NEIL & BECKIE'S WEDDING ALBUM

Order of Service

MUSIC: Prior to the Prelude, the organist will play a variety of pieces on organ and piano.

PRELUDE

MUSIC: "On Wings of Song" by Felix Mendelssohn - MIDI file (6kb)
SOLOIST: Laura Wirkkala (flute), w/Linnea Bardarson on piano

Sara Hunter and Jane Marsh are escorted from the rear of the church by the ushers (Bob Duncan & Lois MacDonald). The minister (Rev. Heather Kirk-Davidoff), the choir & the guest musicians enter the sanctuary from the choir room door and process to the chancel (the alcove at the front of the sanctuary).

ENTRANCE

MUSIC: "Fanfare and Processional", written for the service by Neil - MIDI file (2kb)
PERFORMER: Linnea Bardarson (organ)

After the fanfare, the Groom's party processes up the right-hand aisle and towards the chancel. The Groom and his Attendant stop at the foot of the chancel steps and turn to face the congregation, while the others process on into the chancel pews.

Groom's Party

Elizabeth Malcolm (reader): friend of Neil's from the Internet and Shokan, New York.
Darrin Snider (reader): long-time friend of Neil's from Indianapolis, Indiana.
Benton Jones (ringbearer): Beckie's 6 year-old cousin from Greenville, North Carolina.
John "Beezy" Myers (attendant): long-time friend from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana.

After the Groom's party has reached the front, the Bride's party begins to process up the left-hand aisle and towards the chancel. The Bride's Attendant stops at the foot of the chancel steps and turns to face the congregation, while the others process on into the chancel pews.

Bride's Party

Ashley McKenzie Ware (reader): Beckie's 10 year-old cousin from Wilmington, North Carolina.
Judith Guston (reader): friend of Beckie's from Smith College and Oakland, New Jersey.
Dana Folley (reader): another college friend from Smith and Raleigh, North Carolina.
Sumati Murli (attendant): local friend, doctoral student at MIT.

MUSIC: "The Bridal Chorus" from Lohengrin by Richard Wagner - MIDI file (4kb)
PERFORMER: Linnea Bardarson (organ)

The congregation stands.

Beckie and her father (Reverend Richard Hunter) process up the left-hand aisle. When the reach the front, Beckie stands beside Sumati and Rev. Hunter takes his seat with the congregation.

INTRODUCTION

HEATHER (to all): You may be seated.

The congregation sits. The Bride, Groom and their attendants take seats in the front, center pew.

HEATHER: Dearly beloved, we have gathered together in the presence of God to witness the marriage of Rebecca and Neil, to surround them with our prayers, and to share in their joy.

Marriage is a gift from God, sealed by a sacred covenant. God gives human love. Through that love, a couple comes to know each other with mutual care and companionship. God gives joy. Through that joy, a couple may share their new life with others as Jesus shared new wine at the wedding in Cana.

With our love and our prayers, we support Neil and Rebecca as they enter into this celebration of public commitment, rejoicing in their love, sharing their happiness and affirming their solemn decision to unite their lives and establish a home together where God's guidance reigns and God's loving qualities are manifested. In this ceremony, they dedicate themselves to that ideal.

PRAYER

HEATHER: Let us pray. O God, we gather to celebrate your gift of love and its presence among us. We rejoice that two people have chosen to commit themselves to a life of loving faithfulness to one another. We praise you, O God, for the ways you have touched our lives with a variety of loving relationships. We give thanks that we have experienced your love and the care and affection of other people.

Enrich our lives with the gracious gift of your love so that we may embrace others with the same love. May our participation in this celebration of love and commitment give to us a new joy and responsiveness to the relationships we cherish.

