From Plato's Symposium
Humans have never understood the power of Love, for if they had they would surely have built noble temples and altars and offered solemn sacrifices; but this is not done, and most certainly ought to be done, since Love is our best friend, our helper, and the healer of the ills which prevent us from being happy.
To understand the power of Love, we must understand that our original human nature was not like it is now, but different. Human beings each had two sets of arms, two sets of legs, and two faces looking in opposite directions. There were three sexes then: one comprised of two men called the children of the Sun, one made of two women called the children of the Earth, and a third made of a man and a woman, called the children of the Moon. Due to the power and might of these original humans, the Gods began to fear that their reign might be threatened. They sought for a way to end the humans’ insolence without destroying them.
It was at this point that Zeus divided the humans in half. After the division the two parts of each desiring their other half, came together, and throwing their arms about one another, entwined in mutual embraces, longing to grow into one. So ancient is the desire of one another which is implanted in us, reuniting our original nature, making one of two, and healing the state of humankind.
Each of us when separated, having one side only, is but the indenture of a person, and we are always looking for our other half. Those whose original nature lies with the children of the Sun are men who are drawn to other men, those from the children of the Earth are women who love other women, and those from the children of the Moon are men and women drawn to one another. And when one of us meets our other half, we are lost in an amazement of love and friendship and intimacy, and would not be out of the other’s sight even for a moment. We pass our whole lives together, desiring that we should be melted into one, to spend our lives as one person instead of two, and so that after our death there will be one departed soul instead of two; this is the very expression of our ancient need. And the reason is that human nature was originally one and we were a whole, and the desire and pursuit of the whole is called Love.
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Friday, August 08, 2008
Ray & Jeff
August 8, 2008
On behalf of Jeff and Ray, welcome and thank you for being here.
By your presence, you celebrate with them the love they have discovered in each other and you support their decision to commit themselves to one another for the rest of their lives. The greatest happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved, loved for ourselves. If there is anything better than being loved, it is loving.
As many of you know, Jeff and Ray come to this marriage with history. They come with the advantage of 18 years of partnership.
This is the advantage of a love that grows over time, Of love that builds on recognition, and inclusion, on work, and on playfulness.
They have built intimacy on a foundation of knowledge and experience in addition to hope, and expectation.
Ray and Jeff share affection based on familiarity and passion discovered not in the superficial features we present in the beginning of relationships, but in the deep aspects of character we disclose over years of trust, of caring and of accepting what is found in the other.
This is a partnership of proven stability in a public and open relationship in business, politics and social activism.
And, now they ask you all to witness as their two lives become one in a new way.
Do you, the families and friends of Jeff and Ray give them your blessing and support this day, wishing them a wonderful life together? (Answer: "We do")
Jeff, do you wish to marry Ray here today?
Ray, Do you wish to marry Jeff here today?
It is the custom at this time to instruct the couple on the nature of marriage. I would like to read a quote from Massachusetts Supreme Court Chief Justice Margaret H. Marshall
Marriage is a vital social institution. The exclusive commitment of two individuals to each other nurtures love and mutual support; it brings stability to our society. For those who choose to marry, and for their children, marriage provides an abundance of legal, financial, and social benefits. In return it imposes weighty legal, financial, and social obligations....Without question, marriage enhances the "welfare of the community." It is a "social institution of the highest importance." ... Marriage also bestows enormous private and social advantages on those who choose to marry. Marriage is at once a deeply personal commitment to another human being and a highly public celebration of the ideals of mutuality, companionship, intimacy, fidelity, and family.... Because it fulfils yearnings for security, safe haven, and connection that express our common humanity, marriage is an esteemed institution, and the decision whether and whom to marry is among life's momentous acts of self-definition.
We are at a unique point in history, when any couple who wish to publicly declare their love may marry in the eyes of this state. This ceremony is not only a celebration of the life long love between these two men, but also a celebration of freedom for everyone, freedom to live their life freely, honestly and openly in a diverse society.
I ask the partners to share their vows: WE WILL READ THEM
Will you exchange rings?
