Various Wedding Ceremonies

Andrea Kinsman and Bryan Bachli Wedding

October 17, 1998

• CD Prelude
• Song: Give Me Forever
• Seating of Parents/Grandparents
• Mothers Light Unity Candles
• Processional

Service

Love is God’s creation. The Bible teaches that love proceeds from God and that God is love. Love’s sweet story wends its way throughout the pages of the Bible. In it we read of God’s love for the church, of the love that led Christ to the cross, of the love that transforms sinners, of the love that sustains believers. We read also of the love of man and woman: of Jacob’s love for Rachel, of Mary pledged to Joseph, of Ruth and Boaz, and the marriage of Cana.

In the beginning, when the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground, and placed him in the Garden of Eden, Adam was lonely. With the same divine, creative act that brought Eve into existence, God ordained marriage. Jesus Christ reminds us about this act and said, “For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh.”

God loved us and created us to love others. Our lives find completion only as we love and are loved in return. Together, we can become what we could never be separately. Marriage is of God.

Who gives this woman to be married to this man?

Song: We’ve Only Just Begun

Party Goes To Platform

Andrea and Bryan, you have invited us all here this evening to witness your vows of marriage. The support and approval you have from family and friends are very much in evidence. But you must both remember that you are bonding yourselves to each other in the presence of the Almighty God. Your awareness of this fact, and your conscious attempt to make it a reality in your hearts will provide a strong, spiritual foundation beneath you as you begin married life. This ceremony today is not an elaborate show devoid of meaning, but a solemn testimmony to your integrity.

And now, Andrea and Bryan, I must ask you each to declare your intentions before us all.

Bryan Michael Bachli, will you have Andrea Marie Kinsman to be your wife; to live together in the holy covenant of marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her in sickness and in health, and, forsaking all others, be faithful to her so long as you both shall live? If so, answer, “I will.”

Andrea Marie Kinsman, will you have Bryan Michael Bachli to be your husband; to live together in the holy covenant of marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful to him so long as you both shall live? If so, answer, “I will.”

Andrea and Bryan, please join your right hands and repeat after me:

I, Bryan Michael Bachli, take you, Andrea Marie Kinsman, to be my 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 until we are separated by death; as God is my witness, I give you my promise.

I, Andrea Marie Kinsman, take you Bryan Michael Bachli, to be my 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 until we are separated by death; as God is my witness, I give you my promise.

Bryan, having made your vows of marriage, what symbol do you now give to Andrea to show that you will faithfully fulfill these vows?

Andrea, having made your vows of marriage, what symbol do you now give to Bryan to show that you will faithfully fulfill these vows?

To each other: I give you this ring, as a symbol of my vow, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you; in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Unity Candle Ceremony. Andrea and Bryan, before you stands a unity candle. The two outside candles have been lighted to represent your lives to this moment. They are two distinct lights, each capable of going its separate way. To bring joy and radiance into your home, these two flames must merge into one.

From this time onward, may your thoughts be for each other rather than for your individual selves; may your plans be mutual, your joys and sorrows shared.

As you each take a candle and together light the center one, you will extinguish your own candles, thus having the center candle represent the union of your two lives into one flesh. As this center light cannot be divided, let not your lives be divided, but instead, be the united testimony of a Christian home, as Christ gives you light.

Song:

Prayer.

Andrea and Bryan, you have expressed your desire to be husband and wife before this company of witnesses. You have shown your love and affection by joining hands, have made promises of faith and devotion, each to the other, and have sealed these promises by the giving and receiving of rings. I, therefore, pronounce that you are husband and wife, according to the authority vested in me as a minister of the Gospel, and the law of the State of Ohio; In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. What God has joined together let not man separate.

Bryan, you may now kiss your bride.

Ladies and gentlemen, I now present to you Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Bachli

Recessional.

Andrea and Bryan would like to receive your congratulations at the reception hall rather than the church vestabule. After the parents and grandparents are dismissed, you may be dismissed and proceed directly to the St. Clements Hall on Tremainsville Road. Refreshments will be available to you until the bridal party joins you after a brief time for photographs. Thank you very much.

Stephanie Lindenberger and Kulwant Boora Wedding

April 13, 2002

• Prelude
• Lighting of Candles
• Seating of Grandparents
• Seating of Mothers
• Mothers Light Unity Candles,
• Song "Give Thanks"
• Minister enters
• Processional

Service

Ladies and Gentlemen, family and friends of Stephanie Lindenberger and Kal Boora, thank you for your kind presence at this special moment in the lives of two special people. This day has finally emerged from the romantic mists of dreams and plans of a date to become a day. But real love goes beyond a date on a calendar. It is more than a dozen red roses, an engagement ring, or even a wedding It is a divine quality, because God is love.

Three things I know about love…

Love is compelling. It will cause people to do things they never thought they would, or could do. It leads people into debt, sacrifice or even martyrdom.

Love is transcending.. It will lift people into a realm far higher than the visual or sensual world than our modern culture usually associates with love.

Finally, love is transforming. This is the best thing I know about love. Love will make a person become what he or she has never been before. As a married couple in love, a man and woman can become what they never could become separately.

And so, when Stephanie and Kal began loving each other, they entered into a divine relationship. We read in Ephesians 5:31-32, "For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church." Marriage was created by God, sanctioned by God, and blessed by God.

Who gives this woman to be married to this man?

John answers: Her mother and I.

Song: Anissa Heims

Wedding party moves to platform.

Stephanie and Kal, you have invited us all here this afternoon to witness your vows of marriage. The support and approval you have from family and friends are very much in evidence. But you must both remember that you are bonding yourselves to each other in the presence of the Almighty God. Your willingness to do this comes from the fact that you first bonded yourselves to Him in salvation.

Stephanie, most of your life has revolved around the church. We have watched you as a student and graduate at ACA, a college student, a career person, an involved member of the youth group, and your dedicated service in many other activities. You have kept your integrity and your personal walk with God above reproach. We give you our admiration and love for who you are.

Kal, we have not had the pleasure of your acquaintance for many years, but since you visited Toledo over a year ago, and since you have become engaged to Stephanie, we have grown in our appreciation of you as well. You also have an Apostolic heritage, and although your national origin differs from ours, we share the same spiritual citizenship through our mutual love for the Lord Jesus Christ and his Word.

Both of you have partaken in Christ’s death through repentance, His burial through baptism in his name, and His resurrection through the Holy Spirit baptism. Your salvation experience provides you with a strong, spiritual

foundation beneath you as you begin married life. As the years pass, your personal relationship to God will take on greater significance than any other common ground you may possess.

And now, Kal and Stephanie, I must ask you each to declare your intentions before us all.

Kal Boora, will you have Stephanie Lindenberger to be your wife; to live together in the holy covenant of marriage? Will you love

her, comfort her, honor and keep her in sickness and in health, and, forsaking all others, be faithful to her so long as you both shall live? If so, answer, “I will.”

Stephanie Lindenberger, will you have Kal Boora to be your husband; to live together in the holy covenant of marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful to him so long as you both shall live? If so, answer, “I will.”

Stephanie and Kal, the vows you are about to take descend from a sacred and revered Biblical tradition. Your private expressions of love to each other will now be made before witnesses, and in the presence of Almighty God. Once made, these vows become strong and binding commitments. Will you now please join hands and repeat after me:

I, Kulwant Boora, take you, Stephanie Lindenberger, to be my 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 until we are separated by death; as God is my witness, I give you my promise.

I, Stephanie Lindenberger, take you Kal Boora, to be my 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 until we are separated by death; as God is my witness, I give you my promise.

Ring Ceremony

Kal, having made your vows of marriage, what symbol do you now give to Stephanie to show that you will faithfully fulfill these vows?

As you place the ring on her finger, repeat after me: "With this ring, I seal my promise, to be your faithful and loving husband, as God is my witness."

Stephanie, having made your vows of marriage, what symbol do you now give to Kal to show that you will faithfully fulfill these vows?

As you place the ring on his finger, repeat after me: "With this ring, I seal my promise, to be your faithful and loving wife, as God is my witness."

Song: Michelle and Jamie

Unity Candle Ceremony. Stephanie and Kal, before you stands a unity candle. The two outside candles have been lighted to represent your lives to this moment. They are two distinct lights, each capable of going its separate way. To bring joy and radiance into your home, these two flames must merge into one.

From this time onward, may your thoughts be for each other rather than for your individual selves; may your plans be mutual, your joys and sorrows shared.

As you each take a candle and together light the center one, you will extinguish your own candles, thus having the center candle represent the union of your two lives into one flesh. As this center light cannot be divided, let not your lives be divided, but instead, be the united testimony of a Christian home, as Christ gives you light.

Song: Todd Dewhurst

Rose Ceremony:?

Marriage Prayer.

Stephanie and Kal , you have expressed your desire to be husband and wife before this company of witnesses. You have shown your love and affection by joining hands, have made promises of faith and devotion, each to the other, and have sealed these promises by the giving and receiving of rings. I, therefore, pronounce that you are husband and wife, according to the authority vested in me as a

minister of the Gospel, and the law of the State of Ohio; In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. What God has joined together let not man separate.

Rose Ceremony.

Kal, you may now kiss your bride.

Ladies and gentlemen, I now present to you Mr. and Mrs. Kal Boora

Recessional.

Ladies and Gentlemen: Stephanie and Kal are preparing to come and dismiss you row by row. This will serve as their receiving line. Please remain seated. After the parents and grandparents are dismissed, please allow the ushers to dismiss you by row. When the dismissal is completed, the wedding party will go outside for “the exit.” Stephanie and Kal requests that the family to stay for pictures after the ceremony.

Kathleen Grambihler and Allen Condon

August 14, 2004

• Piano Prelude
• Lighting of Candles
• Seating of Our Mothers
• Processional
• Please remain standing as our church Elder, Clarence Condon, grandfather of the groom, offers prayer.
• Thank you. You may be seated.

Pastoral Charge:

Today, Kathy and Allen have come to be married. They grew up far from each other with no knowledge that the other even existed. When they met at Indiana Bible College, however, they recognized in each other the ideals, values and love that they had always wanted. Glances turned into spoken words, which then became long conversations. That sweet, mystical thing we call romance began to bud, and it deepened into love and commitment. God, the author of love, created it this way. Love forms the central and essential theme of everything we believe, as Christians. The birth, life, ministry, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ---indeed, our entire plan of redemption was unfolded to us through love.

The creation of man, magnificent though it was, did not reach completion until the Lord God formed Eve to be the bride of Adam. Jesus Christ reminds us about this act and said, “For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh.”

Who gives this woman to be married to this man?

Party Goes To Platform

Allen and Kathleen, we have come this afternoon to witness your vows of marriage. The number of people here radiates full support and approval. Remember though, not only are you bonding yourselves to each other in the company of these witnesses, but in the presence of the Almighty God. His omnipresent Spirit fills this house. Your awareness of this fact, and your unceasing endeavor to make it a reality in your hearts will provide a strong, spiritual foundation beneath you as you begin married life. As the years pass, this factor will take on greater significance than any other common ground you may possess.

Kathy, since coming to Toledo, we have learned to love you for many reasons. Your ready smile, your kind disposition and your supportive and encouraging attitude have all made a place for you in our hearts. But beyond that, your sincere and open worship to God in each service is a source of inspiration to us. Although your Pastor, Reverend Chuck Welch, is unable to be with us today, he has told me what a blessing you were in the Green Bay congregation and how impressed he has been with your life. You represent the amazing grace of God in saving and transforming a soul.

Allen, you come from a beautiful heritage on both sides of your family---the Condons and the Rickards. Now at times, we weren’t sure if you were around or not because you were so quiet and shy in the years you were growing up. But you had other ways of making your presence known. Your solid character, introspective thinking and tenacious will have made a tremendous contribution to our youth group and our church. And, you’re not a bad basketball player either.

Kathy and Allen, while both of your backgrounds represent the strength and value of good families, your own personal experience with God provides the mainstay of your blessed lives. When you repented of your sins, were baptized in the name of Jesus, and received the gift of the Holy Ghost, you started a relationship with God that makes everything else work. When you keep this salvation experience alive and well in your lives, your relationship with each other will remain alive with love and joy as well. Marriage is of God, but to be enjoyed to its fullest, it must be built upon God.

The Apostle Paul gives us the definition of love from God’s perspective in 1 Cor 13:1-8. “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. NIV When human love falls short, divine love will sustain you.
And now, Allen and Kathy, I must ask you each to declare your intentions before us all.

Allen Michael Condon, will you have Kathleen Mary Grambihler to be your wife; to live together in the holy covenant of marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her in sickness and in health, and, forsaking all others, be faithful to her so long as you both shall live? If so, answer, “I will.”

Kathleen Mary Grambihler, will you have Allen Michael Condon, to be your husband; to live together in the holy covenant of marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful to him so long as you both shall live? If so, answer, “I will.”

Allen and Kathy please join hands and repeat after me:

I, Allen Michael Condon, take you, Kathleen Mary Grambihler, to be my 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 until we are separated by death; as God is my witness, I give you my promise.

