage Register (At this time, the wedded parties and their witnesses will sign the Official Marriage Register. This normally takes a minute or two; consider providing appropriate music during this interval.) Introduction of the couple It is now my personal privilege and great joy to be the first one to introduce (Partner 1) and (Partner 2) as the newly married couple. Partners in life... for life.. Shorter version Word of welcome Welcome to you all on this special day. Regardless of the wonderful and loving relationship that (Partner 1) and (Partner 2) have shared to this day, today, that relationship changes. All of us know it will grow, and become stronger and better. Indeed, during these exciting times, this day is a day of hope; A day in which (Partner 2) and (Partner 1) demonstrate their faith and love in one another. Reading I would now like to read a passage that I believe expresses the sense of joy and love experienced on a day such as this. It's called 'To My Friend': I love you not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you. I love you not only for what you have made of yourself, but for what you are making of me. I love you because you have done more than any creed could have done to make me good, and more than any fate could have done to make me happy. You have done it without a touch, without a word, without a sign. You have done it by being yourself. Perhaps, after all, that's what being a friend means. Expression of Intent I now have a question for each of you. (Partner 1), you have chosen (Partner 2) to be your life partner. Will you love and respect her/him? Will you be honest with her/him always and will you stand by her through whatever may come? (Answer: "I will") (Partner 2), you have chosen (Partner 1) to be your life partner. Will you love and respect her/him? Will you be honest with her/him always and will you stand by her through whatever may come? (Answer: "I will") And do you both promise to make the necessary adjustments in your personal lives in order that you may live in a harmonious relationship together? (Answer: "We do") The Exchange of vows (Partner 1) and (Partner 2), we now come to your vows. May I remind you that saying your vows are one thing but nothing is more challenging than living them day-by-day. What you promise today must be renewed tomorrow and each day that stretches out before you. Will you now please turn and face each other and hold hands, looking at each other. (Partner 1), please repeat after me: In the presence of our family and friends, I (Partner 1) choose you (Partner 2) to be my life partner; To have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, to love and to cherish, and to be faithful to you alone. This is my solemn vow. Now (Partner 2), please repeat after me: In the presence of our family and friends, I (Partner 2) choose you (Partner 1) to be my life partner; To have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, to love and to cherish, and to be faithful to you alone. This is my solemn vow. The Giving of Rings (Optional) May I have the rings please? (Partner 2), I give you this ring, that you may wear it, as a symbol of the vows we have made this day. I pledge you my love and respect, my laughter and my tears. With all that I am I honour you. (Partner 1), I give you this ring that you may wear it as a symbol of the vows we have made this day. I pledge you my love and respect, my laughter and my tears. With all that I am I honour you. Now may those who wear these rings live in love all their days. Declaration of Marriage (Partner 1) and (Partner 2), we have heard your promise to share your lives in marriage. We recognize and respect the covenant you have made here this day before each of us as witnesses. Therefore in the honesty and sincerity of what you have said and done here today and by the power vested in me, by the Province of Ontario, I declare you married and partners for life. You may seal your vows with a kiss. Signing of the Marriage Register (At this time, the wedded parties and their witnesses will sign the Official Marriage Register. This normally takes a minute or two; consider providing appropriate music during this interval.) Introduction of the couple It is now my personal privilege and great joy to be the first one to introduce (Partner 1) and (Partner 2) as the newly married couple. Partners in life....for life.Please greet them.                      
 
     
              
                
 

 
  
   
   
 
 LOVE GIVEN AND SHARED FOR ALL ETERNITY.                                             
   CEREMONY OF COMMITMENT
                                      Rev. Marcia J. Hootman  (858) 353-0784                

            We have gathered together in this beautiful setting to honor _________and_____________ on this day of their Sacred Commitment.  Let us know that the love of God surrounds them, the light of God protects them and the joy of God fills their hearts.
 

