Sunday, February 26, 2012

The Inspirational Doctor

I was in a Charity area in Africa, and had been working there for a number of years. During this time, I had been fortunate to make the acquaintance of, and work alongside, a brilliant local doctor who was also a born surgeon. This bright and witty lady, articulate and excellently educated, was well known to us and dearly loved in our local community. However, Mariette* had a secret life. For over seven years, twice a week she disappeared for about eight hours, and none of us knew where she went to. Mild speculation surfaced about this unusual regular disappearance from her surgery on her half days off.

It just so happened that I found the answer to the mystery a short time before I transferred from that post. Working in Charity myself, I happened upon a poor area which was in need of assistance. While walking the street there, I was informed that a simple surgery on the second floor of a complex there had the fortunate services of a doctor twice a week. This doctor saw all who came to see her, and no-one was ever charged a cent. She had saved so many lives, and carried out so many surgeries, that she was regarded in the area as a saint. She was indeed, my dear acquaintance and friend.

I happened to pop into her practice the next week, and started chatting to the receptionist there. I casually remarked that I now knew where Mariette went to twice a week, and mentioned the area I had visited. The receptionist started, and looked visibly discomforted. 'Please don't tell anyone,' she said. 'Only you and I know what doctor does and where she goes. She funds all the maternity cases, surgeries and consultations from her own pocket from money she saves from the profits of her own surgery. However, she wants absolutely no-one to know what she does.'

I was interested. 'Why?' I queried, 'Surely it is a wonderful thing she is doing?' 'Yes,' replied the receptionist, 'However, Mariette says that it is her gift to God, her tithe to Him. As such, it is their secret - His and hers. She does this work for Him, for the glory of God. If it became known to others, it would no longer be her quiet tithe, but a public and possible acknowledgement of her work. Mariette does not want this. So can you pretend you don't know?' 'Of course,' I said quietly, and went off, thoughtful at what I had heard.

At a glittering social function, I was present at a group as they teased Mariette who stood, exquisitely coiffed, with expensive jewellery around her neck and beautiful earrings. She wore a designer dress, and stood confidently in designer shoes. 'We know where you go,' members of the group said, 'You go to a spa for the latest facials and for pampering.' 'No, no', said another, 'You go over the border to the casino.' All were laughing, and she most of all. And, as I looked at her serene face, testimony to a privileged background, the best of education and a background of wealth, only I knew that this lady who was an ardent  Dutch Reformed Church Christian went twice a week to the most impoverished, physically dirty and suffering area, dressed in humble scrubs,  and single-handedly saved lives with equipment and medications paid for from the proceeds of her practice.

I was privileged to have this lady, so bright and gifted in character, as a friend for many years. It is years since I saw her, as I moved on to other towns with my Charity work commitments and eventually emigrated to Ireland. However, Mariette is still a radiant icon to me. Often as I work, I pause and her image, unbidden, comes into my mind. She was a true inspiration to me - a lady and a doctor. As one of my gurus in India told me when I lived there for a few months, 'Remember what is said; a doctor saves lives, eases suffering, dries tears, and listens without judgement to those who are dying. A doctor is God's Other Self.'

Please say a prayer for all our doctors, that God may bless their work, steady and strengthen their hands, give them the health they need to carry out their tremendous task, and enlighten their minds with wisdom in the daily decisions they must take in order to save lives. In the spirit of Lumiere, please consider funding a doctor in an underprivileged area, assisting in the funding of a relief camp, squatter camp, refugee camp, camp in strife-torn areas. Many are working amidst needs for equipment and medical supplies. Possibly you could help. The need is there - perhaps Providence ordained that you read these words because you are the one who could fund the help.

*Name has been changed

The basic needs of our children in India



Below please find how easy it is to sponsor the needs of our children in Maria Sharan and other places in India. It is not possible to help everyone in the world at once. However, it is possible to help one person. So, if you feel it upon your heart to help in Charity, why not choose one person somewhere and subsidise their food and care?

