My personal experience has taught me that the Holy Spirit abides around us, like  a warm safe embrace. a cloak of sorts.  The choice is to either open the heart and mind to the presence of the Holy Spirit and to embrace its presence, or to remain closed up such as a cup turned upside down on the table.  Once we turn our cup over to set upright, we can then be filled with the blessings of the Holy Spirit.  In turn, we may again turn the cup over again, spilling out to waste the blessings that we given us and again, being upside down, we find ourselves isolated, lonely and desolate.

]]> http://www.ulcseminary.net/2012/02/holy-spirit/feed/ 0 http://www.ulcseminary.net/2012/02/online-ordination-12/ http://www.ulcseminary.net/2012/02/online-ordination-12/#comments Wed, 11 Apr 2007 18:59:00 +0000 admin http://www.ulcseminary.net/?p=50

Old Apache Blessing (Author unknown)

Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be shelter to the other. Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other. Now there is no loneliness. You are two bodies, but there is one life before you, and one home. You will take each others hand and you’ll turn together to look at the road you traveled to reach this—the hour of your happiness. It stretches behind you and the future lies ahead. A long and winding road, whose every turn means discovery, old hopes, new laughter and shared tears. May beauty surround you both in the journey ahead and through all the years, May happiness be your companion and your days together be good and long upon the earth. The adventure has just begun!

 

 

Blessing

May you never take each other for granted but always experience the wonders of your union. May your love consist not only in gazing into each other’s eyes, but also in looking outward in the same direction. May your life together be a source of strength and inspiration to yourselves, your families and your friends. May you never forget the beginning of your love for one another, take care of it, nurture it, and allow it to grow strong and firm in the years that are to come. May you always concentrate on making each other happy and secure in your commitment to one another and always rely on your ability to keep the promises you have made to one another today throughout the thick and thin of life’s experiences. And may you always be in love. May your love be as beautiful each day you share as it is on this day of Your Wedding and may all of your wishes come true.

 

This Day

May this day shine eternally in your lives.
May it add brilliance to every achievement
and cast a divine light over any misfortune.
May you care for each other in all sadness.
May you give cheer to each other.
May you give vitality to each other in all undertakings.
May all that is virtuous, beautiful and honest, remain with you always.

 

Anonymous

Treat yourselves and each other with respect, and remind yourselves often of what brought you together. Give the highest priority to the tenderness, gentleness and kindness that your connection deserves. When frustration, difficulty and fear assail your relationship – as they threaten all relationships at one time or another – remember to focus on what is right between you, not only the part which seems wrong. In this way, you can ride out the storms when clouds hide the face of the sun in your lives – remembering that even if you lose sight of it for a moment, the sun is still there. And if each of you takes responsibility for the quality of your life together, it will be marked by abundance and delight.

 

Blessing For A Marriage – James Dillet Freeman

May your marriage bring you all the exquisite excitements a marriage should bring, and may life grant you also patience, tolerance, and understanding. May you always need one another – not so much to fill your emptiness as to help you know your fullness. A mountain needs a valley to be complete; the valley does not make the mountain less, but more; and the valley is more a valley because it has a mountain towering over it. So let it be with you and you. May you need one another, but not out of weakness. May you want one another, but not out of lack. May you entice one another, but not compel one another. May you succeed in all important ways with one another, and not fail in the little graces. May you look for things to praise, often say, “I love you!” and take no notice of small faults. If you have quarrels that push you apart, may both of you hope to have good sense enough to take the first step back. May you enter into the mystery which is the awareness of one another’s presence – no more physical than spiritual, warm and near when you are side by side, and warm and near when you are in separate rooms or even distant cities. May you have happiness, and may you find it making one another happy. May you have love, and may you find it loving one another!

 

Blessing Style Three (Sandstrom)

May God bless you with hope enough to keep the dawn in your love, and fear enough to keep you holding hands in the dark. Unity enough to keep your roots entwined, and separation enough to keep you reaching out for each other. Harmony enough to keep romance in your song, and discord enough to keep you tuning your love. Amen

 

The Lord Bless You And Keep You

The Lord bless you and keep you both. The Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious upon you. The Lord lift His countenance upon you and give you peace, happiness, and joy, at this moment, throughout your married life, and forevermore. Amen.