I, Kathleen Mary Grambihler, take you Allen Michael Condon, , to be my 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 until we are separated by death; as God is my witness, I give you my promise.

Allen, having made your vows of marriage, what symbol do you now give to Kathleen to show that you will faithfully fulfill these vows?

Kathy, having made your vows of marriage, what symbol do you now give to Allen to show that you will faithfully fulfill these vows?

As together, you place the rings on each of your hands, repeat these words: I give you this ring, as a symbol of my vow, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you; in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Unity Candle Ceremony. Allen and Kathy before you stands a unity candle. Your mothers have lighted the two outside candles to represent your lives to this moment. They are two distinct lights, each one capable of going its separate way. To bring joy and radiance into your home, however, these two flames must merge into one.

From this time onward, may your thoughts be for each other rather than for your individual selves; may your plans be mutual, your joys and sorrows shared.

As you each take a candle and together light the center one, you will extinguish your own candles, thus having the center candle represent the union of your two lives into one flesh. As this center light cannot be divided, let not your lives be divided, but instead, be the united testimony of a Christian home, as Christ gives you light.

Song: “Only God Could Love You More” Michelle Huffman & Joshua Wonder

Rose Ceremony

Allen and Kathy, you have expressed your desire to be husband and wife before this company of witnesses. You have shown your love and affection by joining hands, have made promises of faith and devotion, each to the other, and have sealed these promises by the giving and receiving of rings. I, therefore, pronounce that you are husband and wife, according to the authority vested in me as a minister of the Gospel, and the law of the State of Ohio; In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. What God has joined together let not man separate.

Closing Prayer

Allen, you may now kiss your bride.

Ladies and gentlemen, I now present to you for the very first time, Mr. and Mrs. Allen Michael Condon.

Recessional

Announcement: In a moment, Kathy and Allen will return to form a receiving line with their parents, the maid of honor and the best man. The ushers will dismiss you from the rear of the sanctuary so you can come by and offer your congratulations to the newlyweds.

Afterwards, the reception will be held in the Family Life Center. Due to limited capacity in the banquet hall, we can only accommodate those who responded to the RSVP.

Tonya Farnsworth / Michael Cousino Wedding

June 10, 2000

• CD Prelude
• Song: Wind Beneath My Wings
• Seating of Parents
• Mothers Light Unity Candles
• Minister, Groom enter
• Processional

Service

Love is God’s creation. The Bible teaches that love proceeds from God and that God is love. Love’s sweet story wends its way throughout the pages of the Bible. In it we read of God’s love for the church, of the love that led Christ to the cross, of the love that transforms sinners, of the love that sustains believers. We read also of the love of man and woman: of Jacob’s love for Rachel, of Mary pledged to Joseph, of Ruth and Boaz, and the marriage of Cana.

In the beginning, when the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground, and placed him in the Garden of Eden, Adam was lonely. With the same divine, creative act that brought Eve into existence, God ordained marriage. Jesus Christ reminds us about this act and said, “For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh.”

God loved us and created us to love others. Our lives find completion only as we love and are loved in return. Together, we can become what we could never be separately. Marriage is of God.

Who gives this woman to be married to this man?

Party Goes To Platform

Tonya and Michael, you have invited us all here this afternoon to witness your vows of marriage. The support and approval you have from family and friends are very much in evidence. But you must both remember that you are bonding yourselves to each other in the presence of the Almighty God. Your awareness of this fact, and your conscious attempt to make it a reality in your hearts will provide a strong, spiritual foundation beneath you as you begin married life.

And now, Tonya and Michael, I must ask you each to declare your intentions before us all.

Michael Scott Cousino, will you have Tonya Agnes Farnsworth to be your wife; to live together in the holy covenant of marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her in sickness and in health, and, forsaking all others, be faithful to her so long as you both shall live? If so, answer, “I will.”

Tonya Agnes Farnsworth, will you have Michael Scott Cousino to be your husband; to live together in the holy covenant of marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful to him so long as you both shall live? If so, answer, “I will.”

Tonya and Michael, please join your right hands and repeat after me:

I, Michael Scott Cousino, take you, Tonya Agnes Farnsworth, to be my 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 until we are separated by death; as God is my witness, I give you my promise.

I, Tonya Agnes Farnsworth, take you Michael Scott Cousino, to be my 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 until we are separated by death; as God is my witness, I give you my promise.

Michael, having made your vows of marriage, what symbol do you now give to Tonya to show that you will faithfully fulfill these vows?

Tonya, having made your vows of marriage, what symbol do you now give to Michael to show that you will faithfully fulfill these vows?

To each other: I give you this ring, as a symbol of my vow, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you; in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Unity Candle Ceremony. Tonya and Michael, before you stands a unity candle. The two outside candles have been lighted to represent your lives to this moment. They are two distinct lights, each capable of going its separate way. To bring joy and radiance into your home, these two flames must merge into one.

From this time onward, may your thoughts be for each other rather than for your individual selves; may your plans be mutual, your joys and sorrows shared.

As you each take a candle and together light the center one, you will extinguish your own candles, thus having the center candle represent the union of your two lives into one flesh. As this center light cannot be divided, let not your lives be divided, but instead, be the united testimony of a Christian home, as Christ gives you light.

Song:

Prayer.

Tonya and Michael, you have expressed your desire to be husband and wife before this company of witnesses. You have shown your love and affection by joining hands, have made promises of faith and devotion, each to the other, and have sealed these promises by the giving and receiving of rings. I, therefore, pronounce that you are husband and wife, according to the authority vested in me as a minister of the Gospel, and the law of the State of Ohio; In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. What God has joined together let not man separate.

Michael, you may now kiss your bride.

Song

Ladies and gentlemen, I now present to you Mr. and Mrs. Michael Bachli

Recessional.

Tonya and Michael and the wedding party are forming a receiving line in the reception hall. After the parents and grandparents are escorted into the hall, you may be dismissed and give your congratulations to the new couple. Everyone is invited to attend the reception. Thank you very much.

Stephanie Crowell and Aaron Thornton Wedding

July 23, 2005

• Instrumental Prelude (CD)
• Piano Prelude (Monica Trzcinski)
• Lighting of Candles
• Seating of Grandparents
• Seating of Mothers
• Ushers roll out runner
• CD: Jim Brickman
• Mothers Light Unity Candles
• CD: Jim Brickman
• Processional
• CD: Cannon in D.

Service

Ladies and Gentlemen, family and friends of Stephanie and Aaron thank you for your kind presence at this special moment in the lives of two special people. This occasion has finally emerged from the romantic glances and dreams of two young people who grew up amid the pews, musical instruments and saints of God here at the First Apostolic Church. But real love goes beyond a date on a calendar. It is more than a dozen red roses, an engagement ring, or even a wedding ceremony. It has a divine quality, because God is love.

Three things I know about love…

Love is compelling. It causes people to do things they never thought they would, or could do. It leads people into sacrifice, debt, even martyrdom. (Although I don’t think we are witnessing martyrdom here today.)

Love is transcending. It lifts people into a realm far higher than the visual or sensual world than our modern culture usually associates with love. We are better when we love.

Finally, love is transforming. This is the best thing I know about love. Love makes a person become what he or she has never been before. As a married couple in love, a man and woman can become what they never could become separately.

And so, when Stephanie and Aaron began loving each other, they entered into a relationship that has the imprimatur of the divine. We read in Ephesians 5:31-32, "For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church." Marriage was created by God, sanctioned by God, and blessed by God. And we have two young people and four parents here today who are very happy to have it so.

Who gives this woman to be married to this man?

Father’s answer: Her mother and I.

Wedding party moves to platform.

Stephanie and Aaron, it’s hard to believe that the day is here! Amidst the drama of music, flowers, candles and beautiful decorations, just like you imagined, you are surrounded this afternoon by your family and friends to witness your vows of marriage. Our support and approval may be gratifying to you, but my role is to bring you out of the clouds and back to reality long enough to remind you what is really happening here today. You are entering into a holy covenant with each other before the Almighty God. The festive spirit of the moment must not obscure the significance of God’s presence.

Stephanie, you were born to parents who were in the church and so your entire life has revolved around the work of God. You came to First Apostolic Church a little, baby girl. We have been privileged to see you come up through the Sunday School, grow through your teens, and become a vital part of this church---to become the beautiful bride that you are today. Not only that, but we honor you for your unwavering devotion to God, remaining strong against the temptations and pressures of the world. This is a beautiful day for a beautiful bride.

Aaron, although you were born in Toledo, we didn’t have the pleasure of enjoying your childhood because of your father’s Air Force career, but since he saw the light and brought you back to Toledo during your teen age years, you have made an impact on us all. We are equally thankful for your love for God, your passion for His word, and determination to live for Him. You also have an Apostolic heritage through your parents, your grandparents and your great-grandmother who had a profound influence on three generations after her. These facts will make a secure bond for your marriage.

Stephanie and Aaron, both of you come to this altar today secure in your own salvation experience. At a very young age, you gave your lives to Christ, repented, were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, and received the Holy Spirit. This commitment provides a strong, spiritual foundation as you begin married life. The years will pass and your love for each other will deepen, but your personal relationship to God will take on greater significance than any other common ground you share. If you are first true to your divine relationship, God will take care of your commitment to each other.

And now, Aaron and Stephanie, I must ask you each to declare your intentions before us all.

Aaron Lee Thornton, will you have Stephanie Anne Crowell to be your wife; to live together in the holy covenant of marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her in sickness and in health, and, forsaking all others, be faithful to her so long as you both shall live? If so, answer, “I will.”

Stephanie Anne Crowell, will you have Aaron Lee Thornton to be your husband; to live together in the holy covenant of marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful to him so long as you both shall live? If so, answer, “I will.”

And now, before moving forward into your wedding vows, let’s enjoy a few glimpses of both of you in your journey to this moment in the form of a video presentation.

Slide presentation

Stephanie and Aaron, the vows you are about to take descend from a sacred and revered Biblical tradition. Your private expressions of love to each other will now be made public, before witnesses, and in the presence of Almighty God. Once made, these vows become strong and binding commitments. Will you now please join hands and repeat after me:

I, Aaron Lee Thornton, take you, Stephanie Anne Crowell, to be my 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 until we are separated by death; as God is my witness, I give you my promise.

I, Stephanie Anne Crowell, take you Aaron Lee Thornton, to be my 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 until we are separated by death; as God is my witness, I give you my promise.

Song: Destiny by Brett and Jessica.

Ring Ceremony

Aaron, having made your vows of marriage, what symbol do you now give to Stephanie to show that you will faithfully fulfill these vows?

As you place the ring on her finger, repeat after me: "With this ring, I seal my promise, to be your faithful and loving husband, as God is my witness."

Stephanie, having made your vows of marriage, what symbol do you now give to Aaron to show that you will faithfully fulfill these vows?

As you place the ring on his finger, repeat after me: "With this ring, I seal my promise, to be your faithful and loving wife, as God is my witness."

Unity Candle Ceremony

Stephanie and Aaron, before you stands a unity candle. Your mothers lighted the two outside candles to represent your lives to this moment. They are two distinct lights, each capable of going its separate way. To bring joy and radiance into your home, these two flames must merge into one.

From this time onward, may your thoughts be for each other rather than for your individual selves; may your plans be mutual, your joys and sorrows shared.

As you each take a candle and together light the center one, you will extinguish your own candles, thus having the center candle represent the union of your two lives into one flesh. As this center light cannot be divided, let not your lives be divided, but instead, be the united testimony of a Christian home, as Christ gives you light.

Song: When God Made You

Marriage Prayer: The Reverend Gary Trzcinski, an Associate Pastor here at First Apostolic Church and a relative of the bride has been asked to pray the marriage prayer.

Pronouncement:

Stephanie and Aaron , you have expressed your desire to be husband and wife before this company of witnesses. You have shown your love and affection by joining hands, have made promises of faith and devotion, each to the other, and have sealed these promises by the giving and receiving of rings. I, therefore, pronounce that you are husband and wife, according to the authority vested in me as a minister of the Gospel, and the law of the State of Ohio; In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. What God has joined together let not man separate.

Aaron, you may now kiss your bride.

Ladies and gentlemen, I now present to you for the very first time, Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Thornton.

Recessional.

Ladies and Gentlemen: After this announcement, the bridal party will re-enter the sanctuary and give a rose petal reception to Stephanie and Aaron. Please remain seated until the couple personally dismisses you by row.

Following your dismissal, all guests who received an RSVP for the reception may go directly to the Family Life Center where Stephanie and Aaron will join you as soon as possible. If you did not RSVP, please wait for available seating. Thank you very much.

Betsy Hunt and Tom David Wedding

February 17, 1995

• Organ Prelude
• Seating of Parents/Grandparents
• Lighting of the Candles
• Processional

Service

Opening remarks

God is the author of love. The Bible teaches that God is love and that love comes from God. From beginning to end, the Bible is a love story. There we read of God’s love for His people, of the love that sent Christ to the cross, of redeeming love for the sinner, of abiding love for the redeemed. We read also of the love of man and woman: of Jacob’s love for Rachel, of Mary pledged to Joseph, of Ruth and Boaz, and the marriage of Cana.

