Rites

Life passages and the rites that mark them require thoughful planning, gracious enactment, and personal connection. I carefully listen and craft rites that are personally suited to the individuals, couples, and families entrusted to my care. I meet with families desiring blessings or dedications of children and seek to develop a rite most appropriate to be celebrated in the midst of loving and supportive community. Generally, I meet a minimum of three sessions with couples seeking the blessing of the church on their relationship, whether a union service or marriage. These sessions include detailed planning for the service, an individual interview with each person, and a joint session examining life together and key aspects of forming lifelong relationships. Likewise, time spent with bereaved individuals and families is always a priority. Developing funerals and memorial services that speak to the needs of those who are grieving and celebrate the life of the deceased is both an artform and an honor. Please see the blog on Rites of Passage for samples of a wedding service, a couple of memorial services, and a Service of Dedication of Children.