 

Trinity Blessing

May God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, bless, preserve, and keep you; may His favor be upon you; and fill you with every spiritual blessing and grace, that you may so live together in this life, that in the world to come you may have life everlasting. Amen.

 

Blessing: Adapted From Colossians 3:12-17

______ and ______, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. May the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. ______ and ______, may the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

 

Blessing: Adapted From Philippians 2:1, 2, 5

If there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make ______ and ______ more complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Have this attitude among yourselves, which was also in Christ Jesus.

 

Blessing: Adapted From Ephesians 5:15-22

______ and ______, be very careful how you live—not as unwise but as wise, taking advantage of every opportunity, because the days are evil. For this reason do not be foolish, but be wise by understanding what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, which is excess, but be filled by the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music in your hearts to the Lord. Always give thanks to God the Father for each other in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, and submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

 

]]> http://www.ulcseminary.net/2012/02/wedding-blessings/feed/ 0 http://www.ulcseminary.net/2012/02/wedding-readings-various/ http://www.ulcseminary.net/2012/02/wedding-readings-various/#comments Sat, 29 May 2010 01:02:00 +0000 admin http://www.ulcseminary.net/wedding-readings-various/ READINGS

To Love (Author Unknown)

To love is to enter a whole New World, a world of togetherness, a world of sharing…. All that is dearest and deepest within your hearts. To love is to remember and keep alive forever all those unique qualities that drew you to one another in the beginning…. Those first halting phrases… That wonderful feeling of oneness when your eyes first met. To love is to constantly search for new ways to bring each other happiness, to make the most of every moment you share together, and marvel at how your feelings for one another keep rising to new dimensions. To love is to create an oasis of tranquility for one another and a quiet place, apart from others, where you need not pretend…where you can be yourselves…. And know within your hearts, you will be accepted by one another. To love is to greet each day with anticipation…Always eager for another opportunity to share new adventures…And gather up new memories together! To love is to follow the rainbow through the rain, to be able to laugh at yourselves and be willing to say….”I was wrong, I’m sorry”…To forgive, and more importantly, to forget, and to always believe and trust in one another. To love is to watch with wonder all the miracles of creation, to find beauty in all the simple things of life, and to find, within yourselves, a deeper appreciation and a new awareness of how wonderful it is to be alive…To be happy…To be together. To love is coming together from the pathways of your past and then moving forward… Hand in hand, along the uncharted roads of your future, ready to risk, to dream, and to dare…. Always believing that all things are possible with faith and love.

 

The Art Of A Good Marriage – Wilferd Arlan Peterson

Happiness in marriage is not something that just happens. A good marriage must be created. In the art of marriage, the little things are big things…
It is never being too old to hold hands.
It is remembering to say “I love you” at least once a day.
It is never going to sleep angry.
It is never taking the other for granted; the courtship should not end with the honeymoon,
it should continue through all the years.
It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives.
It is standing together facing the world.
It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family.
It is doing things for each other, not in the attitude of duty or sacrifice, but in the spirit of joy.
It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways.
It is not expecting the husband to wear a halo or the wife to have wings of an angel.
It is not looking for perfection in each other.
It is cultivating flexibility, patience, understanding and a sense of humor.
It is having the capacity to forgive and forget.
It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow.
It is finding room for the things of the spirit.
It is a common search for the good and the beautiful.
It is establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal, dependence is mutual and the obligation is reciprocal.
It is not only marrying the right partner,
it is being the right partner.

 

Marriage Joins Two People In The Circle Of Its Love – Edmund O’Neill

Marriage is a commitment to life, the best that two people can find and bring out in each other. It offers opportunities for sharing and growth that no other relationship can equal. It is a physical and an emotional joining that is promised for a lifetime. Within the circle of its love, marriage encompasses all of life’s most important relationships. A wife and a husband are each other’s best friend, confidant, lover, teacher, listener, and critic. And there may come times when one partner is heartbroken or ailing, and the love of the other may resemble the tender caring of a parent for a child. Marriage deepens and enriches every facet of life. Happiness is fuller, memories are fresher, commitment is stronger, even anger is felt more strongly, and passes away more quickly. Marriage understands and forgives the mistakes life is unable to avoid. It encourages and nurtures new life, new experiences, and new ways of expressing a love that is deeper than life. When two people pledge their love and care for each other in marriage, they create a spirit unique unto themselves which binds them closer than any spoken or written words. Marriage is a promise, a potential made in the hearts of two people who love each other and takes a lifetime to fulfill.