In the beginning, when the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground, and placed him in the Garden of Eden, Adam was lonely. With the same divine, creative act that brought Eve into existence, God ordained marriage. Jesus Christ reminds us about this act and said, “For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh.”

God loved us and created us to love others. Our lives find completion only as we love and are loved in return. Together, we can become what we could never be separately. Marriage is of God.

Prayer by Monte Goodremont

Who gives this woman to be married to this man?

After Betsy’s father gives her away, there are special remarks to be made by the Groom.

Party Goes To Platform

Mr. Hunt’s Remarks

Tom and Betsy, you have invited us all here this evening to witness your vows of marriage. The support and approval you have from your families are very much in evidence. But you must both remember that you are bonding yourselves to each other in the presence of the Almighty God. Your willingness to do this comes from the fact that you first bonded yourselves to Him in salvation.

Betsy, you have been a delight to us at First Apostolic Church. We have seen your love for God remain strong, whether you were going through deep valleys or over the mountain peaks. You have inspired us all with your unbeatable spirit that simply refused to go down.

Tom, we have watched with admiration as you have grown in your spirituality and your dedication to God. Your determination to make the hard choices and hold to your resolve to do the right is a great example to us all.

Both of you have partaken in Christ’s death through repentance, His burial through baptism in his name, and His resurrection through the Holy Spirit baptism. This has given you a strong, spiritual foundation beneath you as you begin married life. As the years pass, this factor will take on greater significance than any other common ground you may possess. Take note that the world you enter is hazardous to faith, love and spiritual health. Your values, however, are not built on the shifting sands of pop culture, but on the rock-solid unchanging truths of God’s word. This ceremony today is not an elaborate show devoid of meaning, but a solemn and beautiful testimony to your integrity.

Thomas Patrick David, will you have Elizabeth Ann Hunt to be your wife; to live together in the holy covenant of marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her in sickness and in health, and, forsaking all others, be faithful to her so long as you both shall live? If so, answer, “I will.”

Elizabeth Ann Hunt, will you have Thomas Patrick David to be your husband; to live together in the holy covenant of marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful to him so long as you both shall live? If so, answer, “I will.”

Tom, what vows do you now give to Betsy?

I, Thomas Patrick David, take you, Elizabeth Ann Hunt, to be my 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 until we are separated by death; as God is my witness, I give you my promise.

Betsy, what vows do you now give to Tom?

I, Elizabeth Ann Hunt, take you Thomas Patrick David, to be my 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 until we are separated by death; as God is my witness, I give you my promise.

And now, having mad your vows of marriage, what symbols do you now give to each other that you will faithfully fulfill these vows?

To each other: I give you this ring, as a symbol of my vow, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you; in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Unity Candle Ceremony. Tom and Betsy, before you stands a unity candle. The two outside candles have been lighted to represent your lives to this moment. They are two distinct lights, each capable of going its separate way. To bring joy and radiance into your home, there must be a merging of these two flames into one.

From this time onward, any your thoughts be for each other rather than for your individual selves; may your plans be mutual, your joys and sorrows shared.

As you each take a candle and together light the center one, you will extinguish your won candles, thus having the center candle represent the union of your two lives into one flesh. As this center light cannot be divided, let not your lives be divided, but instead, be the united testimony of a Christian home, as Christ gives you light.

Song

Prayer.

Tom and Betsy, you have expressed your desire to be husband and wife. You have shown your love and affection by joining hands, have made promises of faith and devotion, each to the other, and have sealed these promises by the giving and receiving of rings. I, therefore, pronounce that you are husband and wife, according to the authority vested in me as a minister of the Gospel, and the law of the State of Ohio; In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. What God has joined together let not man separate.

Tom, you may now kiss your bride.

Ladies and gentlemen, I now present to you Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Patrick David.

Recessional

Louise Lysa Najera and Jason Bernard Dulle Wedding

February 7, 2004

• Processional
• Entrance of the Bride
• Giving of the Bride

Wedding Message:

Reverend Randall Frailey

Reverend J. Mark Jordan

Jason, it has been a joy to watch as you were saved and came into the knowledge of truth. From a skinny, blond kid out in Delta, Ohio (not exactly a metropolis), you immediately delved into prayer, discipleship and an intense study of God’s Word. I don’t think anyone has ever asked me the questions you asked. I knew when I signed your application to go to CLC, you were doing the right thing. Even at your relatively young age, your work and writings in theological subjects has been so impressive to many people. And now, as you begin married life, you will find a practical application to all the theories and hypotheses you have written about. I’m confident that you will do well. Love, as you know, is the supreme definition of God.

Lysa and Jason, there are three things I know about love…

Love is compelling. It will cause people to do things they never thought they would, or could do. It leads people into commitment, debt, sacrifice or even martyr-dom.

Love is transcending.. It will lift people into a realm far higher than the visual or sensual world than our modern culture usually associates with love.

Finally, love is transforming. This is the best thing I know about love. Love will make a person become what he or she has never been before. As a married couple in love, a man and woman can become what they never could become separately.

And so, when both of you, Lysa and Jason, began loving each other, you entered into a divine relationship. We read in Ephesians 5:31-32, "For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and his Church." Marriage was created by God, sanctioned by God and blessed by God.

It is not often that I have the chance to officiate at the marriage of a minister. I must tell you that the unique circumstances of a couple in the ministry will require a total dedication of your marriage to God. There will be additional cares, burdens and pressures that most others will not feel. People will look at you differently, expect more from you, and hold you to a higher standard. As a minister and wife, It will mean that you must find refuge and support in each other, even beyond that which the conventional marriage requires. Remember, your relationship with each other will greatly impact your ministerial success. But, God has grace and strength to take you through. And the rewards that will come to you will be richer and more meaningful than you could ever imagine.

Unity Candle

“The Prayer”

The Vows (JMJ)

Lysa and Jason, you have invited us all here this afternoon to witness your vows of marriage. The support and approval you have from family and friends are very much in evidence. But you must both remember that you are bonding yourselves to each other in the presence of the Almighty God. Your willingness to do this comes from the fact that you first bonded yourselves to Him in salvation.

And now, Jason and Lysa, I must ask you each to declare your intentions before us all.

Jason Bernard Dulle, will you have Louise Lysa Najera to be your wife; to live together in the holy covenant of marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her in sickness and in health, and, forsaking all others, be faithful to her so long as you both shall live? If so, answer, “I will.”

Louise Lysa Najera , will you have Jason Bernard Dulle to be your husband; to live together in the holy covenant of marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful to him so long as you both shall live? If so, answer, “I will.”

Lysa and Jason, the vows you are about to take descend from a sacred and revered Biblical tradition. Your private expressions of love to each other will now be made before witnesses, and in the presence of Almighty God. Once made, these vows become strong and binding commitments. Will you now please join hands and repeat after me:

I, Jason Bernard Dulle, take you, Louise Lysa Najera, to be my 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 until we are separated by death; as God is my witness, I give you my promise.

I, Louise Lysa Najera, take you Jason Bernard Dulle, to be my 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 until we are separated by death; as God is my witness, I give you my promise.

Ring Ceremony

Jason, having made your vows of marriage, what symbol do you now give to Lysa to show that you will faithfully fulfill these vows? (This ring.)

As you place the ring on her finger, repeat after me: "With this ring, I seal my promise, to be your faithful and loving husband, as God is my witness."

Lysa, having made your vows of marriage, what symbol do you now give to Jason to show that you will faithfully fulfill these vows? (This ring.)

As you place the ring on his finger, repeat after me: "With this ring, I seal my promise, to be your faithful and loving wife, as God is my witness."

Dedication Prayer

Pronunciation: Reverend Randall Frailey

Recessional

Anissa Heims and R. J. Delgado Wedding

June 15, 2002

• Piano Prelude
• Lighting of Candles
• Song: Michelle Huffman
• Seating of Grandparents
• Violin Solo: Jeff Wurch
• Seating of Mothers
• Mothers Light Unity Candles,
• Processional

Service

Ladies and Gentlemen, family and friends of Anissa and R. J. thank you for your kind presence at this special moment in the lives of two special people. This occasion has finally emerged from the romantic mists of dreams and plans of two students at Gateway Bible College, Florissant, MO, one from Hastings MN, the other from Toledo, OH to today. But real love goes beyond a date on a calendar. It is more than a dozen red roses, an engagement ring, or even a wedding. It has a divine quality, because God is love.

Three things I know about love…

Love is compelling. It causes people to do things they never thought they would, or could do. It leads people into debt, sacrifice or even martyrdom.

Love is transcending. It lifts people into a realm far higher than the visual or sensual world than our modern culture usually associates with love.

Finally, love is transforming. This is the best thing I know about love. Love makes a person become what he or she has never been before. As a married couple in love, a man and woman can become what they never could become separately.

And so, when Anissa and R. J. began loving each other, they entered into a divine relationship. We read in Ephesians 5:31-32, "For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church." Marriage was created by God, sanctioned by God, and blessed by God.

Who gives this woman to be married to this man?

Parents answer: We do.

Wedding party moves to platform.

Anissa and R. J., this is the day! Here you are amidst flowers and candles and beautiful decorations, surrounded this afternoon by your family and friends to witness your vows of marriage. The support and approval we all give to you may be wonderful, but you must both remember that you are entering into a holy covenant with each other in the presence of the Almighty God. I charge both of you to let nothing obscure that fact from the traditional and festive atmosphere you enjoy today.

Anissa, you were born to parents in the ministry and so your entire life has revolved around the work of God. You came to First Apostolic Church a little, vivacious, bright student at ACA, (with all those blond, bouncy curls and frilly dresses!) and then as a member of our church after you lost your father who was also your pastor. We have been privileged to see you grow through your teens, helping you through some tough times, being blessed by your singing and other God-given talents, to become the beautiful bride that you are today.

R. J., we have not had the pleasure of your acquaintance for quite as long, but since you visited Toledo some time ago, and since you have become engaged to Anissa, we have grown in our appreciation of you as well. You also have an Apostolic heritage, and this will make a secure bond for your marriage.

Anissa and R.J., both of you have partaken in Christ’s death through repentance, His burial through baptism in his name, and His resurrection through the Holy Spirit baptism. This salvation experience gives you a strong, spiritual foundation as you begin married life. The years will pass and your love for each other will deepen, but your personal relationship to God will take on greater significance than any other common ground you share. If you are first true to your divine relationship, God will take care of your commitment to each other.

And now, R. J. and Anissa, I must ask you each to declare your intentions before us all.

R. J. Delgado, will you have Anissa Renee Heims to be your wife; to live together in the holy covenant of marriage? Will you love

her, comfort her, honor and keep her in sickness and in health, and, forsaking all others, be faithful to her so long as you both shall live? If so, answer, “I will.”

Anissa Renee Heims, will you have R. J. Delgado to be your husband; to live together in the holy covenant of marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful to him so long as you both shall live? If so, answer, “I will.”

Anissa and R. J., the vows you are about to take descend from a sacred and revered Biblical tradition. Your private expressions of love to each other will now be made before witnesses, and in the presence of Almighty God. Once made, these vows become strong and binding commitments. Will you now please join hands and repeat after me:

I, Rene Delgado Jr., take you, Anissa Renee Heims, to be my 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 until we are separated by death; as God is my witness, I give you my promise.

I, Anissa Renee Heims, take you Rene Delgado Jr., to be my 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 until we are separated by death; as God is my witness, I give you my promise.

Bride sings.

Ring Ceremony

R. J., having made your vows of marriage, what symbol do you now give to Anissa to show that you will faithfully fulfill these vows?

As you place the ring on her finger, repeat after me: "With this ring, I seal my promise, to be your faithful and loving husband, as God is my witness."

Anissa, having made your vows of marriage, what symbol do you now give to R. J. to show that you will faithfully fulfill these vows?

As you place the ring on his finger, repeat after me: "With this ring, I seal my promise, to be your faithful and loving wife, as God is my witness."

Reverend D. Keith Leaman, Pastor of Life Tabernacle in Hastings, MN, and R.J.’s pastor for many years, will now make some remarks and introduce the unity candle ceremony.

Song: Michelle Huffman (during ceremony)

Prayer Covering: R.J. and Anissa have requested a prayer covering by the ministry and their family. The participating ministers and family members will now come forward. Reverend Robert Power, grandfather of the bride will lead in prayer.

Violin Solo: Jeff Wurch

Pronouncement

Anissa and R. J. , you have expressed your desire to be husband and wife before this company of witnesses. You have shown your love and affection by joining hands, have made promises of faith and devotion, each to the other, and have sealed these promises by the giving and receiving of rings. I, therefore, pronounce that you are husband and wife, according to the authority vested in me as a minister of the Gospel, and the law of the State of Ohio; In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. What God has joined together let not man separate.

R. J., you may now kiss your bride.

Ladies and gentlemen, I now present to you Mr. and Mrs. Rene Delgado, Jr.

Recessional.

Ladies and Gentlemen, please remain seated while a short slide presentation of Anissa and R. J. is shown to you.

