cw_reifert Posted March 4, 2007 Report Share Posted March 4, 2007 I'm going to be officiating a wedding next Friday (March 9th), and 2 members of the bride's family (mother and one sister) are Jehova's Witnesses. Even though I've tried to read what I can find about JW's, I'm hoping a few of you might have an idea of what is okay and what isn't. The following is the Opening Prayer that I plan on using. If any of you have any idea on something I might need to change, please do let me know (I just want to make sure that I won't say anything that will upset one of them).Beloved God,we are gathered here,uniting our hearts as onein support and celebration of Carissa and Jakeas they enter into the sacred and joyous covenant of marriage.We ask you to bless the family created by this unionAs Carissa’s children Taylor and Coltonand Jake's child Lakinjoin with them in the creation of a new family.We ask that you guide and bless each of themin loving and honoring one anotherand in building and strengthening a family unitthat will be a safe and nurturing haven for them all.Help them to find the balance and harmonyof their individuality and their shared life.We ask that your light and gracebe extended to each of them,that they may know you and welcome youin their lives each and every day.Thanks,Will Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cw_reifert Posted March 4, 2007 Author Report Share Posted March 4, 2007 (edited) P.S. I'm all ready thinking of not starting off the prayer with Beloved God, or starting off with Lord. Edited March 4, 2007 by cw_reifert Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator Rev. Calli Posted March 4, 2007 Moderator Report Share Posted March 4, 2007 P.S. I'm all ready thinking of not starting off the prayer with Beloved God, or starting off with Lord.Greetings to you my brother,I have always found that when in doubt, starting out with "Creator God" is usually non offensive enough for everyone.In Christ's service,Rev. Calli Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jba Posted March 4, 2007 Report Share Posted March 4, 2007 Hi I think starting out with beloved God is a nice way to start off your ceremony. Most people think when you say God you are paying homage to the god they worship, and there fore are not offended.Good Luckjba Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cw_reifert Posted March 6, 2007 Author Report Share Posted March 6, 2007 Thanks to you both for the ideas.Will Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rev_Hansen Posted March 6, 2007 Report Share Posted March 6, 2007 There are several terms you can use..Father, Heavenly Father ect..remember, even Jehovia Witness believe in God and worship him as a power greater than ourselves.The other suggestion I would offer is to call your local J. W. church itself and ask them directly if anyone can answer that question, they could. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ashes Posted March 7, 2007 Report Share Posted March 7, 2007 Actually I have found Merciful Jehova as a good opener with JW's. Though Heavenly Father works well.My basic philosophy is though that you cannot please everyone, in a ceremony there are only two people you need to please, those getting married. If those attending do not understand that then it is their problem. I have offended MANY people in some of the ceremonies that I have done, the problem is not mine it is theirs. Ask the bride and groom what it is THEY want and follow that.Always remeber though nothing rounds out a wedding like a good brawl. (or maybe that is just the rule for us pagans, especially the asatru)Ashes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Abdullah Posted March 7, 2007 Report Share Posted March 7, 2007 Hi I think starting out with beloved God is a nice way to start off your ceremony. Most people think when you say God you are paying homage to the god they worship, and there fore are not offended.Good LuckjbaI have to agree that "Beloved God" is quite non-offensive to most of major Abrahamic faiths. I believe your opening is quite nice and I would not change it if you are happy with it... Asalaam Alaikum (Peace Be With You) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Call me Flower Posted March 9, 2007 Report Share Posted March 9, 2007 (edited) I'm sure you have already decided what it is you are going to use. But I agree with Beloved God as an opener. Couldn't hurt.Asher, I thought it was a Great Right to be the ultimate ending to a Pagan wedding? Brawls work well too.Flower Edited March 9, 2007 by Call me Flower Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cw_reifert Posted March 11, 2007 Author Report Share Posted March 11, 2007 Actually, the wedding was Friday night and it went very well (even with me being very nervous at the start, and with my knees shaking a bit - lol). I did end up using Heavenly Father, and it went over well