 

Marriage Means Being In Love for the Rest of Your Life – Chris Ardis

Marriage is love walking hand in hand together. It’s laughing with each other about silly little things, and learning to discuss big things with care and tenderness. In marriage, love is trusting each other when you’re apart. It’s getting over disappointments and hurts, knowing that these are present in all relationships. It’s the realization that there is no one else in this world that you’d rather be with than the one you’re married to. It’s thinking of new things to do together; It’s growing old together. Marriage is being in love for the rest of your life.

 

Kahil Gibran (From The Prophet)

“True love gives nothing but itself, and takes nothing but from itself, for love is sufficient unto love. Love has no other desire but to fulfill itself, to awake at dawn and give thanks for another day of loving, to rest at noon and meditate love’s ecstasy, to return home at eventide with gratitude, and then to sleep with a prayer for the beloved in your heart, and a song of praise upon your lips.”

 

Victor Hugo

You can give without loving, but you can never love without giving. The great acts of love are done by those who are habitually performing small acts of kindness. We pardon to the extent that we love. Love is knowing that even when you are alone, you will never be lonely again. And great happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved. Loved for ourselves. And even loved in spite of ourselves.

 

From “The Strength to Love” (Martin Luther King, Jr.)

“The meaning of love is not to be confused with some sentimental outpouring. Love is something much more than emotional bosh. An overflowing love which seeks nothing in return, is the love of God operating in the human heart. Love is the most durable power in the world – the most potent instrument available in mankind’s quest for peace and security. The great military leaders of the past have gone, and their empires have crumbled and burned to ashes. But the empire of Jesus, built solidly and majestically on the foundation of love, is still growing.”

 

On Love – Thomas à Kempis (1379-1471)

Love is a mighty power, a great and complete good.
Love alone lightens every burden, and makes rough places smooth.
It bears every hardship as though it were nothing, and renders all bitterness sweet and acceptable.
Nothing is sweeter than love,
Nothing stronger,
Nothing higher,
Nothing wider,
Nothing more pleasant,
Nothing fuller or better in heaven or earth; for love is born of God.
Love flies, runs and leaps for joy.
It is free and unrestrained.
Love knows no limits, but ardently transcends all bounds.
Love feels no burden, takes no account of toil,
attempts things beyond its strength.
Love sees nothing as impossible,
for it feels able to achieve all things.
It is strange and effective,
while those who lack love faint and fail.
Love is not fickle and sentimental,
nor is it intent on vanities.
Like a living flame and a burning torch,
it surges upward and surely surmounts every obstacle.

 

True Love (Author Unknown)

True love is a sacred flame that burns eternally,
And none can dim its special glow or change its destiny.
True love speaks in tender tones and hears with gentle ear,
True love gives with open heart and true love conquers fear.
True love makes no harsh demands It neither rules nor binds,
True love holds with gentle hands the hearts that it entwines.

 

Unknown Author

Remember, anything beautiful that you have, came from God. In the beginning, God gave us our free will and our identity to walk this earth. Don’t ever try to change each other, because if you do, you will lose exactly what you fell in love with. So, each day try to find one more thing that is beautiful in your mate and each day know that the next day will be more beautiful than the one before. As long as you are doing this, you are seeking beauty, joy, and love in each other.

 

To Be One With Each Other – George Eliot (1819-1880)

“What greater thing is there for two human souls than to feel that they are to join for life—to strengthen each other in all labor, to rest on each other in all sorrow, to minister to each other in all pain, to be one with each other in silent, unspeakable memories at the moment of the last parting.”

 

Love Reflects Love in Return – The Divine Comedy by Dante

“The love of God, Unutterable and perfect, flows into a pure soul the way light rushes into a transparent object. The more love we receive, the more love we shine forth; so that, as we grow clear and open, the more complete the joy of loving is. And the more souls who resonate together, the greater the intensity of their love for, mirror-like, each soul reflects the other.”