You can choose to
- support a child at Maria Sharan - contact msharan98 @yahoo.com  
- fund the education and care of an orphan, street child, child in disadvantaged circumstances, or child whose parent/s are invalided and unable to work and educate/care for their children, but who love their children and wish to keep them at home
- support an indigent person rescued from the streets
- support someone rescued from being traded on the street, and fund their education and health care for a better life
- organise funding for a group caring for those in need, for homeless shelters, for soup kitchens.
- fund the care of an elderly person rescued from the streets
- support one mother and unborn child to have a safe delivery (see the wonderful programme run by registered nurse Arlene Samen, One HEART at One Heart World-Wide@OneHeartWW.
This is a non-profit organization aiming at reducing maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality during pregnancy and delivery

Please consider funding the care of children at Maria Sharan, or children at other shelters run by the devoted Sisters and Fathers in India. Rate of exchange is approximately 52 Rupees to one Euro. This depends on daily fluctuation of exchange rate. Financial needs for the care of children in India include;

Food Grains:
Cooking Oil, 10 tins, 11000 Rupees or 212 euros/  Rice, 800 kg, 16000 Rs or 308 euros/  Powwa, 150 kg, 3300 Rs or 64 euros/ Rava, 40 kg, 1600 Rs or 31 euros/ Mamra (Puffed Rice) 50 kg, 1100 Rs or 22 euros/ Sugar, 150 kg, 3300 Rs or 64 euros/ Wheat, 250 kg, 4500 Rs or 87 euros/ Salt, 70 kg, 700 Rs or 14 euros/  Masoor Dal, 20kg, 1100 Rs or 22 euros/ Chana Dal, 20 kg, 840 Rs or 42 euros/  Mugh Dal, 20 kg, 1200 Rs or 24 euros/ Udad Dal, 20kg, 800 Rs or 16 euros/ Math Dal, 20kg, 900 Ts or 18 euros/ Mugh Chilka Dal, 20 kg, 900 Rs or 18 euros/ Tur Dal, 25 kg, 1125 Rs or 22 euros/ Chole Chana, 20kg, 960 Rs or 19 euros/  Mugh, 20 kg, 800 Rs or 16 euros/  Vatana, 20kg, 760 Rs or 15 euros/Soya bin, 20kg, 800 Rs or 16 euros/ Chola, 20kg, 800 Rs or 16 euros/ Chana Deshi, 20 kg, 760 Rs or 15 euros/
Total Rupees. 53245/-
Total Euros 1061

In the same Way, Masala costs in summary would be Rs 11840/-
Total Euros 230
Haldi Powder, 5 kg (450 Rs or 9 euros)* / Dinaya Powder, 8kg, 960 Rs or 10 euros/ Garam Masala Powder, 3kg, 390 Rs or 8 euros/ Sev-usal Masala, 1 kg, 190 Rs or 4 euros/ Cumin Seeds (Jeera), 3kg, 630 Rs or13 euros/ Besan Poweder, 5 kg, 300 Rs or 6 euros/ Daliya, 35 kg, 700 Rs or 14 euros/ Garlic, 15kg, 1050 Rs or 21 euros/ Tea Leaves, 15kg, 2100 Rs or 41 euros/ Pickal, 15 kg, 750 Rs or 15 euros/ Limbu Phul, 500 gm, 80 Rs or 2 euros/ Farsan, 20 kg, 1600 Rs or 31 euros/ Chilli Powder, 8 kg, 960 Rs or 19 euros/ Elichi 250 gm, 150 Rs or 3 euros/ Louvang, 200 gm, 70 Rs or 2 euros/ Kali Mari, 200 gm, 90 Rs or 2 euros/ Tez Patta, 250 gm, 60 Rs or 2 euros/ Tez Lakadi, 200 gm, 80 Rs or 2 euros/ Papad, 5 kg, 225 Rs or 5 euros/ Kismis, 2 kg, 200 Rs or 4 euros/ Ground nuts, 5 kg, 325 Rs or 7 euros/ Coconut Powder, 3 kg, 360 Rs or 7 euros/ Rai, 2 kg, 120 Rs or 3 euros.
* Rupees rounded off to the nearest round number euro estimate

