Convocation

We are here on this happy day to celebrate with John and Mary as they reaffirm their commitment to one another. We are reminded that all good relationships continue to grow and change. More importantly, in marriage to grow and change together. As you gaze into each others’ eyes, remember and keep alive forever all those unique qualities that drew you to one another in the beginning . . . and now that wonderful feeling of oneness when your eyes meet.

As we begin this sacred ceremony, I would like to quote the words of the renowned poet, Carl Sandburg.

I love you for what you are, but I love you yet more for what you are going to be. I love you not so much for your realities as for your ideals. I pray for your desires that they may be great, rather than for your satisfactions which may be so hazardously little. You are going forward toward something great. I am on the way with you, and therefore I love you.

Renewal of Vows

The strength of Spirit has led you through many challenges and is also with you today as you pledge your faith once again.

Mary, please take John’s hands as you repeat after me:

I, Mary, choose you John,
as my best friend and partner for life.
When you need someone to encourage you,
I want it to be me.
When you need a helping hand,
I want it to be mine.
When you long for someone to smile at,
turn to me.
When you have something to share,
share it with me.
I will be there for you through joy and sorrow,
through the sunshine and the rain.
I promise to give you my all
and treat each morning
as a new day to love you.
With every beat of my heart, I will love you.
This is my solemn vow.

John, please take Mary’s hands as you repeat after me:

I, John, choose you Mary,
as my best friend and partner for life.
When you need someone to encourage you,
I want it to be me.
When you need a helping hand,
I want it to be mine.
When you long for someone to smile at,
turn to me.
When you have something to share,
share it with me.
I will be there for you through joy and sorrow,
through the sunshine and the rain.
I promise to give you my all
and treat each morning
as a new day to love you.
With every beat of my heart,
I will love you.
This is my solemn vow.

 

Blessing and Exchange of Rings

May I have your rings please.

Mary and John, your wedding rings are most special because they say that even in your uniqueness you have chosen to be bonded to one another and allow this relationship to enhance who you are. As you continue to wear these rings through time , they reflect the union you have made, and the fact that through the rest of your lives each of you will be imprinted by the other, yet as yourself remain.

May these rings serve as a reminder of the unending love that you hold in your hearts for each other today. And may you wear them in peace and happiness all of your days!

Mary, please take John’s ring and place it on his finger as you repeat after me:

John, this ring is my promise
that I will love you for all time.
I place this ring on your finger
that all may see
and know of my love for you.

John, please take Mary’s ring and place it on her finger as you repeat after me:

Mary, this ring is my promise
that I will love you for all time.
I place this ring on your finger
that all may see
and know of my love for you.

Pronouncement

Now that you Mary, and you John have declared the truths already written in your hearts and have confirmed them by the exchange of your rings . . . it is affirmed that you are husband and wife for all time!

Blessing:

Mary and John, may you always be conscious of Spirit’s presence. May you be one with each other as you are even now. May you rejoice in perfect love and peace together all of your days! And so it is! You may kiss to seal your promises.