READING

TITLE: "Inviting Aphrodite" by Sappho - Original Greek text
READER: Judith Guston

JUDY (from the lectern): The lyric poetess Sappho lived in the sixth century BCE on the Greek island now called Mytilene ('Lesbos' in antiquity). Her poetry is highly personal, focusing on matters of love and friendship. The poem I have chosen to read to honor Beckie and Neil on their wedding day was, perhaps, intended for just such an occasion. Sappho summons Aphrodite, the goddess of love, to leave her residence on the island of Crete and join festivities at a temple to offer her blessing in the form of a toast. The lengthy description of the temple's location is typical of this kind of prayer - the poet at once entices the goddess and enchants her listeners with a description that appeals to the senses. Surely Aphrodite will offer her blessing in a place of such beauty. And so, I read this poem, 2500 years after it was first read, to ask love to bestow all of her blessings on Beckie and Neil on the occasion of their marriage.

(The invocation is read in Greek, here is the translation):

Leave Crete and come to this holy temple
where, in a graceful grove of apple trees
smoke swirls forth from altars, bearing the
aroma of frankincense.

In this place, cool springs babble among the
apple branches, the ground is shaded by roses
and peaceful slumber flutters down from
the shimmering trees.

Here there is a meadow, where horses graze,
which is filled with the blossoms of spring
and soft breezes blow sweet
with their aroma.

Come here, Aphrodite, and as we pour
wine into golden cups, pour, too,
your heavenly nectar, bringing joy
to these festivities.

SOLO

MUSIC: "Jeg Elsker Deg" by Edvard Grieg & Hans Christian Andersen
SOLOIST: John Olson (bass-baritone), with Linnea Bardarson on piano

(The piece is sung in Norwegian, here is the translation):

My every thought is of you.
You are the first thing in my heart!
I love you more than anything on Earth.
I love you now and forever more.

OLD TESTAMENT READING

FROM: Song of Solomon 3:1-4
READER: Eliz Malcolm

ELIZ (from the lectern): Hear now a reading from the Song of Solomon, chapter 3, beginning with the first verse:

Eliz Malcolm

I sought him whom my soul loves;
I sought him, but found him not;
I called him, but he gave no answer.

"I will rise now and go about the city,
in the streets and in the squares;
I will seek him whom my soul loves."
I sought him, but found him not.

The sentinels found me,
as they went about in the city.
"Have you seen him whom my soul loves?"

Scarcely had I passed them,
when I found him whom my soul loves.
I held him, and would not let him go.

HOMILY

HEATHER: Neil and Beckie, what a pleasure it is to be with you here today to share in the momentous occasion of your wedding. As you know, this congregation has been anticipating this event with almost as much excitement as you have, and now that it is finally here, my heart is overflowing with joy.

There are so many beautiful and poetic words spoken and sung throughout this ceremony that I hesitate to add much from my own limited wisdom. Weddings are occasions better suited for cheering than for analysis anyway, so let me simply say why it is I'm cheering with you this afternoon. Here are a few reasons why I am delighted that you two are getting married:

I'm delighted that you're getting married because you met over the Internet. I love that story, not only because of its novelty, but because it gives me another reason to feel hopeful about the world.

There are so many forces acting in our world to keep people separated,divided, alienated from one another and from community, and computers are sometimes identified as one such source. You've heard the predictions--soon we'll all be isolated at our separate workstations and go days without any human contact. Your marriage is a testimony to me that humans are creative enough to find ways to connect with each other and build relationships, whatever technology may bring.

I'm delighted that you're getting married because I think smart women are best appreciated by smart men. Sometimes women feel that they have to play dumb to be attractive to men. You weren't willing to do that, Beckie, and as a result you found a guy who didn't have a problem with intelligence. You told me that Neil's intelligence is one of the things you most admired about him. I'm sure it was a relief to you, Neil, to know that you didn't have to play the bimbo either. You both have a remarkable ability to think through a difficult problem, to brainstorm about alternative solutions, and to find the resources you need to help, and I think that bodes well for your marriage.

I'm delighted that you're getting married because you both have a sense of humor. I love the fact that you are pledging today, not only to love and sustain each other, but to amuse each other as well. Nothing gives me more hope for the long-term health of your relationship. Nothing gives me more pleasure than to see how silliness increases exponentially when two people are silly together.

