FWIS3

I guess this goes here because I cannot fine a "Running around screaming and panicking" forum. I am going to marry two people this summer. Last fall a good friend of mine told me that her daughter was getting married in June 2018 and was going to contact me to ask if I would officiate their ceremony. I was stunned at first, then apprehensive. Her father was one of my best friends until he passed away tragically several years ago. In addition to grieving parents, a sister, and a bunch of devastated friends, he left behind his wife of 25 years and two beautiful daughters who I've known pretty much their entire lives.

I asked for and was given the opportunity and honor to speak at his Memorial service. It was, at the time, the hardest thing I ever did. I was doggedly determined to keep it together, express my saddness, but also provide some levity and try to share some things about Don that some of the people gathered did not know. By all accounts it went well.

So now I have the opportunity and honor to speak in front of the family again. This time it will surely not be as sad, but I fear it will still be difficult. I take this as a great honor but also an awesome responsibility that I cannot screw up. The first step is figuring out how to become an ordained minister in the state of Ohio. Luckily, a friend of mine officiated for his cousin last summer and he has provided me with resources. I've had trouble getting started; as I've started to read the book, emotions have overcome me. But I figure better to get them out and figure out once again how to deal with them now, so I can perform my duties when the time comes. So instead of Neil Peart or Astronaut books, I'll be reading about marriage regulations, ordinances, and requirements, making sure I'm thoroughly prepared.

The biggest joke was that just a few weeks before I was asked, I had remarked that I'd probably been in my last wedding. At my age, it was highly unlikely that I'd be asked to be a best man, a groomsman, or usher. I'd simply be one of the many old people attending the wedding of young people I know through someone else. Well, I'm going to be in one more wedding.

What an awesome experience.

Thumper wrote: I am going to marry two people this summer.

Are poly marriages legal in Ohio?

What do you mean he isn't getting married to two people, but he's marrying two people?

Ow!

Congrats Thump, I'm sure you will do great. Or should we say Rev. Thump?

Rev. Thump, now that's scary.

That's so cool! I'm sure you'll do a great job.

three words - Universal Life Church

as for the ceremony the beauty is that you can customize it so its very personal to the couple. I've done everything from a Medieval Wedding to an April Fools wedding (ask Fischer about that).

Typically for it to be legal there has to be "I do" and the pronunciation. You can check OH and see if they accept the ULC. NY does.

Loresinger wrote:three words - Universal Life Church

as for the ceremony the beauty is that you can customize it so its very personal to the couple. I've done everything from a Medieval Wedding to an April Fools wedding (ask Fischer about that).

Typically for it to be legal there has to be "I do" and the pronunciation. You can check OH and see if they accept the ULC. NY does.

I'm reading the ULC info book now. I also have some online resources which will include verifying all requirements set out in OH law. I hope to get all that taken care of early so we can concentrate on having a wonderful ceremony.

Universal life goals:
1. Mountain climbing
2. Sky diving
3. Rodeo riding
4. Being ordained...

Is this what you mean by "Marrying Type"?

Ha ha.

Cool. You'll do great. My sister married us - Universal Life Church.

Met with the happy couple again last week. The wedding is next week. Most things are set or coming along. I don't have a final script yet and am a bit flustered that I don't and can't practice it. Just have had too many things going on. Nothing like getting down to T minus 4 days to get me motivated on Monday, I guess. It's a little difficult projecting calm and confidence to the soon to be newlyweds while inside I'm wracked with fear and nervousness. But that's the way it is, and I will get this done right.

Thumper wrote:Met with the happy couple again last week. The wedding is next week. Most things are set or coming along. I don't have a final script yet and am a bit flustered that I don't and can't practice it. Just have had too many things going on. Nothing like getting down to T minus 4 days to get me motivated on Monday, I guess. It's a little difficult projecting calm and confidence to the soon to be newlyweds while inside I'm wracked with fear and nervousness. But that's the way it is, and I will get this done right.

Of course you will. You probably have mentally rehearsed it at least a time or two. Now it's just a matter of putting some heart felt words on paper and maintaining your professional dignity. It's OK to appear slightly emotionally involved BTW.

I'm sure I'll appear emotionally involved, but it's the bride and groom that are supposed to blubber, not the Minister.

Thumper wrote:I'm sure I'll appear emotionally involved, but it's the bride and groom that are supposed to blubber, not the Minister.

Aw gees, they'd love that!

There, that's fixed.

Thumper wrote:

grapes wrote:Universal life goals:
1. Mountain climbing (Well, hiked on some mountains, done some light climbing)
2. Sky diving (Twice, got to pull my reserve the second time!)
3. Rodeo riding (Missing)
4. Being ordained... (Apparently coming up!)

https://genius.com/Tim-mcgraw-live-like ... ing-lyrics

Looks like fishing and forgiveness are on the list too

Hmmm, be a better person.

Thumper wrote:Hmmm, be a better person.

Frankly, I think you have that one. Of course, if you are the type who feels there is always room for improvement then have at it. Admittedly, I don't live with you. But, you did raise a successful 18 year old.

The couple is married. Everyone is happy.

Thumper wrote:The couple is married. Everyone is happy.

Thumper wrote:The couple is married. Everyone is happy.

do you expect us to refer to you as 'reverend'?

My Mom is calling me "the preacher." I prefer "officiant."
One time officiant...

Thumper wrote:My Mom is calling me "the preacher." I prefer "officiant."
One time officiant...

You can cross that off your bucket list?