Service of Union

We are gathered together, this day, in this place, to celebrate the decision of two people to marry. And it is proper that we share this day with them, for it is not only an individual act, but affects those around us—for from this day, Paul and Michael are a wedded couple in the eyes of God, this church and their friends.

We are gathered to unite this couple in holy union, an institution founded in nature and made holy by the faithful keeping of good men and women in all ages. It is, therefore, not by any to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but discreetly, advisedly, and with due reverence.

This celebration is the outward sign of a sacred and inward union of hearts, a union created by loving purpose and kept by abiding will.

You were born together, and together you shall be for evermore.
You shall be together when the white wings of death scatter your days.
Aye, you shall be together even in the silent memory of God.
And let there be spaces in your togetherness.
And let the winds of the heavens dance between you.

Love one another, but make not a bond of love;
Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls.
Fill each other's cup but drink not from one cup.
Give one another your bread but eat not from the same loaf.
Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each of you be alone,
Even as the strings of a lute are alone though they quiver with the same music.

Give your hearts, but not into each other's keeping.
For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts.
And stand together yet not too near together:
For the pillars of the temple stand apart,
And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other's shadow.

Being mindful that each of you are the gifts you bring into this marriage, I invite you to share with your loved one in the presence of your family and friends what these gifts are to you….

The gifts I bring unto this marriage are my enthusiasm for our life together, a willingness to be creative with you, the joy of loving our lives together, the commitment to be understanding and patient, my love of music and art, and my dedication to enhancing our loving partnership.

The gifts I bring unto this marriage are my sense of humor, my sense of perspective, my patience, my music, my dedication to our relationship, my sense of connection, and my love.

If you are well assured that you are ready to assume the obligations that occur when lives are wed, please turn to face each other and join hands.

Michael, do you take Paul, to live together in constancy and devotion?
Do you promise to love him, comfort him, honor and cherish him, so long as you both shall love?

If so, please answer, "I do."

I do.

Paul, do you take Michael, to live together in constancy and devotion?

Do you promise to love him, comfort him, honor and cherish him, so long as you both shall live?

If so, please answer, "I do."

I do.

What symbol have you chosen to represent the vows you have made, each to the other?

These rings.

The ring has long been a symbol of unity. It is perfect, it closes upon itself and has no end.

The metal in these rings
Has little real value
Except in its use today.
These words are gone
As I say them
But as I say them,
Your lives are changed forever.
You are sacred beings,
Born to trouble and to joy;
And this is your greatest triumph—
That the greatest of gifts
Are yours for the risk
Of asking.
We are to witness now
The sealing of this promise with these rings
Sign and token before the world
Of the world you will create—
single, whole, and quiet—
Within the world outside.
Together you are one; as one you are a world. (James Lawson)

With this ring, I ask you, Michael
To share my life
To be the companion of my days and nights
We will keep together
What share of trouble and sorrow
Our lives may lay upon us
And we will share together
Our store of goodness
And plenty
And love.

Will you say after me, Michael, placing this ring upon Paul's finger…

With this ring
I ask you, Paul
To share my life
To be the companion of my days and nights
We will keep together
What share of trouble and sorrow
Our lives may lay upon us
And we will share together
Our store of goodness
And plenty
And love.

Having chosen one another out of the people you have known, and having stood before these people, declaring your love for one another and your intention to live your lives together…

I now pronounce you wedded one to the other.

Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be shelter for the other.

Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth for the other.

Now there is no loneliness for you.

Now there is no more loneliness.

Now you are two bodies, but there is but one life before you.

Go now to your dwelling place to enter into the days of your togetherness and may your days be long and good upon the earth.

You may kiss.