I'm delighted that you're getting married because you are both people of faith. You, Beckie, brought the church you were raised in to Neil, who was initially apprehensive about the qualities a "church girl" might bring to a relationship. But you trusted Beckie enough,Neil, to give this congregation a try. You found here a place to explore your own faith, to define and question it, and to help it grow. What a resource you two have in the church community for the support of your marriage! What a resource you two have in the love of God, which undergirds and overlays all human love!

I'm delighted that you're getting married because you are so clearly in love. The songs and readings you've composed and selected for this service shout it out, the way you look at each other and touch each other and care for each other in public make it perfectly clear -- you two are in love. I appreciate the fact that you are willing to go public with your love for each other, every day and on this special day, because the world needs more love, more mushy public declarations of rapture like the ones you are about to make today.

Seeing two people take on the joys and challenges of living life together makes each of us feel hopeful about the world. Because if two people can connect with each other, despite distance, despite fears, despite finances, despite illness, despite doubts, then there just might be hope that God can mend this broken world -- despite fears, despite illness, despite doubts, and because of love.

Amen.

NEW TESTAMENT READING

FROM: Romans 12:9-18
READER: Darrin Snider

DARRIN (from the lectern): Hear now a New Testament reading from Romans, chapter 12, beginning with the ninth verse:

Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer.

Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

ANTHEM

MUSIC: "God Shall Wipe Away All Tears" by Jerry Kirk
PERFORMERS: The First Church Choir, w/ Linnea Bardarson on piano

(Based on Revelation 21:1-4)

And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away, and there was no more sea. And I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice, a voice out of heaven saying. "Behold the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God."

The First Church Choir

God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
There shall be no more death!
There shall be no more sorrow!
There shall be no more crying!
No pain!

For the former things are passed away,
for ever and ever!
For God himself shall be with them,
and be their God for ever and evermore. Amen.

READING

FROM: "It Was on Fire When I Lay Down On It" by Robert Fulghum
READER: Dana Folley

DANA (from the lectern): Weddings are usually thought of as fairy-tale times when Real Life is momentarily suspended.

There comes a time, usually some days after the proposal and acceptance, after the announcement and setting of the date and all the rest, when there is a conversation between two people in love, when they are in earnest about what they've agreed to do. The conversation happens over several days - even weeks. Partly in a car driving somewhere, partly at a kitchen table after supper, partly on the living-room floor, or maybe it's on the way home after a movie. It's a conversation about promises, homes, family, children, possessions, jobs, dreams, rights, concessions, money, personal space, and all the problems that might arise from all those things. And what is promised at that time, in a disorganized, higgledy-piggledy way, is the making of a covenant. A covenant - an invisible bond of commitment. Just two people working out what they want, what they believe, what they hope for each other. With their eyes, they ask each other if they really mean it, and they do. Then they seal it with a whole lot more kissing and hugging than you'll see in public. And that's it. The wedding is done. All that's left to do is the public celebration, however they choose to do it.

DECLARATION OF INTENTION

Beckie, Sumati, Neil & Beezy stand and walk up into the chancel to stand with Heather.

HEATHER (to couple): Before God and this congregation, I ask you to affirm your willingness to enter this covenant of marriage and to share all the laughter and tears, and all that the years will bring this relationship.

HEATHER (to groom): Neil, will you have Rebecca to be your wife, and will you love her faithfully as long as you both shall live?

NEIL: I will, with the help of God.

HEATHER (to Beckie): Rebecca, will you have Neil to be your husband, and will you love him faithfully as long as you both shall live?

BECKIE: I will, with the help of God.

