Something Special For My Granny

For some time I've had a church member provide me with a rose corsage to pin on the lapel of my blazer every Sunday.

  I always got a flower on Sunday morning, I cherished the thoughtfulness.

It was a special gift each Sunday.

One Sunday, however, I realized just how special.

As I was leaving the Sunday service a young boy approached and said,

 "Chaplain, what are you going to do with your flower?"

 At first I did not know what he was talking about, but then I understood.

 I said, "Do you mean this?" as I pointed to the rose pinned to my lapel.

He said, "Yes maam. I would like it if you are just going to throw it away."

The little boy said, "Chaplain, I'm going to give it to my granny.

My mother and father got divorced last year. I was living with my mother,

 but I could not stay, so she sent me to live with my granny.

She has been so good to me that I want to give that pretty flower to her for loving me."

When the little boy finished I could hardly speak.

My eyes filled with tears and I knew I had been touched in the depths of my soul.

I reached up and unpinned my flower. With the flower in my hand, I looked at the boy and said,

"Young man, that is one of the sweetest acts of love I have ever heard,

 but you can't just have this flower because it's not enough.

 If you'll look in front of the pulpit, you'll see a big bouquet of roses.

 Please take those roses to your granny because she deserves the very best."

If I hadn't been touched enough already, he made one last statement and I will always cherish it.

He said, "What a wonderful day! I asked Jesus for one flower but got a beautiful bouquet."

to give is to receive you never know how what when where or who

 you may be touching by your actions take the time to give to someone today

even a smile or just a kind word hold the door for someone

you will make a difference not only in their live but also in yours

 we can make a difference in this World one kindness at a time...

GOD will always provide for us in ways greater than our own imagination.

HE hears our prayers and HE answers them...

not in the way we may think is best or in our timeline

we can not see what lies ahead but what we can

rest assured in is that HE will be there holding our hand......

Love hugs and blessings

thank you for the blessings you bring to my life

holding you in my heart lifting you up in prayers

May GOD Bless You!

Chaplain Sami

Something Special For My Granny

For some time I've had a church member provide me with a rose corsage to pin on the lapel of my blazer every Sunday.

  I always got a flower on Sunday morning, I cherished the thoughtfulness.

It was a special gift each Sunday.

One Sunday, however, I realized just how special.

As I was leaving the Sunday service a young boy approached and said,

 "Chaplain, what are you going to do with your flower?"

 At first I did not know what he was talking about, but then I understood.

 I said, "Do you mean this?" as I pointed to the rose pinned to my lapel.

He said, "Yes maam. I would like it if you are just going to throw it away."

The little boy said, "Chaplain, I'm going to give it to my granny.

My mother and father got divorced last year. I was living with my mother,

 but I could not stay, so she sent me to live with my granny.

She has been so good to me that I want to give that pretty flower to her for loving me."

When the little boy finished I could hardly speak.

My eyes filled with tears and I knew I had been touched in the depths of my soul.

I reached up and unpinned my flower. With the flower in my hand, I looked at the boy and said,

"Young man, that is one of the sweetest acts of love I have ever heard,

 but you can't just have this flower because it's not enough.

 If you'll look in front of the pulpit, you'll see a big bouquet of roses.

 Please take those roses to your granny because she deserves the very best."

If I hadn't been touched enough already, he made one last statement and I will always cherish it.

He said, "What a wonderful day! I asked Jesus for one flower but got a beautiful bouquet."

to give is to receive you never know how what when where or who

 you may be touching by your actions take the time to give to someone today

even a smile or just a kind word hold the door for someone

you will make a difference not only in their live but also in yours

 we can make a difference in this World one kindness at a time...

GOD will always provide for us in ways greater than our own imagination.

HE hears our prayers and HE answers them...

not in the way we may think is best or in our timeline

we can not see what lies ahead but what we can

rest assured in is that HE will be there holding our hand......

Love hugs and blessings

thank you for the blessings you bring to my life

holding you in my heart lifting you up in prayers

May GOD Bless You!

Chaplain Sami

Amazing Grace

Though God,
God only, can create,
I till and weed,
and then I wait,
And in the thicket
of my thought
Bloom flowers that
I never wrought.
I stand in wonder and behold
Beauty I never sowed unfold,
Visions of faith,
insights of love,
Truths that I had no forethought of.

Somehow there
is in me yet more
Than I myself might settle for,
A faith that brings
perfection out
Past my own powers
I have no doubt
One day all unexpectedly
The rose of Christ
shall bloom in me.

author unknown

hugs and blessings

riv cont'd renewing vow info hope this helps hugs and blessings

riv some info for renewing vows hope this helps

Why a service of renewal of marriage vows ?