After slideshow: Ladies and Gentlemen: Anissa and R. J. and their families are coming back into the sanctuary to form a receiving line across the front. The ushers will dismiss you row by row. The reception will take place in the First Apostolic Church Family Life Center at 3:30 PM for all guests who RSVP or who communicated with the bride’s family. The family also requests that young people and children fifteen years old and younger be seated with their parents. Thank you very much.

Anna Huffman and Stephen Kidwell Wedding

July 26, 1997

• Organ Prelude
• Seating of Parents/Grandparents
• Lighting of the Candles
• Processional

Service

God is the author of love. The Bible teaches that God is love and that love comes from God. From beginning to end, the Bible is a love story. There we read of God’s love for His people, of the love that sent Christ to the cross, of redeeming love for the sinner, of abiding love for the redeemed. We read also of the love of man and woman: of Jacob’s love for Rachel, of Mary pledged to Joseph, of Ruth and Boaz, and the marriage of Cana.

In the beginning, when the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground, and placed him in the Garden of Eden, Adam was lonely. With the same divine, creative act that brought Eve into existence, God ordained marriage. Jesus Christ reminds us about this act and said, “For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh.”

God loved us and created us to love others. Our lives find completion only as we love and are loved in return. Together, we can become what we could never be separately. Marriage is of God.

Tom, this poignant moment which finds you about to give Anna into the arms of her handsome groom, fills you with both joy and dread. When she first came into your life, she was so little, sweet and innocent---so responsive to your fatherly love and nurture. Wasn’t that just yesterday? Quietly, almost imperceptibly, these few, short years have transformed her into a beautiful bride. But your reluctance to see this day come is surpassed by the radiant happiness you see in her face, and the confidence that you have that she is making the right choice. The song you are now dedicating to Anna captures the deep sentiments of your heart.

Song: Tom Huffman

Who gives this woman to be married to this man?

Party Goes To Platform

Anna and Steve, you have invited us all here this evening to witness your vows of marriage. The support and approval you have from your families are very much in evidence. But you must both remember that you are bonding yourselves to each other in the presence of the Almighty God. Your willingness to do this comes from the fact that you first bonded yourselves to Him in salvation.

Both of you have partaken in Christ’s death through repentance, His burial through baptism in his name, and His resurrection through the Holy Spirit baptism. Your awareness of this fact, and your conscious attempt to make it a reality in your hearts will provide a strong, spiritual foundation beneath you as you begin married life. As the years pass, your personal relationship to God will take on greater significance than any other common ground you may possess. Take note that the world you enter is hazardous to faith, love and spiritual health. Your values, however, must not be built on the shifting sands of popular culture, but on the rock-solid unchanging truths of God’s word. This ceremony today is not an elaborate show devoid of meaning, but a solemn and beautiful testimony to your integrity.

And now, Anna and Steve, I must ask you each to declare your intentions before us all.

Stephen Myles Kidwell, will you have Anna Deelynn Huffman to be your wife; to live together in the holy covenant of marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her in sickness and in health, and, forsaking all others, be faithful to her so long as you both shall live? If so, answer, “I will.”

Anna Deelynn Huffman, will you have Stephen Myles Kidwell to be your husband; to live together in the holy covenant of marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful to him so long as you both shall live? If so, answer, “I will.”

Anna and Steve, please join your right hands and repeat after me:

I, Stephen Myles Kidwell, take you, Anna Deelynn Huffman, to be my 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 until we are separated by death; as God is my witness, I give you my promise.

I, Anna Deelynn Huffman, take you Stephen Myles Kidwell, to be my 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 until we are separated by death; as God is my witness, I give you my promise.

Steve, having made your vows of marriage, what symbol do you now give to Anna to show that you will faithfully fulfill these vows?

Anna, having made your vows of marriage, what symbol do you now give to Steve to show that you will faithfully fulfill these vows?

To each other: I give you this ring, as a symbol of my vow, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you; in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Unity Candle Ceremony. Anna and Steve, before you stands a unity candle. The two outside candles have been lighted to represent your lives to this moment. They are two distinct lights, each capable of going its separate way. To bring joy and radiance into your home, these two flames must merge into one.

From this time onward, may your thoughts be for each other rather than for your individual selves; may your plans be mutual, your joys and sorrows shared.

As you each take a candle and together light the center one, you will extinguish your own candles, thus having the center candle represent the union of your two lives into one flesh. As this center light cannot be divided, let not your lives be divided, but instead, be the united testimony of a Christian home, as Christ gives you light.

Song: Michelle Huffman

Prayer.

Anna and Steve, you have expressed your desire to be husband and wife before this company of witnesses. You have shown your love and affection by joining hands, have made promises of faith and devotion, each to the other, and have sealed these promises by the giving and receiving of rings. I, therefore, pronounce that you are husband and wife, according to the authority vested in me as a minister of the Gospel, and the law of the State of Ohio; In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. What God has joined together let not man separate.

Steve, you may now kiss your bride.

Ladies and gentlemen, I now present to you Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Kidwell.

Recessional.

Anna and Steve are now awaiting to receive your congratulations in the church vestibule. After the parents and grandparents are dismissed, please allow the ushers to dismiss you by row.

Also, it will be the pleasure of the brides’ parents to welcome you at the reception hall where they will be joined by the parents of the groom in greeting each of you.

The reception will be held at Mansion View Inn on Collingwood Avenue in the Old West End of Toledo. You will be served promptly at 8:00 PM. Thank you.

Michelle Pruss and Jason McAllister Wedding

August 4, 2000

• Organ Prelude
• Seating of Grandparents
• Candle lighting
• Parents Escorted In
• Mothers light side candles
• Processional

Service

Today, Michelle and Jason have come to be married. They met at Bible college, and found in each other the ideals, values and love that they had always wanted. They recognized what our modern culture seems to have forgotten, that marriage is still the best and final step in a true love story. God created it this way. The Bible teaches us that God is love and that love comes from God. God is the author of love. It was love that sent Christ to the cross, love that redeems sinners, and abiding love that God holds for the redeemed.

In the beginning, when the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground, and placed him in the Garden of Eden, Adam was lonely. With the same divine, creative act that brought Eve into existence, God ordained marriage. Jesus Christ reminds us about this act and said, “For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh.”

John, Michelle was one of the set of twin girls that you and Karen brought home from the hospital, not so long ago. Her wedding day was so far in the future that it didn't cross your mind that you would be standing here now, ready to give away the second of the twins. But, throughout these all too brief, whirlwind years, filled with lots of sunshine, and, from time to time, a little bit of rain, you can say that God has been good.

Who gives this woman to be married to this man?

Party Goes To Platform

Song

Jason and Michelle, you have invited us all here this afternoon to witness your vows of marriage. The support and approval you have from your families are very much in evidence. But you must both remember that you are bonding yourselves to each other in the presence of the Almighty God. Your awareness of this fact, and your conscious attempt to make it a reality in your hearts will provide a strong, spiritual foundation beneath you as you begin married life. As the years pass, this factor will take on greater significance than any other common ground you may possess.

Jason, you have been very fortunate to have been raised, not only in a Christian home, but in a pastor's home as well. At this time, your father, Reverend Daniel McAllister, pastor of the United Pentecostal Church of Barrie, Vermont is coming to speak to you and to all of us.

(Brother McAllister)

Michelle, up until you went to Bible College, you were around the First Apostolic Church since you were a toddler. We remember you for all your big smiles, your tender heart towards God, and your ability to see something humorous in everything. You were baptized in Jesus' name and filled with the Holy Ghost as a child. You attended ACA and were a part of the church youth group here, so you can look around to many dear friends and acquaintances that have become part of the fabric of your life. We are all proud of you, especially today, and the choice you have made. Not only are you entering married life, you are also taking up the mantle of the ministry. This fact adds a solemnity to this ceremony. But, just as God had kept you through the times of difficulty in the past, he will equip you for the challenges of the future.

Michelle and Jason, remember that God loves you and created you to love also. Your lives will find completion only as you keep loving and are loved in return. Together, you can become what you could never be separately. Marriage is of God, but to be enjoyed to its fullest, it must be built upon God.

And now, Jason and Michelle, I must ask you each to declare your intentions before us all.

Jason Daniel McAllister, will you have Michelle Renee Pruss to be your wife; to live together in the holy covenant of marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her in sickness and in health, and, forsaking all others, be faithful to her so long as you both shall live? If so, answer, “I will.”

Michelle Renee Pruss, will you have Jason Daniel McAllister, to be your husband; to live together in the holy covenant of marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful to him so long as you both shall live? If so, answer, “I will.”

Jason and Michelle, please join hands and repeat after me:

I, Jason Daniel McAllister, take you, Michelle Renee Pruss, to be my 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 until we are separated by death; as God is my witness, I give you my promise.

I, Michelle Renee Pruss, take you Jason Daniel McAllister, , to be my 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 until we are separated by death; as God is my witness, I give you my promise.

Jason, having made your vows of marriage, what symbol do you now give to Michelle to show that you will faithfully fulfill these vows?

Michelle, having made your vows of marriage, what symbol do you now give to Jason to show that you will faithfully fulfill these vows?

As together, you place the rings on each of your hands, repeat these words: I give you this ring, as a symbol of my vow, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you; in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Unity Candle Ceremony. Jason and Michelle before you stands a unity candle. Your mothers have lighted the two outside candles to represent your lives to this moment. They are two distinct lights, each one capable of going its separate way. To bring joy and radiance into your home, however, these two flames must merge into one.

From this time onward, may your thoughts be for each other rather than for your individual selves; may your plans be mutual, your joys and sorrows shared.

As you each take a candle and together light the center one, you will extinguish your own candles, thus having the center candle represent the union of your two lives into one flesh. As this center light cannot be divided, let not your lives be divided, but instead, be the united testimony of a Christian home, as Christ gives you light.

Song: Sister Trzcinski

Prayer.

Jason and Michelle, you have expressed your desire to be husband and wife before this company of witnesses. You have shown your love and affection by joining hands, have made promises of faith and devotion, each to the other, and have sealed these promises by the giving and receiving of rings. I, therefore, pronounce that you are husband and wife, according to the authority vested in me as a minister of the Gospel, and the law of the State of Ohio; In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. What God has joined together let not man separate.

Jason, you may now kiss your bride.

Ladies and gentlemen, I now present to you for the very first time, Mr. and Mrs. Jason McAllister, .

Recessional

The bridal party has asked me to announce that there will not be traditional receiving line because of the lateness of the hour. You may congratulate the bride and groom at the reception. After you are dismissed, you may go directly to the Family Life Center, down the hallway to my left and your right. Refreshments and Hors d'oeurves will be available immediately. After a brief time for photographs, the bridal party will join us in the reception hall and dinner will be served.

Melissa Purcell and Jeff Wurch

August 4, 2001

• Prelude
• Seating of Parents/Grandparents
• Lighting of Side Candles
• Instrumental (Vivaldi)
• Minister, groom and best man enter
• Processional

Service

(Audience may be seated.)

Love originates with God. God is love and love comes from God, according to the Holy Scriptures. From beginning to end, the Bible is a love story. There we read of God’s love for His people, of the love that sent Christ to the cross, of redeeming love for the sinner, of abiding love for the redeemed. We read also of the love of man and woman: of Jacob’s love for Rachel, of Mary pledged to Joseph, of Ruth and Boaz, and the marriage of Cana.

When God created man and placed him in the Garden of Eden, Adam was lonely. With the same divine, creative act that brought Eve into existence, God ordained marriage. Jesus Christ reminds us about this act and said, “For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh.”

God loved us and created us to love others. Our lives find completion only as we love and are loved in return. Together, we can become what we could never be separately. Marriage is of God.

Who gives this woman to be married to this man?

Father: Her mother and I.

Instrumental: Pachelbel

Party Goes To Platform

Melissa and Jeff, this company has gathered here this afternoon to witness your vows of marriage. Your family and friends approve and support your life-long choice, as shown by their presence. But, most importantly, remember that today, you bond yourselves to each other in the presence of the Almighty God. Your willingness to do this comes from the fact that you first bonded yourselves to Him in salvation.

Melissa, it has been a joy to watch you grow from a little girl (with long red curls and freckles) when you first came to the First Apostolic Church to the radiant bride you are today. You were involved in nearly everything in the church, from drama and choir to the Christian School and youth evangelism. Throughout the typical struggles of the teen years, you maintained your walk with God. God gave you a wonderful mother who determined to instill a love for God in you. That desire was reinforced when Rick came into your life and your home was completed with two parents who were fervent in spiritual things. I was so pleased when you decided to go to Bible College because I knew you could do a work for God. God must have known it too, because he has given you a companion who also has a call to ministry.

Jeff, you represent three generations of this marvelous Apostolic message. We haven’t had the opportunity to know you well here in Toledo, but I am confident that Melissa has made a great choice in you. Your demeanor and life-decisions also reflect the solid foundation of a Christian home provided by

a mother and father whose love for you was rooted in their love for God. The same God who has kept you in the faith from a child will continue to lead you in your new and improved role of Melissa’s husband. We welcome you as a member of our extended church family.

