Wedding Stories

Universal LIfe Church

2012-02-03T10:22:00.000-08:00

Othila Pagan ceremony for blessing an Infant

Wiccan Baby Naming

Universal Life Church

In this ceremony the infant is introduced to the lord and lady, and the 4 elements. It is not the intention to bestow a religious path upon the infant, as this will be determined at a later date by the child and their parents.

The altar and cauldron are decorated with flowers and greenery, and gifts for the child are placed on or near the altar. Rose-oil for blessing and light incense are also placed on the altar. Two candles to represent the god and goddess along with a candle for the child are placed on the altar as well.

If the parents wish to give the infant a “hidden” name, this should be decided on before the ceremony, and the child should be introduced as such during the ceremony.

The ritual:

All persons enter sacred space and the circle is cast according to custom. Sangreal prayer is recited.

Invocation follows

Parents and infant are seated in circle facing the altar, and godparents stand beside them.

objects on altar are consecrated.

We gather this day, along with our ancestors to introduce this child ____________ to the elemental forces, and ask for the blessing of our god and goddess. We ask that this child may grow in beauty and strength, in joy and wisdom, there are many paths, and each one finds their own in time, therefore, we do not bind this child _____________ to any one path, rather do we ask the lord and lady, who know all paths, and to whom all paths do lead, to bless ,protect, and prepare, _____________ through the years of childhood, and to the time when the path of certainty will be chosen without doubt or fear, and with gladness.

Pledge of the godparents;

Do you __________ promise to be a friend to ___________ throughout their childhood, to aid and guide as need arises, and in concord with this child’s parents, to watch over and love ________ as if they were of your blood? Do you so promise?

Godparents promise “ I do Promise.

Moving around the circle from east to north the infant is introduced as follows:

Introductions;

We introduce ____________ to the element of air, (infant is smudged with incense) may all of your prayers be carried with a gentle breeze, may you find answers, and communication in the element of air.

We introduce __________ to the element of fire, ( infant is anointed with oil) may you find courage, and fire of spirit. May you always find protection with the element of fire.

We introduce _________ to the element of water, ( infant is anointed with holy water.) may you find harmony, and wisdom in the flowing waters of rivers, lakes and streams. May you always find healing in the element of water.

We introduce _________ to the element of earth,( infant is given a few granules of salt on their lips) may you find strength, stability, and firm foundations in the cool firm earth. May you always be grounded in the element of earth

We introduce ________ to our lord god and lady goddess, may your blessings shine upon this child all of their days, bringing joy to this child’s parents and godparents. We ask that you bestow wisdom, patience, compassion, and firm foundations to these adults that you have entrusted in the care and upbringing of _________ . let us seal this act of faith and trust.

Consecration of cakes and wine

We thank our lord and lady for their blessings on this child and family today, and we are thankful for our many blessings.

We also thank the elemental kings for their witness to this, our act of worship.

We welcome __________ into this beautiful, most precious world, and ask that the memories of this special day remain with us for many days to come. We close our circle now, and remember that it is truly closed and never broken. our rite is finished, we are thankful,

so mote it be.

Sangreal prayer:

Beloved blood mother of my especial breed,

Welcome me into your willing womb,

Let me learn to live in love, of all that you are,

So that my seeking spirit will serve the sangreal,

Blessed be

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have many classes in Christianity, one about Wicca, several forms of Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

You can become an ordained minister, for free, and for life, so use this Free Online Ordination, link.

This online seminary, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of minister supplies.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Universal Life Church

2012-01-22T08:43:00.000-08:00

Deity, By Any Name...

Author: Micca MacKay

As I sit here, having just been called a devil worshiper and hearing the word "Pagan" used like a four letter word, I wonder why we are asked to endure the closed minded?

So, I want to challenge those closed minds with some questions. I contemplate these same questions myself on a regular basis. I felt these needed to be shared and I hope that by writing this it will help someone come closer to Deity, open a closed mind or help someone find their own idea and path to Deity that's right for them.

These questions are my personal beliefs and thoughts, and I hope you will all see that I don't claim them to be the only right answer or a "gospel" to be followed. Just something to think about.

First, my questions. I like to ask them to start a conversation verses an argument with people that say I'm wrong because I don't believe or accept their religious belief. I like to start with, "What do you gain from your belief personally?" The most common answer I get is "I don't know"

How strange is that! They don't know what they get from their beliefs? Sometimes someone will say it makes him or her happy or lets them see there is a life out there to live that they didn't know was there. This often leads to several other things, such as the comment, "How come you didn't know this life was out there?" and a discussion on being able to make choices in our lives that will change where we are and what were doing.

You might wonder why I take the time to talk to people who are obviously closed minded to anything or anyone that's not of "their religion". Well, I do it because I believe we, as Pagans, have to start the dialog and take the steps to open those closed minds. We need to show these people that we are not the "heathens" they think we are just because we don't follow their chosen insert religion If we don't work to open the minds and change the thinking, who will?

I hear many Pagans talk about disrespect, lack of rights, the fear of being "outed" and countless other complaints about why it's hard to be openly Pagan. Again I ask, if we don't speak up for our beliefs, and work to change these things, who will?

Don't get me wrong, I'm not out to change the world or to make anyone change their faith or belief, I'm just trying to open their minds, to see the alternatives. I hope by helping people see that there are alternatives, they will discover that thinking and belief other than their own shouldn't be scorned or put down, but accepted as someones personal choice in belief. Hopefully this will help them see that Deity comes in many names and forms, not just one.

Religion is about faith and conviction of the heart, not about the building, the book you read to find it, the money you put in the offering plate or even the politics that a religion may support. Granted, you can't turn around sometimes without one of these things being used to influence religion.

How many times have you seen a new church being built or heard the televangelist asking for more money or even the President saying "with God's help"? We are a nation that has a Constitution based on the belief in religious freedom; people fleeing to a new home to have religious faith and freedom, as they wanted it, founded this country. But it seems sometimes, that the freedom offered by the Constitution only exists if you're following "mainstream" faiths.

Pagans in some areas are facing the same religious persecution that those Pilgrims faced before coming here. Take a second to think about that and remember why this country was founded.

Yes, over the last few years, Paganism (and more commonly, Wicca) has come into the view of the mainstream faiths. Those Pagans that serve this country in the military are allowed to worship on base or ship because of changes in the past. These small steps that we are seeing come at a cost of huge gaps between all Pagans and the true freedom guaranteed by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.

In September of 1986, Wicca, more commonly referred to as Witchcraft in this case, was recognized as a religion protected under the First Amendment. This ruling in Dettmer vs. Landon (1) was additionally upheld with the repeal of the Helms Amendment (2) by the United States Congress.

So don't get me wrong. There have been huge strides to better the understanding and general acceptance of Wicca and Pagan's by the mainstream religions, but we have also had barriers put before us.

In 1999, just prior to the 2000 Presidential Elections, in a televised Presidential debate, the candidates were asked "With religious diversity increasing, what are your thoughts on the protection of religious freedom and the separation of church and state? Should religions like Wicca be banned from recognition by the military, as some legislators suggest?"

Then Texas Governor George W. Bush replied to this question with "I am committed to the First Amendment principles of religious freedom, tolerance, and diversity. Whether Mormon, Methodist, Jewish, or Muslim, Americans should be able to participate in their constitutional free exercise of religion. I do not think witchcraft is a religion, and I do not think it is in any way appropriate for the U.S. military to promote it." It would appear that G. W. Bush, our current president, is all for religious freedom under First Amendment protection, as long as your NOT Pagan.

There are many more examples of the barriers and problems we must face as Pagans, but let us also look at those steps that take us in the right direction.

Enter one Chrystal Seifferly, in October 1998.

Chrystal was ordered by school authorities to remove her pentacle necklace under threat of suspension. She was an honor student, and admitted witch and Priestess of Wicca and had been for several years at that time.

So you ask, where does the step forward come from? Simple. In March of 1999, the ACLU brought First Amendment legal action against the Lincoln Park Michigan School District (3), in the U S District Court of Judge Gerald Rosen. Judge Rosen agreed with the ACLU, declaring the student's pentacle to be a recognized symbol of the Wiccan religion. As such, the display of that symbol is protected under Constitutional law.

I have traveled far and wide from the original subject, but there is much for us as Pagans to do to start opening minds. Having some knowledge of what has been done and has been dealt with in the past can do nothing but help with the future struggles we will face.

Some people, whom I consider far wiser than I and whose opinion I respect, fear for the freedom of our faith and the practice of it in these current times. Are we facing another "Burning Times?" I don't know the answer to that one, but we should be concerned and again, we need to be the ones to speak up.

We can't allow another politician to make comments like Mr. Bush did and still be elected to office. These are the people who will shape the future for us through their political and, as we can see, religious belief.

My stepdaughter comes to circle on occasion and is starting to question faith for herself. If I/we don't speak up now, and open the minds of those in authority, what will her religious freedoms be in 5 or 10 years? Freedom of faith, religion and belief for ALL not just a few, is what we need to work for.

This article is not about politics, so forgive the soapbox stand in some areas of this. But understand, if we don't stand up and demand our rights under the First Amendment, there will be Acts like the Barr (4) and Helms Amendments that slip through and harm us all in our practice of religious faith.

This article is about Deity, and changing the way people accept faiths other than their own.

A dear friend, Vernon McCoy, once said, " I close my eyes and hear Deity's voice".

I don't think I ever told Vernon how those words hit me and made me look at my own faith, but in them I found the culmination of my own long held belief about faith. It strengthened my feelings that closed minds should be questioned. I thought about my own actions and wondered if I was doing enough to open those closed minds.. and I found that I wasn't.

Yes, I questioned people when they would give me a hard time about being Wiccan. But I never took the time to talk to them. I just defended myself. (So excuse me a second as I say Thank you to Vernon...)

I'm not out to force anyone to change his or her mind, but only to ask people to think about Deity in the broad span and to think about other choices in faith and belief outside their own.

I don't expect them to come rushing to support Pagans, but if we can open a single mind, get them to think about something outside their comfort zone, to understand that we don't all have to follow one faith, then we have the beginning of a new future.

You see, to me, Deity in all its forms, names and visages falls into place when I think about the energy and grace Deity possesses. Deity is all knowing, all encompassing and because of that belief in Deity, I have my personal thoughts.

Now some will say that I am wrong; others might say that it can't be this easy. Some may even close their minds to the thoughts that faith and belief don't have to be mainstream. But I hope they will at least think about it.

So you're probably asking yourself, "What's this thought? What's his personal idea?"

