Commitment Ceremony

By Rev. Shannon

Amy, I thought that there was a need for a commitment ceremony for same/sex ceremonies. I know that though they are not "legal" many same sex couples still wish to make a public announcement, if you will, of their devotion to one another. I wrote this one because my best friend is looking to have such a ceremony in the future and I was inspired to give her something different. Enjoy! I hope this helps other ministers, and everyone can feel free to use it, change it and make it their own. Blessings, Rev. Shannon A Celebration of Commitment By Reverend Shannon Wilcox-Hale Today we come together to celebrate a day that has long been anticipated. A day filled with joy, happiness, contentment and jubilation. We are here to witness Gods greatest miracle, the miracle of love. This love that shines through these two people will light up even the darkest of nights. Love is a testament to all ages of the great gifts of the Lord. With strength, kindness, tenderness, and happiness, this love will stand all tests of time. We are here to celebrate, and rejoice with _____ and _____, two people sharing this miracle of love. As they commit themselves to one another for life, let us reflect upon our own relationships and rejoice in all the ways that the Lord blesses us daily. Let me now take a few moments to recognize the families of Tanya and Tonya, it is because of you that these two are who they are today. They are two very successful (men/women) that are kind, caring and strong. It takes a great commitment to raise independent, strong, successful children, but you have. I want to thank you for being positive influences on the hearts of these two wonderful (gentlemen/ladies), by teaching them the values that shape their lives. Thank you for showing them the beauty and wonder that each new day brings. Each person goes forth in life touching the lives of those around them, so in bringing your goodness to them, they spread that goodness to all that they meet. God blesses those who spread joy and happiness to all those they come in contact with. You have shown them what it is to be good parents, siblings, and family. _____ and _____, I want to always remember these blessings your families have bestowed upon you and remember to thank them often for their love and devotion to you. I want to take this time to celebrate what it means to be a family. A family does not just consist of children and parents. It consists of that same miracle of love enveloping the parents and children in a protective sheath that none can penetrate. _____ and _____ make sure you always continue to nurture the love that you are sharing here today, nurture it within your family, give it to your children, and they will pass that legacy along to their children and to all they meet. You are two very special people whose love will last forever and you have the unique opportunity to teach all those around you what true love is. From this commitment you will become true friends. There is nothing greater in the world than a true friend. A true friend is one who is there to laugh with when you are happy, cry with you when you have been hurt. True friends know just how to help you weather that storm and never leave you to do it on your own. You have the incredible gift of being able to live the rest of your lives together side by side, heart to heart with your one true friend. There will be struggles, and there will be hardships, but with love, devotion, and respect for one another, you will make it through all that comes your way. Each path we take is a learning experience, and we grow from learning. Learn from one another, take your individual experiences, hope, and dreams and meld them together into a life long journey that is only meant for the two of you. Please repeat after me: _____, I love you. You are my best friend, my confidant. Today I promise my life to you. I will forever give all of my self, heart, body and soul to you and you alone. I promise to encourage you when you are feeling the hardship of trials to come. I promise to inspire you when you need that boost to keep you going. When you are happy, I will rejoice with you. When you are sad, I will comfort you. I promise to hold you and cherish you because you are my one true friend. I will help you achieve all the goals you have set forth in life, and dream with you for the future. _____ and _____ have chosen to exchange rings as a sign of their commitment to one another. May I have the rings? Lord, bless these rings which are an outward sign of a deep love and commitment between these two gentlemen/ladies. Bless the commitment of their love and devotion to one another for all their lives which these rings symbolize. Watch over this couple and shower them with your love. Bless them that they always know happiness and contentment. Walk with them when they have struggles that they will know they are never alone. Keep them safe in your strong and peaceful arms Amen. Minister gives ring to _____: (_____ while placing ring on _____'s finger) _____ repeat after me: Minister gives ring to _____: (_____ while placing ring on _____'s finger) _____ repeat after me: With this ring I commit myself with all my heart, to you forever. As _____ and _____ have committed themselves to one another in their hearts, before God and those gathered here today, may we all rejoice in their _expression of love. You may now kiss/hug one another. May God bless your lives together, and bring you much joy! ******************** The Universal Life Church offers handfasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training. As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar