Wedding Ceremony of Melissa Dalrymple and Darick Anderson: A Reflection on Love And Perseverance, October 5th, 2024

Wedding Ceremony of Melissa Dalrymple and Darick Anderson: A Reflection on Love And Perseverance, October 5th, 2024 OPEN —Good evening, everyone! Welcome to this wedding celebration and great big ol’ party. — My name is Jeff Pagel, I am the Pastor at First Baptist in Sunnyside —We are gathered here today to celebrate one of life's greatest moments—two hearts, full of love, coming together to form a lifelong partnership. — It's a rare and joyous occasion when we get to witness such a beautiful union like this. — We are truly privileged to be part of this celebration of love and commitment. — But like all of us in our relationships... When we WANT THEM TO WORK... We find ways to make them work. — Marriage is like looking into the future... the stuff next week or month is pretty straightforward, but the things in the next six months or six years can get dim and out of focus. — Lifelong marriage says I’ll be here next week, month, year, decade, and lifetime. As we begin... Let’s pray. — God, we welcome you here among us — We asked that The Spirit be present today as Darick and Melissa marry — God, we pray for Darick and Melissa as they formally begin a life together as a team for their kids and families — We are also aware of the many who aren’t with us today. Those who have already passed away. — We want to remember Dad, Grandparents, friends, and other loved ones. — Be with Darick and Melissa as and their family; they build a life together. - Amen Darick and Melissa... n Ignore the hundred people here and listen to me VERY closely... n Love is a gift. It’s a journey, an adventure. Today, we’re not just celebrating your love for each other. n We’re celebrating the love given to you, the kind of love that grows, nurtures, and sustains a marriage. -This evening, we will examine a great passage of scripture for a new couple, an old couple, and ALL couples. - Today, we will examine a passage of scripture that speaks about the qualities that build strong, lasting relationships. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- It’s from the Book of Galatians, Galatians 5:22-24 says: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." n This scripture reminds us of the qualities that not only begin a marriage but also help it flourish for a lifetime. n Let’s look at those “Fruit of The Spirit” more closely... The Fruit of Love n First and foremost, the fruit of the Spirit starts with LOVE. The love you two share today is more than butterflies in the stomach or a romantic walk at sunset.

n The love Paul talks about here is a deep, abiding love that endures, that keeps giving even when times are hard. It's this enduring love that inspires us and gives us hope for the future. n It is a love that forgives and believes the best about each other, even when you’ve both had a long day and might not feel your best. n Marriage is not just about loving each other when things are going smoothly but also in those tough moments. n There will be days when you’ll disagree on the little things, like how to load the dishwasher or what show to binge-watch next. In those moments, it’s not about who’s right but about choosing to love every day. This choice empowers us and strengthens our commitment to our loved ones. Here is an illustration so you can get an idea... You can think of love and marriage as a garden. If you plant the seeds of love, it grows over time with nurturing and care. But if you don’t water it or ignore it, the weeds of neglect and bitterness can take over. “But if you both commit to pulling those weeds, to tending to each other’s needs, your love will flourish and bloom into something beautiful.” The Fruit of Joy n Next, Paul mentions joy. This joy isn’t the kind of happiness that comes and goes with circumstances. n This joy is a deep sense of contentment and satisfaction that comes from knowing you’re in this together, no matter what. n It’s about sharing life’s experiences—the big ones and the small ones.

n You’ll find joy in the everyday moments. The way you smile at each other across the room, the inside jokes no one else understands, the comfort of just being with each other, whether you’re doing something exciting or simply folding laundry. Application Joy is found in appreciating the mundane. Maybe you’ve heard the phrase, “It’s not about the destination; it’s about the journey.” In marriage, joy is found in the journey—the shared experiences, both the highs and the lows, that knit you closer together. The Fruit of Peace n Paul then speaks of PEACE. A peaceful marriage doesn’t mean the absence of conflict. n It means a partnership where peace reigns even during disagreements. n It’s about creating an atmosphere in your home where both of you feel safe, respected, and valued. n When peace is your guide, you’ll know that every argument isn’t a battle to be won but a conversation to be had. n Peace is when you can disagree without dishonoring each other and understand that you’re on the same team. Illustration n Think of peace like the calm that comes after a storm. n In marriage, storms will come—financial challenges, health issues, family disagreements—but peace follows when your foundation is strong. n After the storm, you’ll find your bond has only strengthened because you weathered it together. ---