Well, here it is Deity, in all its forms, names, and grace, is SMARTER than we are!

I know, some are asking how can you say that? I say it because it's true. If Deity weren't smarter, the way to knowledge, worship and faith would be impossible for us to find.

Deity being smarter than us makes the way to that path possible and we have the way to faith, belief and prayer. Imagine if you couldn't find that path. No faith in your beliefs. What a sad thing that would be.

Deity is smarter than we are, and I'm happy for it, aren't you?

Now using that simple statement, 'Deity is smarter than we are', I came to the understanding that I use to question closed minds, and yes, even some open ones. I'm sure someone reading this has had this conversation with me in person, and by the way, thank you for your input in that conversation. This discussion is ongoing; I find new ways to approach it every time I get to have it with someone.

The main question that has built from this thought about Deity being smarter than we are is simply this; "If Deity, in all its knowledge, wanted us to believe and have faith, wouldn't it make the path to that belief something we can most easily accept and understand, by form, culture and grace, as faith and religion?"

There you go! The question that has started discussions, some arguments, and in one case, a long discussion and friendship with a Catholic Priest. I still ask the question even though there are those who want to argue about it. I still use it to start a discussion or to counter negative opinions.

So, as you read this, stop for a minute, think about how YOU would answer this question.

Now that you have thought about the question, let's get into it some more. First off, Deity wouldn't come to each of us in the same form as it did for you. Why would it? What you see and what I see and what the man or woman next to you sees are most likely NOT the same thing. But yet, to us all, it is Deity.

An example of this I like to use comes from the early days of this country. With the expansion west, we came to know more and more about the Native American culture. Many Christians felt that the Indians were wrong in believing that the Eagle flying in the sky was the symbol for the Great Spirit, aka Deity, and the Indians didn't understand the early Christian's seeing a cross with Jesus on it as a form of god.

Neither culture or people were wrong in their faith, they just didn't understand the other and were closed minded about anything not of their faith. Both cultures had faith and both cultures had a belief in "God". They just viewed it with different names.

The same can be said for every religion in the world. No matter the name, image or belief, its all faith in Deity. No matter the culture or people, in whatever form they choose, Deity comes to them in the form they can accept and have faith in.

Doesn't this all sound like something the "all knowing" Deity would do? It does to me. Think about it for a minute. With the vast religious faiths practiced around the world, the countless names, beliefs and images all have one thing in common: faith.

Here comes another discussion starter In all the forms of faith and belief, religious icons, symbols and song, Deity and faith the all mighty "God" by whatever name, is still simply faith in Deity. Though we have numerous names, countless practices and cultures associated with religion, it's still all about faith, belief and worship of Deity.

I remind you, it doesn't matter if you worship outside in the forest, or in a Cathedral or in Temple. It's still faith that opens our hearts and minds to Deity.

It's that same faith that leads us to the path we choose to follow to Deity. 'Deity is smarter than we are' and has allowed each of us the ability to have faith in our personally chosen "God form"

Often this discussion leads to a variety of comments, denials and even acceptance of the idea that Deity is smarter than we are and has allowed us to find faith in a way we accept personally. What I have found that often helps with this discussion, especially when people are starting to question their own acceptance of the idea, is to calmly listen and discuss the reason they are feeling like this.

Usually you will find that people are not secure in their own faith and belief and this discussion, and the idea it represents, can make them very uncomfortable. Know in your own heart that you're secure in your faith and choice in Deity before discussing with others about their faith.

I know I'm secure in my faith. I choose to see Deity in the form of the God and Goddess and I'm happy with my faith. But remember, just because I'm happy with my faith, does not mean that anyone else is wrong in their belief and faith just because its not mine.

In my opinion, those people with closed minds will view your faith and belief as wrong simply because it's not the same as theirs and because you don't believe the way they do, or in the same thing they do.

These are the minds we, as Pagans, have to start to open, and to get people started on questioning their own strict moral high ground that they are standing on. If we can get one person to look at Deity, and see that faith in Deity is about our hearts and where we are, then we will have done the best that we can.

Simply put, everyone has the choice to believe and have faith as they wish, and this is what we have to continue to protect.

The freedom that we as Pagans and other non-secular religions have fought to gain, and are working to maintain, has to be held onto. If we allow people to change laws and/or enact policies that discriminate because of religious choice, then we have lost our own chance to have the faith that Deity has allowed us to choose.

I have been told many times I'm wrong because of my faith because its not the same as my family's choice. To those people I say, "I'm sorry you feel that way.. maybe we can discuss it?"

Remember, if we can open one closed mind to the idea that religion and the choice to have faith is based on each person accepting deity in their own way, then we will continue to gain ground in true religious freedom.

Who knows? If you ask the right questions along the way, you just might strengthen your own faith along with opening minds. Softening the religious morality and stoic views of 'right' and 'wrong' as seen by "mainstream" religions is one challenge each Pagan has to stand unto.

Without religious freedom, and the right to make our personal choices of faith and deity, then only one question remains:

Where will we be?

Bright Blessings

Micca

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free, and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.

The ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials. I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Universal Life Church

2011-12-20T04:04:00.000-08:00

By W. Steven Saunders

My mom uses an innovative blessing that I've adopted to my ministry. It comes from the Book of Matthew Chapter 18 verse 18, "What so ever we bind on earth is bound in heaven, and what so ever we loose on earth is loosed in heaven." I often pray that God will "bind" sickness, affliction, disaster, etc. and loose his angels, love, and mercy for protection, healing, etc. A blessing using this scripture would be something like:

Something like that. I've always gotten good results when using scripture in prayer, and have found this prayer to be particularly powerful. I believe God pays special attention to his own word and is moved to act when we show him our obedience by observing and acting in congruence with his word.

--
W. Steven Saunders, Psy.D.

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have many classes in Christianity, one about Wicca, several forms of Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

You can become an ordained minister, for free, and for life, so use this Free Online Ordination, link.

This online seminary, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of minister supplies.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Universal Life Church

2011-11-17T08:29:00.000-08:00

Prayer for a Blessing

Dear Lord, I thank You for this day, I thank You for my being able to see and to hear this morning.
I'm blessed because You are a forgiving God and an understanding God.
You have done so much for me and You keep on blessing me.

Forgive me this day for everything
I have done, said or thought that was not pleasing to you.
I ask now for Your forgiveness.
Please keep me safe from all danger and harm.

Help me to start this day
with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude.
Let me make the best of each and every day
to clear my mind so that I can hear from You.

Please broaden my mind
that I can accept all things.
Let me not whine and whimper
over things I have no control over.
And give me the best response

when I'm pushed beyond my limits.
I know that when I can't pray,
You listen to my heart.
Continue to use me to do Your will.
Continue to bless me that I may be a blessing to others.

Keep me strong that I may help the weak...
Keep me uplifted that I may have words of encouragement for others.
I pray for those that are lost and can't find their way.

I pray for those that are misjudged and misunderstood.
I pray for those who don't know You intimately.
I pray for those that don't believe.
But I thank You that I believe that God changes people and

God changes things.
I pray for all my sisters and brothers.
For each and every family member in their households.

I pray for peace, love and joy in their homes; that they are out of debt and all their needs are met.

I pray that every eye that reads this knows there is no problem, circumstance, or situation greater than God.
Every battle is in Your hands for You to fight.

I pray that these words be received into the hearts of every eye that sees it in Jesus' name. Amen!

God Bless ! ! ! ! !

Just repeat this phrase and see how God moves!!

God I love you and I need you,

come into my heart, please.

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have many classes in Christianity, one about Wicca, several forms of Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

You can become an ordained minister, for free, and for life, so use this Free Online Ordination, link.

This online seminary, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of minister supplies.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Universal Life Church

2011-10-31T07:46:00.000-07:00

Pagan Online Ceremonies

GATHERING OF REMEMBRANCE
Lee Barrick

We are gathered here to today to honor (Name, person or animal).

Let us remember (Name) whole life from his/her very beginning of life, until the present. Look back on all the great memories, accomplishments and the love that they possessed and gave to others, remember him/her fondly. Also as we look upon their failings, forgiving them and understanding we are a product of Nature and the Universe. We are not always perfect, but we learn from our mistakes and become a better being.

Always think of the positive side of one/'s Life. Everyone wishes to have done things differently in life. However, we are what nature has bestowed upon us. We are a complicated, complex random joining of atoms, particles, cells and elements of the Universe. Everyone is totally different from everyone else. We react differently to different situations. This is what life is all about, our reaction to what Nature randomly puts before our ever changing selves and us.

The Universe And Nature does not guide us, or judge us, or test us, or predetermine our lives. We are free to use our knowledge and intelligence to make choices that will lead us to be a positive influence on society, Nature and the Universe. Our contributions and failings are of our own creation. We can blame no other.

Nature is not perfect but is constantly continuing to change, to improve and update. We are part of this natural updating. We are part of Nature and the whole Universe. We are part of everything that ever was, that is and that will ever be.

We are made up of all the elements in Universe and will return to Nature and the Universe, to be recycled throughout eternity. Not necessarily as we were but as a greater part of the whole.
We all share the grief of losing a loved one. We will miss them, we will remember them, and we will ask why they are no longer with us. All living things from the smallest cells to the largest trees have only a brief life span compared to our Universe. We must remember that in nature our body returns to the basic elements from which we are made.
Our energy or essence never dies. Energy goes on forever mixing with the new and becoming part of all eternity. Envision being part of all the future. We may experience different aspects of the Universe until again we are recycled by Nature through new experiences.

Our loved one is not gone but is being renewing within the whole Universe. Every breath of air we breathe, every beautiful day we awake to, every starlight night, the rain and snow, the breeze on our face is part of our loved ones who have returned to our God The Universe.

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have many classes in Christianity, one about Wicca, several forms of Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

You can become an ordained minister, for free, and for life, so use this Free Online Ordination, link.

This online seminary, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of minister supplies.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Universal Life Church

2011-10-08T12:03:00.000-07:00

Prayer for a Blessing
By Rev., Rabbi, Dr.Jesse Vera Phd

Dearest and Beloved G-d of Moses, Abraham, Eliza, Joshua and David-
As I call unto you, Please hear the prayers of a penetant man.

Dearest G-d bless all manatu for animals, plants, rocks, water, fire, and our beloved mother earth. Bless all of those whom we call friends that are pure of heart, if they are in need of help, grant them guidance with your Hochmah,( Wisdom ).

Please Bless all who have ascended before us Let them know as we light a candle that this light is to help them receive our energy in our constant thoughts. And Dearest G-d, Please bless all of your children, no matter which tribe they may have started from or where they are today, they, we, are all YOUR CHILDREN. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit grant us all the Green Light.