Vegetables cost Rs 2615/-
or Total Euros 51
Potato, 35 kg, 350 Rs or 7 euros/ Onion, 35kg, 350 Rs or 7 euros/  Tomato, 25 kg, 375 Rs or 8 euros/ Green Chilli, 5 kg, 100 Rs or 2 euros/ Ginger, 3 kg, 120 Rs or 3 euros/ Cabbage, 15 kg, 225 Rs or 5 euros/ Brinjal, 15kg, 225 Rs or 5 euros/ Gourd, 15 kg, 225 Rs or 5 euros/ Coriander, 2 kg, 40 Rs or 1 euro/ Kadi Pattas, 500 gm, 15 Rs or less than 1 euro/
Drum stick, 8 kg, 160 Rs or 4 euros/ Carrot, 5 kg, 75 Rs or less than 2 euros/ French beans, 4 kg, 100 rupees or 2 euros/ Lemon, 1 kg, 30 rupees or less than 1 euro/ 'Flower', 15 kg, 225 Rs or 5 euros.

Toiletries/ Stationery costs are Total Rupees 14840/-
Total Euros 286
Surf powder, 10 kg, 600 Rs or 12 euros/ Match box, 5 boxes, 60 Rupees or less than 2 euros/ Vim soap, 40 nos., 480 Rs or 10 euros/  Vessel Scrubber, 30 nos, 300 Rs or 6 euros/ Hair oil, 10 liters, 1900 Rs or 37 euros/ Toothpaste, 50 nos, 2250 Rs or 44 euros/ Bath soap, 300 nos, 3000 Rs or 58 euros/ Washing soap, 350 nos, 2100 Rs or 41 euros/ Cleaner, 35 liters, 1050 Rs or 21 euros/ Harpic, 35 liters, 1575 Rs or 31 euros/ Sharpener, 50 nos, 250 Rs or 5 euros/ Scale, 50 nos, 250 Rs or 5 euros/ Chalk, 5 boxes, 75 Rs or 15 euros/ Notebook, 50 nos, 500 Rs or 10 euros

EDUCATIONAL EXPENSES PER CHILD FOR ONE YEAR
1. School fees per Child for One year, 4500 Rupees or 87 euros
2. Text books, 1000 Rupees or 20 euros
3. Stationery, 500 Rupees or 10 euros
4. Uniforms - 2 pairs, 700 Rupees or 14 euros
5. Shoes and socks, 350 Rupees or 7 euros
6. School bag & tiffin box (lunch box for hot lunch) - 225 Rupees or 10 euros
7. Extra curricular activities, 500 Rs or 10 euros
8. Transport, 1000 Rs or 20 euros
9. Miscellaneous needs, 225 Rs or 5 euros
Total Rs. 9000/-
Total Euros 174

Kingdom of God Seminar

KINGDOM of GOD
Bible Seminars

UNITED CHURCH OF GOD

On 11th February, I was privileged to attend the Kingdom of God Seminar in Dublin as preached by Messrs David Payne and David Fenney. The Seminar was under the auspices of the international United Church of God (www.ucg.org) which has done so much to support Good Shepherd Church with resources and spiritual support.

The Seminar was excellent in content, and the mood at the gathering was joyous and expectant, with representatives who had come in from all over Ireland - some from far away - to attend the talks. Discussed were the key signs Jesus said would be manifested, important information about our opportunity to enter the Kingdom of God, and how to develop a meaningful relationship with God - all based on Jesus Christ's central teachings.

The speakers discussed Mark 1;14-15, in which Mark witnessed to Jesus' coming to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God and saying, 'The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the gospel.' Links were made to the great Jewish prophet Isaiah; his writing in 46;10 explained, 'I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say; My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.'' John 5;17 was also highlighted; 'Jesus said, 'My Father has been working until now and so have I.'

