Mitchell D Swaringim

Who gives this woman to be married?

Let us begin with a prayer.

Lord, behold our family here assembled.

We thank you for this place in which we dwell,

for the love that unites us,

for the peace accorded us this day,

for the hope with which we expect tomorrow,

for the health, the work, the food,

and the bright skies that make our lives delightful;

for our friends in all parts of the earth.

Amen.

Friends and family,

Thank you for joining us today. While for some, this is close to home, many others have travelled to be here. And I want to remind our couple how important this is. Take a look at how many people have developed you as individuals, and will support you as a couple, bound not only by your love and devotion to each other, but your relationship and servanthood to God.

We also recognize the family and friends we wish could be here, but can't. We know their love and spirit fills this room in ways we can only feel, but that does not lessen its presence.

If TJ would have told me a decade ago that I would be officiating his wedding one day, I would have told him he was dead wrong. Yet, here we are. And I thank you for the opportunity to get to be a part of such a milestone in your lives.

The marriage altar is a sacred and serious juncture. It is serious because what we do here will affect the rest of your lives. And it is sacred because it involves human personality, and the holy purpose of God.

Because of this significance, the marriage altar should never be approached hurriedly or thoughtlessly, and never should it be approached in human strength alone. As in all ventures of life, it should be approached in the light and guidance of God.

As I looked through Googles best results for "Bible verses about marriage", I was overwhelmed with passages from almost every book of the Bible about the importance of marriage. And, if my experience with biblical study has taught me anything, its that the more God mentions something, the more important it is.

The one verse that stood out to me, however, was Ecclesiastes 4:12.

"Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. But a cord of three strands is not easily broken"

This verse can summarize the entirety of everything I have to say to you today, so fear not- I won't take long.

Alone, you are weak, and susceptible to whatever spiritual and mental warfare may be in store. And I can promise you there will be some. God created each of you as unique individuals, and learning how to be paired with another isn't always a seamless transition.

Instead of retreating or shutting down when things get difficult, however, let God teach you how to embrace each other. Learn to share you weaknesses and vulnerabilities so that you can protect each other.

Together, you can be stronger and safer than you could ever be by yourself. You can watch the others back and pick them up when they fall.

There is a mention of a third stand, though, and this is the most important. The third strand is Christ. When you build your relationship, or "braid" this cord, intertwined with Christ as an integral part, the strength of your marriage will be unmatchable. It will be tested, have no doubt. But with God as your center, you will not be easily broken.

Christian marriage is a covenant of faith, hope and love.

It is a covenant of faith between a man and a woman, established within their shared commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord. it, therefore, requires of both man and woman openness of life and thought, freedom from doubt and distrust, and commitment to speak the truth in love.

Furthermore, it is a covenant of hope, which both husband and wife seek to deepen their understanding of and communication with one another.

Finally, it is a covenant of love in which both husband and wife take upon themselves the concerns of each other, and seek for each other the highest and best.

This covenant is not to be entered into lightly but thoughtfully and seriously, and with a deep realization of its obligations and responsibilities. Secondary to keeping our focus on Christ, we must remember that love, loyalty, and understanding are the foundations of a happy and enduring home.

The Bible tells us that after God had created all things, he crowned his creation by making man into his own image. He put man in the beautiful Garden of Eden and gave him dominion over all he surveyed. But God looked down and realized that, even in the midst of all this beauty, man was still unhappy, for he was alone. So from mans own body, God made him a helper.

It's interesting to note that got did not take part of mans foot, so that man would trample over the woman; nor did he take part of mans head, so that woman would rule over man.

Rather, He took mans rib- the part of the body that is closest to the heart- and created woman. Symbolizing that husband and wife are to stand side by side and to meet life together, head on.

Therefore what we are doing today is not only keeping with the wisdom of our Creator, but it is also the fulfillment of his purpose for our lives.

At this time, ________________ is going to present a reading from Romans. (12:9-16)

**********

TJ and Elizabeth have chosen to complete a Unity cross.

This cross represents the faith of TJ and Elizabeth, showing that they place Christ first at the center of their marriage and trust Him to lead them on this new journey that they begin together today.

The book of Genesis chapter 1, states that God created man in His own image. That means that He created man bold, strong, to be a leader, to be a protector of his wife and family.

(Holding groom's piece)

The outer form of the Unity Cross represents the strength, leadership, and protection of the man. The book of Ephesians reminds husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church, totally and completely giving himself for her.

(Hand to TJ, Take brides piece)

Genesis Chapter 2 tells us that the woman was taken from man. The bride's piece of the Unity Cross represents the beauty and the many capabilities of the woman, designed with intricate, beautiful detail and is placed inside the protection of the groom's cross, completing the sculpture and representing the two becoming one.

(Hand to Liz, Take pegs)

To complete this sculpture, representing the couple's covenant, we are placing three pegs to hold it together. These pegs represent the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, showing God's place in this covenant and the security and completeness that only he can give.

(Place pegs w/ couple)

Matthew 19, verses 5 and 6 state "For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. So, they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate."

Let us pray,

God of love, bless the marriage of Bride and Groom. Surround their relationship and their home with an ever-growing love. May they always be aware of your presence and your care in their lives. And now, Bride and Groom, May the grace of Christ attend you, the love of God surround you and the Holy Spirit keep you. Amen.

Elizabeth and TJ will now share their vows.

*(Vows)*

_____, I now take you to be my wedded wife/husband, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy relationship of marriage. I promise to love and comfort you, honor and keep you, and forsaking all others, I will be yours alone as long as we both shall live."

Elizabeth and TJ will now exchange rings as a symbol of their love and commitment.

Notice the structure of the ring. The purity of these precious metals symbolize the purity and value of your love to one another. And the unending circle symbolizes the unending vows you are making.

*(Ring Exchange)*

________, as you place this ring on ________ finger, may you hereby pledge your eternal and most precious affection. Will you do so and repeat after me-

"With this ring, I thee wed".

Now the moment we've all been waiting for-

By the authority vested in me by the State of Missouri and the all powerful internet, I now pronounce you Husband and Wife!

You may kiss the bride.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

For the first time, I present to you-

Elizabeth and TJ Kaliszewski!

The Bride and Groom kindly request that you line up outside the main doors for their exit. Cocktail hour will begin at 6:30 at The Stone House of St. Charles. Thank you.