AMEN

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have many classes in Christianity, one about Wicca, several forms of Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

You can become an ordained minister, for free, and for life, so use this Free Online Ordination, link.

This online seminary, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of minister supplies.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Universal Life Church

2011-09-16T08:10:00.000-07:00

Christian Financial Blessing
By Rev. Rick Sisco
Universal Life Church

MAY THE POWER OF GOD'S GRACE GO BEFORE YOU IN THE CHRIST LIGHT AS YOU SPEAK THESE WORDS OUT LOUD. THIS IS A POWERFUL PRAYER. SAY OUT LOUD. I KNOW WE ALL DESIRE A BLESSING AND GRACIOUSLY ACCEPT THE POWER OF PRAYER IN OUR HEARTS AND SOUL.

Heavenly Power, most Gracious and Loving God, I know that you are Omniscient, Omnipresent and Omnipotent. I also know that as extensions of you, we are all inseparably one. Knowing this, I understand that your power and prosperity is ours as well. I know that your infinite abundance is available to each and every one of us. I know that my family and I are blessed, as are each and every person. We know and recognize, that a family is more than just a mother, father, sister, brother, husband and wife, but all who believe and trust in the Higher Power within each one of us.

Higher Power, with the consciousness of Christ, I send out a prayer of financial blessings for not only one person, but for all that may be needy. I know that the power of joined prayer by those who believe and trust in Our Infinite Omnipotence is more powerful than anything.

God within, deliver us all from debt and debt burdens. Release powerful wisdom that we may all be good stewards over all that we have co-created, for we know how wonderful and mighty we are and how if we just trust in Our Power, and walk in the Word and have the faith of a mustard seed that we can co-create blessings.

With gratitude and joy for the recent blessings we have received and for the blessings yet to come, I release this word into the Law where I know it is done according to the Law.

And so it is. Amen.

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have many classes in Christianity, one about Wicca, several forms of Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

You can become an ordained minister, for free, and for life, so use this Free Online Ordination, link.

This online seminary, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of minister supplies.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Universal Life Church

2011-09-05T08:11:00.000-07:00

St. Theresa's Prayer:

May today there be peace within.
May you trust your highest power that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith. May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.

....May you be content knowing you are a child of God
..... Let this presence settle into our bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of you.

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free, and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Universal Life Church

2011-08-09T07:08:00.000-07:00

Pagan Invocation
By Rev. John Brown

Point NORTH with your Right Hand, and Invoke the First Letter; "Yud" (pronounced just like "jude".)

Pivot to face EAST and point your Right Hand to the East, invoking the Second Letter;

"Hay" (pronounced as it appears).

Pivot to face SOUTH and point there with your Right Hand, invoking the Third Letter;

"Vuv" (pronounced just like 'Love' but with a )

Pivot to face WEST and point there with your Right Hand, invoking the Fourth Letter:

"Hay" is repeated.

Face NORTH again, point there and say, "THIS CIRCLE IS NOW

MADE WHOLE AND SACRED."

Raise your Right Hand pointing to Heaven, and Invoke

"NOW LET THE ARCHANGEL SANDALPHON NOW COME TO ME (US), AND CARRY MY (OUR) WORDS TO HIS GOD-ASPECT ADONAI MALAKH AND HIS ANGELIC HELPERS, THE KERUBIM."

"ARCHANGEL SANDALPHON, PLEASE HELP ME (US) AND BLESS ME (US) IN THE FOLLOWING WAYS:"

( STATE REQUEST)

[ Now point your right Hand to the North, and pivot in a full circle, saying ]

"THIS CIRCLE IS NOW ENDED, AND TRULY BEGUN!"

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free, and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Universal Life Church

2011-07-21T07:07:00.000-07:00

Spiritual Healings
By Jeremy Stephen Yates

Last night I helped my 81 year old mother heal spiritually from a virus. It isn't hard if you know what you are doing. Anyone can do this if they follow the simple principles.

1)Reaffirm the sick person's belief in their God(s) or Goddess.
You can do this either through reading from some part of a sacred text such as psalm 107 verses 17-22 for those of the Jewish or Christian persuasion. Or you can pray to their God and Goddess if the person is Pagan or Wiccan.

2) Take a piece of jewelry and charge it with power to keep the person whole and well and tell the patient that their Guardian Angel, Patron Saint, is acting as an intercessor between their God and/or Goddess and the patient and the tangible aspect of this is the special magical power that the God/dess is in the piece of jewelry, which will make them spiritually invincible against the attacks of their "demons" or diseases.

What I actually did for my mother is take a St.George medallion and tell her in a calm but confident voice, that the Lord Jesus acting as intercessor between God and her was resident in her St.George medallion and that as long as her medallion was near her or on her she was invincible to her dragon and she had her Guardian strength and invincibility to conquer her dragon. I played right into her St. George and the dragon mythos. Immediately her voice came back and she stopped vomitting and gathered her strength.

This can be done with any jewelry or ouanga bag, whatever means something to the patient.

3) This does not preclude a physician's care, but should be used in conjunction therewith.

4) If possible light a candle for the patient, or leave a small light lit before you leave the patient. This symbolizes the Divine Light ever present in our lives.

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free, and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Universal Life Church

2011-06-18T15:58:00.000-07:00

Universal Life Church
By Rev. Larry Fulmer, Jr.

Ceremonial Act of Installation

PRESIDENT: We gather today to covenant with __name___ as the Called Minister of this Congregation. We celebrate our Shared Universal Life Church Principles with __name__ , recognizing that we also minister our Universal Life Church values individually and collectively both here and throughout our community.

_Name__ , we have chosen and called you to live among us, to make our concerns your concerns, and to collaborate with us in the ministry of this congregation. Our desire is to find wholeness among ourselves and to create relationships of mutual wholeness in our community and out into the world.

We would have you speak the truth in love. We would have you model wisdom and kindness to our children and youth. We would have you minister to us in times of joy and in times of sorrow. We would have you demonstrate by your example as well as by your words, the life of courage and compassion. We would have you nurture our movement toward greater service to the world. Are you willing to take up these shared responsibilities?

MINISTER: I am.

PRESIDENT: On our part, we pledge to remember that the work of Universal Life belongs to all of us. We pledge to honor freedom of conscience in both pulpit and pew. We share responsibility with you for the spiritual development and the material welfare of our Congregation. As we would ask you to be charitable toward our failures, we will also remember that you are human too. We pledge to participate and to cooperate with you in our growth toward an ever-expanding community of caring.

Will the members please stand and join me in the Covenant of Shared Ministry:

MEMBERS: We, the members of the Universal Life Church of _______, commit ourselves with Reverend _____ to collaborate in fulfilling the goals of this Congregation. We hereby install ____ _____ as our Called Minister and pledge our partnership in ministering Universal Life Church values in our community and beyond.

MINISTER: I accept the shared Ministry to which you have called me. I pledge to honor the freedom of pulpit and pew, to speak with integrity and love both publicly and privately, diligently to fulfill the various offices of spiritual leadership, counsel, celebration, religious education, activism and administration. I pledge to promote mutual relationships of justice and kindness among all people, with ourselves, and within nature as articulated by our Statement of Universal Life Church Principles. This is my covenant with you.

~ Rev Larry Fulmer, Jr.

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Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free, and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site with wedding ceremonies to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Universal Life Church

2011-05-17T08:12:00.000-07:00

Prayer for a Sinner
By Pastor Dann Knight

John 14:6 -'And Jesus said to him .' "I am the way , the truth , and the life. No one comes to the father except through me ."

Dear Father,

I KNOW THAT I HAVEN'T BEEN PERFECT. IN FACT, I'VE MADE SOME PRETTY BAD CHOICES . BUT FATHER , I ADMIT MY SINS . I ACCEPT THAT JESUS CHRIST IS THE ONLY WAY TO SALVATION. I KNOW IN MY HEART THAT HE , HIMSELF , BORE MY SINS AND TOOK MY PLACE , SO THAT I TOO, COULD HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE. I GIVE THANKS TO YOU FATHER , FOR LOVING ME EVEN THOUGH I'M NOT PERFECT. IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST I PRAY . AMEN

"May the Lord of peace and hope richly bless you , as you continue to serve in all His ways ."

Deuteronomy 6:5 - Matthew 19:19 ,

Pastor Dann - 'Brother Thunder' (Mark 3:17)

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have many classes in Christianity, one about Wicca, several forms of Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

You can become an ordained minister, for free, and for life, so use this Free Online Ordination, link.

This online seminary, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of minister supplies.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Universal Life Church

2011-05-02T08:49:00.000-07:00

By Rev. Dragonbear
Walking a Pagan Path in a Christian World

As I follow my journey through the world and look around, I often question myself as to the meaning of being a Pagan Minister walking in a Christian World. My answer is that there is really no difference. I believe in a single Divine being that made all of the Universe. I just chose to hear the wisdom of that One not through Jesus Christ but, instead through a Lord and a Lady.

So why the need for so much hate on both sides of the fence? When any at all? I believe that we as people spend so much time trying to persuade others that there way to the divine is the only way that I believe that we forget that the focus is suppose to be on the divine. We are all spiritual people and as long as we are doing harm to none we should be open and accepting of all religions.

Like many Christian Ministers my duties are the same. I perform the rites of marriage, of birth, of death, and even perform sermons (rituals in paganism) for the holy days. So besides the words and the gestures what is different between my faith and another's? Nothing! Absolutely nothing! And I try everyday to remember this fact when my religious choices are being challenged and even insulted and I pray often to my Lord and Lady that I can find the strength to stand before the wash of hate of those who do not understand.

Most of all at the end of the night as I stand within my circle and send forth my prayers I ask for one thing. A peace between all worlds religions and an understanding that the Divine is far more infinite then we as humans can ever hope to understand.

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have many classes in Christianity, one about Wicca, several forms of Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

You can become an ordained minister, for free, and for life, so use this Free Online Ordination, link.

This online seminary, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of minister supplies.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Universal Life Church

2011-04-13T07:04:00.000-07:00

By Rev. David Vahlberg

A BAPTISMAL CEREMONY FOR EASTER
(Have prepared, a small container of blessed, or holy water and a sprinkling rod)

(Spoken aloud) Great Spirit and Creator be with us!

Easter is a time of Spiritual Rebirth
As well as a time of abundant Life
Returning to the Earth
As flowers in the fields
And young birds and animals
Born in nest and fold.