 Often these requests are associated with a significant wedding anniversary or it may just be a spontaneous response of thanksgiving for a special marriage.

Every married couple should feel and express their love and commitment to each other. There are times when it is especially appropriate for this to be a more public occasion. It may be that your marriage did not take place in church and it is important for you now to recognise the importance of acknowledging God’s blessing upon your marriage.

As you celebrate with the renewal of your vows, you affirm your belief in the sacred gift of your marriage. The service is an affirmation of the strength of your love and your faith in each other and in God.

Who is the service provided for ?
Most people will find that this Christian service provides a special opportunity to celebrate their renewed commitment to each other. The service is not a marriage service, it is the declaration of continuing love and devotion rather than a legal ceremony. Therefore the only condition placed upon those seeking this service is that they are already legally married.


Where would the service take place?
 Church, but any alternatively arrangements for a ceremony as the couple wishes. This may be in the family home or a venue hired specially for the occasion. The service may be elaborate or very simple depending upon your own preference.

Who should we invite ?
You can invite as many or few guests as you like. Some people appreciate the opportunity to invite friends whom they have not seen for some time. For some people the service will be an opportunity to be reunited with guests who were present at the original wedding. How wonderful to renew friendships with family and friends at a happy occasion.
Other couples may be especially pleased to be able to include their children or grandchildren in some way. Children and grandchildren can be involved in the lighting of family candles, standing as "witnesses", and serving as readers.
You could do printed invitations, or simply call them and tell them about the event. Depending on the size of the guest list, you may like to go out to a restaurant afterwards. You could also have a special cake!

What will we say?
Any minister can offer a reading of vows. Alternatively you may wish to consider writing your on vows if there are sentiments which you feel would be expressed more clearly in your own words.

What should we wear?
If the service is informal then you may wish to dress casually, indeed you can wear anything which you consider appropriate. However this is a special occasion and therefore it is fitting that if you wish you should be able make a special effort. Most women will appreciate the opportunity for a new dress!

The blessing of rings.
Many couples use the same rings for the blessing, alternatively you may wish to have new ones or additional rings.

Music
Music is always an important part of any service and you may like to consider music for the beginning and end of the service, as well as any hymns or meaningful music which you would like to have

played. You may like to sing your own favourite hymns or perhaps repeat something used at your wedding.

How much will it cost?
If you wish to have a simple service at church with just a few witnesses and the Minister present then there in most cases will be no charge. If there is a more elaborate affair planned with music, or if there is a venue other than church premises, then specific charges will apply. Make sure all costs are understood beforehand.

You don't have to spend a lot of money to have a meaningful and memorable occasion. While some people may want a more lavish affair, others will find that a quiet and intimate gathering of just a few friends and family will be more appropriate.
 

The Service

Every service will be different and much depends upon details such as the location of the service and how many people will be present. Make it something personal and appropriate for you. The following is an outline of the main part of the service with some words which you may find helpful.

Introduction

We gather here today to celebrate your marriage of _____ years. We rejoice in your continuing love for each other as you renew your vows
We thank God for the passion and joy which you have known and the strength with which you have been blessed. Today you declare publicly before God, family and friends your special love and reaffirm your lasting commitment as partners in love and life.
You will declare that in spite of the difficulties and hardships of life, that with God's help you will continue to love and be faithful to one another. You again commit yourselves to a love for one another that involves the total giving of yourselves. You covenant to accept each other totally, creating a safe and loving space for each other to grow as individuals and partners and to mature in faith.
You make this covenant today before God, the creator of the life that you share, and the giver of that special love that you have for each other.
May that special love you now share continue to grow and blossom in years to come and be sustained by God, family and friends and the commitment you make again this day.

The Vows

(Name) and (Name), you are about to make promises of love to one another. These promises declare your continuing love to be a special commitment which will strengthen your lives for whatever situation you may face with the strength and courage of two. 

I, N , take you, N , my wife,
to have and to hold
from this day forward;
for better, for worse,
for richer, for poorer,
in sickness and in health,
to love and to cherish,
till death us do part;
according to God's holy law.
and this is my solemn vow.


The Giving of Rings

A circle is an ancient symbol of wholeness and peace. It represents the boundaries beyond which the special nature of a particular relationship does not extend. The ring is the accepted token of a marriage covenant. As these rings are fashioned from one of the earth's most precious material, so may your love, nourished and sustained by the love of God, be the most precious and durable of the values you share. In giving and receiving these rings, you again acknowledge that your lives remain joined in one unbroken circle, wherever you go, you will always return to your shared life together.