HEBREW PRAYER
 

Sameach TeSamach Re’im Ahuvim, KeSamechacha Yetzircha BeGan Eden Mikedem Baruch Ata HaShem, MeSame’ach Chatan Vekalh

Let this loving couple be very happy, just as You made your creation happy in the garden of Eden, so long ago. Thank you God, who surrounds the bridegroom and the bride with your light and your love. And so it is. Amen.

            ________________ you have presented yourselves here in the Presence of the Spirit of God, (your families and your friends) to be joined in loving partnership.  True commitment, to be complete, must first be spiritual, with God as its center.  In order to see hopes, dreams and desires manifested, you must do the work within first, for ‘as within, so without.’

            True commitment is realized when based upon this deep spiritual communion of two people who find fulfillment and joy in each other.

 Do you both understand this? (Answer: ‘We do.”)

            Today you come together to share your memories, goals and desires.  Will you bring to this union the best that you have?  (Answer: ‘We do.’)

            __________ do you commit yourself in loving partnership to _______

Do you promise to create with her a life together full of opportunities for great happiness, health and love?  ______, do you commit yourself in loving partnership to ________ Do you promise to create with her a life together full of opportunities for great happiness, health and love?

    ______________ you are about to take two lives and officially blend them into one. Yet, I ask you to heed the words of the great poet, Kahlil Gibran.

        Let there be spaces in your togetherness and let the winds of the heavens dance between you.    Love one another, but make not a bond of love. Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls.

      Sing and Dance together and be joyous, but let each of you be alone, even as the strings of the lute are alone, though they quiver with the same music.

     And stand together, yet not too near together, for the pillars of the temple stand apart, and the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other’s shadow…

Please hand me ____________ring.

            The ring used traditionally in commitment ceremonies and weddings is a symbol of your love and commitment to one another.  The ring is a circle, with no beginning and no end, yet it is a complete whole.  The circle represents the wholeness of life, God, the universe. (Minister give ring to one participant)]

            _____________ place this ring on ___________finger and please repeat after me. ____________ give you this ring, as a symbol of my love, support and commitment to you.

            _____________ please repeat after me. ____________ I accept your love, support and commitment to me, and I accept this ring as a symbol of these promises. 

May I have _____________ ring please. ________ place this ring on ____________finger and please repeat after me. ____________ I give you this ring, as a Symbol of my love, support and commitment to you.

            ______________ please repeat after me. ___________, I accept your love, support and commitment to me, and I accept this ring as a symbol of these promises. 

         FREE MAR RIAGE OR                               COMMITMENT  CEREMONIES

for Active Duty Military Personnel

WE have volunteered to officiate free of charge at weddings of any U.S. serviceman or -woman currently on active duty serving in or being deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan. the serviceman or -woman must be or soon will be deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan. "This service also applies to those active duty military personnel who are home on leave from Iraq or Afghanistan and wish to marry,"  "This offer is being made in recognition of their service to our country.   We are volunteering our time and expertise “to qualified ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY PERSONEL who can provide proper documentation, and a valid Pa. Marriage License.                                                                                               We can be contacted at 570-6362187  or email us at revelizabeth2001@yahoo.com  this can also be an elopement.  The areas we are in are Stroudsburg East Stroudsburg, Sciota, Broadheadville, White Haven Freeland, Hazelton, Wilkes-berry, and Scranton      Rev. Elizabeth----Rev Linda------Rev. Pauleen

 Commitment poem of the Pueblo Indian, author unknown

Before we met, you and I were halves unjoined except in the wide
rivers of our minds. We were each other's distant shore, the
opposite wings of a bird, the other half of a seashell. We did not
know the other then, did not know our determination to keep alive
the cry of one riverbank to the other. We were apart, Yet connected
in our ignorance of each other, like two apples sharing a common
tree. Remember?
I knew you existed long before you understood my desire to join my
freedom to yours. Our paths collided long enough for our indecision
to be swallowed up by the greater need of love. When you came to me,
the sun surged towards the earth and moon escaped from darkness to
bless the union of two spirits, so alike that the creator had
designed them for life's endless circle. Beloved partner, keeper of
my heart's odd secrets, clothed in summer blossoms so the icy hand
of winter never touches us. I thank your patience. Our joining is
like a tree to earth, a cloud to sky and even more. We are the
reason the world can laugh on its battlefields and rise from the
ashes of its selfishness to hear me say, in this time, this place,
this way - I loved you best of all.