I found the Seminar so outstanding and inspirational personally, that I requested permission to receive the slides on the talk, and also requested permission to make the content of the Seminar known to you all. I was delighted to receive the slides which are a great help to my personal prayer life as inspiration.

I received an email apprising that if I wish to listen to a spoken version of the presentation there are several on United Church of God members' website;
http://members.ucg.org/sermons

These are in audio and follow the presentation I saw which inspired me so much. There are a number of presentations for February, and many more if you scroll down or go to earlier pages. Another seminar is planned for Dublin later this year again, probably in May - so, dear readers, if you are in the area and interested in either developing your personal prayer life, learning more about the things of God or gaining good input for sermons for your ministry, why not attend?

If you go into the above website, there are various resources and inspiration available, such as;
- Find a sermon
- Find a local Congregation
- Preach the Gospel
- If you wish to support the great efforts of this ministry of Christ, the facility is made available for online donations
- You can view the UCG Activity Calender
- You can find Study Papers with wonderful resources such as Music in the BIble, Eating Unleavened Bread, Tithing, Covenants, Divine History, The Biblical Role of Women and many more
- Live Sabbath webcasts
- Ambassador Bible Centre, an intense nine-month educational programme focussed on the Bible and Christian living
- Free Bible Study Groups
- registration information to attend the Kingdom of God Bible Seminars in a location near you. These free seminars are held in over 100 locations around the world. You can also visit www.kogseminars.org for information if you wish to register
- Good News Magazine and Good News Radio information
- Youth programmes
- Study resources
- Prayer requests

If you wish to be inspired by the word of Jesus Christ, the Son of God Who brings hope and salvation to our world, enjoy the above inspirational resources from the UCG ministry.


Friday, February 17, 2012

Maria Sharan and the Salesian Sisters



MARIA SHARAN
For years I have been privileged to witness the great work done by the Salesian Sisters at Maria Sharan in India. The Orphanage and Girls' Shelter which I regularly visit has Sisters dedicatedly caring for 50 girls between the ages of 7 and 18. The last time I visited we had a great day of celebration. In India, hospitality is the keyword, and the children and I love to see each other and catch up on how they have been doing in school and in their lives. I had brought sparkling bangles from Ireland, and together with clips and pretty hair accessories, the girls had great fun getting their little gift from the people in Ireland.

There was so much news! Successful school graduations, completion of post-graduation courses; work received in good jobs. Truly a tribute to the care of the Sisters. The children call me 'Didi', which is an affectionate name for 'older sister'. They have somehow adopted me as extended family, as they know how keenly we at Lumiere Charity are interested in their welfare and their prospects for a brighter future.

ETHOS
Lumiere's main ethos is that education is the key for a better future. We have been helping street children, orphans and homeless since 2004 to secure education, and get jobs and places to live. We do this by fundraising for education, clothing, shelter, medical expenses and all that goes into caring for children. The Sisters' care for the children is devoted and motherly, and needless to say the girls thrive. The Sisters ensure full education and care for the children, and also teach them extra-curricular activities including computer classes, art, cross stitching, crafts, painting and colouring. Tallaght Library in Dublin, Ireland, donated English books for the children which they are making great use of.  Lumiere regularly sends boxes of items for the children, and our grateful thanks go to our donors and Tallaght Library for their generous and thoughtful donations.

AGRICULTURAL PROJECT
The Sisters began an agricultural project a few years ago. This project is flourishing with well tended crops. The animals are in good health. One of the cows was delivering her calf while I was there, and the villagers were taking it in turns to sit with her throughout the night.

