I CORINTHIANS 13:4-7
(Definition of Love)
Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Preparing for Marriage
In preparation for the marriage service, the pastor shall provide for a discussion with the man and woman concerning:
o The nature of their Christian commitment, assuring that at least one is a professing Christian
o The legal requirements of the state
o The privileges and responsibilities of Christian marriage
o The nature and form of the marriage service
o The vows and commitments they will be asked to make
o The relationship of these commitments to their lives of discipleship
o The resources of the faith and the Christian community to assist them in fulfilling their
marriage commitments
This discussion is equally important in the case of a first marriage, a marriage after the death of a spouse, and a marriage following divorce.
Time and Place of Service
Christian marriage should be celebrated in the place where the community gathers for worship. As a service of Christian worship, the marriage service is under the direction of the pastor and the supervision of the session. The marriage ordinarily takes place in a special service which focuses upon marriage as a gift of God and as an expression of the Christian life. Celebration of the Lord's Supper at the marriage service requires the approval of the session, and care shall be taken that the invitation to the Table is extended to all baptized present. The marriage service may take place during the Service for the Lord's Day upon authorization by the session. It should be placed in the order as a response to the proclamation of the Word. It may then be followed by the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper.
Form and Order of Service
The service begins with scriptural sentences and a brief statement of purpose. The man and the woman shall declare their intention to enter into Christian marriage and shall exchange vows of love and faithfulness. The service includes appropriate passages of Scripture and usually includes a homily. . Prayers shall be offered for the couple, for the communities which support them in this new dimension of discipleship, and for all who seek to live in faithfulness. In the name of The Triune God the pastor shall declare publicly that the woman and the man are now joined in marriage. A charge may be given. Other actions common to the community and its cultures may appropriately be observed when these actions do not diminish the Christian understanding of marriage. The service concludes with a benediction.