(each hands me the ring for his partner, or an attendant hands both)
On behalf of the friends and families of Ray and Jeff, I bless these rings and name their significance to be the unending circle of affection, respect and support which marriage embodies.
Jeff: Place the ring on your partners finger and repeat, with this ring I thee wed.
Ray: Place the ring on your partners finger and repeat, with this ring I thee wed.
The Bargain" by Sir Philip Sidney'
My true love hath my heart, and I have his, By just exchange one for another given: I hold his dear, and mine he cannot miss, There never was a better bargain driven: My true love hath my heart, and I have his. His heart in me keeps him and me in one, My heart in him his thoughts and senses guides: He loves my heart, for once it was his own, I cherish his because in me it bides: My true love hath my heart, and I have his.
As you have given your vows, your rings and your hearts to each other here today, by the power vested in me by the State of California, I am pleased to pronounce you legally married, for so long as you both shall live.
A new thing cannot be created without an end to that which preexisted. Growth and transformation begin with destruction. Many traditions observe this aspect of nature. In the Jewish tradition the shattering of a glass has been attributed to the destruction of the temple, or as a warning on the fragility of relationships, or even to the scaring away of negative spirits. Ray and Jeff will break glasses tonight for all these reasons as well as to note that they are breaking new ground by this very occasion. When their glasses break, please join me in wishing them luck with the Hebrew phrase Mazel Tov!
Blessing the wine
Breaking the glasses
In a moment I am going to ask you to kiss your partner. You have kissed thousands of times, but this kiss will be different. This kiss is your first married kiss. It is a promise to your partner. A promise to work everyday to preserve the love you have offered and accepted here today. Please kiss your partner.
It is with pleasure and pride that I now introduce, (The married couple,
August 8, 2008
On behalf of Jeff and Ray, welcome and thank you for being here.
By your presence, you celebrate with them the love they have discovered in each other and you support their decision to commit themselves to one another for the rest of their lives. The greatest happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved, loved for ourselves. If there is anything better than being loved, it is loving.
As many of you know, Jeff and Ray come to this marriage with history. They come with the advantage of 18 years of partnership.
This is the advantage of a love that grows over time, Of love that builds on recognition, and inclusion, on work, and on playfulness.
They have built intimacy on a foundation of knowledge and experience in addition to hope, and expectation.
Ray and Jeff share affection based on familiarity and passion discovered not in the superficial features we present in the beginning of relationships, but in the deep aspects of character we disclose over years of trust, of caring and of accepting what is found in the other.
This is a partnership of proven stability in a public and open relationship in business, politics and social activism.
And, now they ask you all to witness as their two lives become one in a new way.
Do you, the families and friends of Jeff and Ray give them your blessing and support this day, wishing them a wonderful life together? (Answer: "We do")
Jeff, do you wish to marry Ray here today?
Ray, Do you wish to marry Jeff here today?
It is the custom at this time to instruct the couple on the nature of marriage. I would like to read a quote from Massachusetts Supreme Court Chief Justice Margaret H. Marshall
Marriage is a vital social institution. The exclusive commitment of two individuals to each other nurtures love and mutual support; it brings stability to our society. For those who choose to marry, and for their children, marriage provides an abundance of legal, financial, and social benefits. In return it imposes weighty legal, financial, and social obligations....Without question, marriage enhances the "welfare of the community." It is a "social institution of the highest importance." ... Marriage also bestows enormous private and social advantages on those who choose to marry. Marriage is at once a deeply personal commitment to another human being and a highly public celebration of the ideals of mutuality, companionship, intimacy, fidelity, and family.... Because it fulfils yearnings for security, safe haven, and connection that express our common humanity, marriage is an esteemed institution, and the decision whether and whom to marry is among life's momentous acts of self-definition.
We are at a unique point in history, when any couple who wish to publicly declare their love may marry in the eyes of this state. This ceremony is not only a celebration of the life long love between these two men, but also a celebration of freedom for everyone, freedom to live their life freely, honestly and openly in a diverse society.