 

Unknown Author

When God created man and placed him in the Garden of Eden he saw that it was not good for man to live alone, so God made a companion for man. In this act of creation, God didn’t take the woman from man’s head, lest she should rule over him; nor from his feet, lest he should trample upon her- but from his side, that she should be equal with him, and close to his heart, that he should love, cherish, and honor her. God presented woman to man for their mutual joy and that they may give to each other companionship, help, and comfort. Marriage is God’s gift to deliver us from our isolation and loneliness. It is our opportunity to give each other the gifts of God and to receive the gifts of God from each other.

 

Marriage Advice – Jane Wells (1886)

Let your love be stronger than your hate or anger. Learn the wisdom of compromise, for it is better to bend a little than to break. Believe the best rather than the worst. People have a way of living up or down to your opinion of them. Remember that true friendship is the basis for any lasting relationship. The person you choose to marry is deserving of the courtesies and kindnesses you bestow on your friends. Please hand this down to your children and your children’s children.

 

When a Man and a Woman Are in Love – Stephen T.Fader

His life lies within hers and her life lies within his. Each lives as an individual, yet they also live for one another. Each strives for independent goals, but they also work together to achieve their dreams. They will give to one another what they need to survive and help fulfill each other’s wants. They will turn one another’s disappointment into satisfaction. They will turn one another’s frustration into contentment. They will work as a mirror, reflecting to each other their strengths and weaknesses. They will work together to alleviate the emotional walls that may separate them. They will work together to build a better understanding of one another. They will learn to lean on each other, but not so much as to be a burden on the other. They will learn to reach out to one another, but not so much as to suffocate the other. They will learn when it is time to speak and when it is time to listen. They will be there to comfort each other in times of sorrow. They will be there to celebrate together in times of happiness. They will be one another’s friend, guiding each other to the happiness that life holds. They will be one another’s companion, facing together the challenges that life may present. When a man and a woman are in love, his life lies within hers and her life lies within his. Together they will love one another for the rest of their lives and forever.

 

From A Natural History Of Love – Diane Ackerman

Love. What a small word we use for an idea so immense and powerful. It has altered the flow of history, calmed monsters, kindled works of art, cheered the forlorn, turned tough guys to mush, consoled the enslaved, driven strong women mad, glorified the humble, fueled national scandals, bankrupted robber barons, and made mincemeat of kings. How can love’s spaciousness be conveyed in the narrow confines of one syllable? Love is an ancient delirium, a desire older than civilization, with taproots spreading into deep and mysterious days. The heart is a living museum. In each of its galleries, no matter how narrow or dimly lit, preserved forever like wondrous diatoms, are our moments of loving, and being loved.

 

Sooner or Later

Sooner or later we begin to understand that love is more than verses on valentines, and romance in the movies. We begin to know that love is here and now, real and true, the most important thing in our lives. For love is the creator of our favorite memories, and the foundation of our fondest dreams. Love is a promise that is always kept, a fortune that can never be spent, a seed that can flourish in even the most unlikely of places. And this radiance that never fades, this mysterious and magical joy, is the greatest treasure of all — one known only by those who love.

 

Irrational Season by Madeleine L’Engle – A Selection

But ultimately there comes a moment when a decision must be made. Ultimately two people who love each other must ask themselves how much they hope for as their love grows and deepens, and how much risk they are willing to take…It is indeed a fearful gamble… Because it is the nature of love to create, a marriage itself is something which has to be created, so that, together we become a new creature. To marry is the biggest risk in human relations that a person can take…If we commit ourselves to one person for life this is not, as many people think, a rejection of freedom; rather it demands the courage to move into all the risks of freedom, and the risk of love which is permanent; into that love which is not possession, but participation…It takes a lifetime to learn another person…When love is not possession, but participation, then it is part of that co-creation which is our human calling, and which implies such risk that it is often rejected.

 

The Key to Love

The key to love is understanding … The ability to comprehend not only the spoken word. but those unspoken gestures, the little things that say so much by themselves.

The key to love is forgiveness… To accept each others faults and pardon mistakes, without forgetting, but with remembering what you learn from them.

The key to love is sharing… Facing your good fortunes as well as the bad, together; both conquering problems, forever searching for ways to intensify your happiness.