The covered well gives many litres of clear water a day, which provides fresh water for watering the fields and trees, and clean bathing water is purified for use by all. The many crops nourish the children and are sold by the villagers in the local markets. The villagers love working on the project, and their work and the Sisters' dedication are clear to see in the development of the Project.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO HELP?
If you would be interested in donations towards the care and education of the children, and/or towards the growth and sustenance of the vibrant agricultural project, please contact; msharan98 @yahoo.com 

Revival/Retreat in March 2012

Freely following jesus





Unitarian Universalist Christian Fellowship (UUCF) is holding a Revival/Retreat March 22nd - 25th, 2012;

Welcoming the Feminine in Christianity
Many Voices, Many Verses

 Click on the link for the UUCF website, then click on the Revival Brochure for information and in order to register. [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=kzvsopdab&et=1109298925366&s=483&e=001Mi96beqX3j0qCnAL79xpz1NH445MpyPNF55iXb_1aGYLgg0IhVdAgHzIdDnE3X6F63mzd6TKcAJWP0yzLHs1i1GJpQX5OViDQNpP5tfRzDjdllhEIyaewccFBBKo6DiJ0iSJgmVK7bcr0DC0XTJm0J-nFg6BKHhrHarPWwFKgFWjmcNY_mxVsXHZRK31g_lG-88VVStQTU98njT-izNBFmDtNIvnj5ADZxcQg8XT4gVqoHhvlhlndFVRLXV_KhSWQfaszYYwDcP8pdnycYqKKRWDL_m-krNi]
Check in at the event page
[http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=kzvsopdab&et=1109298925366&s=483&e=001Mi96beqX3j2e0uiVcCGBitYrJCWTW07YVcUEoFNtA2pB4bI_QCpmj00kGs-3k4LO36Za_c8i4f26win-RUtRbYXX3RMV3bK0LCaslLHOaMUCmBcdxLwEQIvsRPwLJNN_9muA3zDGZBjrO92mhiMI2Q==]
on Facebook for Revival information.

February 20th is the deadline for the Early Discount Rate. March 1st is the deadline for getting in on special discounted low rate at the nearby Hilton Garden Inn. March 9th is the deadline for registering and receiving meals. UUCF offer two lunches and a buffet dinner at the church as part of the Revival experience and fee.


Register [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=kzvsopdab&et=1109298925366&s=483&e=001Mi96beqX3j1VXZD4eZcI5WBD5lox6bP6ncSI8SpGBqyXmHnJyOA5z1dGiktexljurvpQf0LP7KE-6XT87_ojzlxWWBffSYrEFeK9G7yoagGxihAjc2nlV1a67l0T0uNFnUMX9BEzygNL6ne6P9idVDPfx98t4Px6MW9240e1ZmnM5Lq24UfyEalj_ti1aB6poO6XBborOGeRVWGw85KDgFxD8LpjTXeUreaZdRMmMWpiM3O0KZvonymT1_axLAZczdd7rFS8LUwjqPaxEO4Lawd5RZhu8xeXyBudrsQWQyjpb2TriV56VPKYOY7cOY5O9AhHHz7siiCA3Tj7Wzz0T5AJZ0-7HjFHlzUql7WNaf2w0qp38BAbiFzOwmX7u668]
for Revival for full time, single day, or single event.
* Scholarship help is available thanks to generous donors. Please contact Rev. Ron Robinson [mailto:executivedirector@uuchristian.org?subject=Revival%20Scholarship]
(executivedirector@uuchristian.org). Please consider adding a donation [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=kzvsopdab&et=1109298925366&s=483&e=001Mi96beqX3j39tZDvlir-nqHR1H_m19iavx_eAAd65Gs42ohQnWiq4VbIwJLIivPtmWUOHfkzwED61g_iBFsczrX5p0uybV0JXV-SNYt6n_tffunMT3-apU4douIHY-jLhcDaAVtD2OCbv--Ub34XXGS4nvNZYMQ9gIYhrAh8GQcSFRX03AH3KljaS7Ellfc9-zCDmo39NZNcerPZ4cHTDCVn9h3qAmTEKifxbbfgi6WUmLaiRhwvmXzttRqEeUlICflyJ6p1nf9kCrCl-K8-yFyq4eFf1atW2yrOD-P0HlMO3wVvpw0LRA==]
for scholarships which go especially to seminarians, young
adults, and those on fixed incomes.