I want to remind you both that your success in marriage will find its greatest insurance in the commitment to God that you share. You may have been born as citizens of the United States and Canada, but you have been born again as citizens of heaven. When you repented of your sins, were baptized in the matchless name of Jesus Christ and were filled with God’s glorious Spirit, you enjoyed a new birth. You must cherish this common experience and keep it alive and vibrant in your individual lives. The Apostle Peter called his generation “wicked and perverse”. Your generation has mired down in ungodly and immoral sins even more. Forces antagonistic to your faith and commitment to God and each other will assail you. When these moments come, retreat into the presence of God and his word. In him, you will always find the strength to survive and prosper.

Declaration of Intent: Jeffrey Douglas Wurch, will you have Melissa Marie Purcell to be your wife; to live together in the holy covenant of marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her in sickness and in health, and, forsaking all others, be faithful to her so long as you both shall live? If so, answer, “I will.”

Melissa Marie Purcell, will you have Jeffrey Douglas Wurch to be your husband; to live together in the holy covenant of marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful to him so long as you both shall live? If so, answer, “I will.”

Vows: Repeat after me.

I, Jeffrey Douglas Wurch, take you, Melissa Marie Purcell, to be my 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 until we are separated by death; as God is my witness, I give you my promise.

I, Melissa Marie Purcell, take you Jeffrey Douglas Wurch, to be my 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 until we are separated by death; as God is my witness, I give you my promise.

And now, Jeff, having made your vows of marriage to Melissa, what symbols do you now give to her that you will faithfully fulfill these vows?

Jeff: This ring.

Melissa, having made your vows of marriage to Jeff, what symbols do you now give to him that you will faithfully fulfill these vows?

Melissa: This ring.

Please repeat after me: I give you this ring, as a symbol of my vow, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you; in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Unity Candle Ceremony. Jeff and Melissa, before you stands a unity candle. Your mothers have lighted the two outside candles to represent your lives to this moment. They are two distinct lights, each one capable of going its separate way. To bring joy and radiance into your home, however, these two flames must merge into one.

From this time onward, may your thoughts be for each other rather than for your individual selves; may your plans be mutual, your joys and sorrows shared.

As you each take a candle and together light the center one, you will extinguish your own candles, thus having the center candle represent the union of your two lives into one flesh. As this center light cannot be divided, let not your lives be divided, but instead, be the united testimony of a Christian home, as Christ gives you light.

Instrumental: (Bach)

Prayer: At this time, Reverend Leonard Wurch, of Winnipeg, Manitoba, grandfather of the groom, and long-time minister of the gospel in the United Pentecostal Church, International will pray for the bride and groom.

Pronouncement:

Melissa and Jeff, you have expressed your desire to be husband and wife. You have shown your love and affection by joining hands, have made promises of faith and devotion, each to the other, and have sealed these promises by the giving and receiving of rings. I, therefore, pronounce that you are husband and wife, according to the authority vested in me as a minister of the Gospel, and the law of the State of Ohio; In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. What God has joined together let not man separate.

Jeff, you may now kiss your bride.

Ladies and gentlemen, For the very first time, I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Wurch.

Recessional

Announcement: In a moment, the ushers are coming back to dismiss you by rows. When you leave the chapel, you may go directly across to the reception hall where hors d’oeuvres will be served in a few moments. Reserved place settings are designated for each person by name. After you have your seat, feel free to walk about to visit or take pictures. The dinner will begin around 3:45. Thank you very much.

Tawnya Russell and Billy Dorris Wedding

July 15, 2000

• Organ Prelude
• Mothers light side candles
• Seating of Parents/Grandparents
• Processional

Service

Today, Tawnya and Billy have come to be married. Some time ago, they fell in love with each other, and, despite the trends and ideas of our present culture, they knew that marriage is still the best and final step in a true love story. God created it this way. The Bible teaches us that God is love and that love comes from God. God is the author of love. It was love that sent Christ to the cross, love that redeems sinners, and abiding love that God holds for the redeemed.

In the beginning, when the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground, and placed him in the Garden of Eden, Adam was lonely. With the same divine, creative act that brought Eve into existence, God ordained marriage. Jesus Christ reminds us about this act and said, “For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh.”

Dan, Tawnya was the little girl that you and Linda never thought you would have. When you brought her home from the hospital, this day was so far in the future that it didn't cross your mind that you would be standing here now. But, throughout these all too brief, whirlwind years, filled with lots of sunshine, and, from time to time, a little bit of rain, you can say that God has been good.

Who gives this woman to be married to this man?

Party Goes To Platform

Billy and Tawnya, you have invited us all here this afternoon to witness your vows of marriage. The support and approval you have from your families are very much in evidence. But you must both remember that you are bonding yourselves to each other in the presence of the Almighty God. Your awareness of this fact, and your conscious attempt to make it a reality in your hearts will provide a strong, spiritual foundation beneath you as you begin married life. As the years pass, this factor will take on greater significance than any other common ground you may possess.

Tawnya and Billy, remember that God loves you and created you to love also. Your lives will find completion only as you keep loving and are loved in return. Together, you can become what you could never be separately. Marriage is of God, but to be enjoyed to its fullest, it must be built upon God.

It is important that you understand that the world in which you begin your life together will continually try to destroy your faith, love and spiritual health. Your values, however, must not be built on the shifting sands of popular culture, but on the rock-solid unchanging truths of God’s word. This ceremony today is not an elaborate show devoid of meaning, but a solemn testimony to your determination to live in harmony with those unchanging truths.

And now, Billy and Tawnya, I must ask you each to declare your intentions before us all.

William Michael Dorris, will you have Tawnya Louise Russell to be your wife; to live together in the holy covenant of marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her in sickness and in health, and, forsaking all others, be faithful to her so long as you both shall live? If so, answer, “I will.”

Tawnya Louise Russell, will you have William Michael Dorris, to be your husband; to live together in the holy covenant of marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful to him so long as you both shall live? If so, answer, “I will.”

Billy and Tawnya, please join hands and repeat after me:

I, William Michael Dorris, take you, Tawnya Louise Russell, to be my 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 until we are separated by death; as God is my witness, I give you my promise.

I, Tawnya Louise Russell, take you William Michael Dorris, , to be my 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 until we are separated by death; as God is my witness, I give you my promise.

Billy, having made your vows of marriage, what symbol do you now give to Tawnya to show that you will faithfully fulfill these vows?

Tawnya, having made your vows of marriage, what symbol do you now give to Billy to show that you will faithfully fulfill these vows?

As together, you place the rings on each of your hands, repeat these words: I give you this ring, as a symbol of my vow, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you; in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Unity Candle Ceremony. Billy and Tawnya before you stands a unity candle. The two outside candles have been lighted to represent your lives to this moment. They are two distinct lights, each capable of going its separate way. To bring joy and radiance into your home, these two flames must merge into one.

From this time onward, may your thoughts be for each other rather than for your individual selves; may your plans be mutual, your joys and sorrows shared.

As you each take a candle and together light the center one, you will extinguish your own candles, thus having the center candle represent the union of your two lives into one flesh. As this center light cannot be divided, let not your lives be divided, but instead, be the united testimony of a Christian home, as Christ gives you light.

Song (CD)

Prayer.

Billy and Tawnya, you have expressed your desire to be husband and wife before this company of witnesses. You have shown your love and affection by joining hands, have made promises of faith and devotion, each to the other, and have sealed these promises by the giving and receiving of rings. I, therefore, pronounce that you are husband and wife, according to the authority vested in me as a minister of the Gospel, and the law of the State of Ohio; In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. What God has joined together let not man separate.

Billy, you may now kiss your bride.

Ladies and gentlemen, I now present to you for the very first time, Mr. and Mrs. Billy Dorris, .

Recessional

The wedding party and parents have formed a receiving line in the church vestibule. You may be dismissed to greet them by following the lighted aisle out of the sanctuary.

The parents of the bride invite everyone to the reception to be held in the Family Life Center which is down the hallway to my left and your right. The dinner will be served at seven o'clock. Hors d'oeurves at 6:30 pm. Thank you very much.

Marie Ribecca Schnee and Shane Lael Dhaemers Wedding

July 31, 1999

• CD Prelude
• Seating of Grandparents
• Lighting of Candles by Amy Suter and Melissa Moore
• Escorting of Parents
• Mothers Light Unity Candles
• Song: Parent's Prayer
• Processional

Service

Love is God’s creation. The Bible teaches that love proceeds from God and that God is love. Love’s sweet story wends its way throughout the pages of the Bible. In it we read of God’s love for the church, of the love that led Christ to the cross, of the love that transforms sinners, of the love that sustains believers. We read also of the love of man and woman: of Jacob’s love for Rachel, of Mary pledged to Joseph, of Ruth and Boaz, and the marriage of Cana.

In the beginning, when the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground, and placed him in the Garden of Eden, Adam was lonely. With the same divine, creative act that brought Eve into existence, God ordained marriage. Jesus Christ reminds us about this act and said, “For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh.”

God loved us and created us to love others. Our lives find completion only as we love and are loved in return. Together, we can become what we could never be separately. Marriage is of God.

Doug, this poignant moment which finds you about to give Marie into the arms of her handsome groom, fills you with both joy and dread. When she first came into your life, she was so little, sweet and innocent---so responsive to your fatherly love and nurture. Wasn’t that just yesterday? Quietly, almost imperceptibly, these few, short years have transformed her into a beautiful bride. But your reluctance to see this day come is surpassed by the radiant happiness you see in her face, and the confidence that you have that she is making the right choice.

Who gives this woman to be married to this man?

Party Goes To Platform

Marie and Shane, you have invited us all here this afternoon to witness your vows of marriage. The support and approval you have from family and friends are very much in evidence. But you must both remember that you are bonding yourselves to each other in the presence of the Almighty God. Your willingness to do this comes from the fact that you first bonded yourselves to Him in salvation.

Marie, you have been a part of this church family since you were a baby. You have come up through our Sunday School, ACA, our youth group and many other ministries and activities. We have watched as you survived all the challenges of youth and we thank God for the example that you are now to others who will follow.

Shane, you too have grown up with a strong, Apostolic heritage, although it was in a different congregation. Your parents and famiy are proud of you today because you have responded to the best influence and instruction. We are grateful that God has brought you and Marie together.

Shane and Marie, both of you have partaken in Christ’s death through repentance, His burial through baptism in his name, and His resurrection through the Holy Spirit baptism. Your awareness of this fact, and your conscious attempt to make it a reality in your hearts will provide a strong, spiritual foundation beneath you as you begin married life. As the years pass, your personal relationship to God will take on greater significance than any other common ground you may possess. Take note that the world you enter is hazardous to faith, love and spiritual health. Your values, however, must not be built on the shifting sands of popular culture, but on the rock-solid unchanging truths of God’s word. This ceremony today is not an elaborate show devoid of meaning, but a solemn and beautiful testimony to your integrity.

And now, the time has come to declare your intentions before us all.

Shane Lael Dhaemers, will you have Marie Ribecca Schnee to be your wife; to live together in the holy covenant of marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her in sickness and in health, and, forsaking all others, be faithful to her so long as you both shall live? If so, answer, “I will.”

Marie Ribecca Schnee, will you have Shane Lael Dhaemers to be your husband; to live together in the holy covenant of marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful to him so long as you both shall live? If so, answer, “I will.”

Marie and Shane, please join your right hands and repeat after me:

I, Shane Lael Dhaemers, take you, Marie Ribecca Schnee, to be my 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 until we are separated by death; as God is my witness, I give you my promise.

I, Marie Ribecca Schnee, take you Shane Lael Dhaemers, to be my 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 until we are separated by death; as God is my witness, I give you my promise.

Shane, having made your vows of marriage, what symbol do you now give to Marie to show that you will faithfully fulfill these vows?

Marie, having made your vows of marriage, what symbol do you now give to Shane to show that you will faithfully fulfill these vows?

To each other: I give you this ring, as a symbol of my vow, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you; in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Unity Candle Ceremony. Marie and Shane, before you stands a unity candle. The two outside candles have been lighted to represent your lives to this moment. They are two distinct lights, each capable of going its separate way. To bring joy and radiance into your home, these two flames must merge into one.

From this time onward, may your thoughts be for each other rather than for your individual selves; may your plans be mutual, your joys and sorrows shared.

As you each take a candle and together light the center one, you will extinguish your own candles, thus having the center candle represent the union of your two lives into one flesh. As this center light cannot be divided, let not your lives be divided, but instead, be the united testimony of a Christian home, as Christ gives you light.

Song: Answered Prayer.

Mr. Robert Dhaemers, the father of the groom will come at this time and offer a marriage prayer.

Marie and Shane, you have expressed your desire to be husband and wife before this company of witnesses. You have shown your love and affection by joining hands, have made promises of faith and devotion, each to the other, and have sealed these promises by the giving and receiving of rings. I, therefore, pronounce that you are husband and wife, according to the authority vested in me as a minister of the Gospel, and the law of the State of Ohio; In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. What God has joined together let not man separate.