The key to love is giving… Without thought of return, but with hope of just a simple smile, and by giving in but never giving up.

The key to love is respect… Realizing that you are two separate people, with different ideas; that you don’t belong to each other, that you belong with each other, and share a mutual bond.

The key to love is inside us all… It takes time and patience to unlock all the ingredients that will take you to its threshold; it is the continual learning process that demands a lot of work… but the rewards are more than worth the effort… and that is the key to love.

 

Marriage is love – Gloria Matthew

If two are caring as they are sharing life’s hopes and fears. 

If the music of laughter outweighs sadness and tears. Marriage is togetherness.
If both derive pleasure from the mere presence of each other, yet when parted no jealousies restrict, worry or smother. Marriage is freedom.
If achievements mean more when they benefit two and consideration is shown with each point of view. Marriage is respect.
And if togetherness, freedom and respect are combined with a joy that words can never fully define, then marriage is love.

 

Unknown Author
You share today the joy of a deep commitment and a sacred trust, and you have given each other the most precious gift of love, treasure it, nurture it and encourage it with all the honesty you used in creating it you are sharing something rare and beautiful. Always speak the truth and listen attentively so that you may understand each others thoughts and intentions, inspire each other by sharing your accomplishments. Say I love you often to retain the warmth between you.  Laugh a lot too, even when you are angry.  Remember you are each other’s best friend. Stand together and for each other always. May each day be a blessing and the fulfillment of your dreams.

 

The Promise - Heather Berry

Within this blessed union of souls, where two hearts intertwine to become one, there lies a promise. Perfectly born, divinely created, and intimately shared, it is a place where the hope and majesty of beginnings reside. Where all things are made possible by the astounding love shared by two spirits. As you hold each other’s hands in this promise, and eagerly look into the future in each other’s eyes, may your unconditional love and devotion take you to placed were you’ve both only dreamed. Where you’ll dwell for a lifetime of happiness, sheltered in the warmth of each other’s arms.

 

Love Is Friendship Caught Fire - Laura Hendricks

Love is friendship caught fire; it is quiet, mutual confidence, sharing and forgiving. It is loyalty through good and bad times. It settles for less than perfection, and makes allowances for human weaknesses. Love is content with the present, hopes for the future, and does not brood over the past. It is the day-in and day-out chronicles of irritations, problems, compromises, small disappointments, big victories, and working toward common goals. If you have love in your life, it can make up for a great many things you lack. If you do not have it, no matter what else there is, it is not enough.

 

The “Ceremonial Dove Release” has been a custom for centuries. The “Noblemen of Olde” released the dove as symbols of their eternal love for their brides to be. Doves choose one partner for life and make this commitment until death. The white dove has been used throughout history as a symbol of Love, Peace, Purity, Faithfulness and Prosperity. It is said that if doves are seen on your wedding day, a happy home is assured. These birds released here today represent the love and commitment you have given to one another this day. From this day forward, when ever you see a white dove, may you be reminded of this moment”

 

Release of Doves

The release of Doves in ceremonies extends the message of Peace, the celebration of Life, and the expression of Love. Releasing doves uplifts the eyes, signifies new beginnings and true celebrations in flight. In Scripture doves are more numerous than all other species. Luke 3:22 states: “The heavens opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on Him in the form of a dove.” The dove is the symbol of peace, and the presence of the Spirit. They have been chosen by God to be the messengers of the day.

 

Legend of the Dove

Once the Lord of heaven chose two doves, both young and fair, and told them of a very special journey they would share. “Go now upon the earth and see two hearts where you may dwell, and there I shall surely come and make my home with you as well. We’ll join the two and make them one. A Husband and his Wife, my spirit will endow their love with everlasting life.” Today the Doves will bring the sacred promise from above, to those whose hearts are open to the miracle of LOVE.