The Blessing of the Rings

Heavenly Father, by your blessing
let these rings be to N and N
a symbol of unending love and faithfulness,
to remind them of the vow and covenant
which they have made this day
through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
The man places the ring on the hand of his wife and holding it there says

N, I give you this ring
as a sign of our marriage.
With my body I honour you,
all that I am I give to you,
and all that I have I share with you,
within the love of God,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

If rings are to be exchanged the woman places a ring on the hand of her husband and, holding it there, says

N, I give you this ring
as a sign of our marriage.
With my body I honour you,
all that I am I give to you,
and all that I have I share with you,
within the love of God,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit.


Blessing upon the Marriage

Before God and this congregation (Name) and (Name) have renewed their marriage vows to each other. They have re-confirmed their covenant of marriage by the joining of hands and the exchange of rings. May there be truth and understanding between you as you are a joy and a blessing to each other. May you enjoy length of days, fulfilment of hopes, and peace and contentment of mind.

God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit,
bless, preserve and keep you;
the Lord mercifully grant you the riches of his grace,
that you may please him both in body and soul,
and, living together in faith and love,
may receive the blessings of eternal life. 
May God bless and keep you always. Amen

Bible readings suitable for the service

1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Love is patient; love is kind and envies no one.  Love is never boastful, nor conceited, nor rude; never selfish, not quick to take offence.  Love keeps no score of wrongs; does not gloat over other men's sins, but delights in the truth.  There is nothing love can not face; there is no limit to its faith, its hope, and its endurance.

Genesis 2:18-24
The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." Now the LORD God had formed out of the ground all the beasts of the field and all the birds of the air. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds of the air and all the beasts of the field. But for Adam no suitable helper was found. So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man's ribs and closed up the place with flesh. Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. The man said, "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called 'woman, ' for she was taken out of man." For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.

John 15:9-12
As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue in my love.  If you keep my commandments, and abide in his love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.  These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.  This is my commandment:  That you love one another as I have loved you.

Psalm 128:1-4
Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in his ways. You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours. Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your sons will be like olive shoots around your table. Thus is the man blessed who fears the LORD. May the LORD bless you from Zion all the days of your life; may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem, and may you live to see your children's children. Peace be upon Israel.

Mark 10:6-9
From the beginning of creation God made them male and female.  For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; and they shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh.  What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

Ephesians
Submit yourselves one to another as the fear of God. Wives, show reverence for your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church and He is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own

Husbands in everything.  Husbands, love your wife, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it; that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by
the word; that He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkles or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own body; He that loves his wife loves himself. 

For no man ever yet hateth his own flesh; but nourishes and cherishes it, even as the Lord the church. For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This mystery is a profound one and I am saying this as it refers to Christ and the Church; however, let husband love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respect her husband." 

Additional Readings

When you fall in love it is a temporary madness. It erupts like an earthquake and then it subsides and when it subsides you have to make a decision, you have to work out whether your roots have become so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part, because this is what love is. Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not the desire to mate every second of the day, it is not lying awake at night imagining he is kissing every part of your body. No, don’t blush, I am telling you some truths. This is just ‘being in love,’ which any of us can convince ourselves we are in. Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away. It doesn’t sound very exciting does it? But it is.  Dr. Lannis, Captain Corelli’s Mandolin

"The world, for me, and all the world can hold
Is circled by your arms: for me there lies,
Within the lights and shadows of your eyes,
The only beauty that is never old."
James Weldon Johnson

When the one man loves the one woman and the one woman loves the one man, the very angels desert heaven and sit in that hour and sing for joy. Braham-Sutra

Blessed art though, O Lord, who makes
the bridegroom rejoice with the bride.
Talmud (Ketubot 8)

What greater thing is there for two human souls than to feel that they are joined for life, to strengthen each other in all labour, to rest on each other in sorrow, to minister to each other in all pain, to be with each other in silent unspeakable memories at the moment of the last parting? 

Length of the service 

You should allow about an hour for the service which would also allow time for photos. 

Confetti

Confetti are bubbles outside church or at end of ceremony are acceptable.

Orders of service 

Some people have their own orders of service printed. This would have the hymns included and it maybe a good 'keepsake' afterwards. The church has facilities to produce an order of service using different coloured or white card, and several designs are available. Samples are available to see, the cost is 65p each. You may also like to include a special item in the service. Please entrust your orders of service to a reliable person - usually female, they often arrive late having been locked in a car boot or forgotten.

