Dom arrives with Anita and meets Dave at the top of the path.
Music plays (moon river) Ian, Cookie and Anita walk down the path first.Dom and Dave walk down the path and greet parents waiting at either side of the bottom of the path. Parents sit down.
Dom & Dave stand at the top step of rotunda with Marcus.

Welcome: Marcus

Wedding Themes: Dom and Dave have chosen three themes from the earth that they want to represent their life together.

Rose for faith, as a beautiful and mysterious gift from God
Eucalyptus for environment, to care and be cared for.
Olive for a welcoming home – to nourish our community.

These reflect who they are as individuals as well as a couple. May these themes shape the choices they make, and act as a vision for who they are to become.

Anointing: We have prepared a balm of rose, eucalypt and olive, to anoint the couple in preparation of their commitment ahead. Greg & Rose come forward and place the oil on Dom & Dave’s forehead and hands.

Silence: Let’s take some time to reflect in silence on what is to come. David appreciates worship in the Quaker tradition which values silence. For a minute, listen to the nature around you, and listen to the stillness inside and give thanks to the creator who gives us the gift of nature and of marriage.

Marcus: Open our eyes to your presence, Open our ears to you call, open our hearts to your love. Amen.

Declaration of Vocation, Affirmation of Families and Community.

Readings

The Prophet (Kahlil Gilbran)

“You were born together, and together you shall be for evermore. You shall be together when the white wings of death scatter your days. Aye, you shall be together even in the silent memory of God. But let there be spaces in your togetherness. And let the winds of the heavens dance between you.Love one another, but make not a bond of love: Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls. Fill each other's cup but drink not from one cup.Give one another of your bread but eat not from the same loaf. Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each one of you be alone, Even as the strings of a lute are alone though they quiver with the same music. Give your hearts, but not into each other's keeping.For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts.And stand together yet not too near together:For the pillars of the temple stand apart,And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other's shadow."

Philippians 4:4-9

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers (sisters, comrades, friends etc), whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me–put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Naomi’s Sermon : Jesus gets away to mourn the death of John the Baptist, feeds 5000, then gets away again! Leads congregation in blessing Dave and Dom with a flap of the paper fans.

Vows: Dom and Dave have written their own vows and they incorporate some different elements. As part of her journey Dom lived for a year in India where one of the marriage traditions is for a couple to take steps as they make their vows as a symbol of journey. And so Dave and Dom will take steps as they say their vows to each other. As they say their vows we will also undertake the Celtic tradition of hand binding as a symbol of committment.

STEPS

“I, David Stuart White, take you, Dominique Saskia Emery, to be my constant travelling companion.I promise to love you in good times and in bad, when life seems easy and when it seems hard, when our love is simple and when its an effort.”

“And so the binding is made” (Marcus binds hands)

STEPS

“I choose to be your faithful partner, forsaking all others.I promise to accept you as a person, and delight in who you will become. As our lives intertwine, I will cherish and nourish that which brings life to our relationship.”

“And so the binding is made” (Marcus binds hands)

STEPS

“I take you as my fellow pilgrim on our journey of faith.I promise to encourage that which is Christ-like within you, and challenge you to reflect and act upon God’s economy of grace and justice, welcoming friends and strangers into our home.”

“And so the binding is made” (Marcus binds hands)

STEPS (back to first step, Dave and Dom lift bound hands):

Marcus:
"Made to measure, wrought to bind.
Blessed be theses lives entwined."
Dave and Dom the knots of this binding are not formed by these chords but instead by your vows.
(untie cord, place across hands)
And so keep this cord as a reminder that you hold in your own hands the making of this union.

Rings:
Dom – My ring is a symbol of love never ending
Dave – My is a circle of our sweet belonging
Dom – A circle of gold in joy and in sorrow
Dave – A circle of gold today and tomorrow

Pronouncement
Signing at the small table.

Prayers x2

Congregational Blessing Song

May the God of all peace and glory
Who gives eternal life
Love you always

And may the Prince of all peace and glory
Of endless faithfulness
Know you always
And may the Spirit of God’s peace and glory
Set your soul on fire
Forever

Amen

Logistics: when to regather, nice walks to do in the meantime.

Blessing:
May the rainbow of many colours bind you to God.
May the soft winds of heaven refresh your spirit (paper fan blessing)
May sunshine brighten your heart.
May the burdens of the day rest lightly upon you.
May god enfold you in love,
and may the blessing of God the Holy THree,
bringing peace beyond all understanding,
be with you and remain with you,
and all you love,
now and forever.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Dave and Dom!

Band starts up
Dom and Dave start mingling with the crowd
Dips & drinks