Shane, you may now kiss your bride.

Ladies and gentlemen, I now present to you Mr. and Mrs. Shane Dhaemers

Recessional.

Marie and Shane are now proceeding directly outside and will receive your congratulations at the wedding reception rather than in the church vestibule. When the bridal couple leaves the church, a bubble shower will be given. We ask that the children participate in this tradition only with close adult supervision. All of you are then welcome to attend the reception which will be held in the church fellowship hall which is located down the hallway to my left. Thank you very much.

Kristen Suter-Michael Cavin Wedding

First Apostolic Church

December 30, 2006

• Seating of Grandparents
• Lighting of candles
• Seating of Parents
• Mothers light side candles
• Processional

Giving of the Bride

Ladies and gentlemen, we are here today, in the midst of a holiday season, to share a very special moment with an outstanding couple, Kristen and Michael. Your presence speaks volumes for the love and high esteem you have for them and their families. Of all the ceremonies and life passages common to our culture…with their attendant joys and sorrows, good times and sad times, the wedding day for two truly wonderful people still occupies the pinnacle of happiness. This is a good day.

And now, Ronald Suter, for the last time, who gives this woman to be married to this man?

Bride’s father: Her mother and I.

Party goes to platform.

“How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.” If you’re a romantic, the mention of this adored Shakespearean sonnet title still makes your heart flutter. Yet, the greatest answer to the famed poet's question emerges only when we consider the unconstrained love of Jesus for people he encountered in his life. Jesus did not allow his passion merely to float in the abstract. He defined his love with names, faces and events. He practiced his sermon on the mount in the valley of service. He counter-balanced his soaring rhetoric with selfless dedication to real people. Kristen and Michael, I remind you both today of some of the ways Jesus loved:

Jesus loved by choosing. Jesus did not passively accept the decision of his followers. He actively and aggressively committed himself to his disciples when he chose them and commanded them to follow him. When you chose each other, you said "I want you!"

Jesus loved by giving. You may give without loving, but you may not love without giving. "For God so loved the world that he gave…" While Jesus is synonymous with giving, it is remarkable that he never gave money. He gave things more important than money: time, effort, energy, love and life. Whoever or whatever receives your gifts, owns your love. Marriage survives on mutual giving.

He loved by companionship. Jesus cultivated close relationship with his disciples. By his own initiative, he established this closeness, even when it taxed his patience and imposed upon his privacy. He spent three and a half years in the constant company of his disciples. Love alone provides the basis for willful close companionship.

Finally, He loved by sacrificing. Sacrifice is the act of offering up something of great value for the sake of another's well-being. Great love brings about great sacrifice.

And so, when both of you, Kristen and Michael, began loving each other, you entered into a divine relationship based on love. We read in Ephesians 5:31-32, "For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and his Church." Marriage was created by God, sanctioned by God and blessed by God.

Kristen, all of us who have watched you grow from an infant to the beautiful lady you have become are amazed…because you did it so quietly and unassumingly. Without fanfare, you have acquired your education, established yourself as a self-reliant individual, and---most importantly---you have developed a spiritual life based on a real relationship with Jesus Christ. You have lived out your faith throughout your childhood and teenage years, striving to please God in every area of your life, all without sacrificing the uniqueness of your personality. You are living proof to the world that genuine Christianity exists and thrives in the turmoil of the twenty-first century. Your radiance today is partly because you are getting married to Michael, but even beyond that, you are fulfilling the will and Word of God with your life.

Remarks: Reverend Jerry Harper

Declaration of Intent and Vows

And now, Michael and Kristen, I must ask you each to declare your intentions before us all.

Michael Antonio Cavin, will you have Kristen Nicole Suter to be your wife; to live together in the holy covenant of marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her in sickness and in health, and, forsaking all others, be faithful to her so long as you both shall live? If so, answer, “I will.”

Kristen Nicole Suter, will you have Michael Antonio Cavin to be your husband; to live together in the holy covenant of marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful to him so long as you both shall live? If so, answer, “I will.”

Kristen and Michael, the time has now come to exchange your vows of marriage. As you do, remember that you are bonding yourselves to each other in the presence of the Almighty God. Your willingness to do this comes from the fact that you first bonded yourselves to Him in salvation. The vows you are about to take descend from a sacred and revered Biblical tradition. Your private expressions of love to each other will now be made before witnesses, and in the presence of Almighty God. Once made, these vows become strong and binding commitments. Will you now please join hands and repeat after me:

I, Michael Antonio Cavin, take you, Kristen Nicole Suter, to be my 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 until we are separated by death; as God is my witness, I give you my promise.

I, Kristen Nicole Suter, take you Michael Antonio Cavin, to be my 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 until we are separated by death; as God is my witness, I give you my promise.

Ring Ceremony

Song: Kimberly Thrush

Michael, having made your vows of marriage, what symbol do you now give to Kristen to show that you will faithfully fulfill these vows? (This ring.)

As you place the ring on her finger, repeat after me: "With this ring, I seal my promise, to be your faithful and loving husband, as God is my witness."

Kristen, having made your vows of marriage, what symbol do you now give to Michael to show that you will faithfully fulfill these vows? (This ring.)

As you place the ring on his finger, repeat after me: "With this ring, I seal my promise, to be your faithful and loving wife, as God is my witness."

Dedication Prayer: Clarence Condon

Unity Candle Ceremony: Reverend Jerry Harper

Song: Kimberly Thrush

Pronouncement of Marriage

Kristen and Michael, you have expressed your desire to be husband and wife before this company of witnesses. You have shown your love and affection by joining hands, have made promises of faith and devotion, each to the other, and have sealed these promises by the giving and receiving of rings. I, therefore, pronounce that you are husband and wife, according to the authority vested in me as a minister of the Gospel, and the law of the State of Ohio; In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. What God has joined together let not man separate.

Michael, you may now kiss your bride.

Ladies and gentlemen, I now present to you for the very first time, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Cavin.

Recessional

Announcement:

Please remain seated as you view a video presentation of Kristen and Michael. At the end of the video, the wedding party will come to the front of the sanctuary where they will form a receiving line with their parents. After you greet the bride and groom, you may be dismissed to the Family Life Center for refreshments. Thank you very much.

Kimberly Suter and Aaron Thrush Wedding

August 18, 2001

• Organ Prelude
• Candle lighting
• Seating of Grandparents
• Seating of Parents
• Mothers light side candles
• Processional
• Song: “In the Looking Glass” Lori Line

Service

Today, Kimberly and Aaron have come to be married. They grew up knowing each other as long as they’ve known anything, and found no attraction to each other during those early years. At the mid-point of their teenage years, however, they started to recognize in each other the ideals, values and love that they had always wanted. That sweet, mystical thing we call romance began to bud, and it deepened into love and commitment. God, the author of love, created it this way. Love forms the central and essential theme of everything we believe, as Christians. The birth, life, ministry, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ---indeed, our entire plan of redemption was unfolded to us through love.

The creation of man, magnificent though it was, did not reach completion until the Lord God formed Eve to be the bride of Adam. Jesus Christ reminds us about this act and said, “For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh.”

Ron, this is the second time you’ve had to do this in a little over a year. Kimberly was the firstborn, and I’m sure this is a moment that part of you hoped would never arrive. Another part of you, though, knew it would happen and the happiness you share with Kimberly and your entire family is priceless. Your blessings will not diminish by your consent today, but rather they will grow immeasurably. This, too, is God’s plan.

Who gives this woman to be married to this man?

Party Goes To Platform

Aaron and Kimberly, we have come this afternoon to witness your vows of marriage. The number of people here radiates full support and approval. Remember though, not only are you bonding yourselves to each other in the company of

these witnesses, but in the presence of the Almighty

God. His omnipresent Spirit fills this house. Your awareness of this fact, and your unceasing endeavor to make it a reality in your hearts will provide a strong, spiritual foundation beneath you as you begin married life. As the years pass, this factor will take on greater significance than any other common ground you may possess.

Kimberly, this entire church has watched you grow up as a dedicated and faithful young person. You made a commitment to God long ago, and you have not wavered from it. You have participated, with excellence, in nearly every phase of activities and ministries of the church, and have been a positive influence in the lives of many other young people. Your life testifies to the sustaining power of God. Your parents and grandparents have provided a strong spiritual foundation for you to become the beautiful young woman you are today. I do not refer only to the outward beauty, but to the beautiful spirit that emanates from deep within you.

Aaron, this church has also had the privilege of observing you grow from an infant dedicated at the altar, through the Sunday School classes and youth activities, to the place in which you stand today. As in Kimberly, your constancy and quiet faithfulness has never failed. Your Christian walk has survived its challenges, but God has kept you close to him. Your parents and grandparents have invested so much within you, and have made sure that your life would be in the church.

Kimberly and Aaron, while both of your backgrounds represent the strength and value of good families, your own personal experience with God provides the mainstay of your blessed lives. When you repented of your sins, were baptized in the name of Jesus, and received the gift of the Holy Ghost, you started a relationship with God that makes everything else work. I urge you to keep that salvation experience alive and well in your lives. If your relationship with God is right, your relationship with each other will be right as well. Marriage is of God, but to be enjoyed to its fullest, it must be built upon God.

And now, Aaron and Kimberly, I must ask you each to declare your intentions before us all.

Aaron Christopher Thrush, will you have Kimberly Renee Suter to be your wife; to live together in the holy covenant of marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her in sickness and in health, and, forsaking all others, be faithful to her so long as you both shall live? If so, answer, “I will.”

Kimberly Renee Suter, will you have Aaron Christopher Thrush, to be your husband; to live together in the holy covenant of marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful to him so long as you both shall live? If so, answer, “I will.”

Aaron and Kimberly, please join hands and repeat after me:

I, Aaron Christopher Thrush, take you, Kimberly Renee Suter, to be my 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 until we are separated by death; as God is my witness, I give you my promise.

I, Kimberly Renee Suter, take you Aaron Christopher Thrush, , to be my 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 until we are separated by death; as God is my witness, I give you my promise.

Aaron, having made your vows of marriage, what symbol do you now give to Kimberly to show that you will faithfully fulfill these vows?

Kimberly, having made your vows of marriage, what symbol do you now give to Aaron to show that you will faithfully fulfill these vows?

As together, you place the rings on each of your hands, repeat these words: I give you this ring, as a symbol of my vow, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you; in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Song: “Answered Prayer”, John Snyder, Becky Koltz

Prayer: The brides grandfather Clarence Condon, an Elder in the First Apostolic Church, is now coming to offer the marriage prayer for Kimberly and Aaron.

Unity Candle Ceremony. Aaron and Kimberly before you stands a unity candle. Your mothers have lighted the two outside candles to represent your lives to this moment. They are two distinct lights, each one capable of going its separate way. To bring joy and radiance into your home, however, these two flames must merge into one.

From this time onward, may your thoughts be for each other rather than for your individual selves; may your plans be mutual, your joys and sorrows shared.

As you each take a candle and together light the center one, you will extinguish your own candles, thus having the center candle represent the union of your two lives into one flesh. As this center light cannot be divided, let not your lives be divided, but instead, be the united testimony of a Christian home, as Christ gives you light.

Song: “I Will Be Here” John Snyder

Aaron and Kimberly, you have expressed your desire to be husband and wife before this company of witnesses. You have shown your love and affection by joining hands, have made promises of faith and devotion, each to the other, and have sealed these promises by the giving and receiving of rings. I, therefore, pronounce that you are husband and wife, according to the authority vested in me as a minister of the Gospel, and the law of the State of Ohio; In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. What God has joined together let not man separate.

Aaron, you may now kiss your bride.

Ladies and gentlemen, I now present to you for the very first time, Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Thrush.

Recessional

Video

Announcement: The bride and groom are now coming back into the sanctuary to greet you as you are dismissed row by row. After you are dismissed, please go to the main entrance of the church and send the wedding party off. Afterwards, you may go directly to the Family Life Center, down the hallway to my left and your right. Hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be available. The dinner will be served at approximately 4:30 PM. The bride’s family would appreciate it if the younger people would go to the mezzanine level and allow the older guests to find seating on the main floor. Thank you very much.

Brenda Shell and John Tillman Wedding

March 25, 1995

• Organ Prelude
• Lighting of the Candles
• Seating of Parents/Grandparents
• Processional

Service

God is the author of love. The Bible teaches that God is love and that love comes from God. From beginning to end, the Bible is a love story. There we read of God’s love for His people, of the love that sent Christ to the cross, of redeeming love for the sinner, of abiding love for the redeemed. We read also of the love of man and woman: of Jacob’s love for Rachel, of Mary pledged to Joseph, of Ruth and Boaz, and the marriage of Cana.

In the beginning, when the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground, and placed him in the Garden of Eden, Adam was lonely. With the same divine, creative act that brought Eve into existence, God ordained marriage. Jesus Christ reminds us about this act and said, “For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh.”

God loved us and created us to love others. Our lives find completion only as we love and are loved in return. Together, we can become what we could never be separately. Marriage is of God.

Who gives this woman to be married to this man?