Sunday, February 12, 2012

The art of spreading smiles




Catherine Nicolette;
It was in Port Elizabeth, and Mom had come to visit me. It was not often we could get together, as the demands of my spiritual ministry were all encompassing and as a result, I often spent little time with my beloved family. However, today was a free day, we were both together, and had decided we would go down to the wonderful Port Elizabeth beaches to enjoy the scenery and seascape there. On the way, we both discovered we were hungry, as neither of us had yet had breakfast. A beach restaurant was just opening its doors, and we were the first customers. Mom was going  to treat me, no surprise as I was constantly broke. We were just about to sit down at the outside wooden tables and chairs, when Mom said, 'Wait!' and shot off down the stairs like a twenty year old. Startled, I looked where she was going. In the distance Mom had spotted a little lad who had ragged clothing. She chatted to him for a while in her inimitable Dutch way, and then escorted him back up the stairs with her. 'He's  honouring our family get together with his presence today,' Mom announced joyously. The lad sat at the table, and Mom ordered a full South African breakfast for three. When we left, the young lad was still tucking in to a second round of food Mom had ordered and paid for.

As we left, the young lad looked up at us and gave me the widest and happiest smile I have ever seen. He was thrilled, and enjoying a brilliant meal. Mom chuckled and told him, 'Enjoy your day.' She left beaming; he stayed beaming; and I have never seen him since. I was very thoughtful.

As we were walking up and down the serene beaches, our sandals leaving prints on the pearl grey sand, I asked Mom; 'Why did you do that?' Startled, she asked, 'Do what?' 'Pay for that lad's breakfast?' I asked. 'Oh,' Mom answered, 'I always do that. If I see someone that's hungry, I get them a meal. I also give them a smile, and chat with them. I lived through the war as a small child, and was always hungry. I realised after those days, that if someone is hungry, they can't enjoy their day. So it is my privilege to spread a little of the blessings God has sent my way with somebody else. At the end of the war, some of the GI's gave us food and chocolate; I've never forgotten how good it was to get those gifts from someone else's generosity and goodness. And now I try to spread that goodness to others.'

I have never forgotten that smile that beamed across that young lad's face. In that moment he was not disadvantaged, dressed in ragged clothes, or battling against the challenges that life had brought him. In that moment, through my Mom's sharing of what she had and her smile and maternal cheerfulness, he was A King. A king enjoying a wonderful meal, and basking in the smile of a motherly lady who really cared. And really, it was a beautiful picture. I realised that what I had always taken for granted, a mother's love and caring, had been a great gift to a young, lonely and disadvantaged lad. And I resolved to do the same.

Many is the meal I have given, the smile I have shared, and the kind word I have tried to give after learning from my mother's example. In the spirit of Lumiere, please consider giving a meal to someone you notice who is struggling in your area; share a smile and a kind word with them. Who knows what emotional healing a small act of kindness can given. In other words, reader, let us all enjoy practising ... the art of spreading smiles.

Enjoy your day!

Photograph was taken by Rev. Catherine in Maharashtra, India. The nature there is exquisite ... please feel free to use the picture copyright free for any educational or spiritual purpose.

Friday, February 3, 2012

Lumiere Charity remembers Russia, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia and Montenegro

Dear Readers,

Lumiere Charity remembers those who have died in freezing temperatures, including many homeless. Our thoughts and prayers are with all in Russia, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia and Montenegro at this time. A lit candle has been burning as remembrance for all who have died, or who are suffering from the extreme weather conditions. In the spirit of Lumiere, if there is any way in which you can help, please extend a helping hand.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Module 8 - Celebration of Marriage Service

Good Shepherd Church Seminary
Module 8
The Sacred Rites
Celebration of Marriage Service


Objectives; by the end of this Module you should;
1. Have an understanding of the spirituality of the Marriage Service, and 
    the sacred nature of the rite
2. Be able to conduct a marriage service
3. Know where to find resources as priest for the celebration of the
    Marriage Service

CONTENTS;
1.  The Sacred Rite of Marriage
2.  A Natural Institution
3.  Who does the Marrying?
4.  The importance of Marriage
5.  The importance of Monogamy
6.  The venue for the Sacred Rite
7.  The engagement
8.  The ceremony of Marriage
9.  Marriage is a Sacred Rite
10. Differences in Temperament
11. How to conduct a Wedding Ceremony as Priest