 

Legend of the Butterfly (For Butterfly Release)

Today we Celebrate Love in a very special way with the release of butterflies to signify a new beginning for ________ and ________.  According to an American Indian Legend. . . If anyone desires a wish to come true they must first capture a butterfly and whisper that wish to it.  Since a butterfly can make no sound, the butterfly cannot reveal the wish to anyone but the Great Spirit who hears and sees all.  In gratitude for giving the beautiful butterfly its freedom, the Great Spirit always grants the wish. So, according to legend, by making a wish and giving the butterfly its freedom, the wish will be taken to the heavens and be granted.  The butterfly symbolizes new beginnings, freedom and happiness. For just a moment, think silently of what you would wish for ________ and ________. We have gathered together to grant this couple all our best wishes and are about to set these butterflies free in trust that all these wishes will be granted. The butterflies will now be released to carry forth the good news of your promise of love and commitment for each other..

 

Butterfly Release (For Butterfly Release)

To make a wish come true, whisper it to a butterfly. Upon these wings it will be taken to heaven and granted. For butterflies are messengers of the Great Spirit.

 

New Beginnings (For Butterfly Release)

From the cycles of life come circles of love, and we give You our thanks for such gifts from Above. From Nature’s own beauty come uplifting feelings, from the flight of these creatures may you find life’s true meanings. And as these creations escape to the light may the promise of tomorrow always be bright. Let them carry your hopes for what the future may bring, and may your love be uplifted on these butterfly wings.

 

Wine Ceremony

Officiant pours wine into goblet and holds it up and says.

The years of life are as a cup of wine poured out for you to drink. This “Cup of Life” contains within it a wine with certain properties that are sweet and symbolic of happiness, joy, hope, peace, love and delight. This same wine also holds some bitter properties that are symbolic of disappointment, sorrow, grief, despair, and life’s trials and tribulations. Together the sweet and the bitter represent “Life’s Journey” and all of the experiences that are a natural part of it. Those who drink deeply from the “Cup of Life” with an open heart and willing spirit, invite the full range of challenges and experiences into their being.

This “Cup of Life” is symbolic of the pledges you have made to one another to share together the fullness of life. As you drink from this cup, you acknowledge to one another that your lives, until this moment separate, have become one. Drink now, and may the cup of your lives be sweet and full to running over.”

Officiant hands glass to groom, who drinks, then hands it to bride, who drinks, who passes it back to officiant.

Officiant: As you have shared this cup of wine, so may you share your lives. May all the sweetness that it holds for you be the sweeter because you taste it together. May you find life’s joys heightened, it’s bitterness sweetened, and all of life enriched by God’s blessings upon you.

 

Breaking of the Glass Ceremony

“The breaking of the glass at the end of a wedding ceremony serves to remind of two very important aspects of a marriage. The bride and groom – and everyone – should consider these marriage vows as an IRREVOCABLE ACT – just as permanent and final as the breaking of this glass is unchangeable. There have been many different explanations for the breaking of the glass. Today, the fragility of the glass suggests the frailty of human relationships. The glass is broken to protect this marriage with the implied prayer. “May your bond of love be as difficult to break as it would be to put together the pieces of this glass.” After ________ breaks the glass, I invite everyone to shout the Hebrew words “Mazel Tov,” meaning “Good Luck” and “Congratulations.”

 

The glass is usually a light bulb wrapped in a white towel. The best man will place the glass before the groom. However, it is not broken at this point. Instead, the officiant continues to declare the bride and groom to be “husband and wife”. With “congratulations, you may kiss your bride!” the groom then smashes the glass with his foot and kisses the bride.

 

Communion

The cup and the bread waits on a small table. The Minister then passes the bread to the bride and groom, each facing the other.

Minister: For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.

The groom then the serves it to the bride, the bride serves it to the groom. The Minister then lifts the cup and passes it to the bride and groom, they hold it between them.

Minister: “In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, ” This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me. “For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

Each in turn serves the cup to the other, the groom passes it back to the Minister.

Minister: As you have shared this bread and cup, May you always share in the unity and peace of the Spirit.

 

 

]]> http://www.ulcseminary.net/2012/02/universal-life-church-25/feed/ 0 http://www.ulcseminary.net/2012/02/universal-life-church-3/ http://www.ulcseminary.net/2012/02/universal-life-church-3/#comments Wed, 19 Oct 2011 16:35:00 +0000 admin http://www.ulcseminary.net/?p=6

A Cosmic Moment

By by Patricia Diane Cota-Robles

An interesting turn of events we have been waiting for!