I ask the partners to share their vows: WE WILL READ THEM
Will you exchange rings?
(each hands me the ring for his partner, or an attendant hands both)
On behalf of the friends and families of Ray and Jeff, I bless these rings and name their significance to be the unending circle of affection, respect and support which marriage embodies.
Jeff: Place the ring on your partners finger and repeat, with this ring I thee wed.
Ray: Place the ring on your partners finger and repeat, with this ring I thee wed.
The Bargain" by Sir Philip Sidney'
My true love hath my heart, and I have his, By just exchange one for another given: I hold his dear, and mine he cannot miss, There never was a better bargain driven: My true love hath my heart, and I have his. His heart in me keeps him and me in one, My heart in him his thoughts and senses guides: He loves my heart, for once it was his own, I cherish his because in me it bides: My true love hath my heart, and I have his.
As you have given your vows, your rings and your hearts to each other here today, by the power vested in me by the State of California, I am pleased to pronounce you legally married, for so long as you both shall live.
A new thing cannot be created without an end to that which preexisted. Growth and transformation begin with destruction. Many traditions observe this aspect of nature. In the Jewish tradition the shattering of a glass has been attributed to the destruction of the temple, or as a warning on the fragility of relationships, or even to the scaring away of negative spirits. Ray and Jeff will break glasses tonight for all these reasons as well as to note that they are breaking new ground by this very occasion. When their glasses break, please join me in wishing them luck with the Hebrew phrase Mazel Tov!
Blessing the wine
Breaking the glasses
In a moment I am going to ask you to kiss your partner. You have kissed thousands of times, but this kiss will be different. This kiss is your first married kiss. It is a promise to your partner. A promise to work everyday to preserve the love you have offered and accepted here today. Please kiss your partner.
It is with pleasure and pride that I now introduce, (The married couple,
Partner A & Partner B
This was a confidentail wedding, not available to public review here in California. It was the first same sex ceremony I performed that was a legal marriage.
DR: As many of you know, Partner B and Partner A come to this marriage with history. They come with the advantage of decades of partnership.
This is the advantage of a love that grows over time, Of love that builds on recognition, and inclusion, on work, and on playfulness.
They have built intimacy on a foundation of knowledge and experience in addition to hope, and expectation.
Partner A and Partner B share affection based on familiarity and passion discovered not in the superficial features we present in the beginning of relationships, but in the deep aspects of character we disclose over years of trust, of caring and of accepting what is found in the other.
And, now they ask you all to witness as their two lives become one.
We are at a unique point in history, when any couple who wish to publicly declare their love may marry in the eyes of the state. This ceremony is not only a celebration of the life long love between these two men, but also a celebration of freedom for everyone, freedom to live their life freely, honestly and openly in a diverse society.
Is there any lawful reason why these two should not be joined in marriage here today?
PK:
Marriage is a vital social institution. The exclusive commitment of two individuals to each other nurtures love and mutual support; it brings stability to our society. For those who choose to marry, and for their children, marriage provides an abundance of legal, financial, and social benefits. In return it imposes weighty legal, financial, and social obligations....Without question, marriage enhances the "welfare of the community." It is a "social institution of the highest importance." ... Marriage also bestows enormous private and social advantages on those who choose to marry. Marriage is at once a deeply personal commitment to another human being and a highly public celebration of the ideals of mutuality, companionship, intimacy, fidelity, and family.... Because it fulfils yearnings for security, safe haven, and connection that express our common humanity, marriage is an esteemed institution, and the decision whether and whom to marry is among life's momentous acts of self-definition.
DR: Partner B; do you wish to marry Partner A here today?
Partner B : I do.
PK: Partner A; Do you wish to marry Partner B here today?
Peter: I do.
VOWS:
PK: You were born together, and together you shall be forevermore. You shall be together when the white wings of death scatter your days. Ay, you shall be together even in the silent memory of God. But let there be spaces in your togetherness, And let the winds of 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.
DR: Will you exchange rings?
The partners hand each other rings.