1. THE SACRED RITE OF MARRIAGE;
As priests, we are called on to solemnise the journey together of two people in a lifelong commitment to love, support and cherish each other. Children born from the marriage will be brought up in stability to learn lessons of love and family caring from their parents and each other. The third partner in each marriage is God the Creator, who blesses the love and union of the two partners. The partners will bring their children up to know the Lord Jesus Christ, and to learn the lessons of the Gospels from their personal examples, teaching and guidance. These are the lessons of love and caring; love and worship of God; respect for life and property of themselves and others;  truthfulness; respect for the bonds of marriage.

2. A NATURAL INSTITUTION
Marriage is a practice common to all cultures in all ages. It is thus a natural institution, a practice common to all humanity. In its most ideal form, marriage is meant to be a lifelong union of love, mutual sharing and trust; a relationship of safety and loving acceptance, which proves a rock to each partner in each of the little storms that mark life on earth.

Marriage by its nature is an exclusive contract made in public as a sign of commitment by both partners. Jesus attended weddings and enjoyed the festivities as He witnessed the public commitment of two people to one another. He blessed the married couple at Cana with His first public miracle at the encouragement of His mother Mary (John 2;11). Jesus also affirmed that a marriage bond is a sacred bond which should be respected by all, affirming that God Himself blesses the union of two people who declare their intent to show love and respect for each other in union;  Jesus said, 'Have you not read that the Creator from the beginning made them male and female, and that he said; This is why a man leaves his father and mother and becomes attached to his wife, and the two become one flesh? They are no longer two, therefore, but one flesh. So then, what God has united, human beings must not divide.' (Matthew 19;4 - 6).

3. WHO DOES THE MARRYING?
The two partners perform the marriage rite because their pledge for a lifelong committed relationship forms the marriage contract itself. The priest or person performing the rite is the witness to this marriage contract. The priest is the representative of the blessing of God's grace on the union. So therefore matrimony is a holy rite, officiated in Christian churches by a priest, of uniting two partners. There is a legal aspect to the public marriage rite. Find out what the rulings for an officiant or celebrant of a wedding is in your area, and follow the same. You may need to undergo training as a marriage registrar which would give you the legal right to officiate at weddings in your area.

4. THE IMPORTANCE OF MARRIAGE
God Himself in the early witness of the Bible affirmed in inspired teaching that 'It is not good that man should be alone.' (Genesis 2;18). Woman was thereafter created as companion. Thus  men and women had loving companions to help them through the natural stresses and strains of daily life, and lifelong friends in marriage. The union of marriage was also blessed by the c0-creation of children to form families, a bedrock of stability in an ever changing world. In the ideal state, families form loving relationships of stability and strength, supporting each other in difficult circumstances at all times.

5. THE IMPORTANCE OF MONOGAMY
Christianity affirms that monogamy is important. In practical terms, the anguish in emotional terms caused to one partner when another partner is not monogamous, together with the possibility of health risk is strong argument for this basic understanding. The understanding refers back to the ten basic rules for ideal human behaviour as given by God the Creator to Moses the great Prophet;
'You shall not commit adultery.' (Exodus 20; 14).

6. THE VENUE FOR THE SACRED RITE
The sacred rite of marriage is popularly celebrated in a church or chapel. The church/chapel is a house of God, and symbolises the invitation of the couple to God to bless their union in a special way. God is thus honoured in their eyes through their commitment to each other.

7. THE ENGAGEMENT
It is a sensible practice for the two partners to have a time of getting to know each other before undertaking the step of marriage. This time is called engagement; formerly this time could also be called the betrothal. This is a good time to explore the other's thoughts, core values and ideas about marriage.