Our Souls are like Water,
Both abide on Earth for a time
And then are pulled to the Heavens
Returning once more
To the Good Earth,
Completing a never-ending
Circle of Love.

This Sacred Water
Blest by the Earth
And kissed by the Sky,
Is a Symbol of your bond
With Nature and Creation,
With the Heavens
And the Universe.

As rain, Water has
Fallen from the Skies
And been warmed by the Sun
In smiling Springs.
Now, this Eternal Water,
Sprinkles you, and
Is One with your Soul. (Sprinkle blessed water)

Be Blessed!! (Name)

All blessings come from the Creator, may you always be warmed by them.

David Vahlberg

"Oh gracious heavenly Father, I ask in the name of your son Jesus that, as your word proclaims in Matthew 18:18, that the sickness now afflicting my brother would be bound from harming him. I loose your angels and charge that they encamp round about him and protect him. I bind any evil in any form that may come against him. I loose your love and ask that it rain down upon him like a mighty flood. In Your Holy name, amen."

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have many classes in Christianity, one about Wicca, several forms of Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

You can become an ordained minister, for free, and for life, so use this Free Online Ordination, link.

This online seminary, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of minister supplies.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Universal Life Church

2011-04-01T08:07:00.000-07:00

By Lady Charia

Adoption Ceremony

-Clergy says-

This Family has come together today to welcome a new loved one.
(Clergy- lights a large white candle for family)

Bless this family

For they have found one of their own

The Heart Speaks loud when it finds love

Family is love

Family is forever

May they know all the joy of family

(parents are holding child or child?s hand)

-Parents say?

Dear child of our hearts,

We welcome you into our family and our home
We want you to know that here you will find love, understanding and comfort.
You are one of our own and you have come home.

-Clergy-

May love see this family through all the times to come?

Welcome home__(Child?s new name)____

May you grow with love and know love all your life

Bless this family (clergy sprinkles/anoints family with Holy Water)May you forever and always have and hold this love Amen.

By: Lady Charia (Charlotte Ann Chaffin)

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have many classes in Christianity, one about Wicca, several forms of Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

You can become an ordained minister, for free, and for life, so use this Free Online Ordination, link.

This online seminary, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of minister supplies.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Universal Life Church

2011-03-16T14:29:00.000-07:00

By Rev. LeighAnn Myck

My husband and I just had a Ceremony of Intention. We are both out of shape and want to start eating right and exercising. However, this Ceremony of Intention can be modified to suit any intention.

Ceremony of Intention:

Ceremonial Leader: The purpose of a Ceremony or Ritual is to solidify an intention. Physical form is usually more real

to us than an idea or thought and that which is real is easier to commit to. Ceremonies remind us of our commitments and accomplishments, thereby supporting our aim. On-lookers and participants add additional strength to the intention, thereby blessing the aim. The two before us today wish to solidify their intention.

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have many classes in Christianity, one about Wicca, several forms of Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

You can become an ordained minister, for free, and for life, so use this Free Online Ordination, link.

This online seminary, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of minister supplies.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Universal Life Church

2011-03-01T08:09:00.000-08:00

By Rev. Kenneth Thompson
Financial Blessing

If you believe than it will unfold for with the power of true combined or unified 'consensus' an exponentiating effect manifests wonders - if you have doubts then delete this and enjoy your journey...

Financial Blessings
I'm claiming this for you.

Please claim it for me.

Your God has more than a thousand ways to provide for you, that you are not consciously aware of.

Here is your financial blessing! It's a simple prayer; do you have 30 seconds? Don't sleep on this...Someone recently read this for the first time, believed in its potential and received exactly enough for a $0 balance on all credit cards within the week they sent it on. If you need a financial blessing, continue reading this email.

Holy Spirit, most Gracious and Loving God, I pray to you that you abundantly bless my family and me. I know that you recognize, that a family is more than just our mother, father, sister, brother, husband and wife, but all who are in our life.

Holy Spirit, I send up a prayer request for financial blessing for not only the person who sent this to me, but for my self and all that I have forwarded this message on to. And that the power of joined Divine creation by those who know and trust is more powerful than anything. I
thank you in advance for these blessings. Beloved God, manifest for the person reading this this moment, a life without debt and debt burdens, and unfold fabulous wealth into their lives straight away.

Release your Divine wisdom that I may be a good steward over all that you have given me Holy Spirit, for I know how wonderful and mighty you are and how if we just know you are within, walking in our every word, and have the understanding of the mustard seed, that you pour out
endless blessings. I thank you now Lord God of My Being for the recent blessings I have already received and for those yet to come, because I know these too, already are. In this I say - So be it!

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free, and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Online Ceremonies

2011-02-26T10:28:00.000-08:00

Othila Handfasting Ceremony

Universal Life Church

This ceremony binds the hands of two individuals, for wedded life together. This ceremony can be performed for one year and a day, at which time, a renewal of vows may be taken, or the couple can remain handfasted as long as they both shall live in love.

Altar and cauldron are decorated with flowers as the couple choose. Rose-oil, salt, and incense are placed on the altar along with A white silk cord . The rings are also placed on the altar.

Friends and family can be seated just outside of the circle, where they can witness the act. Bridal party, including matron of honor, best man and parents, will be lined up inside of the circle. The broom for jumping is used to close the circle after the circle is cast.

Circle is cast and sangrial prayer is recited.

Who comes to be joined together in the presence of the god and goddess? What is thou name o man?

Groom: my name is _________

Who comes to be joined together in the presence of the god and goddess? What is thou name o woman?

Bride: my name is _________

Who offers her hand to be joined to this man?

Father of the bride: “ I do, with no regrets”

__________ and __________ we greet you with joy.

Having made clear thy intentions to be joined together, as husband and wife, a joining not to be undertaken lightly, do you both swear today before these witnesses, that this is indeed thy intent and you do make this commitment without reservation, and of thine own free will?

Couple: “ we do”

In the face of this woman, may you see the face of our gentle mother goddess. May you find love and warmth, and rest and peace. May you have balance and harmony through the ebb and flows of the tides of life. May you find the source of healing, and soothing waters when storms lay ahead.

In the face of this man, may you see the face of our great father god, may you find strength and protection, stability and endurance. May you be provided for , with warmth and shelter when cold winds blow. May his spirit give you courage, and desire.

Anointing of foreheads with rose-oil; with this oil your love is sealed, may the fragrance of flowers remind you always of the bloom of your love.

Taking bride’s right hand, the white cord is wrapped around her wrist, and tied with a single knot.

Repeat after me;

By seed and stem, flower and root, by life and love, in the name of the goddess, I, _________ take thee, _______

To my hand, my heart, and my spirit. to love and respect, from this day forward, as long as we live in love together.

Taking grooms left hand and tieing the other end of the cord to his left hand with a single knot,

Repeat after me;

By seed and stem, flower and root, by life and love, in the name of the god, I _______ take thee ,______

To my hand, my heart, and my spirit, to love and cherish, from this day forward, as long as we live in love together.

At this time the rings are blessed, place them in the dish of salt, to cleanse, and sprinkle a few drops of holy water to seal, these rings are a symbol of eternity and everlasting love and commitment. Wear them as a public display of your unending love and affection.

Groom; with this ring, I wed thee.

Bride; with this ring, I wed thee.

Consecration of cakes and wine

As the lord and lady, have witnessed this act, so also has the sun, and moon and stars. The elemental guardians, and our friends and family have born witness to this steadfast love, we are all blessed with this joy today, and close our circle, to begin the feast and merriment with this newest wedded couple. I now pronounce you husband and wife, let us welcome Mr. and Mrs. ________.

blessed be

At this time, the broom is at the opening of the circle. the couple jumps across the threshold as one. Their white cord is removed, and feasting begins.

Another option is for friends and family to form two lines and with their own brooms, sweep in front of themselves, as the happy couple runs through the line to start the feast.

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have many classes in Christianity, one about Wicca, several forms of Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

You can become an ordained minister, for free, and for life, so use this Free Online Ordination, link.

This online seminary, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of minister supplies.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Which is the Real ULC?

2011-02-25T11:43:00.000-08:00

During 1959, Kirby Hensley founded the Universal Life Church, in the city of Modesto, CA. It was established on the foundation of Kirby’s belief that religion should be free, and that that freedom has to be asserted in order to be protected. Kirby promised to ordain all who asked, free of charge, no questions asked.

Jealous clergy and priests of more well-known or mainstream religions (which Kirby referred to as the “Big Dog” churches) asserted that a clergy-member must endure years of seminary training and be approved by a committee, adhere to doctrinal standards, and additional such requirements. Of course, those same people had no answer when it had been brought to their attention that Peter and Paul as well as the rest of the disciples had no seminary training. Approval or traditional training take on less importance when you look at the long litany of abuse committed by so many ‘approved’ or ‘trained’ priests. Sorry to say that, many good individuals have been discouraged from going after their ministry by just such obstacles. Many other churches still exclude women from the pulpit, even in the 21st century!

According to Kirby, any real person should be able to get ordained with out having to dance to anyone else’s tune, and so he set out to establish a church that would enable this. Fairly rapidly, the Universal Life Church, as it became known throughout the world, has evolved and grown in popularity and size. The church has become well-known and established throughout the years, enough that many well-known proudly proclaim their membership, as well as having the Universal Life Church be used as part of the plot on numerous tv shows. Whenever people mention the Universal Life Church, it is the original Modesto headquarters that folks are talking of.

Sadly, but not surprisingly, that degree of notoriety continues to attract multiple con artists who use the good name of the church to try and line their own pockets. Employing the methods of those who would sell phony Rolex watches (calling them ‘Romex’ or the like), these rip-off artists created spin-offs making use of the title of ULC, but adding things like ‘network’ or ‘monastery’ to misdirect folks. Kirby, having not imagined such dishonesty or the simplicity with which such deceptions would be perpetuated throughout the internet, never tried to trademark the name ‘Universal Life Church’, and even encouraged the various congregations of the church to use the name. That left the field wide open for deceptions, and over the internet today, such falsehoods are happening in rapidly growing numbers.

Employing UPS maildrops or operating out of trailer parks (which can be confirmed using google maps), these fakers not only are claiming they belong to the ULC, but that they ARE the original Universal Life Church. Making use of all manner of tricks and word games to get a bit of Google-love, some have even managed to climb well up in the search engine listings, which have resulted in tons of ministers who assume they have been ordained by the Universal Life Church of Modesto, but who had been really inadvertently associating with one of these dishonest groups.