The Fruit of Patience n Next, Patience is about understanding that you’re both works in progress. Sometimes, you won’t see eye to eye when one of you is going through a tough season. n Being patient means giving grace. It’s being willing to listen without rushing to fix things. It’s knowing that growth takes time and being willing to walk with each other through it. Application Picture your marriage like a long hike. There will be moments when you want to run ahead while the other must slow down and catch their breath. The key is to keep walking together, to be patient, and let your love unfold over time. The Fruit of Kindness and Goodness n Paul also highlights kindness and goodness. These two fruits often go hand in hand. n They remind us that love is not just about grand gestures but everyday acts of kindness—making each other’s coffee in the morning, leaving little notes of encouragement, showing interest in each other’s day. n Kindness builds trust and goodwill in a marriage. It’s about showing up for each other, not because you have to, but because you want to. Illustration Think of kindness like the oil in an engine. It keeps things running smoothly. When people are kind to each other, it is easier to navigate life’s bumps because they know they’re always supported and cared for. Next...

The Fruit of Faithfulness

n This is the bedrock of marriage—the commitment that you’re in this together no matter what comes.

n Faithfulness is about trust. It’s about keeping your promises, even when it’s hard.

n There will be days when life gets busy, and the temptation will be to focus on everything but your marriage.

n But faithfulness calls you always to return, prioritize, and remind each other, "You are my person, and I’m yours."

Application

Think of faithfulness like the roots of a tree. The stronger your roots are, the more your marriage will be able to withstand whatever storms come your way.

And just like roots, faithfulness grows more profound with time.

The Fruit of Gentleness and Self-Control:

n Lastly, we have gentleness and self-control. Gentleness in marriage means treating each other with care and handling each other’s hearts like fragile, precious things.

n It’s choosing to speak kindly, even when frustrated, and acting with tenderness in moments of vulnerability.

n Self-control is about being mindful of your words and actions. It’s the ability to refrain from saying hurtful things in the heat of the moment and instead choose to respond with love and patience.

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n Melissa and Darick, as you step into this new chapter of life together, may your marriage be marked by these fruits—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

n They are the building blocks of a robust and enduring relationship.

n Remember that marriage isn’t about perfection. It’s about two imperfect people coming together and choosing, every day, to love, to forgive, and to grow.

OK.... I’ve preached at you long enough... Let’s get to the good stuff. Turn and face each other, holding hands.

Can I please have the rings...

n Do you, Darick, take Melissa to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have, hold, and cherish?

n Do you promise to be her “person” when she needs a friend?

n Do you promise to be an active part of this relationship as you raise your children and become married to Melissa?

n If you do, say, “I will.”

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n Do you, Melissa, take Darick to be your lawfully wedded husband?

n To have, to hold, to cherish?

n Do you promise to be his “person” when he needs a friend?

n Do you promise to partner with Darick in raising your children and making this relationship a priority ahead of EVERYTHING ELSE?

n Do you promise to be an active part of this relationship, working daily to improve it?

n If you do.. “say, I will.”

Darick and Melissa will share some personal vows at another time.

Let’s see what we have left this evening...?

Oh ya... the most crucial part...

The rings... Please

n The rings are a symbol of unending love, to be worn and the marriage celebrated every time you glance at them.

n Darick, take Melissa’s hands in your yours and repeat after me...

I, Darick Anderson, take you, Melissa Dalrymple,

to be my wedded wife

To have and to hold until death do us part.

As you put this ring on her finger... know that this symbol, however simple or ornate, is just that, a symbol of the everlasting bond between you two.

Place the ring on her finger.

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Melissa, place this ring on Darick’s finger and repeat after me.

I, Melissa, take you, Darick, to be my lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold until death do us part.

As you put the ring on his finger... know that this ring is not merely a symbol but a powerful symbol of your commitment to him. This ring symbolizes that commitment.

Hmmm... OK, What is left?

Oh... The best part

“By the power invested in by God and that State of Washington, I now pronounce you man and wife.” You may kiss each and enjoy your first kiss as Mr. and Mrs. Darick and Melissa Anderson.

LET’S HAVE A PARTY!!!