Party Goes To Platform

Song by Linda Stakley

John and Brenda, you have invited us all here this evening to witness your vows of marriage. The support and approval you have from your families are very much in evidence. But you must both remember that you are bonding yourselves to each other in the presence of the Almighty God. Your awareness of this fact, and your conscious attempt to make it a reality in your hearts will provide a strong, spiritual foundation beneath you as you begin married life. As the years pass, this factor will take on greater significance than any other common ground you may possess. Take note that the world you enter is hazardous to faith, love and spiritual health. Your values, however, must not be built on the shifting sands of popular culture, but on the rock-solid unchanging truths of God’s word. This ceremony today is not an elaborate show devoid of meaning, but a solemn and beautiful testimony to your integrity.

At this time, Rodney Shell, a brother of the bride, will read a selected passage from the Bible, I Corinthians 13.

And now, John and Brenda, I must ask you each to declare your intentions before us all.

John Frederick Tillman, Jr., will you have Brenda Jean Shell to be your wife; to live together in the holy covenant of marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her in sickness and in health, and, forsaking all others, be faithful to her so long as you both shall live? If so, answer, “I will.”

Brenda Jean Shell, will you have John Frederick Tillman, Jr. to be your husband; to live together in the holy covenant of marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful to him so long as you both shall live? If so, answer, “I will.”

John and Brenda, please join your right hands and repeat after me:

I, John Frederick Tillman, Jr., take you, Brenda Jean Shell, to be my 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 until we are separated by death; as God is my witness, I give you my promise.

I, Brenda Jean Shell, take you John Frederick Tillman, Jr., to be my 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 until we are separated by death; as God is my witness, I give you my promise.

John, having made your vows of marriage, what symbol do you now give to Brenda to show that you will faithfully fulfill these vows?

Brenda, having made your vows of marriage, what symbol do you now give to John to show that you will faithfully fulfill these vows?

To each other: I give you this ring, as a symbol of my vow, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you; in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Unity Candle Ceremony. John and Brenda before you stands a unity candle. The two outside candles have been lighted to represent your lives to this moment. They are two distinct lights, each capable of going its separate way. To bring joy and radiance into your home, these two flames must merge into one.

From this time onward, may your thoughts be for each other rather than for your individual selves; may your plans be mutual, your joys and sorrows shared.

As you each take a candle and together light the center one, you will extinguish your own candles, thus having the center candle represent the union of your two lives into one flesh. As this center light cannot be divided, let not your lives be divided, but instead, be the united testimony of a Christian home, as Christ gives you light.

Song by Ken Stokes.

Prayer.

John and Brenda, you have expressed your desire to be husband and wife before this company of witnesses. You have shown your love and affection by joining hands, have made promises of faith and devotion, each to the other, and have sealed these promises by the giving and receiving of rings. I, therefore, pronounce that you are husband and wife, according to the authority vested in me as a minister of the Gospel, and the law of the State of Ohio; In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. What God has joined together let not man separate.

John, you may now kiss your bride.

Ladies and gentlemen, I now present to you Mr. and Mrs. John Frederick Tillman, Jr..

Recessional

Kristina McCrory and Tony Ward Wedding

August 28, 2004

• Music Prelude
• Seating of Guests
• Candle lighting
• Seating of Grandparents
• Seating of Grandparents and Parents
• Mothers light side candles
• Processional

Tony and Kristina, the date on the calendar, August 28, 2004, has seemed to approach with interminable slowness. But, finally, you woke up this morning to the best day of your lives! Today, you become complete; your search for love is fulfilled at this altar. And, remember, this joy you feel today assures you of your oneness with the plan of God.

The creation of man was magnificent, but it did not reach completion until the Lord God formed Eve to be the bride of Adam. Jesus Christ reminds us about this when he said, “For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh.”

Who gives this woman to be married to this man?

Party Goes To Platform

Tony and Kristina, your wedding day is a resplendent display of beauty, sentiment and song. Warm laughter ripples through the audience, we wipe joyful tears from our eyes, and we nod our approval at all the thoughtful details carefully woven into the ceremony. This is what a wedding is supposed to be. Would that all marriages were like weddings! I remind you that the loveliness of this moment has a much deeper current that runs beneath it. It is the flow of commitment, unflagging devotion to the spiritual welfare of each other and an ever-increasing faith in the God who brought you together in the first place. The definition of marriage is far different that that of a wedding.

On a personal note to both of you, Kristina, this church has embraced you with love and admiration in the short time you have been here. Your sincerity, your genuineness and your love for truth have made deep impressions on us all. As for Tony, we have had the pleasure…of watching you grow up from the first Sunday your parents brought you to church. You also have made a great impact upon the First Apostolic Church…you contributed greatly to the prayer life of the ushers, deacons and Sunday School teachers, and you inspired the leadership to rise to new levels of creativity as we ministered to you. We love you, and we have always known that behind the little camouflage of mischievousness lay a heart of pure gold.

You came from different places, along different paths, not knowing each other, yet always knowing that each other existed out there somewhere…and today you stand at the altar to declare your love to the entire world. A poet said,

Love Is ...

Love is the greatest feeling,
Love is like a play,
Love is what I feel for you,
Each and every day,
Love is like a smile,
Love is like a song,
Love is a great emotion,
That keeps us going strong,
I love you with my heart,
My body and my soul,
I love the way I keep loving,
Like a love I can't control,
So remember when your eyes meet mine,
I love you with all my heart,
And I have poured my entire soul into you,
Right from the very start.

But love is more than a feeling. It is the strength and value of good families, and it anchors itself to your own personal experience with God. This provides the mainstay of blessed lives. Tony and Kristina, when you repented of your sins, were baptized in the name of Jesus, and received the gift of the Holy Ghost; you started a relationship with God that makes everything else work. I urge you to keep that salvation experience alive and well in your lives. If your relationship with God is right, your relationship with each other will be right as well. Marriage is of God, but to be enjoyed to its fullest, it must be built upon God.

And now I must ask you each to declare your intentions before us all.

Anthony Martin Ward, will you have Kristina Marie McCrory to be your wife; to live together in the holy covenant of marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her in sickness and in health, and, forsaking all others, be faithful to her so long as you both shall live? If so, answer, “I will.”

Kristina Marie McCrory, will you have Anthony Martin Ward, to be your husband; to live together in the holy covenant of marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful to him so long as you both shall live? If so, answer, “I will.”

Tony and Kristina please join hands and repeat after me:

I, Anthony Martin Ward, take you, Kristina Marie McCrory, to be my 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 until we are separated by death; as God is my witness, I give you my promise.

I, Kristina Marie McCrory, take you Anthony Martin Ward, to be my 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 until we are separated by death; as God is my witness, I give you my promise.

Tony, having made your vows of marriage, what symbol do you now give to Kristina to show that you will faithfully fulfill these vows?

Kristina, having made your vows of marriage, what symbol do you now give to Tony to show that you will faithfully fulfill these vows?

As together, you place the rings on each of your hands, repeat these words: I give you this ring, as a symbol of my vow, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you; in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Reverend Christopher Thompson, Youth Pastor at Sonlight Sanctuary in Cuyahoga Falls, and brother-in-law of the groom, will offer the marriage prayer.

Unity Candle Ceremony.

"On this your Wedding Day, I charge you, Tony and Kristina, to make this loving commitment, to follow the greatest Commandment of all: 'Love one another, as I have loved you.' This do in the hope that your union shall become a symbol of God's promise to merge two devoted lives into one. The two distinct flames represent your lives to this moment; individual and unique. To bring bliss and happiness to your home there must be the merging of these two into one.

Together you will light the center candle. This is what God meant when He said: 'On this account a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife and the two shall become one.' From now on your thoughts shall be for each other rather than for your individual selves. Your plans shall be mutual, your joys and sorrows shall be shared alike.

The flame -- a constant reminder of the Spirit of the Lord who blesses you each day, for it is He who will enrich your marriage in every possible way. Thus you will extinguish the two outside flames, forever united in the radiant oneness of God's love. Renew their vows each day as the memory of this joyous occasion reminds us:

The Way is Long -- Let Us Go Together
The Way is Difficult -- Let Us Help Each Other
The Way is Joyful -- Let Us Share It Ever
The Way Is Ours Alone -- Let Us Go In Love
The Way Grows Before Us -- Let Us Begin"

Song: “Be the Lord of This House” by Jim, Cathy and Bryan Ward

Video

Giving of Flowers to Parents

Tony sings to Kristina “You Raise Me Up”

Tony and Kristina, you have expressed your desire to be husband and wife before this company of witnesses. You have shown your love and affection by joining hands, have made promises of faith and devotion, each to the other, and have sealed these promises by the giving and receiving of rings. I, therefore, pronounce that you are husband and wife, according to the authority vested in me as a minister of the Gospel, and the law of the State of Ohio; In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. What God has joined together let not man separate.

Tony, you may now kiss your bride.

Ladies and gentlemen, I now present to you for the very first time, Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Martin Ward.

Recessional

Announcement: In a moment, the bride and groom, along with their parents, will form a receiving line in the front of the sanctuary. The ushers will dismiss you by row to come by and offer you congratulations and well-wishes. The reception will follow and is by invitation only. Thank you very much for your attendance today. You have honored this couple greatly by coming.

Jennifer Ward and Chris Thompson

June 16, 2001

• Music begins (Moma)
• Seating of Parents/Grandparents
• Song (Parents’ Prayer)
• Lighting of the Candles
• Song (My Friend)
• Ministers, groom and best man enter
• Processional
• Song (Butterfly Kisses)

Service

(Audience may be seated.)

Love originates with God. God is love and love comes from God, according to the Holy Scriptures. From beginning to end, the Bible is a love story. There we read of God’s love for His people, of the love that sent Christ to the cross, of redeeming love for the sinner, of abiding love for the redeemed. We read also of the love of man and woman: of Jacob’s love for Rachel, of Mary pledged to Joseph, of Ruth and Boaz, and the marriage of Cana.

When God created man and placed him in the Garden of Eden, Adam was lonely. With the same divine, creative act that brought Eve into existence, God ordained marriage. Jesus Christ reminds us about this act and said, “For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh.”

God loved us and created us to love others. Our lives find completion only as we love and are loved in return. Together, we can become what we could never be separately. Marriage is of God.

Who gives this woman to be married to this man?

Father: Her mother and I.

Party Goes To Platform

Jennifer and Chris, you have invited us all here this afternoon to witness your vows of marriage. The support and approval you have from your families are very much in evidence. But you must both remember that you are bonding yourselves to each other in the presence of the Almighty God. Your willingness to do this comes from the fact that you first bonded yourselves to Him in salvation.

Jennifer, you represent four generations of the Apostolic faith. You have been raised in a wonderful Christian home and have had godly values instilled into your life. As your pastor, I appreciate your dedication to God. You have always been strong enough to make your own decisions, but humble enough to seek out counsel when you needed it. I have every confidence that you will make an excellent role model for yet another Pentecostal generation.

Chris, although you received your upbringing and training in other places, you’ve become a part of this church over the years through friendships with our young people. I’ve never heard one report about you that caused me concern. The strength of your character, shaped by wonderful parents, and solidified by your commitment to Christ gives me great hopes about the future that you and Jennifer will share together.

Both of you have partaken in Christ’s death through repentance, His burial through baptism in his name, and His resurrection through the Holy Spirit baptism. This has given you a strong, spiritual foundation beneath you as you begin married life. As the years pass, this factor will take on greater significance than any other common ground you may possess. As you know, the world has become a hostile environment for faith, love and spiritual health. Your values, however, are not built on the shifting sands of pop culture, but on the rock-solid unchanging truths of God’s word. This ceremony today is not an elaborate show without true meaning, but a solemn and beautiful testimony to your integrity.

Reverend Michael Thompson, Chris’s father and Assistant Pastor at the UPC Apostolic in New Straitsville, Ohio, is coming to speak at this time.

Declaration of Intent: Christopher Joel Thompson, will you have Jennifer Lynn Ward to be your wife; to live together in the holy covenant of marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her in sickness and in health, and, forsaking all others, be faithful to her so long as you both shall live? If so, answer, “I will.”

Jennifer Lynn Ward, will you have Christopher Joel Thompson to be your husband; to live together in the holy covenant of marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful to him so long as you both shall live? If so, answer, “I will.”

Vows: Repeat after me.

I, Christopher Joel Thompson, take you, Jennifer Lynn Ward, to be my 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 until we are separated by death; as God is my witness, I give you my promise.

I, Jennifer Lynn Ward, take you Christopher Joel Thompson, to be my 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 until we are separated by death; as God is my witness, I give you my promise.

And now, Chris, having made your vows of marriage to Jennifer, what symbols do you now give to her that you will faithfully fulfill these vows?

Chris: This ring.

Jennifer, having made your vows of marriage to Chris, what symbols do you now give to him that you will faithfully fulfill these vows?

Jennifer: This ring.

Please repeat after me: I give you this ring, as a symbol of my vow, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you; in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

At this time, Pastor Harvey Calhoun, Pastor of Sonlight Sanctuary in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, and Chris’s pastor for several years, is coming to make a few remarks and continue with the service.

