Aaron A Fuchs

Old Baum Church : June 22 : Laura Kay and Shane Jacob

Processional (40 Fingers’ Hallelujah)

Family, Friends, Shane, and Laura–

We are gathered together here to join the two of you, Laura Kay and Shane Jacob in the sacred union of marriage.

This arrangement is not to be taken lightly–but thoughtfully and seriously, and with a deep realization of its responsibilities, rewards, and outcomes. Remember that love, loyalty, and understanding are the foundations of a happy and enduring home.

A reading from the letter from Paul to the Philippians:

“Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

In marriage, we hear the word unity used over and over, for good reason, because at times, we have to set aside our own way, pride, and selfishness to focus on staying firm and committed.

Look around us today. You are surrounded by ones you love, and those who love you. We love you as individuals, and love you as the couple you are. Personally, I’ve known Laura for more than 20 years. When Susan and I got married, Laura’s first words to me were “I always wanted a brother.” Laura’s humor, energetic spirit, and focus on family are just a few of the qualities we all love about her.

Shane, I haven’t known nearly as long–but I can confidently say that he offers the perfect complement to Laura. His kindness, generosity, family values, and ability to treat everyone as his best friend–are the traits we all strive to have.

Looking at this place where we stand today, the literal ruins of an old church. Once a thriving structure, then slowly dissolved by time and disaster–just to re-emerge with new life, in its tattered state–allowing love, hope, and a new lease on life where people seek it out for the beauty it really is.

This really can be an analogy for many of our lives–as we start as one image, then change over time, molded by experience, joy, and pain–ending with a celebration of who we really are, proving that our spiritual walls show a great deal of resilience and remain as strong as ever.

Now, let’s make this legal–

Do you, Shane, take Laura, here with you, to be your wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and woe, for richer or poorer, being there for her for as long as you both shall live?

Shane, please respond with, “I Do.”

Do you Laura, take Shane, here with you, to be your husband, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and woe, for richer or poorer, being there for him for as long as you both shall live?

Laura, please respond with, “I Do.”

I understand Nolan has the rings–you’re playing a big role in today!

(Get rings from Nolan at this time.)

Shane, go ahead and place this ring on Laura’s finger. A symbol of continued love, compassion, understanding, and unity.

Laura, you may now place this ring on Shane’s finger. Likewise, this is a symbol of continued love, compassion, understanding, and unity.

These rings represent a public declaration of your love and commitment to one another. The tradition of using the left ring finger stems from the ancient belief of the ‘vena amoris’ – or love vein – that runs directly from the fourth finger to the heart – thus symbolizing the connection formed between your two hearts.

A brief moment for prayer: Lord, we stand here today, in celebration. Celebration and we join Shane and Laura in wedded matrimony. May you look after them through their lives’ journeys, through sadness, joy, sickness, and health. Be with them and those who rely on them as they take this great journey together. And for those with us today, these two families are now a bit larger today. Be it brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, mothers, and fathers – either in law, in spirit, or in family. Bless us with unity and the ability to grow with time, patience, and sorrow, and joy. With your guidance, we know that above all, three things will always remain: Faith. Hope. And love–with the greatest being love. Amen.

Now to make it really legal…

By the authority trusted to me, I now pronounce you husband and wife!

You may kiss the bride.

Ladies and Gentleman, Mr. and Mrs. Shane Sellers.

Thank you all for being with us today!

SIGN LICENSE & CERTIFICATE