The decision to marry marks one of life’s most significant moments. There is no more serious undertaking than building a successful marriage, and yet at the same time nothing which can bring such joy and satisfaction. We consider it a privilege to share such important times in people’s lives.
The Christian understanding of marriage emphasizes that marriage is God’s gift for our welfare and happiness; that marriage is best understood as a three-way relationship, or covenant, between God and two people; and that marriage reveals its deepest meaning when two people join hands as disciples of Jesus Christ.
We draw not only on our experience, but also on the beliefs and guidance of our Presbyterian tradition. Our constitution states in part:
“In preparation for the marriage service, the minister shall provide discussion with the man and the woman concerning:
- the nature of their Christian commitment, assuring that at least one is a professing Christian,
- the legal requirements of the state,
- the privileges and responsibilities of Christian marriage,
- the nature and form of the marriage service,
- the vows and commitments they will be asked to make,
- the relationship of these commitments to their lives of discipleship,
- the resources of the faith and the Christian community to assist them in fulfilling their marriage commitments.
This discussion is equally important in the case of a first marriage, a marriage after the death of a spouse, and a marriage following divorce.”
Please contact the Pastors’ Secretary, Karen Gray for scheduling and other information. karen@carmichaelpres.org