Bro. Calhoun does unity candle ceremony and prays the marriage prayer. Song during unity candle ceremony.

Pronouncement:

Jennifer and Chris, you have expressed your desire to be husband and wife. You have shown your love and affection by joining hands, have made promises of faith and devotion, each to the other, and have sealed these promises by the giving and receiving of rings. I, therefore, pronounce that you are husband and wife, according to the authority vested in me as a minister of the Gospel, and the law of the State of Ohio; In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. What God has joined together let not man separate.

Chris, you may now kiss your bride.

Ladies and gentlemen, For the very first time, I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Joel Thompson.

Recessional

Announcement: In a moment, Jennifer and Chris will come back into the sanctuary to honor their parents. The will then form a receiving line across the front of the sanctuary. The ushers, Matt and Josh will release you by rows to greet the newlyweds.

After you go through the line, please proceed directly to the Family Life Center by way of the hallway to my left. Salads and beverages will be available immediately. Also, we request that the younger people climb the stairs to the mezzanine in the Family Life Center. This will allow the young at heart, if not in body, to find seating on the main floor. Thank you very much for your cooperation.

Lana Crow and David Wurtz Wedding

August 17, 1996

• Organ Prelude
• Seating of Parents/Grandparents
• Lighting of the Candles
• Processional

Service

God is the author of love. The Bible teaches that God is love and that love comes from God. From beginning to end, the Bible is a love story. There we read of God’s love for His people, of the love that sent Christ to the cross, of redeeming love for the sinner, of abiding love for the redeemed. We read also of the love of man and woman: of Jacob’s love for Rachel, of Mary pledged to Joseph, of Ruth and Boaz, and the marriage of Cana.

In the beginning, when the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground, and placed him in the Garden of Eden, Adam was lonely. With the same divine, creative act that brought Eve into existence, God ordained marriage. Jesus Christ reminds us about this act and said, “For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh.”

God loved us and created us to love others. Our lives find completion only as we love and are loved in return. Together, we can become what we could never be separately. Marriage is of God.

Who gives this woman to be married to this man?

Father: Her mother and I.

Song: “Beautiful In My Eyes”

Party Goes To Platform

Lana and David, you have invited us all here this evening to witness your vows of marriage. The support and approval you have from your families are very much in evidence. But you must both remember that you are bonding yourselves to each other in the presence of the Almighty God. Your willingness to do this comes from the fact that you first bonded yourselves to Him in salvation.

Both of you have partaken in Christ’s death through repentance, His burial through baptism in his name, and His resurrection through the Holy Spirit baptism. This has given you a strong, spiritual foundation beneath you as you begin married life. As the years pass, this factor will take on greater significance than any other common ground you may possess. Take note that the world you enter is hazardous to faith, love and spiritual health. Your values, however, are not built on the shifting sands of pop culture, but on the rock-solid unchanging truths of God’s word. This ceremony today is not an elaborate show devoid of meaning, but a solemn and beautiful testimony to your integrity.

Bro. Stoner: Remarks and prayer.

Song: Michelle Huffman

Bro Stoner: David Kent Wurtz, will you have Lana Louise Crow to be your wife; to live together in the holy covenant of marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her in sickness and in health, and, forsaking all others, be faithful to her so long as you both shall live? If so, answer, “I will.”

Bro. Jordan: Lana Louise Crow, will you have David Kent Wurtz to be your husband; to live together in the holy covenant of marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful to him so long as you both shall live? If so, answer, “I will.”

Vows:

Bro. Stoner: I, David Kent Wurtz, take you, Lana Louise Crow, to be my 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 until we are separated by death; as God is my witness, I give you my promise.

Bro. Jordan: I, Lana Louise Crow, take you David Kent Wurtz, to be my 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 until we are separated by death; as God is my witness, I give you my promise.

And now, David, having made your vows of marriage to Lana, what symbols do you now give to her that you will faithfully fulfill these vows?

David: This ring.

Lana, having made your vows of marriage to David, what symbols do you now give to him that you will faithfully fulfill these vows?

Lana: This ring.

Please repeat after me: I give you this ring, as a symbol of my vow, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you; in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Unity Candle Ceremony. Lana and David, before you stands a unity candle. The two outside candles have been lighted to represent your lives to this moment. They are two distinct lights, each capable of going its separate way. To bring joy and radiance into your home, there must be a merging of these two flames into one.

From this time onward, any your thoughts be for each other rather than for your individual selves; may your plans be mutual, your joys and sorrows shared.

As you each take a candle and together light the center one, you will extinguish your won candles, thus having the center candle represent the union of your two lives into one flesh. As this center light cannot be divided, let not your lives be divided, but instead, be the united testimony of a Christian home, as Christ gives you light.

Song: “Unforgettable”

Lana and David, you have expressed your desire to be husband and wife. You have shown your love and affection by joining hands, have made promises of faith and devotion, each to the other, and have sealed these promises by the giving and receiving of rings. I, therefore, pronounce that you are husband and wife, according to the authority vested in me as a minister of the Gospel, and the law of the State of Ohio; In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. What God has joined together let not man separate.

David, you may now kiss your bride.

Ladies and gentlemen, I now present to you Mr. and Mrs. David Kent Wurtz.

Recessional

Second Marriage Ceremony for Widow and Widower

Shirley Parker and Frank Valicenti

October 4, 2003

Prelude

Minister, groom and best man enter

Processional

Service

(Audience may be seated.)

Love originates with God. God is love and love comes from God, according to the Holy Scriptures. From beginning to end, the Bible is a love story. There we read of God’s love for His people, of the love that sent Christ to the cross, of redeeming love for the sinner, of abiding love for the redeemed. We read also of the love of man and woman: of Jacob’s love for Rachel, of Mary pledged to Joseph, of Ruth and Boaz, and the marriage of Cana.

When God created man and placed him in the Garden of Eden, Adam was lonely. With the same divine, creative act that brought Eve into existence, God ordained marriage. Jesus Christ reminds us about this act and said, “For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh.”

God loved us and created us to love others. Our lives find completion only as we love and are loved in return. Together, we can become what we could never be separately. Marriage is of God.

Who gives this woman to be married to this man?

Father: My sister and I.

Party Goes To Platform

Shirley and Frank, this company has gathered here this afternoon to witness your vows of marriage. Your family and friends approve and support your life-long choice, as shown by their presence. But, most importantly, remember that today, you bond yourselves to each other in the presence of the Almighty God. Your willingness to do this comes from the fact that you first bonded yourselves to Him in salvation.

Shirley and Frank, you have been a part of Apostolic churches in the area for many years. Shirley, since you have attended First Apostolic Church a number of years ago, we have been blessed by your faithfulness and loyal support. You have demonstrated to all the marks of a true Christian, and we are thrilled with your happiness that God has granted you today. Frank, in the short time you’ve been here, we have grown to love and appreciate you. You have a way of making people smile and God has given you a gift of encouragement that you freely share with others. Most of us know that both of you have gone through dark days of grief and loss. But out of the midst of your dark clouds, you have become the silver lining for each other. We marvel at the ways God unfolds his plan for our lives.

So, today, Shirley and Frank, you begin married life again. Although you have known each other for a long time in very different roles, you still must rely on wisdom from above in your new life together. I want to remind you both that success in marriage finds its greatest insurance in your shared commitment to God. When you repented of your sins, were baptized in the matchless name of Jesus Christ and were filled with God’s glorious Spirit, you enjoyed a new birth. You must cherish this common experience and keep it alive and vibrant in your individual lives. When challenges and difficulties come, retreat into the presence of God and his word. In him, you will always find the strength to survive and prosper.

Declaration of Intent: Frank Valicenti, will you have Shirley Parker to be your wife; to live together in the holy covenant of marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her in sickness and in health, and, forsaking all others, be faithful to her so long as you both shall live? If so, answer, “I will.”

Shirley Parker, will you have Frank Valicenti to be your husband; to live together in the holy covenant of marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful to him so long as you both shall live? If so, answer, “I will.”

Song: “I See Jesus In Your Eyes”

Vows: Repeat after me.

I, Frank Valicenti, take you, Shirley Parker, to be my 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 until we are separated by death; as God is my witness, I give you my promise.

I, Shirley Parker, take you Frank Valicenti, to be my 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 until we are separated by death; as God is my witness, I give you my promise.

And now, Frank, having made your vows of marriage to Shirley, what symbols do you now give to her that you will faithfully fulfill these vows?

Frank: This ring.

Please repeat after me: I give you this ring, as a symbol of my vow, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you; in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Reverend Jonathan Perry, Pastor of New Life Pentecostals in East Toledo, and Frank’s pastor for nearly thirteen years will now share his thought and offer the marriage prayer.

Pronouncement:

Shirley and Frank, you have expressed your desire to be husband and wife. You have shown your love and affection by joining hands, have made promises of faith and devotion, each to the other, and have sealed these promises by giving a ring. I, therefore, pronounce that you are husband and wife, according to the authority vested in me as a minister of the Gospel, and the law of the State of Ohio; In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. What God has joined together let not man separate.

Frank, you may now kiss your bride.

Ladies and gentlemen, For the very first time, I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Frank Valicenti.

Recessional

Announcement: On behalf of Shirley and Frank, I want to thank you for coming to share this happy occasion with them. They are now waiting for you to congratulate them personally in a receiving line in the vestibule. Please exit the sanctuary through the aisle to my right. Thank you very much.

Renewal of Vows Ceremony

Clarence and Ada Lou Condon Repeating of Vows

October 27, 2001

Condons walk down aisle.

Candle lighting.

Condons seated.

Children walk in starting with Suters.

Call Condons to front and begin service.

Today, Clarence and Ada Lou Condon, on the celebration of their fiftieth wedding anniversary, have come to repeat their vows befoe this company of witnesses, in remembrance of that special day in 1951. The fact that they want to do this testifies to their self-evident devotion for each other over the years.

From the two of you who stood by yourselves back then, the number has increased many fold. Five children are here today, along with their spouses, and, if they could all be here, there would be twelve grandchildren here as well. This number is only the multiplier for the happiness you both possessed in the beginning.

As your pastor, I want to thank both of you for the godly example you have displayed in the church over many years. You have held many different positions, and were especially significant in your contribution to the Sunday School. When you were at the helm of the Sunday School from the sixties through the eighties, the number grew tremendously.

As the family will express, all of us have a profound respect for both of you for many different reasons. We thank you for the wisdom you used in raising your children. We thank you for the unyielding determination you had in doing the right thing. We thank you for the years of hard labor and sacrifice in providing, not only a house, but a home for your family. You rebounded several times from serious sickness to go back to work. You never allowed problems to go unnoticed or unaddressed. The leadership both of you exhibited in the church was reinforced in the home.

Declaration of Intent:

Clarence and Ada Lou, we have come this afternoon to witness again your vows of marriage. And now, I must ask you each to declare your intentions before us all.

Clarence Condon, will you have Ada Lou Condon continue to be your wife; to live together in the holy covenant of marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her in sickness and in health, and, forsaking all others, be faithful to her so long as you both shall live? If so, answer, “I will.”

Ada Lou Condon, will you have Clarence Condon continue to be your husband; to live together in the holy covenant of marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful to him so long as you both shall live? If so, answer, “I will.”

Marriage Vows:

Please join hands and repeat after me:

I, Clarence Condon, affirm you, Ada Lou Condon, to be my 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 until we are separated by death; as God is my witness, I give you my promise.

I, Ada Lou Condon, affirm you, Clarence Condon, to be my 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 until we are separated by death; as God is my witness, I give you my promise.

Prayer: Reverend Marlin Odom

Clarence and Ada Lou, you have expressed your desire to remain husband and wife before this company of witnesses. You have shown your love and affection by joining hands and have made promises of faith and devotion, each to the other. I, therefore, affirm that you are husband and wife, according to the authority vested in me as a minister of the Gospel, and the law of the State of Ohio; In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. What God has joined together let not man separate.

Clarence, you may now kiss your bride.

Ladies and gentlemen, I now present to you for another fifty years, Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Condon.

Deb, Rick, Ron, Becky and Kevin speak.

Song

Video

Grandchildren sing “Happy Anniversary”.l

Announcement: Everyone is welcome to join the family in Family Life Center.

The Wedding Ceremony

Most ceremonies differ in minor ways, but they all have some basic features in common. Here is a typical ceremony at the First Apostolic Church. It can be changed to suit an individual wedding. We may also add other parts if so desired, or we can alter the order of each element.

1. Organ Prelude (or other music selections)

2. Preliminaries: Lighting of candles, seating of mothers and grandparents, roll out runner, etc.

3. Processional

4. Giving of bride

5. Declaration of Intent

6. The Vows

7. The Ring Ceremony

8. Lighting of the Unity Candle

9. The Marriage Prayer

10. Pronouncement

11. Recessional

12. Announcements (Optional)

Variations include: songs and/or instrumentals, poems, readings, additional prayers or remarks by selected persons, presentation of flowers, etc. These changes may be inserted at any place that the bride and groom desire.