Donald M. Kitchen

Good morning, family & friends,

We are gathered together here, on this beautiful beach, to join Marissa and Peter in the spiritual union of marriage. On behalf of Marissa & Peter, thank you for being here. Let's pray a blessing upon this time together.

Prayer: Dear God, we thank you for this beautiful day! We thank you for the opportunity to gather to celebrate Marissa & Peter as they get married & embark on this new part of their lives. We pray your blessing on our time now. In Jesus name, amen.

***You may be seated.***

Who gives this woman to be married to this man?

(wait for John's response)

We met Marissa when she was in 7th grade as one of Tim's friends, and she then became one of our junior high youth at our church. Interestingly enough, she & Peter weren't very fond of each other at that time. As we all can now see, they no longer harbor any feelings of dislike towards each other. This radical change that took place between them can only be attributed to the life-changing power of Jesus Christ. As God worked to grow humility in Peter, and as Marissa grew spiritually as well, her light for Jesus caught Peter's eye, not to mention her physical beauty, which leads us to today.

Marriage is a contract not to be entered into lightly but thoughtfully and seriously, and with a deep realization of its obligations and responsibilities. It's the second most important decision anyone can make. The first being to accept the free gift of salvation offered to all of us by Jesus through his death on the cross for all of our sins.

Romans 3:23 says, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," & Romans 6:23 says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." & Romans 5:8 says, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Then Ephesians 2:8-9 says, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast."

Both Marissa & Peter have fully understood these verses & made the decision to accept the gift of Jesus as their Savior. They want to lead others to that saving knowledge. IF anyone here today hasn't made that decision for themselves it's simple. All you have to do is acknowledge that you're a sinner & accept Jesus as your Savior. IF you do that let Marissa/Peter know so they can pray for & rejoice with you.

At Christmas Peter bought Marissa a necklace with 3 rings symbolizing the bond between Marissa, Peter & Jesus as expressed in

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, which says, "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Knowing Marissa & Peter have accepted Jesus as their savior is important because as they enter this new stage of their lives they will also be making a three corded strand. As they seek to serve the Lord as a couple that strand will grow stronger through the years.

Marissa, through the years we prayed for our boys to find women who love the Lord. We're thankful God answered that prayer with you & are proud to add you to our family.

Peter, we're proud of the Godly man you've become & will pray for you to continue in that pursuit as you begin this part of your journey.

Marissa and Peter will now share their vows as a declaration before God and all of us gathered of their commitment to each other.

*(Vows Peter First)*

Do you, Marissa, take this man, Peter, to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and bad, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto him for as long as you both shall live?

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

Do you, Peter, take this woman, Marissa, to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and bad, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto her for as long as you both shall live?

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

Marissa and Peter will now exchange rings as a symbol of their love and commitment. May we now have the rings? Thank you Makhi!

The ring, an unbroken circle, represents unending love. As often as either of you look upon these rings, may you be reminded of this moment and the love you have promised to one another.

Peter, please place this ring on Marissa's finger and repeat after me.

Marissa, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and that I'm choosing to share my life's journey with you. I give you this ring with the pledge to love you today, tomorrow, and always.

Marissa, please place this ring on Peter's finger and repeat after me.

Peter, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and that I'm choosing to share my life's journey with you. I give you this ring with the pledge to love you today, tomorrow, and always.

Marissa and Peter, I wish you both much love and happiness as you begin your new journey. Remember to keep Jesus first in your marriage & to laugh lots!

By the authority vested in me by American Marriage Ministries and the State of Maryland I now pronounce you husband & wife! Peter, you may kiss your bride.

Tim will now lead us in a time of worship (see song sheets).

Thank you, Tim.

Closing prayer: Dear God, we thank you for this opportunity to gather to celebrate Marissa & Peter's wedding. We pray your blessing on them as a couple as they seek to serve you. May their lives together as a couple honor & glorify you. We pray this in Jesus name, amen.

I now present to you Mr. & Mrs. Peter Kitchen.