By creating a whole new definition of ‘truth’, these groups created sites as well as blogs and such, twisting the facts in some cases, spouting flat-out lies in others. For example, they tell new ministers that they HAVE TO purchase credentials in order to be legally ordained. While it is correct that a handful of states do require the minister to register with the state in order to officiate weddings, most states do not have such a requirement. It’s certainly not necessary for anything except for conducting a wedding. Genuine ULC sites know this and would never pressure you to order anything. More than that, real ULC sites give a good deal of information away at no cost.

1 scammer urges ministers to buy “Letters of Good Standing”, suggesting that they are necessary in order to perform marriages and perform other functions of the referends. The number of states that require the letter is very small and Modesto will send the letters free of cost. The only exceptions are for the couple of states that require a notarized letter – there is then a fee for the notary.

The ULC has 2 ‘official’ web sites. Established in 1997, ulc.net is the oldest active authorized website for the ULC. It offers an online application for ordination, an active forum, a directory of ministers and congregations (listing with the directory is optional), a reading library, support desk, prayer request page and an online bookstore where ministers are able to find ceremony books and additional items to assist them in their ministry. If you want to confess online, there’s a place to do that. The other official site is that of the administrative headquarters office, which continues to be located in Modesto, California. It can be found at ulchq.com. The ULC Seminary is another respected site and also provides various items of interest to ULC ministers, and has been affiliated with the real church in Modesto It’s a well-established and respected site. With both the Bookstore and the Seminary, the advice is free and they are there to answer their phones and offer support.

Be cautious of any othe sites. There are plenty of honest sites out there, created by upstanding ULC ministers, but anyone claiming they ARE the ‘real’ Universal Life Church, or claiming to be the only Christian one or any site you get a bad negative gut reaction from, don’t be led astray. If it did happen that you inadvertently went to 1 of the other sites, be forgiving of yourself over it. You are far from the first they have deceived and they make it their business to do it.

You do not need to take my word for it, the records speak for themselves. Check the corporate records for any church which claims to BE the Universal Life Church. You can do that by looking at the Secretary of State for the state in which they are located. If you take a look at the records in CA, you’ll find that the original Universal Life Church became incorporated during 1962 as being a non-profit. (While they did open in 1959, Kirby didn’t incorporate until 1962.) Others, in they event records for them exist at all in the official state records, will show they only started operations just a few years ago. to be legally ordained, run away fast with both hands holding tight to your pocketbook!

The Universal Life Church has opened the way for millions to become ordained and to follow their dreams and are pleased that so many other churches have taken up the torch to assure that same freedom. Hundreds of churches today began to model their ordination processes after the ULC, which has been outstanding to see. The honest churches establish a unique name for themselves and make an effort to distinguish their ministry and mission in other ways as well. Other people, who don’t believe in the idea of doing that which is right, will simply take the well-known name and distort it for their own means, knowing that most individuals won’t check into the difference – At least not until it is too late, and they have been separated from their money!

Please do your homework. Seek ordination from a reputable source and find a site that gives you a good feeling to visit it.

Kevin Andrews invites individuals to become a minister through his authorized ULC website. Amy Long also runs a legitimate Universal Life Church site, which is affiliated with ULC Headquarters in Modesto, CA.

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have many classes in Christianity, one about Wicca, several forms of Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

You can become an ordained minister, for free, and for life, so use this Free Online Ordination, link.

This online seminary, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of minister supplies.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

What's the Real Universal Life Church

2011-02-24T11:53:00.000-08:00

The Universal Life Church was founded in 1959, in the town of Modesto, CA by Kirby Hensley. Kirby believed strongly in the freedom of religion and that to be protected, this freedom has got to be exercised. From the start, there had been narrow-minded people who bristled at Kirby’s promise to ordain any real person who asked, without charge, with out training, or without any questions asked or cash exchanging hands.

Jealous clergy and priests of much more established or traditional religions (which Kirby named the “Big Dog” churches) claimed that the minister must have years of seminary training and be approved by a committee, adhere to doctrinal standards, and other such requirements.

Naturally, they had no response after it had been pointed out that Peter and Paul as well as the rest of the disciples received no seminary training. Approval or traditional training take on less importance when you come to acquaint yourself with the long list of abuse committed by so many ‘approved’ or ‘trained’ priests. Due to these types of headlines, many very warm-hearted individuals have hesitated to go after their calling. Many other churches still exclude women from the pulpit, even in the 21st century!

Becoming ordained ought to be a personal decision, between you and The Supreme Being (or just you and yourself), so Kirby established the Universal Life Church to make this happen. His church was known worldwide as the Universal Life Church (ULC) and quickly grew in popularity and membership. Today, the church has become well known, and many celebrities have even proudly announced that they are reverends of the ULC. Whenever folks think of the Universal Life Church, it is the church headquartered in Modesto which they’re thinking about.

Unfortunately, that notoriety and acclaim inevitably drew the attention of scam artists and other people who would look to line their pockets by ’borrowing’ the well-established name of the church. Like the scammers who sell counterfeit Rolex watches under the name “Romex”, these charlatans created spin-offs with similar- sounding names, a few of them even utilizing the name of the original church, but adding something like “network” or “monastery”. Kirby, having not considered such chicanery or the ease with which such lies would be perpetrated on the internet, never tried to trademark the name ‘Universal Life Church’, and even suggested to the various congregations from the church to use the name. That left the field wide open for deceptions, and on the internet today, such falsehoods are happening in rapidly growing numbers.

Recently, a few of these spin-offs have had the audacity to proclaim that not only are they connected to the ULC, but that they ARE the original or real ULC. One even claimed that Kirby Hensley had sold him the ULC in 1964, when that person was only 4 years old! Making use of all types of tricks and word games to garner a bit of Google-love, some have even managed to climb well up in the search engine listings, which has resulted in tons of people who think they have been ordained by the Universal Life Church of Modesto, but who had been really dealing with 1 of these unscrupulous groups.

By creating a whole new definition of ‘truth’, these groups created sites and blogs and such, twisting the facts in some cases, spouting flat-out lies in others. One such lie told is that ministers must buy credentials to be legal. While it is correct that a handful of states do require the minister to register with the state in order to officiate marriages, the majority of states do not have such a requirement. It’s certainly not required for anything other than performing a wedding. Genuine ULC sites know this and wouldn’t dream of pressuring you to purchase anything. More than that, good ULC sites share a lot of stuff away at no cost.

One particularly offensive scammer pushes ministers to purchase “Letters of Good Standing”, suggesting that the letters are required by law in order to perform marriages and perform additional functions of the ministers. The number of states that require a letter is very small and Modesto will send the letters free of charge. The only exceptions are for the couple of states that require the notarized letter – there is then a fee for the notary.

The ULC has 2 ‘official’ web sites. ULC.net is the oldest active web site of the church, established in 1997. It provides an online application for ordination, an active forum, a directory of ministers and congregations (listing in the directory is optional), a reading library, support desk, prayer request page and an online bookstore in which ministers are able to find ceremony books and additional items to help them in their ministry. Should you wish to confess online, there is a place to do that. The other official site is that of the administrative headquarters office, which continues to be located in Modesto, California. It can be found at ulchq.com. The ULC Seminary, also affiliated with Modesto, provides a huge assortment of online seminary training courses, free weekly emails of several kinds, and a lot of free training It’s a well-established and respected site. Both the Seminary and the Bookstore provide outstanding minister support and guidance for both new and experienced ministers.

Take caution with any of the other sites who claim to be ULC. You will find a lot of honest sites out there, created by upstanding ULC ministers, but anyone claiming they ARE the ‘real’ Universal Life Church, or claiming they are the only Christian 1 or any site you get a bad feeling from, don’t be led astray. If you are though, don’t be disappointed. Many other people have also been fooled before you, and it is painfully easy to have it happen to you.

You don’t have to take my word for it, the records speak for themselves. Check the corporate records for any ULC which claims to BE the Universal Life Church. You can do this by looking at the Secretary of State for the state in which they’re located. You’ll easily find that the real Universal Life Church became incorporated during 1962, as a non-profit in the city of Modesto, CA. (The ULC began during 1959, but didn’t incorporate until 1962.) Other sites, in they event records for them exist at all in the legal state records, will show the others only started operations only a few years ago. to be considered legally ordained, run away quickly with both hands holding tight to your pocketbook!

The Universal Life Church, has been a pioneer in assuring that religion remains free and available to all who ask. Hundreds of churches today have modeled their ordination processes after the ULC, which has been great to see. Genuine ULC Churches support the ideal of doing that which is right, and will clearly and honestly state their intentions and mission as well as doing what they can to set themselves apart. Others, who don’t subscribe to the idea of doing that which is right, will simply take the well-known name and distort it for their own means, knowing that many folks won’t check into the difference – That is, until their hard-earned cash is in the hands of a scam artist.

Please take the time to check the sites out. You matter and your ordination is important so please find an honest church who offers you more than a way to spend your cash.

Kevin Andrews encourages individuals to become a minister through his authorized ULC site. Amy Long also runs a legitimate Universal Life Church site, which is affiliated with ULC Headquarters in Modesto, CA.

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have many classes in Christianity, one about Wicca, several forms of Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

You can become an ordained minister, for free, and for life, so use this Free Online Ordination, link.

This online seminary, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of minister supplies.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Universal Life Church

2011-02-10T11:54:00.000-08:00

1. Gay Jewish Ceremony Same-sex marriage is not supported in orthodox Judaism, but like most religions there are Rabbis that are willing to support a couple's union despite sexual orientation or interfaith issues.

American Rabbi Miriam Jerris advocates Secular Humanist Judaism and has adapted the Jewish wedding ceremony for gay couples. The different belief systems of Secular Humanist Judaism means that although religious traditions are incorporated into the gay wedding ceremony, the focus is on the human aspects of their union rather than on any particular religion.

Rabbi Jerris says that couples should select parts of the Jewish gay wedding ceremony that reflect the backgrounds of the couple, and incorporating rituals or symbols from their respective cultural or religious upbringings. In a typical Jewish-Christian gay wedding ceremony, for example, couples use a chuppah, or wedding canopy, and the ceremony involves the drinking of wine, a unity candle, readings, and a breaking of the glass. The significance, symbolism, and origins of these traditions is explained by the Rabbi to the gathered guests.

For Jewish couples, Rabbi Patricia Karlin-Neumann, also American, has adapted a traditional ceremony that acknowledges the different relationship of the gay couple while staying close to the religious traditions of a Jewish wedding.

Couples should talk to their local temple or contact gay-friendly Jewish groups for information on a Rabbi to conduct a gay Jewish wedding ceremony.

