Robert E Graden

ALL ARISE—PLEASE BE SEATED

The wedding of Ray Alan Criswell and Sheryl Renee Massey

December 11, 2021

On behalf of Ray and Renee, let me extend their heartfelt Gratitude to you, who have chosen to spend this special occasion in their lives with them this day. Let all family members, friends and guests be welcomed to this sacred event.

The ring was the symbol of eternity for the Egyptians as well as many other ancient cultures. It had no beginning and no end, like time.During the fourth century, rings became a legal way of showing fidelity of a couple who were married and a warning to potential suitors. Through custom, it has evolved into a tradition chosen to represent that bond between a man and a woman in marriage.

It is circular in shape, without beginning and without end. It is made from a most desirous metal, gold. It is both malleable and rigid. When polished, its magnificence gleams undaunted. It is everlasting. Its symbolism of marriage is perfect in its character.

For marriage lends itself to the benefit of mankind. For within the holy matrimonial state, a family can exist. A family which can be eternal. A family that can be polished until it gleams undaunted. A family that is without beginning and without end .A family and a relationship which is both malleable and rigid. A family that is pure and precious. Ray and Renee as you covenant to each other this day, wear your rings with pride, and honor that which they symbolize to the world. Reflect upon the meaning of having that ring on the forth finger of your left hand and remember the promises that you made here today.

Marriage is a sacred covenant that is documented in the scriptures. For we are told in the scriptures: Therefore shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave unto his wife; and they shall be one flesh. Genesis 2:24

(1 Chronicles 13:7 Love Bears All Things, Believes All Things, Hopes All Things, Endures All Things.

(Turn to the best man and say) “The rings please”—

Ray, place the ring upon Renee’s left hand

Renee place the ring upon Ray’s left hand

Now please take each other by the right hand.

Ray Alan Criswell & Sheryl Renee Massey you have taken each other by the right hand in token of the covenants you will now enter into, in the presence of God Angels and these Witnesses.

Ray Alan Criswell, do you take Sheryl Renee Massey

as your lawfully wedded wife, and do you of your own free will and choice covenant as her companion and lawfully wedded husband that you will cleave unto her and no one else; that you will observe all the laws, covenants, and obligations pertaining to the holy state of matrimony; and that you will Love, Honor and Cherish her as long as you both shall live? Answer Yes,

Sheryl Renee Massey, do you take Ray Alan Criswell as your lawfully wedded husband, and do you of your own free will and choice covenant as his companion and lawfully wedded wife that you will cleave unto him and no one else; that you will observe all the laws, covenants, and obligations pertaining to the holy state of matrimony; and that you will Love, Honor and Cherish him as long as you both shall live? Answer Yes,

Philippians 2:2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

By virtue of the legal authority vested in me as an Ordained Minister of God

I pronounce you Ray Alan Criswell and Sheryl Renee Massey husband and wife, legally and lawfully wedded for the period of your mortal lives.

May God Bless your union with Joy in your posterity and a long life of Happiness together, and may he enable you to keep Sacred the Covenants you both entered into this day. These Blessings I invoke upon you both in the name of “The Lord Jesus Christ” Amen.

“You May now kiss each other as Husband and Wife”

PLEASE TURN AROUND

Friends, Family and Guests, I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Ray and Renee Criswell

Ray and Renee would like to invite all to celebrate their Marriage with them. Please join them for continued celebration of their future together.