8. THE CEREMONY OF MARRIAGE
As a priest, you will have the honour of celebrating the ceremony where the two partners declare their intention to form a lifelong union in marriage. Appropriate dress for the wedding ceremony as priest is worn, such as a minister's robe, and a wedding stole. Different stoles may be suitable; one often chosen is a white stole with gold embroidery.

The church or place of marriage will be clean and prepared for the wedding and wedding guests. Flowers may have been placed there beforehand as a symbol of the celebratory aspect of the rite. The partners will have organised wedding rings which will form a part of the rite, when they put a ring on each other's hand as a symbol of their contract newly made. Music, songs and hymns can form part of the wedding ceremony.

A reading from the Gospels is a fitting way to remind the two partners of the sacred nature of the contract they are undertaking, such as the reading from St. Matthew (19; 1 - 6). The Bible is usually in a place of honour at a Christian marriage rite.

A lovely symbol at a wedding is to have a large white candle (popularly known as the Easter candle) symbolising Jesus Christ on the altar in the church. The two partners can light the candle from two tapers which they hold. This symbolises that their individual lives have both lit and merged in commitment of union with each other in Jesus Christ. This action is also a reminder to the couple that a loving couple should glorify Jesus Christ in all they do, manifesting His greatness to others. The Lord's Prayer is always prayed at a Christian wedding rite.

9. MARRIAGE IS A SACRED RITE
A sacred rite is a visible sign of an invisible reality. Matrimony is a sacred rite, and as such it is a sign to all of the invisible God living in our midst - the living God Who bears fruit in the lives of two people. A loving couple is a continual sign of His Power in our communities. There is special grace and power within every couple God has joined together. Everything they do individually or together, is living out the sacred nature of their marriage. The normal actions of marriage - such as cleaning the house, going to work, planning the budget together to run their household or assist each other and children- have power hidden within them to make them holy. Married life is the ground of becoming whole, of learning holiness - being whole in God. Love is the seed planted by God in the ground of the marriage. Life together with all its ups and downs for the married couple act as growth for the young marriage which has been blessed by God.

10. DIFFERENCES IN TEMPERAMENT
Differences in temperament are often a factor in a marriage. Temperaments can cause clashes within a marriage; yet it is these very differences and learning how to deal with them that cause growth in maturity and mutual harmony in each partner. God blesses the partners who reach out to Him in prayer in dealing with each new challenge a marriage can bring.  In the life of every married couples, there should be a continual building of the sacred rite. Since a sacred rite brings God's Presence to us in a special way, God's Presence in their sacred rite of marriage should be an ongoing living experience. The couple should ideally place themselves before God in a daily encounter of love and need. Praying together as a couple at least once or twice a day before God is a great support in a marriage.

Marriage is a living sacred rite, and should be looked upon by each partner with a sense of devotion for each other and the sacred rite. The priest is there to counsel and assist when a partner or the partners run into a difficulty in their marriage. Therefore training and a qualification in pastoral counselling is important for a good priest to have.

11. HOW TO CONDUCT A WEDDING CEREMONY AS PRIEST
BOOKS BY REV. AMY E. LONG
Different books which can be easily purchased from reputable Church bookstores give good Wedding Ceremonies which the priest can use to conduct the ceremony. A marvellous book to help the planning of a wedding ceremony is 'The Ultimate Wedding & Ceremony Workbook For the Planning-Impaired' by Rev. Amy E. Long. This book contains a step by step plan for weddings and ceremonies for the priest and can be ordered - along with ministerial needs such as stoles, from www.ulcseminary.org
Rev. Amy's book 'Weddings, Funerals and Rites of Passage - Sample Ceremonies for Celebrants, Officiants and Ministers' provide training on weddings. This book can also be ordered from www.ulcseminary.org
There are also courses for the priest in the seminary in which you can enrol if wished. Reverend Amy Long has a video on Youtube for Ministerial wedding training, under the title;
ULC Minister Wedding Training - United Life Church
This offers guidance for the priest in how to conduct a wedding, and is especially helpful for your first wedding ceremony as officiant.

Photograph was taken by Rev. Catherine. Please feel free to use copyright free for any Christian, educational or spiritual purpose.