PK: Partner B Place this ring on Partner As finger and repeat after me, … with this ring I thee wed.
DR: Partner A, Place this ring on Partner B’s finger and repeat after me, … with this ring I thee wed.
PK: With that, I pronounce you to be married for as long as you both shall live.
DR: In a moment I am going to ask you to kiss your partner. You have kissed thousands of times, but this kiss will be different. This kiss is your first married kiss. It is a promise to your partner. A promise to work everyday to preserve the love you have offered and accepted here today. Please kiss your partner.
PK: It is with pleasure we introduce,
DR: Uh, Partner A and Partner B?!
Recession
This was a confidentail wedding, not available to public review here in California. It was the first same sex ceremony I performed that was a legal marriage.
DR: As many of you know, Partner B and Partner A come to this marriage with history. They come with the advantage of decades of partnership.
This is the advantage of a love that grows over time, Of love that builds on recognition, and inclusion, on work, and on playfulness.
They have built intimacy on a foundation of knowledge and experience in addition to hope, and expectation.
Partner A and Partner B share affection based on familiarity and passion discovered not in the superficial features we present in the beginning of relationships, but in the deep aspects of character we disclose over years of trust, of caring and of accepting what is found in the other.
And, now they ask you all to witness as their two lives become one.
We are at a unique point in history, when any couple who wish to publicly declare their love may marry in the eyes of the state. This ceremony is not only a celebration of the life long love between these two men, but also a celebration of freedom for everyone, freedom to live their life freely, honestly and openly in a diverse society.
Is there any lawful reason why these two should not be joined in marriage here today?
PK:
Marriage is a vital social institution. The exclusive commitment of two individuals to each other nurtures love and mutual support; it brings stability to our society. For those who choose to marry, and for their children, marriage provides an abundance of legal, financial, and social benefits. In return it imposes weighty legal, financial, and social obligations....Without question, marriage enhances the "welfare of the community." It is a "social institution of the highest importance." ... Marriage also bestows enormous private and social advantages on those who choose to marry. Marriage is at once a deeply personal commitment to another human being and a highly public celebration of the ideals of mutuality, companionship, intimacy, fidelity, and family.... Because it fulfils yearnings for security, safe haven, and connection that express our common humanity, marriage is an esteemed institution, and the decision whether and whom to marry is among life's momentous acts of self-definition.
DR: Partner B; do you wish to marry Partner A here today?
Partner B : I do.
PK: Partner A; Do you wish to marry Partner B here today?
Peter: I do.
VOWS:
PK: You were born together, and together you shall be forevermore. You shall be together when the white wings of death scatter your days. Ay, you shall be together even in the silent memory of God. But let there be spaces in your togetherness, And let the winds of 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.
DR: Will you exchange rings?
The partners hand each other rings.
PK: Partner B Place this ring on Partner As finger and repeat after me, … with this ring I thee wed.
DR: Partner A, Place this ring on Partner B’s finger and repeat after me, … with this ring I thee wed.
PK: With that, I pronounce you to be married for as long as you both shall live.
DR: In a moment I am going to ask you to kiss your partner. You have kissed thousands of times, but this kiss will be different. This kiss is your first married kiss. It is a promise to your partner. A promise to work everyday to preserve the love you have offered and accepted here today. Please kiss your partner.
PK: It is with pleasure we introduce,
DR: Uh, Partner A and Partner B?!
Recession
This very brief ceremony is more religious than most weddings I've celbrated.
Danny, John and Don enter,
Johnny enters
Dana and Amanda enter, each carries one white rose
Laura enters
Annie enters escorted by David
Who brings Annie here today and gives blessing to this marriage?
David “ Her mother and I do.”
Please be seated
Annie hands bouquet to Laura
Marriage is a union of two lives, making of the two, one life together. I am honored to be included in this ceremony. I ask of the friends and family gathered here today ‘Is there any lawful reason why these two should not be joined together in Marriage?”
In Chapter 6 of GENESIS, Adam observes “A man shall leave his father and his mother and he shall cleave unto his wife.” Adam spoke here as a prophet, with direct experience of the nature of a man, of the design God has written in our blood.