 Commitment Ceremony

Presentation
Parents of _____ and _____, before all who are gathered here, I ask you to affirm your blessings, support and encouragement to this union between your (sons/daughters).

I remind you that although each of them will remain a part of your separate heritage, they are no longer your separate children. _____ and _____are here before you to become one. Therefore, I now ask you: do you offer your blessings and loving support to this union?
We do.

Convocation
To _____ and _____ who have come here to pledge their love and join their lives: may yours always be a shared adventure, rich with moments of serenity, as well as excitement; vital with problems that test, as well as successes that uplift, marked by a sense of personal freedom, as well as mutual responsibility. May you find in each other companionship as well as love; understanding as well as compassion; challenge as well as agreement. May the home you establish be an island where the pressures of a cluttered world can be sorted out and brought into focus; where accumulated tensions can be released and understood; where personal needs do not tower over concern for others and where the immediate does not blur more distant goals; where the warmth of humor and love sheds perspective on both crisis and dullness. And above all, may you find an ever-richer meaning and joy in the high adventure of lifelong loving and learning together. With this in mind, let us pray.

Invocation
Dear God, we have come together today to witness the marriage of _____ and _____. We ask that they be blessed in a union of love and understanding, sharing with each other all gladness, strengthening each other in all labor, and ministering to each other in all sorrow. May they stand firmly, side by side, through all the memories of the life they vow to share for each and every day beyond this day, beyond this moment, beyond the here and the now. Bless them with a home in which to dwell warmly and gather the wisdom of the passing seasons. Bless them with kindness to fill their days and sweetness to fill their nights. Above all, may _____ and _____be blessed with the realization of long-dreamt dreams and the comforting embrace of peace ever after. Amen.

Ritual
Candle lighting
The parents of _____ and _____ each hold a candle representing the light that was brought forth into the world when their children were born. They will now light their children's candles from their candles, a symbol of the life they gave to their (sons/daughters). _____ and _____will now combine their flames to light one candle as an expression of the union of their individual spirits. _____ and _____: the candle you are about to light is a candle of Marriage. Its fire is magical because it represents the light of two people in love. This candle before you is a candle of commitment, because it takes two people working together to keep it aflame. This candle is also a candle of unity because both must come together, giving a spark of themselves, to create the new light. As you light this candle today, may the brightness of the flame shine throughout your lives. May it give you courage and reassurance in darkness, warmth and safety in the cold. May it strengthen your bodies, minds and spirits and light the way to greater joy and happiness than you dared dream.

Reading
Love is a friendship that has caught fire.
It is quiet understanding, mutual confidence, sharing and forgiving.
It is loyalty through good and bad.
It settles for less than perfection,
and makes allowances for human weakness.
Love is content with the present.
It hopes for the future and it doesn't brood over the past.
It's the day-in and day-out chronicle of irritations, problems,
compromises, small disappointments, big victories,
and working toward common goals.
If you have love in your life,
it can make up for a great many things you lack.
If you don't have it,
no matter what else there is,
it is not enough.

- Translator Unknown, "Love is a Friendship That Has Caught Fire"

Address
For all its ingenuity, humankind has not yet created a vow that is impossible to break. We have developed law and science, industry and technology --- and still, we find devices to deconstruct each one.
So it is not I, the minister, nor this state, which truly sanctifies the creation of marriage between _____ and _____ . . . it is only the deepest well of human desire, your desire to live united and complete before the often-imperfect world.

Such a union comes only through the ripening of love freely given and shared.

