50th Anniversary Vow Renewal

Vows Renewal for Kitty & Joseph

Hilo, Hawaii

June 13, 2021 at 11:00 AM

Welcome & Thank You

A good marriage must be created.

In marriage, the “little” things are the big things. It is never being too old to hold hands.

It is remembering to say, “I love you” at least once a day. It is never going to sleep angry. It is standing together and facing the world.

It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways. It is having the capacity to forgive and forget.

It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow.

It is a common search for the good and the beautiful. It is not only marrying the right person — it is being the right person

DECLARATION

We have come together today for the purpose of renewing of vows for Rosemary and Joseph in their continued marriage in the eyes of God and before the people who are gathered today.

Please bow your heads with me as we invite God’s presence here for this ceremony.

JOSEPH PRAY

-Thank you for Joey and Kitty, the love you have given them for each other

- Commitment to each other

- Family & friends who love and support

- Thank You for the love you give between a man and a woman – the closest experience on this earth to the love You have for us

- I pray that this ceremony today will bring You glory and bless all those present

- In Jesus’ name, Amen.

One of my favorite passages in the Bible comes from 1 Corinthians 13 – the “Love Chapter.” Not only is it the blueprint for God loves us, but it is the example that you both have lived out in your marriage setting the high bar for Tony, myself, and others to strive for and to achieve.

CHARGE TO THE COUPLE- Joseph

1 Corinthians 13

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails.

13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. (NIV)

II. Real love focuses on others

· patient, kind

· Not proud, rude or selfish

· Everything in this passage of the Bible focuses on putting the other person before ourselves

Mom and dad, you already know that God demonstrated this type of Love through Jesus and you have definitely demonstrated this kind of love for each other showing the love God has you both to each other

You have built your love relationship with each other on the foundation of your love relationship with Jesus and it will last! God promises us in Ecclesiastes 4:12 “A man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him – a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” You have allowed the Holy Spirit to be that third cord, living out your faith in marriage, friendships and for you sons to follow!

EXCHANGE OF VOWS

Having understood this, I believe we are ready for the two of you to publicly share your commitment to the Lord and each other.

There are 3 rings of marriage. The Engagement ring, The Wedding ring, and the suffering. We hope the latter can be held to a minimum and the number of times dad visits the ER has slowed down, even after the woodshop has opened.

Mom and Dad on your wedding day many years ago you exchanged rings as a symbol of the never-ending circle that connects you to the eternal quality of God, unending strength, and unending love! May you always wear your rings as a reminder of your vows to one another, and your commitment to continuing to live in unity, love, and happiness. To remind you of this commitment, as you now renew your vows

Would you join hands, please?

Dad, I will ask you to share first since this will be the only time to be first.

Dad’s Vows – If you agree say I do

Dad do you promise to obey mom as long as you both shall live?

Dad will you continue to pledge your undying devotion to mom

And to always answer yes dear and to continue to hold your marriage’s importance and integrity higher than anything else?

Do you reaffirm your love for her, and will you love, honor, and cherish her in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, for better for worse, and forsaking all others, be faithful to her for as long as you both shall live?

Do you promise not to whine at her when she forgets to charge her cell phone?

Do you promise to still cherish her when stops your late night snacking and blocks amazon prime, bed bath and beyond and online shopping sites?

And do you promise to continue loving her after she continues to ask if you have your car key, wallet and phone every time you leave the house?

Mom’s Vows – Say I DO

Mom, when dad obeys do you promise to not take advantage of that as long as you both shall live?

Mom will you continue to pledge your undying devotion to dad and to always answer yes dear?

Mom will you to continue to hold your marriage’s importance and integrity higher than anything else?

Do you reaffirm your love for him, and will you love, honor, and cherish him in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, for better for worse, and forsaking all others, be faithful to him for as long as you both shall live?

Do you promise that while cherishing him in sickness and in health and to limit the “I told you so’s”? And do you promise to continue loving him after he has no hair or teeth left or maybe missing a finger?

Do you promise to try to charge you phone so it is easily accessible when you guys are leaving? To make pasta and sauce without complaining and increase his online spending allowance, even a little?

Mom and Dad, today you have renewed the promises and vows you made to each other on your wedding day. You have symbolized the renewal of the marriage union by the joining of hands, the taking of vows, and now your wedding rings

After 51 years of marriage you have modeled and been a pillar of God’s plan for marriage. Your marriage, your lighthouse, has withstood hurricane force storms, Sahara type droughts and Mardi Gras celebrations. In today’s upside world your marriage is an example that sets everything back upright.

It is with pleasure that I conclude the ceremony of renewing the vows of marriage that joined you and forever binds you as husband and wife. Please celebrate this renewal of vows with a sign of affection…. You may high five and hug and kiss!