Proverbs tells us “Trust in the Lord with all your heart,and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him,and he will make straight your paths.”
Thoughtful of these passages, and having found no reason why you should not be married, I ask Annie, Do you wish to marry John today?”
ANNIE “Yes”
DANNY” John, do you wish to marry Annie today?”
JOHN “Yes”
A rose symbolizes love. As a red rose means romantic love, a white rose means familial love. Annie and John would like to present a white rose to their mothers at this time to signify that they do not leave their families behind, but join them together in a larger circle, Drawing on the love of their families as they build a new family together.
John & Annie take a rose from Amanda & Dana and carry them to their Mothers.
“John and Annie: do you have gifts to exchange?”
Don hands the rings to Danny
On behalf of the family and friends of Annie and John, I bless these rings, and name their significance to be the unending circle of affection, respect and support which marriage embodies.
‘John, place this ring on Annie’s finger and repeat: “With this ring I thee wed.”
‘Annie, place this ring on John’s finger and repeat, “With this ring I thee wed.”
“ Let us pray together…As this community is brought to understand God through Jesus Christ and to ask for God’s blessings and to give thanks in His name, we ask for His love to include and support love within this marriage, and to warm them when they grow cold, and to strengthen them when they weaken, and to nourish them when they hunger. And we give thanks that they have found each other and found love in each other and have promised to preserve that love before us all.” AMEN
By the power vested in me by the State of California and the church, I hereby pronounce you to be lawfully wed, and to be husband and wife for as long as you both shall live.
You may kiss the bride.
It is with pleasure and pride I introduce for the first time, Mr. And Mrs. John Tucker
Danny, John and Don enter,
Johnny enters
Dana and Amanda enter, each carries one white rose
Laura enters
Annie enters escorted by David
Who brings Annie here today and gives blessing to this marriage?
David “ Her mother and I do.”
Please be seated
Annie hands bouquet to Laura
Marriage is a union of two lives, making of the two, one life together. I am honored to be included in this ceremony. I ask of the friends and family gathered here today ‘Is there any lawful reason why these two should not be joined together in Marriage?”
In Chapter 6 of GENESIS, Adam observes “A man shall leave his father and his mother and he shall cleave unto his wife.” Adam spoke here as a prophet, with direct experience of the nature of a man, of the design God has written in our blood.
Proverbs tells us “Trust in the Lord with all your heart,and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him,and he will make straight your paths.”
Thoughtful of these passages, and having found no reason why you should not be married, I ask Annie, Do you wish to marry John today?”
ANNIE “Yes”
DANNY” John, do you wish to marry Annie today?”
JOHN “Yes”
A rose symbolizes love. As a red rose means romantic love, a white rose means familial love. Annie and John would like to present a white rose to their mothers at this time to signify that they do not leave their families behind, but join them together in a larger circle, Drawing on the love of their families as they build a new family together.
John & Annie take a rose from Amanda & Dana and carry them to their Mothers.
“John and Annie: do you have gifts to exchange?”
Don hands the rings to Danny
On behalf of the family and friends of Annie and John, I bless these rings, and name their significance to be the unending circle of affection, respect and support which marriage embodies.
‘John, place this ring on Annie’s finger and repeat: “With this ring I thee wed.”
‘Annie, place this ring on John’s finger and repeat, “With this ring I thee wed.”
“ Let us pray together…As this community is brought to understand God through Jesus Christ and to ask for God’s blessings and to give thanks in His name, we ask for His love to include and support love within this marriage, and to warm them when they grow cold, and to strengthen them when they weaken, and to nourish them when they hunger. And we give thanks that they have found each other and found love in each other and have promised to preserve that love before us all.” AMEN
By the power vested in me by the State of California and the church, I hereby pronounce you to be lawfully wed, and to be husband and wife for as long as you both shall live.
You may kiss the bride.
It is with pleasure and pride I introduce for the first time, Mr. And Mrs. John Tucker
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