Gay Wedding Ceremony

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The Universal Life Church offers handfasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge selection of Universal Life Church minister supplies. Since being ordained with the Universal Life Church for so many years and it's Seminary since the beginning, I've watch the huge change and growth that has continued to happen.

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Universal Life Church

2011-01-24T08:01:00.000-08:00

By Bernard A. Jones

The Anointing Of Increase
Universal Life Church

Psalms 35:27- declares, let the Lord be magnified, which has pleasure in the prosperity of His people. Deuteronomy 8:18- declares that it is God that gives us power to get wealth that He may establish His covenant which He swear to our fathers. Ephesians 5:17- admonishes us to be not unwise, but wise understanding what the will of the Lord is. Jesus reveals unto us the will of God as He declared in John 10:10- I am come that you may have life, and that you may have it more abundantly. The Apostle Paul affirms the fact that it is the will of God that the saints prosper by telling Timothy to trust in the living God who gives us richly all things to enjoy {1Timothy 6:17}. Matthew 6:10 tells us that the will of God is the same for heaven as it is for the earth and we know for a fact that there is no poverty in heaven so that tells me that it is not the will of God that there be poverty on the earth and especially in the lives of His children. Matthew 7:11 informs me that If man knows how the give good gifts to his children, how much more shall our heavenly Father gives good things to them that ask Him. Some misinformed saints thinks that God is trying to correct or chastise them through withholding things from them, but the word of God tells us in 2 Timothy 3:16 that God corrects us through His word, not through poverty. The word of God tells us in Romans 8:37 that we are more than conquerors through Christ that loves us and we can trust the word of God because according to Psalms 137:2 God has magnified His word above His name. So let us take hold of Romans 12:2 and renew our minds according to the will of God concerning our prosperity. Let us cast down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, {2 Cor.10:5} who gives us richly all things to enjoy{1 Timothy 6:17}. God, that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not, alone with Christ, freely gives all things?{Romans8:32} God has given us the Son that is most precious too Him, so shall He also give us the miracle and the basic needs of this earthly journey, trust Him.

Bernard A. Jones

www.forministry.com/30331wolci

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have many classes in Christianity, one about Wicca, several forms of Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

You can become an ordained minister, for free, and for life, so use this Free Online Ordination, link.

This online seminary, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of minister supplies.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Universal Life Church

2011-01-07T19:19:00.000-08:00

Wedding Ceremonies
Secular Ceremonies Couples can choose to have a secular ceremony if they feel their faiths would conflict, if they have no particular faith or if they particularly want an agnostic or atheistic ceremony. One good thing about a secular ceremony is that you don't have to fit in with any regulations -“ most ceremonies are based around asking for a god's blessing, adapting church ceremonies to fit in with a couple's wishes. Secular ceremonies are solely about the couple's commitment to each other.

There are several types of secularist ceremonies. Humanist celebrants offer wedding ceremonies that concentrate on the power of the human spirit and do not invoke or refer to any type of religion, god or deity. Humanist celebrants in America are certified by a division of the American Humanist Association and will generally talk with couples to help them decide what they want their ceremony to be like.

Atheist ceremonies take a stand against religion, acknowledging that the couple come together for their shared love and do not ask the authority of any god to bless their union. Couples may have friends read passages of favorite texts to demonstrate the couple's feelings for each other.

Gay wedding vows for secular gay ceremonies can take any form a couple wishes, although it is generally a good idea to look at existing vows for inspiration. A couple may wish to include a favorite love poem or inspirational writing in their vows, as well as a list of promises to their spouse.

Gay Wedding Ceremony

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The Universal Life Church offers handfasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training.

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Universal Life Church

2011-01-01T11:53:00.000-08:00

This funeral ceremony was for young suicide. It was co-celebrated by an ULC Minister and a Catholic Priest.

The parents of the boy are long divorced and estranged. It was very painful. But everyone said that they were comforted by the service.
FUNERAL SERVICE FOR JEREMY
November 13, 2007

Opening   (ULC officiant)

To everything there is a season.
A time to be born and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to reap;
A time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance;
A time for every purpose under Heaven.
   Ecclesiates 3:1-8

We gather here today to say goodbye to Jeremy, our beloved and loving Son, Grandson, Brother, Cousin, Nephew and Friend. We come together to share our grief, love and compassion. With heavy hearts we understand that Jeremy had a disease, an addiction that took him from us. We seek his forgiveness for our failures and to forgive him for his weaknesses so we can focus on a path to celebration. A celebration of our Jeremy who touched and charmed everyone who knew him. We will miss Jeremy, who was wonderfully intelligent, loving and always brought his unique perspective to any topic of conversation. The Jeremy that loved to challenge conventional wisdom, and enjoyed reading Philosophy and was interested in ancient Civilizations and cultures. We will always remember Jeremy's quick wit and the gentle caring love he had for his pets, especially Rocky, his boyhood friend, and most recently Roxy. We will all miss our beloved Jeremy and are here to celebrate the boy and man who enriched all our lives.

PRAYER FROM CHURCH    (Father John)
……

Scripture recited by the congregation

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pasture,
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul, He leads me in the
Paths of righteousness for his name sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of
The shadow of death, I fear no evil, for thou
Are with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou prepares a table before me in the presence
of my enemies, thou anoints my head with oil,
my cup runs over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life and I shall dwell in the house
of the Lord forever. 23^rd Psalm
…..

Blessing of the Body       (Father John)

Music by Coldplay, "The Scientist"
…..

Eulogy by the father

Where do I begin?
I am not a writer. I am a father who has lost one of the most precious gifts god has ever given me. It seems like only a moment ago I was a child myself pushing the boundaries and limits my own parents tried to set for me. A moment has passed and now I stand here in a place I could never have imagined. Jeremy my son so easy to love and yet at times he made it impossible to like him. Jeremy was at times brilliant and beautiful, hateful and frustrating, funny and sarcastic. He was hard on the people who loved him most. Jeremy and I would say goodbye to each other on the phone when he was little, I would say I love you more than all the stars in the sky, he would say I love you more than all the sand on the beach, I would say all the leaves on the trees, this would continue for a short time until someone would declare a winner, usually (Jeremy). Today I won't say goodbye because although the years will pass and I will struggle to take each breathe and live each day as if tomorrow may never come, it will only be a moment and I will be with you, my son. I pray you are at peace and know how truly loved you are. All the stars in the sky, all the sand on the beach. It's a tie. Nobody won.

All My Heart
        Your Dad
…..

Poem read by the sister

When I come to the end of the road,
and the sun has set for me
I want no rites in a gloom-filled room,
why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little but not too long
and not with your head bowed low.
Remember the love that we once shared
miss me but let me go.

For this is a journey that we all must take
and each must go alone.
It's all a part of the Master's plan-
a step on the road to home.

When you are lonely and sick at heart,
Go to the friends we know,
And bury your sorrow in doing good deeds,
Miss me, but let me go.
…..

(ULC officiant)

It is painful and difficult and happy and joyous to let go and it is time. Godspeed, dear boy, may flights of angels guide thee to thy rest.
…..

(Father John)

Let us all rise, join hands, and recite the Lord's Prayer.
…..

(ULC officiate)

We offer the opportunity for those who chose to come forward to say goodbye.
…..

Amazing Grace sung by a cousin
…..

(Father John)

The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance Upon you
And give you peace.

Submitted by Rev. Tony Grimwade

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have many classes in Christianity, one about Wicca, several forms of Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

You can become an ordained minister, for free, and for life, so use this Free Online Ordination, link.

This online seminary, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of minister supplies.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Wedding Stories

2010-12-31T12:10:00.000-08:00

Universal Life Church
Cheap Bride

This happened at my own wedding. It is now one of my most treasured memories. After my darling groom got up and made his speech (he has a very fierce stutter and we had 100 guests, so I was very proud - he said it so smoothly) he asked that my mum and dad come up to the front as he had a very special present for them. he handed them a big box and asked them to open it in front of everyone.

They ripped off the lovely paper to find inside - a used VCR. When we first started dating, my Dad's VCR broke. My groom happened to have the exact same one, so he offered it as a loan to Dad until he got a new one. My smart-alec father replied "how about we do a fair trade - I get the VCR and you can keep my daughter?" He thought it was a very funny joke, eventually got a new VCR and returned groom's.

Fast forward 2 years to the wedding day, and the deal was kept. He got the VCR and my groom got me.

Now it's a running family joke that I was a cheap bride....

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The Universal Life Church offers handfasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials. I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.

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Wedding Stories

2010-12-26T12:15:00.000-08:00

Universal Life Church
Loud Father

After my father had emergency brain surgery and had finally gotten out of a three month coma, he attended his first social event. The wedding of our next door neighbor and my sister's brother-in-law who also grew up in the same neighborhood. Groom was known for always having motorcycles, boats, campers etc. Most parties were concerned about how long this wedding would last (They're in the middle of a divorce right now, but lasted 7 years, about 6 more than most people thought.)

The 6 of our immediate family were seated at a table in a place of honor and were talking about how nice everything was and my dad, who had not mastered his voice level yet, said very loudly, "I just hope Ron realizes Jane isn't one of his toys". We hushed him as soon as we could and we all started to crack up. It was the first time I saw my dad laugh since the surgery.

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The Universal Life Church offers handfasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training.

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Wedding Stories

2010-12-23T12:10:00.000-08:00

Universal Life Church
Forgotten Bride

At our wedding, my father "forgot" me - MY church prefers that "still" married parents of the Bride and Groom walk in together, light the family candles for the unity candle, and then the parents of the groom sit down. The Father of the Bride then escorts MOB to her seat then goes back down the aisle to escort the bride up the aisle.

So this was practiced well at rehearsal- things were going well- the day of the wedding our parents entered, lit the candles- and my IL's sat down- My dad took Mom to her seat and then sat down - several people tried to stage whisper to dad to go get me but dad (who is somewhat HOH couldn't hear them - Finally my BIL who was sitting behind my parents - tapped dad on the shoulder and told him to turn around and look at him- he told dad that he had to go to the back of the church and get me "since that is what people are waiting for" Dad stood up and said (loudly) "OH, I FORGOT!"

He ran down the aisle to the back of the church to "get Me" - I think it is such a classic funny story - that made me laugh so much the next day when my husband told me the story (once we were on the plane to our honeymoon.

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The Universal Life Church offers handfasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training.