PLEDGE OF SUPPORT

HEATHER (to the gathering): Each of you in the congregation is important to Rebecca and Neil. You have inspired and influenced them in many ways, and are here to witness one of the most momentous days in their lives. The love that unites a couple in marriage needs to be nurtured and guided by the love of others. Each of us depends on family, friends and neighbors for the caring and concern that replenish our own ability to love. Neil and Rebecca marry today in the midst of the friendship and affection of you all, and in doing so ask you for your ongoing support of their relationship.

HEATHER (to the congregation): Do you, friends and family, pledge your support and encouragement to the commitment that Rebecca and Neil are making today? If so, please say, "We do."

CONGREGATION: We do.

HEATHER: Let us pray together. God of our mothers and fathers, bless our pledge of encouragement and support of the union of Rebecca and Neil. Bless them as they pledge their lives to each other. With faith in you and in each other, may this couple always bear witness to the reality of the love which we witness this day. Sustain and guide them throughout their lives together. May their love continue to grow and may it be a true reflection of your love for us all. Amen.

VOWS OF THE MARRIAGE COVENANT

Neil and Beckie take each other's hands.

HEATHER: Rebecca and Neil, speak your vows that you have come to offer before God and this company.

BECKIE: I love you, Neil, as I love no other. All that I am I share with you. I give myself to you to be your wife. I promise to love, sustain and amuse you in the covenant of marriage, from this day forward, in sickness and in health, in plenty and in want, in joy and in sorrow, as long as we both shall live. This is my solemn vow.

NEIL: I love you, Beckie, as I love no other. All that I am I share with you. I give myself to you to be your husband. I promise to love, sustain and amuse you in the covenant of marriage, from this day forward, in sickness and in health, in plenty and in want, in joy and in sorrow, as long as we both shall live. This is my solemn vow.

DUET

MUSIC: "Solomon's Road" written for the service by Neil & Beckie - MP3 file (3.9mb)
PERFORMERS: Two Guys Singing (Don Hovey & Robert Scenna - local folk duet)

Two Guys Singing perform a special song written by Neil & Beckie

VERSE 1

Across the distant miles,
we make connections of the heart.
Virtual affection blooms --
we cannot bear to be apart.

Love takes to flight,
winging through the starry night.
One more desperate chance
to find romance.

VERSE 2

Stolen moments aren't enough
there has to be a better way.
Packing boxes, saying good-bye,
moving across the USA.

Love reaches out,
an island in a sea of doubt.
Fragile hearts embrace
and quicken their pace.

CHORUS

There's a paradise I know,
it's a place of love where we can grow.
Will you take my hand and
walk down Solomon's Road?

VERSE 3

We walk along the shore,
holding hands while the seagulls play.
Stacking memories high,
like dunes of sand beside the bay.

Love grows ever strong.
It's waited for so very long
to find a kindred soul
to make it whole.

VERSE 4: GUITAR INTERLUDE

Love isn't sure,
but through the trials it has endured.
Holding on to dreams:
it's more than it seems.

VERSE 5

Friends and family
gather here from near and far
to hear us say these words of love
and paint "just married" on our car.

Time to settle down,
and make a home in this east-coast town.
Love will always be
you and me.

CHORUS

There's a paradise I know,
it's a place of love where we can grow.
Will you take my hand and
walk down Solomon's Road?

REPEAT CHORUS TO END

EXCHANGE OF SYMBOLS

HEATHER: Rebecca and Neil, what will you share to symbolize your love?

Ringbearer Benton comes forward to Beezy, who takes the rings from the pillow and gives them to Heather

HEATHER: Eternal God, who in the time of Noah sent the rainbow as a sign of your promise, bless these rings that they also may be signs of promises made today and fulfilled in lives of faithful loving.

NEIL: Rebecca, with this ring I pledge to you my heart. May we live long and happily together, learning from each other and growing in love every day. May we have the strength to bring a new life into this world as another symbol of this pledge, and may God look down upon our family and bless it with Love.

BECKIE: Neil, I give you this ring as a symbol of the promises we have made this day. Whenever you look at it, remember that I love you, that I chose YOU to be my husband, and share my life with you. May God look down upon our family and bless it with all his love.

