Wade M. Williams

The Invocation

Officiant to the Congregation

Dearly beloved, we're gathered here today in the presence of God to witness and bless this union as Phillip David Whitehead and Elizabeth Michelle Smead join together in Holy Matrimony.

God established the sacred covenant of marriage when He gave Eve to Adam as a helpmeet in Genesis 2:21-24

21 And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;

22 And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.

23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.

24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

In this, God showed us the example of marriage, uniting a man and woman in love and

prosperity so they might weather the ups and downs of life with a constant friend and build a strong and joyful family in faith. This holy bond is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly but reverently, deliberately, thoughtfully, and in accordance with those purposes for which God created it.

Interrogation & Charge to Couple

Officiant to the Congregation

Phillip and Elizabeth met through a dating app, which has become commonplace. When they read each other's stories, they felt strongly that God had answered their prayers! Their faith, love of God, a shared fondness for law enforcement, and a more reasonable time in the past quickly made them best friends.

Now, they stand before us, ready to take the biggest step any of us can make in a relationship – the step into marriage.

If anyone present knows of any reason why Phillip and Elizabeth should not be joined in holy matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace.

● pause here

Officiant to the Couple

Phillip and Elizabeth, here in the presence of God and your friends, if either of you know any reason why you should not marry, do now confess it.

● pause here

The Declaration of Intent & Vow Exchange

Officiant to Couple

Please face each other, holding hands.

Officiant to Partner One

Phil, please repeat after me if it is in your heart.

In the name of God,

I, state your name, do take you, Elizabeth,

to be my wife,

to have and to hold from this day forward,

for better, for worse,

for richer, for poorer,

in sickness and in health,

to love and to cherish,

until we are parted by death.

This is my covenant to you.

Officiant to Partner Two

Elizabeth, if it is in your heart, please repeat after me.

In the name of God,

I, state your name, do take you, Phil,

to be my husband,

to have and to hold from this day forward,

for better, for worse,

for richer, for poorer,

in sickness and in health,

to love and to cherish,

until we are parted by death.

This is my covenant to you.

The Rings Exchange

Officiant to the Couple

You will now exchange rings as a symbol of these vows. As you look upon these tokens of your commitment, remember the promises you've made, and never despair, for life's challenges and joys are all part of God's great plan for each of you. The same plan that brought you together.

Prayer

Father, bless these rings as you will bless this union in your light and infinite wisdom today, tomorrow, and always. Amen.

● The couple and the Congregation may wish to answer. Amen.

● Partner One places a ring on Partner Two's hand and says the following.

Partner One to Partner Two

Phil, repeat after me:

Elizabeth, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and devotion. I promise to honor and cherish you in God's name with all I am and all I have.

Partner Two to Partner One

Elizabeth, repeat after me:

Phil, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and devotion. I promise to honor and cherish you in God's name with all I am and all I have.

Elizabeth selected this scripture reading. It is Ezekiel 36:26-28. I'm reading from the New King James Version;

26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.

27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.

28 And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.

The Pronouncement

Officiant to the Couple

Phillip and Elizabeth, remember to love each other faithfully, just as Christ has loved the church. Marriage is a lasting promise of kindness, patience, forgiveness, and love. Trust in God with all your heart and your path forward will be filled with joy and light for all the years to come.

By the power vested in me by American Marriage Ministries, in the presence of God, and the witness of friends and family, it is my great privilege to pronounce you husband and wife!

You may kiss!

I am honored to present to you Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Whitehead.

The Recession

● Ceremony ends.