Sermon Tone Analysis

Prelude

Processional

[Song for grandparents, bridesmaids, etc.]

SAY: Please stand.

[When Jenna is ready]

ASK: Who gives this woman to be this man’s wife?

SAY: You may be seated.

Opening:

Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today in the sight of God, and in the presence of these witnesses, family, and friends, to join together Kevin and Jenna in Holy Matrimony.

The Apostle Paul commended marriage and considered it honorable.

Therefore marriage should not be entered into lightly or unadvisedly, but reverently, discreetly, advisedly, and in the fear of God.

Into this holy estate Kevin and Jenna come now to be joined.

Prayer

Dear heavenly Father we come before you to ask your blessing to be upon this couple.

Let the love that they feel towards each other today abide with them always.

Let your Holy Spirit be a constant Companion in the life that they will spend together.

Bless this ceremony and this couple I pray, in Jesus name, amen.

Message

Marriage is a union ordained by God and spoken of in the highest regard by Jesus Christ and His apostles.

Scripture speaks of marriage as the picture and very symbol of Christ’s love for His people.

Greater love no man has ever had than Him who laid down His own life for His people.

Not only this, but He has given us His Scriptures as the authoritative Word to govern every aspect of our lives, including marriage.

The Bible teaches that love is the bonding agent for friendship and marriage.

We read about the nature of true love in :

Jenna, when Kevin, for the hundredth time, leaves his dirty clothes in the floor, remember that love is patient.

Kevin, when Jenna burns the beans and ruins supper, remember that love is kind.

If you see others struggling in their relationships, while yours continues to blossom, offer your support and not your judgment, for love does not envy, it does not boast, and it is not proud.

Speak to one another, always considering the other above yourself, for love is not rude, and is not self-seeking.

When arguments arise, treat each conflict not as an argument to be won or lost, but as a new and distinct challenge to face together.

When resolved, forget about them, for love is not easily angered and it keeps no record of wrongs.

Keep yourselves pure for each other and always be open and honest.

Remember that when you say “I do” to one another you are saying “I don’t” to every other man and woman in the world.

For love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth.

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes.

Above all, remember that the Lord Himself has brought you together, and it is His purpose to sustain your relationship.

He is both the Author and Sustainer of love.

Love the Lord with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength, and each other as yourselves, for Jesus Christ Himself gave us this as the greatest commandment applying to every area of life and marriage.

Strive for this goal every moment of every day and you can be assured that love always perseveres; love never fails.

(Nelsons Preachers Annual 2008, p. 386)

Charge

[Pause and look at the groom]

Kevin, do you take this woman to be your wedded wife?

Do you promise to love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health; and forsaking all others, keep only to her, so long as you both shall live?

[Groom answers “I do” or “I will”]

[Pause and look at the bride]

Jenna, do you take this man to be your wedded husband?

Do you promise to love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health; and forsaking all others, keep only to him, so long as you both shall live?

[Bride answers “I do” or “I will”]

Vows

[Instruct the couple to face each other and to join hands, tell them to repeat the vows, start with the groom]

I, Kevin take you Jenna, to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do we part.

I, Jenna take you Kevin, to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do we part.

Sand Ceremony

Ring Ceremony

The rings that you will exchange in a moment are a symbol of your love and commitment to each other.

A ring is a circle and a circle never ends.

Like the un-ending circle formed by your rings, may your love and commitment to each other never end either.

ASK: Kevin, do you have a ring?

Jenna, give Kevin your left hand.

A ring is a circle and a circle never ends.

Like the un-ending circle formed by your rings, may your love and commitment to each other never end either.

ASK: Jonathan, do you have a ring?

Rita, give Jonathan your left hand.

Jonathan put the ring on the third finger of Rita’s left hand; hold the ring there, and repeat after me:

With this ring, I thee wed, and all my earthly goods, I thee endow; in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, amen.

ASK: Rita, do you have a ring?

Jonathan, give Rita your left hand.

Rita, put the ring on the third finger of Jonathan’s left hand; hold the ring there, and repeat after me.

With this ring, I thee wed, and all my earthly goods, I thee endow; in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, amen., give Jonathan your left hand.

Kevin put the ring on the third finger of Jenna’s left hand; hold the ring there, and repeat after me:

With this ring, I thee wed, and all my earthly goods, I thee endow; in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, amen.

ASK: Jenna, do you have a ring?

Kevin, give Jenna your left hand.

Jenna, put the ring on the third finger of Kevin’s left hand; hold the ring there, and repeat after me.

With this ring, I thee wed, and all my earthly goods, I thee endow; in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, amen.

Pronouncement

Instruct couple to join hands and to face each other.

Forasmuch as Kevin and Jenna have consented to join in holy wedlock before the Lord God and these witnesses, and since they have pledged and vowed themselves to one another, and have declared the same by joining hands and giving and receiving rings, by the authority vested in me, I pronounce that they are husband and wife in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, amen.

“What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.”

Kevin, you may kiss your bride!

Friends, family, and witnesses it is my proud privilege to present to you for the first time as husband and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Kevin and Jenna Siciak!

Recessional

Instructions

Ask family to stay for pictures and dismiss other guests to go through the receiving line.

Invite guests to stay for the reception.