Rites of Passage
Marking the transitions in our lives with ritual is an important part of the religious experience; I find these rituals some of my most meaningful experiences in ministry. Celebrating new life, joining two people in religious union, honoring the well-lived life of the recently deceased – it is always special, and it is always an honor to be able to play a role in these important moments in peoples’ and families’ lives.
Dedicating children to our congregations is one of our first acts of building relationship with them. They will not become fully aware of the commitments made on the day of their dedication for quite some time, but the words we say to parents and to each other in this ceremony are the beginning of loving relationship for those newest to our communities. In agreeing to love this child, support him or her, share our wisdom, and be companions on the journey, we commit ourselves from the get-go to the kind of relationship that will nurture and sustain this young person through her/his formative years.
Sample Child Dedication Ceremony
Sample Child Dedication Ceremony
Weddings are a time of holy celebration. Weddings days and ceremonies are unique, and belong to the couple committing themselves to one another. As best practice I ask that couples who wish me to officiate at their wedding first do pre-marital counseling with me. Especially for couples I do not know, and even for those with whom I have some familiarity, it helps me get to know both individuals more deeply. This is important, because the ceremony I craft together with them needs to reflect not only their needs and wishes, but their personalities, who they are at their core. I thus find officiating weddings a great joy, for not only do I get to participate on the day of celebration, I also get to know two wonderful people more deeply, and hear the story of their love for one another. It is an honor to get to share their special day with couples.
Sample Wedding Ceremony
Losing a loved one is often one of most tragic times in our lives. My job as your minister is to be there for you and with you and your family, in any way that is helpful. Part of the pastoral care process for most families, of course, is helping plan and then leading a memorial service. As with weddings, my goal is to create a service that meets the needs of the family. When delivering a eulogy, I meet with the family first, and we share stories and reflections, so that the eulogy may accurately present the life of the dearly departed. We discuss any wishes the deceased may have had, music they liked, and craft together a service that honors the life lived, while holding and comforting those who are left behind.
Sample Memorial Service
Sample Wedding Ceremony
Losing a loved one is often one of most tragic times in our lives. My job as your minister is to be there for you and with you and your family, in any way that is helpful. Part of the pastoral care process for most families, of course, is helping plan and then leading a memorial service. As with weddings, my goal is to create a service that meets the needs of the family. When delivering a eulogy, I meet with the family first, and we share stories and reflections, so that the eulogy may accurately present the life of the dearly departed. We discuss any wishes the deceased may have had, music they liked, and craft together a service that honors the life lived, while holding and comforting those who are left behind.
Sample Memorial Service
"We enjoyed meeting with Seth prior to our wedding and were thrilled with the ceremony itself. It's amazing how many family and friends have commented on how touched they were by our ceremony. So many people noticed how personal and unique it was. Seth was very thoughtful about his interactions with us, and it was obvious that he put a lot of work into our ceremony and meetings, and we really appreciated that. The wedding ceremony that Seth put together for us had an impact not only on the bride and groom but also on everyone who attended."
- Bob and Lorraine Peters