Weddings

Weddings (Holy Matrimony)

Congratulations! A wedding is one of life’s great moments. A time of solemn commitment, feasting, and joy. St John tells us how Jesus shared in such an occasion at Cana, and gave there a sign of new beginnings as He turned water into wine.

Marriage is intended by God to be a creative and lasting relationship, enabling husband and wife to love and support each other in good times and in bad. A couple may also share in the care and upbringing of children. For Christians, marriage is also an invitation to share life together in the Spirit of Jesus Christ. The marriage service is based around a solemn, public, and life-long covenant between a man and a woman, declared and celebrated in the presence of God and before witnesses.

On their wedding day a bride and bridegroom face each other, make their promises, and receive God’s blessing. The congregation are witnesses of the marriage, and express support by their very presence, singing, and prayers. A newly married couple will usually value their continued encouragement in the days and years ahead of them.

On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

Now standing there were six stone water jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, “Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward.” So they took it. When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now.”

Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.

John 2.1-11

What do I do next?

Please be in touch with Revd. Christopher to arrange a visit.

Tel: 01962 793086

Email: cwdurrant@aol.com

God our Father,

from the beginning

you have blessed creation with abundant life.

Pour out your blessings upon newly engaged couples,

that they may anticipate with hope being joined

in mutual love and companionship,

in holiness and commitment to each other.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever. Amen.