The vows you exchange here today before this gathered company are a paradox --- they are strong and reverent enough to bring tears of joy to the eyes in witness, and they are fragile enough to be damaged --- even broken --- by a single gesture or a series of small neglects. Just as the world around you rises and falls in success and undoing, the marriage created between you shall rise and fall with the tides of your life together. Remember the sacredness of this moment, remember the strength of the love that has brought you to this place in time, and remember that you alone, _____ and _____, possess the will, the might, and the power to uphold, to preserve, and to bless this union. It is through the sincerity of your purpose, the strength of your common devotion, and the enduring character of your dedication that your marriage will be a vow extraordinarily difficult if not impossible to break.

Expression of Intent
_____, do you now choose _____ to be your life companion, to share your life openly with (him/her), to speak truthfully and lovingly to (him/her), to accept (him/her) fully as (he/she) is, and delight in who (he/she) is becoming, to respect (his/her) uniqueness and compassionately encourage and support (him/her) through all the changes of your years together?

I do.

_____, do you now choose _____ to be your life companion, to share your life openly with (him/her), to speak truthfully and lovingly to (him/her), to accept (him/her) fully as (he/she) is, and delight in who (he/she) is becoming, to respect (his/her) uniqueness and compassionately encourage and support (him/her) through all the changes of your years together?

I do.

Consecration
This ceremony is about the joining of two people, the union of two hearts. It lives on the love you give each other and never grows old, but thrives on the joy of each new day. May the two of you always be blessed in your hearts with the wonder of this special moment. May you always be able to confide in each other, to laugh with each other, to enjoy life together and to share moments of quiet and peace when the day is done. May you be blessed with a lifetime of happiness and sweetly keep the promises you are about to make.

Vows
I, _____, choose you, _____, in the presence of this community, to be my life companion from this time forward. I promise to love you, to be a comfort and safe haven in your life, to hold you close, to listen deeply when you are sad or angry, to learn compassion with you, to nourish you with my gentleness, to uphold you with my strength, to love you completely as you age, to weigh the effects of the words I speak and of the things I do, to never take you for granted, but always give thanks for your presence.

I, _____, choose you, _____, in the presence of this community, to be my life companion from this time forward. I promise to love you, to be a comfort and safe haven in your life, to hold you close, to listen deeply when you are sad or angry, to learn compassion with you, to nourish you with my gentleness, to uphold you with my strength, to love you completely as you age, to weigh the effects of the words I speak and of the things I do, to never take you for granted, but always give thanks for your presence.

Ring Blessing
The ring is an endless circle, the symbol of the Universe, of infinity. It has neither a beginning nor an end. It is complete in itself, always in peace and harmony. These wedding rings are the symbols of the unending love and friendship that you, _____ and _____, share. Let your lives come together today and forever, like the unbroken circles of these rings.

Ring Exchange

Now, _____ as you put this ring on ______’s finger, please repeat after me:

_____, I give you this ring as a token of my abiding love, as a sign that I have chosen you above all others. I promise to love you, to be a comfort and safe haven in your life. As our lives unfold together, I promise to be faithful and to never take you for granted but always give thanks for your presence and the love that you have always given me.

_____as you put this ring on _____‘s finger, please repeat after me:

_____, I give you this ring as a token of my abiding love, as a sign that I have chosen you above all others. I promise to love you, to be a comfort and safe haven in your life. As our lives unfold together, I promise to be faithful and to never take you for granted but always give thanks for your presence and the love that you have always given me.

Pronouncement
The circle is completed. Let each person here offer in his or her own way a silent prayer that the merged spirit of this gathering engulf and bless the union of _____ and _____. May all that is noble and beautiful be with you both always.

Benediction
May the confidence, trust and affection you have for each other on this day sustain you as you go forth upon your journey of life together. May you find and realize all your hopes and dreams, dwelling together in an atmosphere of peace, love and joy. May you never follow where the path leads; may you walk, instead, where there is no path and leave a trail. Go in peace.

Kiss
Now, let the sharing of a kiss begin for the two of you a lifetime of happiness.

Presentation
Friends and family, I prese