November 11, 2005 – 11:11:11

(11) 2 + (11) 2 + (2005) 7 = 11

and by Patricia Diane Cota-Robles

http://1spirit.com/eraofpeace

This is a momentous time, and many facets of the Divine Plan are

unfolding simultaneously. All Lightworkers are being asked by the

Company of Heaven to redouble our efforts, and to BE HERE NOW!

Eleven is the master number that reflects the transformation of the physical into the Divine. Our I AM Presence encoded this sacred geometry into our genetic patterns prior to this embodiment. For some time now people have been noticing 11:11 on digital clocks and various digital readouts. This code activates within us the genetic memory of the transformation we are all going through.

The 11:11 code represents the transformation of the 3rd-Dimensional plane into the higher 4th-Dimensional plane of existence. Now because of the incredible changes that have taken place within every evolving soul on Earth, we are ready for 11:11:11. The transformation of the 3rd- and 4th-Dimensional planes into the higher 5th-Dimensional plane.

On August 18, 2005, in a Divine Ceremony of Light, hundreds of thousands of Lightworkers from all over the world joined Heart Flames and created a unified Chalice of Light through which the Flame of Transfiguring Divine Love from the Heart of our Father-Mother God poured into the physical plane of Earth. This Sacred Fire raised the vibration of the physical, etheric, mental and emotional bodies of Humanity into a frequency of the 5th Dimension beyond the reach of the human ego.

In an instant, the grip of every person’s human ego was burst asunder. In that moment, as one voice, one breath, one heartbeat, one  consciousness of Divine Love, every person’s I AM Presence invoked Archangel Michael and his Legions of Power and Protection. These majestic Beings encapsulated every human ego in an invincible Ring Pass Not of God’s First Cause of Perfection. This force field of Light from the Heart of God is a powerful Circle of White Lightning that prevents anything that is not of the Light from entering or leaving its embrace.

Once our ego was encapsulated within this protective force field of Light, our I AM Presence breathed the Circle of White Lightning into Its 5th-Dimensional Heart Flame. Our ego will remain within the Heart of our I AM Presence where it will be bathed with Transfiguring Divine Love until it voluntarily surrenders into the Light and is transformed.

For eleven weeks Humanity has been going through an intensified purging process to cleanse our physical, etheric, mental and emotional bodies of the patterns of imperfection our human egos have mis-created over aeons of time.  The Elemental Kingdom reflects Humanity’s consciousness. Consequently, this purging process has been reflected in the bodies of Mother Earth as well. Her bodies are directly associated with the earth, air, fire and water elements. As catastrophic as this cleansing process has been, the end result will be a healing and life-transforming experience for all Life on this blessed planet.

Now, all is in readiness for the next phase of the Divine Plan. With our newfound freedom from the control and manipulation of our human egos, and the intensified cleansing we have experienced over the past eleven weeks, Humanity and Mother Earth are finally vibrating at a frequency that can withstand the resplendent Light of the 5th-Dimensional Flame of the Immaculate Concept. This empowering gift from the Heart of our Father-Mother God will be sustained in the physical plane of Earth on the Holy Breath of Beloved Mother Mary and Archangel Gabriel. These selfless messengers of God are the Keepers of the Flame of the Immaculate Concept for the whole of Creation.

The Divine Purpose of this Madonna Blue Flame with its crystalline white aura is to activate within our Twelve Solar Strands of DNA the genetic codings of our full Divine Potential. Without the  interference of our human egos, and with the direct contact our I AM Presence now has with our physical, etheric, mental and emotional bodies through our 5th-Dimensional Solar Spine and Chakras, the Flame of the Immaculate Concept can finally fulfill its Divine Purpose.

Since the fall of Humanity and the sinking of Lemuria aeons ago, the portal of the Flame of the Immaculate Concept has been almost dormant. The central core of this portal pulsates above the Island of Bali, in the South Pacific. Since the fall, Mother Mary and Archangel Gabriel have only been able to project a minuscule fraction of the original intensity of this Sacred Fire through this portal for the benefit of Humanity.

For millennia, Mother Mary and Archangel Gabriel have been patiently waiting for Humanity to burst the bonds of the human ego and raise the vibration of our Earthly bodies effectively enough to connect with our 5th-Dimensional I AM Presence. Now that this has been God Victoriously accomplished, the portal of the Flame of the Immaculate Concept above Bali can once again be opened to full breadth.