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Wedding Story

2010-12-18T04:47:00.000-08:00

Last night I performed a wedding for a Lutheran couple. Honestly, it was a lot of hard work putting together the ceremony as I don’t know much about Lutherans. I got a lot of information online and anything I was unsure of I ask them about. They were really sweet as well as their families. The ceremony was beautiful and they were very happy which made me very happy. : ) I have a tender heart. I was signing on the marriage license and overheard the bride tell one of the family members that they were going to the family Christmas party the following day since they had spent all their money on the wedding and they weren’t even going on a honeymoon. I tried to give the money to the bride but she refused to take it. So, sneaky me, I went to the groom. I took ten bucks out to give to my brother for gas money but tucked the rest into his pocket and told him that I wanted them to go to the family Christmas party. It was my wedding and Christmas gift to them. He gave me a hug and said I was awesome. : ) My husband was mad that I came home empty-handed but, in my heart, it felt like the right thing to do. They were obviously not well off and I really wanted them to be able to spend time with their families for Christmas. Seeing how happy they were made me so happy.

Sincerely,

Jayne

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The Universal Life Church offers handfasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training.

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Wedding Stories

2010-12-15T12:06:00.000-08:00

Universal Life Church - Wedding Vows

This isn't a story about me but a story about a friend of mine that got married in March. When they were exchanging vows and the minister was saying the "for richer or poorer" part, my friend (bride) only said the "for richer" part and then stopped. It was hilarious!!!

Everyone laughed before the minister said "and for poorer" and she repeated it. It was a great moment!

Ms. Pinky

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The Universal Life Church offers handfasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training.

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Universal Life Church

2010-12-12T11:54:00.000-08:00

Wedding Ceremonies

Pagan wedding ceremonies, often called 'handfastings,' are a good option for couples who wish to celebrate the spirituality of their union without getting involved in the minutia of religious debate. Paganism is a religion that celebrates the holiness of nature. Worshipers do not follow a formal doctrine, and although committed Pagans gather to worship together the religion for many is more about an attitude to spirituality and the world.

A gay Pagan ceremony is fairly easy to organize. Couples can choose to track down a Pagan celebrant or instruct their own celebrant on how to conduct the ceremony. The celebrant will invoke the blessing of the God and Goddess, which are acknowledged to come in thousands of forms. The couple light a candle to honor the gods and signify the beginning of their new life. The couple may further invoke the blessings of the spirits by saying 'blessed be'. The celebrant will then conduct the handfasting ritual, asking the couple to join hands and wrapping the joined hands in a strip of red cloth. Gay couples may choose to have a rainbow hand fasting, using gay accessories of strips of red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple cloth to represent the chakras and their sexuality. The couple then exchange vows, asking the sky and earth to bestow the union with their elements.

Couples who are interested in traditional paganism may choose to include a broom, to sweep away past hurts, and a chalice of wine, to represent their combined spirits. Pagan gay wedding ceremonies are particularly suited to the range of gay accessories available at the moment. Jewelry pieces that use color or flowing, circular designs will further invoke the elements of nature to bless the union of the gay couple.

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The Universal Life Church offers handfasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training.

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Wedding Stories

2010-12-10T12:03:00.000-08:00

Wedding Cake
Universal Life Church

My favorite is from my parent's wedding. My dad was very nervous about my mom feeding him the cake after they had cut it. I guess he was afraid it would fall or something like that, so he bit down really quickly and actually bit my mom's fingers.

My favorite picture from their album is of my mom with a pained look on her face shaking her hand so quickly it is just a blur in the photo. I wish they had gotten it on film, but it was 1975. My mom was able to look past it though, considering my parents are still married nearly 33 yrs. later.

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have many classes in Christianity, one about Wicca, several forms of Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

You can become an ordained minister, for free, and for life, so use this Free Online Ordination, link.

This online seminary, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of minister supplies.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Wedding Stories

2010-12-05T12:00:00.000-08:00

Universal Life Church

Food Count

So my caterer didn't want the final guest count until the Thursday before the wedding. I tried to give it to her earlier, but she kept saying, 'No, I don't want it until that Thursday morning, since you may have to add or subtract people at the last minute.' I guess that's good, since we would get a more accurate count that way and we'd be less likely to have to pay for extra meals or not have enough.

Well...everyone in the entire world decided to call me on the Thursday morning before the wedding. THANK GOD I took the day off, even though I didn't think I'd need it. My phone was RINGING ALL MORNING and I think I spoke to every family member and every vendor at least once. Anyway, the caterer called for the final meal count while I was doing three other things at once. I quickly pulled up my guest list spreadsheet, which had the meal counts on it, totaled my columns, and gave her the totals for each entree. After finishing up whatever else I had been doing, though, I thought to myself, 'Hmm, that count seems a little off.'

I had totaled the meal counts over the previous weekend and had a number in my head. We did end up getting calls earlier in the week that two couples who had RSVP'd yes couldn't make it at the last minute. So it would make sense that my total count that I gave to the caterer (that was on the spreadsheet, which had been updated) would be 4 fewer than the number I had in my head. The problem was that my counts were off by two. DO YOU SEE WHERE I'M GOING WITH THIS?

This was REALLY bugging me, so I went back to my spreadsheet for a recount. I totaled my columns again and got the same numbers that I had given to the caterer. I counted by hand and got the same numbers I gave to the caterer. I carefully looked over the spreadsheet to make sure I hadn't accidentally deleted someone, recounted, and still got the same numbers. I even took out my box of RSVP cards, counted them, and still got the same numbers. Finally chalking the whole thing up to me being bad at math and counting wrong over the weekend, I decided that the spreadsheet and the RSVP cards were not lying to me.

Do you see the problem? I didn't. I went about whatever else I had to do that day and the next day, went to the rehearsal and RD...and then, just as we were being served at the RD, I realized THAT I HAD TOTALLY FORGOTTEN TO ADD OUR MEALS TO THE GUEST MEAL COUNT! And I kept getting the wrong numbers, since WE were not on the spreadsheet of our GUESTS!

It worked out fine. I called the caterer the next morning and asked them to add two more (fortunately, they prepared one extra of each entree, which is what we wanted to eat, anyway!). I just think that the whole thing was absolutely HILARIOUS, due to the way it played out. The waiter at our RD literally forgot to serve my DH...and as someone was running after the waiter to let him know that, I joked, 'Don't worry, honey. You'll get your dinner tomorrow. short pause, as the ironic truth dawned on me...Holy crap! No, you won't! I have to make a phone call!' :)

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The Universal Life Church offers handfasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training.

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Wedding Stories

2010-12-01T12:12:00.000-08:00

Heavy Metal Madness
Universal Life Church

Being involved in the wedding business allows you to meet all different kinds of brides and the nice thing is when they come back to you to share their big day stories be it good or bad!!!

Here is a story about one of my brides.

Teressa was a well organized bride. Her dress was bought 6 months in advance, the church and the venue was booked a year in advance, invitations, caterers, the band, wedding favors all sorted! What could possibly go wrong!!!!!!!

Well the wedding was lovely, the food was lovely and then it was time for the first dance..... The band were setup all suited and booted and they began to play the music their first opening dance song "I will always love you". The singer was poised into position the first line was beautiful and then the band broke out into a pounding heavy metal!!!!! At first they thought it was a joke then soon realized that the band were not joking at all!!!

The groom had a word with the band to change the style of the music they were playing and their response was that they were not going to compromise their style! Heavy Metal was what they ordered and Heavy Metal was what they were going to play.

Terresa decided to take matters into her own hands and organize her own form of entertainment..... She agreed with the band to allow her guests to sing karaoke. All the merry guests came up one by one to sing a song while the rest of the guests danced all night to the eerie sounds of Whitney Houston, Buena Vista Social Club, Celine Deon....... It just goes to show that you can't plan everything!!!

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The Universal Life Church offers handfasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training.

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Wedding Stories

2010-11-30T12:45:00.000-08:00

Series of Unfortunate Events
ULC Seminary

Two months before, the florist canceled. Two weeks before, the limo company canceled. Three days before the wedding, the Best Man sent my hubby an email saying he was not coming. The limo company I found got lost and was unable to find me on the day of my wedding. They had my cell number, but instead called the church and left a message with our priest.

He then handed a note to my husband saying the limo driver could not find me. I found the Limo and made it to my wedding. My poor husband was sweating bullets that I might not show up! The groomsmen showed up- LATE and stumbling drunk!

After the wedding we find they had hit a car in the parking lot! At the reception one of them fell into the cake BEFORE we cut it. It was a complete nightmare and to make it even worse my husband ended up a little tipsy and decided to be a bit "friendly" with one of my bridesmaids!

re-printed from: http://www.invitingsmiles.com/funny-wedding-stories.html

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have many classes in Christianity, one about Wicca, several forms of Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

You can become an ordained minister, for free, and for life, so use this Free Online Ordination, link.

This online seminary, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of minister supplies.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Wedding Stories

2010-11-25T12:49:00.000-08:00

Universal Life Church
Shadow Bride

My wedding took place in May, on a sunny day. I thought that everything was ready and that everything would be perfect. We got through the ceremony and then went to a local park to take our photos near some blooming trees and shrubs.

When the photographer was taking the pictures, he reluctantly mentioned that the sun was shining through my gown, meaning that you could see the shape of my bottom half, from my waist to my ankles! I was horrified and he had already taken a few photos. My maid of honor immediately stopped the action and declared that she would drive home and come back with a long slip for me. She actually did, and drove 20 minutes home and back while we waited.

I stepped into the half slip and we continued with the photos. The people at the reception were a little concerned with the amount of time we took having our photos done; but it was well worth the wait.

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Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free, and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site with wedding ceremonies to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.

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Wedding Stories

2010-11-20T12:44:00.000-08:00

The Bride and the Wine

My wedding party is in the limo on the way from the church to the reception. We had champagne but someone wanted wine so we stopped at a state store on the way. They pick up some red wine and on the hour plus ride, one of my bridesmaids got totally trashed and spills the wine all down her front. Ok, no big deal. The dress was dark and it probably won’t show in pictures.

Then, she proceeds to try to fling the wine off of herself with her hand and shake out her dress in the limo. Not ok, I was wearing a white dress, hello?!! I freak out and drop a string of curses that would make a truck driver blush. Bridezilla! In the end, the shower of red wine miraculously missed my dress and my ranting was all for naught.

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have many classes in Christianity, one about Wicca, several forms of Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

You can become an ordained minister, for free, and for life, so use this Free Online Ordination, link.

This online seminary, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of minister supplies.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Wedding Stories

2010-11-13T16:46:00.000-08:00

ULC Seminary Wedding Stories

Picture The Bride

A Scottish Wedding

Two Scotsmen, brothers, Finlay and Jim Calder, were sitting in the pub discussing Jim's big wedding day.

