John Wesley Gettys

REV. GETTYS : Who presents this couple for marriage?

The Wedding Party: We do.

INTRODUCTION / OPENING WORDS

We are gathered here today to join Cheri and Jim in the spiritual union of marriage and to share the joy which occurs when two people agree to live their life together.

This is a moment to be shared,--- a statement of faith in life and in humanity, and of confidence and hope for the future.

Out of the infinite mystery which surrounds us all, of time and place, person and event, Cheri and Jim found each other. And so, we gather in recognition of the special love which has grown between them and lives with them,--- even as we join also in joyful celebration of the miracle of love itself---love, that one thing which may be universally shared in by us all---yet which remains forever precious and unique in each individual instance as it has grown between these two.

This ceremony is an outward token and symbol of that which is inner and real------ an affirmation growing out of free choice and sincere desire born in love.

Cheri and Jim face each other

VOWS

Rev. Gettys: Do you Jim, take Cheri to be your wedded wife? Do you take her in laughter and in tears,---in health and in illness,---in success and in failure, ---in conflict and in tranquility,---in doubt and in trust,---as your friend and equal?

Jim: I do.

Rev. Gettys: Do you Cheri, take Jim to be your wedded husband? Do you take him in laughter and in tears,---in health and in illness,---in success and in failure, ---in conflict and in tranquility,---in doubt and in trust,---as your friend and equal?

Cheri: I do.

REV. GETTYS: MAY I HAVE THE RINGS PLEASE?

RING CEREMONY:

Cheri and Jim will now exchange rings as a symbol of love and commitment to each other.

May your rings be always the symbol of the unbroken circle of Love,---Love freely given has no beginning and no end,---Love freely given has no giver and no receiver. You are each the giver and each the receiver. May your rings always call to mind the freedom and power of your love

Rev. Gettys: Please repeat after me...

Jim: Cheri take and wear this ring / as a sign of our love/and our future together.

Cheri : Jim take and wear this ring/ as a sign of our love/ and our future together.

Rev. Gettys: Hold hands please

Cheri and Jim, is with much love and by the power vested in me, that I now pronounce

you married.

HOMILY

"We come to good by love" wrote the poet Wendell Berry. And this morning family and

friends have gathered to celebrate with Cheri and Jim their love for one another, that love through which they will weave a life that will contain all those gathered here and many who are in Spirit and Memory.

The presence of all who are here is an expression of their appreciation of the warmth of

your friendship and love. These are the gifts of love and the fruit of your marriage to one another.

Life is a journey and marriage is one of life's great disciplines. Born and sustained in

love, marriage deepens our lives, fills them with meaning.

Your marriage born in the deep affection you have for one another will scatter the seeds

of that love. That love will rise up amongst us and we celebrate it with

YOU.

REV. GETTYS:

May you always give thanks that you are together.

You may kiss one another.

Cheri and Jim hold hands and face Rev. Gettys

BLESSING:

Let us now join our hearts and spirits together in prayer and meditation.

What greater thing is there for two human souls than to celebrate having found one

another amongst life's infinite possibilities. To have found a shelter in one another's arms against life's trials and anguish. And in that sheltering embrace to be strengthened by each other and to be one with each other in silent unspeakable memories. For the love that is at the center of all that we are celebrating we whisper our gratitude and pray rich blessings on Jim and Cheri in the many years ahead.

May they continue to find strength in the covenant they have made. May they be a

blessing to each other, sharers of each other’s joys, consolers of each other’s sorrows, helpers to each other in whatever they set out to achieve in the years that lie before them. May the affection between them be the source for the affection in which we all share.

We who are present, those who are absent, and those here in spirit, hope that the

inspiration of this hour will not be forgotten.

May they continue to love and grow and to share their love amongst us forever.

Amen.

Rev. Gettys : “May I now present, for the first time as a married couple, Cheri and Jim!!!”

RECESSIONAL

Announcement to guests by Rev. Gettys: “Family and Friends who are requested for photos, please stay seated. Everyone else please enjoy cocktail cheese and fruit in the clubhouse and feel free to find your seat in the tent.”