What music should I choose? 

Most people prefer traditional wedding music as the bride enters and leaves the church - however the music should meet  your personal wishes. A list is attached with some suggestions but it is only to help and not meant to limit your choice.

Hymns

Choosing hymns can be difficult. Choose well known hymns your guests will know - here are some possibilities to help you try to decide. 

 Love divine all loves excelling (Blaenwern) 

 Lead us heavenly Father lead us (Mannheim) 

 Praise to the Lord the Almighty, the king of creation (Lobe D.H.) 

 Praise my soul the king of heaven (Praise my soul) 

 Now thank we all our God (Nun Danket) 

All things bright and beautiful (Monk) 

Lord of all hopefulness, Lord of all joy (Slane) 

 O Jesus I have promised 

 Father hear the prayer we offer (Sussex) 

 Dear Lord and Father of mankind (Rept

 Who would true valour see (Monk's Gate) 

 Amazing grace 

 Morning has broken 

 At the name of Jesus (Camberwell) 

 Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart (Slane) 

 Blest are the pure in heart 

 Come down, O love divine 

 Immortal invisible God only wise 

Let all the world in every corner sing (Luckington) 

 May the mind of Christ my saviour (St. Leonard's) 

 O for a heart to praise my God 

 Take my life and let it be (Emma) 

 The king of love my shepherd is (Dominus regit me) 

 The Lord's my shepherd

Traditional entrance music - 

• Bridal March from Lohengrin- Wagner, 
• Trumpet Voluntary- Jeremiah Clarke, 
• Trumpet Tune and Air- Purcell 

During signing of service register - 

• Sheep may safely graze- Handel, 
• Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring- Bach, 
• Morning- Grieg, 
• Largo- Handel 

Traditional music to leave - 

• Wedding March- Mendelssohn, 
• Toccata- Widor.

Something Special For My Granny

For some time I've had a church member provide me with a rose corsage to pin on the lapel of my blazer every Sunday.

  I always got a flower on Sunday morning, I cherished the thoughtfulness.

It was a special gift each Sunday.

One Sunday, however, I realized just how special.

As I was leaving the Sunday service a young boy approached and said,

 "Chaplain, what are you going to do with your flower?"

 At first I did not know what he was talking about, but then I understood.

 I said, "Do you mean this?" as I pointed to the rose pinned to my lapel.

He said, "Yes maam. I would like it if you are just going to throw it away."

The little boy said, "Chaplain, I'm going to give it to my granny.

My mother and father got divorced last year. I was living with my mother,

 but I could not stay, so she sent me to live with my granny.

She has been so good to me that I want to give that pretty flower to her for loving me."

When the little boy finished I could hardly speak.

My eyes filled with tears and I knew I had been touched in the depths of my soul.

I reached up and unpinned my flower. With the flower in my hand, I looked at the boy and said,

"Young man, that is one of the sweetest acts of love I have ever heard,

 but you can't just have this flower because it's not enough.

 If you'll look in front of the pulpit, you'll see a big bouquet of roses.

 Please take those roses to your granny because she deserves the very best."

If I hadn't been touched enough already, he made one last statement and I will always cherish it.

He said, "What a wonderful day! I asked Jesus for one flower but got a beautiful bouquet."

to give is to receive you never know how what when where or who

 you may be touching by your actions take the time to give to someone today

even a smile or just a kind word hold the door for someone

you will make a difference not only in their live but also in yours

 we can make a difference in this World one kindness at a time...

GOD will always provide for us in ways greater than our own imagination.

HE hears our prayers and HE answers them...

not in the way we may think is best or in our timeline

we can not see what lies ahead but what we can

rest assured in is that HE will be there holding our hand......

Love hugs and blessings

thank you for the blessings you bring to my life

holding you in my heart lifting you up in prayers

May GOD Bless You!

Chaplain Sami

The man whispered “ God speak to me” and the meadowlark sang. The man did not hear.

So the man yelled “ God speak to me!” and the thunder rolled across the sky.

The man did not listen.

 The man looked around and said, “God let me see you” and a star shown brightly,

but the man did not notice.

 Then the man shouted “ God show me a miracle” and a life was born,

but the man did not know.

 So the man cried out in despair, “Touch me, God, and let me know you are here! ”

 God reached down and touched the man,

 but the man brushed the butterfly away.

Love, Hugs and blessings

chaplain sami

Unknown author