READING

FROM: "Now We Are Six" & "The House at Pooh Corner" by A. A. Milne

READER: Ashley McKenzie Ware

ASHLEY (from the lectern): A reading from Winnie-the-Pooh.

Christopher Robin and Pooh are chatting:

"Let's frighten the dragons," I said to Pooh.
"That's right," said Pooh to Me.
"I'm not afraid," I said to Pooh,

And I held his paw and I shouted, "Shoo!
Silly old dragons!" -- and off they flew.

"I wasn't afraid," said Pooh, said he,
"I'm never afraid with you."

So wherever I am, there's always Pooh,
There's always Pooh and Me.

"What would I do?" I said to Pooh,
"If it wasn't for you," and Pooh said: "True,
It can't be much fun for One, but Two
Can stick together," says Pooh, says he.
"That's how it is," says Pooh.

"Pooh, promise you won't forget about me, ever.
Not even when I'm a hundred."
Pooh thought for a little.
"How old shall I be then?"
"Ninety-nine."
Pooh nodded.
"I promise," he said.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE MARRIAGE

HEATHER: Having heard the vows you have made to each other, witnessed by this gathering, by the authority given to me as a minister of the church and the State of Massachusetts, I now declare that Rebecca and Neil are wife and husband, with the blessing of Christ's church.

Be merciful in all your ways, kind in heart, and humble in mind. Be most patient and tolerant with one another. Forgive as freely as God has forgiven you and, above all else, be truly loving.

Let the peace of Christ rule your hearts, remembering that as members of one body you are called to live in harmony, and never forget to be thankful for what God has done for you.

Those whom God has joined together, let no one put asunder.

BLESSING

HEATHER: The grace of Christ attend you; the love of God surround you; the Holy Spirit keep you, that you may grow in holy love, find delight in each other always, and remain faithful until your life's end.

BENEDICTION

HEATHER: And now, may all who have gathered here go forth in hope and joy, knowing that the love of God is with you always. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God; and the blessing of God, Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer be with you, and remain with you forever more. Amen.

HEATHER: (To Beckie and Neil) You may kiss.

Neil and Beckie smooch, then turn to face to congregation.

HEATHER: People, I give you Rebecca and Neil -- a married couple!

Congregation cheers.

RECESSIONAL

MUSIC: "Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee" by van Dyke & Beethoven - MIDI file (9KB)
PERFORMERS: The First Church Choir, with Linnea Bardarson on organ

(The congregation may sing along using hymnals)

The congregation stands.

(To the melody of "Ode to Joy" by Ludwig van Beethoven)

Joyful, joyful, we adore thee,
God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flowers before thee,
Opening to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness,
Drive the dark of doubt away.
Giver of immortal gladness,
Fill us with the light of day.

All thy works with joy surround thee,
Earth and Heaven reflect thy rays,
Stars and angels sing around thee,
Center of unbroken praise.
Field and forest, vale and mountain,
Flowery meadow, flashing sea,
Chanting bird and flowing fountain,
Call us to rejoice in thee.

Thou art giving and forgiving,
Ever blessing, ever blessed,
Well-spring of the joy of living,
Ocean depth of happy rest!
Thou our Father, Christ our brother,
All who live in love are thine;
Teach us how to love each other,
Lift us to the joy divine.

Mortals, join the mighty chorus
Which the morning stars began;
Father love is reigning o'er us,
Brother love binds man to man.
Ever singing, march we onward,
Victors in the midst of strife,
Joyful music leads us sunward
In the triumph song of life.

Beckie and Neil skip gleefully down the aisle, followed by their attendants in couples: Beezy & Sumati, Darrin & Dana,Eliz & Judy, Ashley & Benton.

Neil & Beckie and Beezy & Sumati remain at the exit and are joined by their parents for the receiving line. The rest of the wedding party moves off to the right and waits for the receiving line to end.

The congregation files past them and then downstairs to the reception.

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