with the bride's JW Mother and Sister. If anyone wants me to post the whole ceremony I used (done in about 7 minutes) I can do that as well.Thanks,WillP.S. Trying to post a picture as an attachment. If that doesn't work, I'll save it to my webserver and post an image.In the pic, the bride is standing with her two children from a previous marriage, and the groom is holding his daughter from his previous marriage as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cw_reifert Posted April 2, 2007 Author Report Share Posted April 2, 2007 Just for the grins, I figured I'd post the words I used for the whole ceremony. If anyone ever needs to use part of it (or all), please feel free to edit as you see fit.WillGATHERING WORDSOne of the great joys of the wedding day is the joining together of the couple’s families and friends. Carissa and Jake are filled with gratitude to each and every one of you for the loving, caring, friendship and support that you have given them throughout their lives.Being able to share their wedding day with you, surrounded by your love and support, is a treasured blessing. Knowing that your best wishes go forward with Carissa and Jake strengthens them as they embark upon their journey as husband and wife.Carissa and Jake have also asked that we take a moment to honor the memory of those loved ones who could only be here today in spirit. CHILDRENToday, Carissa and Jake are joined in their vows by their children Taylor, Colton and Lakin. For you Taylor, Colton and Lakin, something very special is happening today. In this ceremony, you three are sharing in the celebration of the happiness that is present in your family. You are being given flowers today as tokens of Carissa’s and Jake’s love for you and as a symbol of the unity of your family.Do you Taylor, Colton and Lakin promise to love, honor and cherish your family, to always be honest and truthful about who you are, and to honor and respect the truth of each member of this family?(They answer “Yes”, “I Will” or “I Do”)OPENING PRAYERNow, won’t you please join us in prayer:Heavenly Father, we are gathered here, uniting our hearts as one in support and celebration of Carissa and Jake as they enter into the sacred and joyous covenant of marriage.We ask you to bless the family created by this unionAs Carissa’s children Taylor and Colton, and Jake’s daughter Lakin,join with them in the creation of a new family.We ask that you guide and bless each of them in loving and honoring one another and in building and strengthening a family unit that will be a safe and nurturing haven for them all.Help them to find the balance and harmony of their individuality and their shared life.We ask that your light and grace be extended to each of them,that they may know you and welcome you in their lives each and every day.Amen.DECLARATION OF SUPPORTCarissa and Jake,today we have come together to celebrate the love you have found with each other.By being here with you, each of us is declaring our support for your decision to join together in marriage.(to guests)As families and friends,you form the community of support that surrounds both of them. Each of you, by your presence here today, is being called upon to uphold them in honoring and loving each other.Will you:Always stand beside them, never between them?Offer them your love and support, not your judgment?Encourage them with your kindness and loving hearts, and honor this marriage into which they have come to be joined today?If you will, please answer with “I will”.WEDDING VOWSDo you, Jake, of your own free will and consent, choose Carissa to be your beloved wife, and do you promise to love, honor and cherish her always?Do you, Carissa, of your own free will and consent, choose Jake to be your beloved husband, and do you promise to love, honor and cherish him always?RING EXCHANGEThe wedding ring is a circle symbolizing the sun, and the earth, and the universe. It is a symbol of wholeness, perfection and peace.As you enter into the circle of your shared love,may you be blessed through your devotion to this union.May your journey as husband and wife be filled with peace, love and joy.Jake, do you take Carissa to be your lawfully wedded wife, to love and to cherish from this day forward? (I Do, and place ring on finger)Carissa, do you take Jake to be your lawfully wedded husband, to love and to cherish from this day forward? (I Do, and place ring on finger)FINAL BLESSINGMay you keep this covenant you have made.may you bless each other in your marriage,comforting each other when one needs comfort,sharing each other’s joys when one needs someone to share it,and helping each other in all your endeavors throughout your married lives together.And now, by the power vested in me by the laws of the state of Iowa,I pronounce you husband and wife Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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