Since our I AM Presence is at last in position to take dominion of our Earthly bodies, Mother Mary and Archangel Gabriel can breathe the 5th-Dimensional frequencies of the Flame of the Immaculate Concept through the portal in Bali. This empowering Sacred Fire will then be available for every Lightworker to breathe into our Heart Flames, and

then into the physical, etheric, mental and emotional strata of Earth to bless and uplift every evolving soul and every particle of Life on the planet.

In order to grasp the magnitude of what this means, we must remember that the Immaculate Concept is the Divine Blueprint of our full Divine Potential. When we were first breathed into existence from the Heart of our Father-Mother God, we were encoded and empowered with the fullness of the Causal Body of God. This means, literally and tangibly, all that our Father-Mother God has is ours. We lost awareness of this profound Truth when we fell into chaos and confusion and became entrapped in the fear-based consciousness of our human egos.

Now, all of that is being reversed. Once again, the portal in Bali is going to be opened to full breadth. Mother Mary and Archangel Gabriel are then going to breathe the Flame of the Immaculate Concept through the portal into the genetic structures of our Twelve Solar Strands of DNA. When this Sacred Fire enters our DNA, it will activate the Divine Potential that was encoded there at the time of our inception.

These codes have been dormant since the portal of the Immaculate Concept over Bali was closed after the fall. This is the main reason Humanity has so easily accepted, and acted out of, the erroneous belief that we are worthless sinners and worms in the dust.

Mother Mary and Archangel Gabriel cannot just wave a wand and open the portal above Bali. In alignment with Universal Law, the call for assistance must come from the realm where the assistance is needed.  In order to accomplish this facet of the Divine Plan, Lightworkers in the physical plane serving on behalf of all Humanity must ask for this Divine Intervention and offer ourselves as a Cup, a Holy Grail, through which the Light of God will flow to open the portal of the Flame of the Immaculate Concept.

Lightworkers around the world are being called to assist the Beings of Light in the Realms of Illumined Truth and to serve as surrogates on behalf of Humanity. There will be approximately 100 Lightworkers from around the world who will travel to Bali on a sacred pilgrimage.

We will serve as physical transformers to open the portal of the Flame of the Immaculate Concept. In addition, hundreds of thousands of Lightworkers from around the world will join in consciousness with the Lightworkers in Bali and project their Light into the portal in Bali from myriad locations on the planet.

In synchronicity with the 11:11:11 cycle unfolding on Earth, this activity of Light will involve an eleven-day window of opportunity. For the five days preceding November 11, 2005, 11:11:11, and the five days following that momentous day, Mother Mary and Archangel Gabriel will orchestrate the opening of the 5th-Dimensional portal of the Flame of the Immaculate Concept in Bali, and the activation of the Divine Potential within the Twelve Solar Strands of Humanity’s DNA.

During these eleven days, we will be working in the Eternal Moment of Now. Anytime you can join with us in consciousness and add your Light to this Activity of Light will be right and perfect. Ask your I AM Presence for guidance, and you will know how best to weave your magnificent Light into this Divine Plan. There is no right or wrong way to do this. The Divine Intention in your heart is what matters.

The five days leading up to November 11, November 6-10, will be final days of cleansing and preparation. During these days, listen to your I AM Presence. Pray, meditate, be in nature, open your heart to God’s Infinite Love and be at Peace. On November 11th, the portal of the Immaculate Concept in Bali will be permanently opened to full breadth, and Mother Mary and Archangel Gabriel will begin flooding the planet and all her Life with the 5th-Dimensional Flame of the Immaculate Concept. This is a day of wonder and joyous celebration.

The next five days, November 12-16, will be days for assimilating the Flame of the Immaculate Concept and allowing the sacred space for the activation of the patterns of perfection from the Causal Body of God within your DNA structures. By the end of the eleventh day, your Earthly bodies will be calibrated to a higher frequency, and you will be able to withstand more Light.

And so it is.

Beloved I AM, Beloved I AM, Beloved I AM.

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

Ordination with the Free Online Ordination, button.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use.