'Aye, it's going to be grand,' said Jim. 'I've got everything organized already, the flowers, the church, the cars, the reception, the rings, the minister, even ma stag night.'

Finlay smiled and nodded, approvingly.

'Heavens, I've even got a kilt to be married in,' continued Jim with a look of satisfaction.

'A kilt... that's guid. You'll look smart in that,' exclaimed Finlay, 'and what's the tartan?'

'Och,' uttered Jim, 'I imagine she'll be in white.'

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have many classes in Christianity, one about Wicca, several forms of Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

You can become an ordained minister, for free, and for life, so use this Free Online Ordination, link.

This online seminary, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of minister supplies.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Wedding Stories

2010-11-10T12:31:00.000-08:00

We were married in Vegas. We are geeks, so we booked our wedding online. We wanted everyone to join us, but knew not everyone would be able to travel to Vegas. So, we found "The Little White Chapel" which had a wedding web cam in the church. It wasn't a live stream, but took snaps about every minute. We even booked Elvis online! We sent out the wedding invitations via email and gave everyone the URL for the wedding cam so they could join us remotely.

If they were going to join us in Vegas the dress code for the wedding was "Big Dog" attire. You would have to wear a t-shirt or some other "Big Dog" apparel. My dress had Big Dogs all over it and the groom had a Big Dog bow tie and cummerbund. Most guests wore a Big Dog t-shirt and loved the fact that it was so informal.

For the rehearsal dinner, we took everyone to King Arthur's court where we ate our dinner with our fingers and watched a jousting match.

Elvis was late arriving at the church and everyone said it's because he was dead :) We ended up filling the church and it was standing room only. While we waited for Elvis, someone had the idea to start a "wave" for the folks at home that couldn't make it to Vegas. So we started to do the wave and would pause for the wedding cam to snap a shot then change to the next wave position and waited for the cam again. We kept doing that until the wave was complete. The folks watching remotely said they knew exactly what we were doing and thought it was a riot! There was no audio, so I called work from my cell phone and had someone hold it during the ceremony so they could hear what was going on. There were about 50 people at work watching our wedding - they even brought a wedding cake!

Our wedding was enjoyed remotely by friends and family across the country and about 40 joined us in Vegas!!! After the ceremony, we had everyone back to our 2 bedroom resort suite for champagne and finger foods. For the folks that couldn't make it to Vegas, we had a reception at home after we returned from our honeymoon in Hawaii. MANY people commented that they had more fun at our wedding than any other wedding they had ever been to. People are still talking about it!!! Did I mention this wedding HAD to have been the easiest and most stress free wedding to plan??? Also, the wedding costs were very low, which enable us to spend more on our honeymoon!

-Vicki G. NY

Re-posted from: http://www.veilubridal.com/wedding-stories.htm

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have many classes in Christianity, one about Wicca, several forms of Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

You can become an ordained minister, for free, and for life, so use this Free Online Ordination, link.

This online seminary, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of minister supplies.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Wedding Stories

2010-11-05T12:29:00.000-07:00

As posted at: http://jewishweddingstories.blogspot.com/

Who Let The Kids Out?

This one took place at the Mesquite club in Palm Springs, California.

This was a wild party. The bride and groom were relatively young, and so were most of their guests. The band was playing hot Rock tunes and almost everybody were dancing.

Well, almost everybody.

At the corner of the room, near the buffet table, there was a middle-aged man standing, with 3 kids with him. He didn’t seem interested in the music or dancing what so ever. In fact, he seemed very annoyed to see every one is having a great time. He just hated the music too. The man looked as if he was only interested in the food.

He tried to catch our look, and when he did, he signaled to us to lower the music. He didn’t bother to come to us. He was too far, so he just used a body language. The man wasn’t nice about it; he was even a little insulting. Most of the guests were complimenting, he was different. He didn’t care about celebrating, it seemed, he just wanted to eat and run. Why would anybody bring 3 young kids to a wedding party, where everyone was much older?.

The kids seemed pretty tired and bored, almost as if they were forced to come to the wedding. Maybe it was one of their young uncles who they never met before, getting married?.

The man with the 3 kids was standing near the buffet and waiting. The buffet was not ready yet, so he looked even unhappier.
From the very start when he first showed up he look at the band with an angry expression and use impolite body language to tell the band to stop the music.

Later on, his requests became more and more aggressive. We got really annoyed with him. How selfish, we thought, everyone is having a great time dancing but this one person wanted the music to stop just so he can feel more comfortable.

As much as things got hotter on the dance floor, the more that this person became more aggressive. We used body language to show him that we can’t stop the music just for him, while everybody else is dancing. We pointed at the dance floor. The bride and groom were dancing in the middle of the dance floor, while everyone was cheering around them.
The father of the bride, Allen, was still a young man. He was divorced, good looking, and appeared to be one of those "big shots" in town. He had a young girl friend dancing with him.
The Mother of the groom was single too. She was still very pretty and seems a little shy. While, Allen, the father of the bride was very dominant at the party, she was relatively quite and felt like she was just one of the guests.

My mind was working extra hard. I really couldn’t stop the music, just so one person can eat in peace.
Eat in peace? The food wasn’t even served yet. So why is this guy so angry? Is he that hungry?

There was a point were I didn’t want to look toward him anymore, because I didn’t want to give him the opportunity to bother me.
He must have realized that too, because he started coming closer to the stage and demand, almost threatening, to stop the music.

I let the next two threats pass bye, but at the third time he came, I had enough.

We stopped the music in a very dramatic way. I went down the stage, feeling very angry I approached the father of the bride. He seemed very surprised to see me walking toward him so rapidly.

"Allen", I said, "there is one of your guests who is driving me crazy". "He is very impolite, and he keep asking me to lower the volume or stop the music, while everyone else is having such a great time."
"First of all" said Allen, "no one should tell you what to do", "I’m the one who is paying you, and I actually want you to play even louder". The father of the bride looked around him. Some of the guests started gathering near by. He liked the commotion. "Please raise the volume a little more for me, I’m in the mood" he said.
After few seconds he asked me "who is this guy, anyway?"

"The man in corner, near the buffet, with the 3 kids" I said, hopping not to cause too much troubles.
Allen looked a little surprised. He looked and he looked as if he can’t believe what he sees. "Who is this man" he almost shouted. "Does anyone here know this man?"

He turned around him, but no one seem to know the man with the three kids.
"This is not my guest" shouted Allen.

Things started to get hot. Almost everyone came around the father of the bride to find out what is the commotion all about.

The father of the bride started to walk toward the unknown guest that had the "Chutzpah" to invited three more little one to crash the party.

The stranger looked pretty uncomfortable. He looked at me first with a helpless look. I felt really bad for him. If I knew he was un invited, I wouldn’t say anything.
"May I ask you who you are?" says the father of the bride.
"Well," says the stranger, "I was walking outside with my children when I heard the music, so I just thought I’ll come in and eat something"
Some of the guests including the bride’s father, Allen, just couldn’t believe it.
"Do you realize that this is a privet party?" Allen asked the man!
"No," said the stranger in a very short answer and started to walk toward the stairs, leading outside, ready to leave.

Allen looked too shocked to be able to think what to do next. He was looking for words as for what to say next to the weird stranger. One of the three kids broke the silent, turned to his father and asked him: "Aren’t we going to eat? Daddy"

This was un expected, there was a silent in the air that you could cut with a knife. I could swore that I saw some tears falling on some guest’s faces. It felt like there was dynamite ready to explode.
Everyone turned to the father of the bride to see what he would do.

Allen was a good person. I knew him several years before, when I played for his 2 sons Bar Mitzvahs.
He swallowed his saliva, trying to make the right move and then he said: "I’m not going to let you and your little kids go home hungry, you can stay here and eat".
Then, he smiled to the stranger and said, "but would you, in the name of God, stop complaining about the music and let us have fun?"
The stranger returned a half smile, for the first time, and all the guests clapped their hand, cheering and praising the goodness of the father of the bride.
I looked at the band members, they looked very amused. I think they knew what I was thinking. We got ourselves into a soap opera? I said, "Lets play".

Before I went back to the stage, I came closer to the stranger, and asked him why he wanted us so much to stop the music.
"As long as the guests were dancing," he said, "the food wasn’t being served, and I was hungry", then he continued "Now you can play"

We played:” Strangers In The Night"...

Epilogue:

It actually turned to be a great party, and the guest had more excitement than they bargained for. Needless to say that this stranger stole the show, we almost forgot it was a wedding.

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have many classes in Christianity, one about Wicca, several forms of Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

You can become an ordained minister, for free, and for life, so use this Free Online Ordination, link.

This online seminary, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of minister supplies.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Wedding Stories

2010-10-31T12:35:00.000-07:00

One Thing After Another!!

We planned our wedding for Memorial Day Weekend so that it would be easier for family to get the time off to attend. We had to change the time three times due to two of the teenage guests performing in a parade.

We found what we thought was a wonderful place to have the wedding. A victorian manor in Orange, California. They had a nice quaint little tea room with a gazebo in the front. The owner is a wedding planner and said she would run the show so that my overbearing mother-in-law and sister-in-law couldn't make a mess of things. The first rule was no liquor! The in-laws still brought along two cases of champagne even though they were told “no”. We worked that problem out however to allow only one glass of champagne to those who requested it. All this was decided two days before the wedding. It all went downhill from there…

The Restaurant that we reserved the banquet room at for the rehearsal dinner lost the reservation and booked someone else in our space, so we had to have our dinner at separate tables throughout the restaurant. Not good-when the whole point was to hand out thank you gifts and schedule who was taking home what from the wedding…not to mention we had reserved the room so the 6 toddlers in tow could get down and wander about. Yes that was a fun night--NOT!

About an hour before we were supposed to go to the manor I just had this feeling that I should get dressed at my parents hotel rather than at the manor, so I did. Everyone thought I was nuts! When we arrived we were glad I had changed because although we were guaranteed an upstairs room to dress in, the room had no door and there were guests across the way in another room watching us!

Then the officiant arrived and groped my bridesmaid. He even asked the wedding planner who she was and was told that it was my little sister and to back off! Didn't work. My sister finally told him she was a lesbian (she isn’t) and he left her alone. The planner was supposed to let everyone know when we were ready so we waited patiently for her upstairs taking a few pictures here and primping and so on. What we got instead was a scream that the wedding was starting in 4 minutes with or without us! So of course we raced down the stairs (Not easy in formalwear!)

We get outside and lined up to walk only to find we couldn’t hear the music! So finally one of the ushers gets a clue and waves at us that we can start walking. The Officiant went through the ceremony at record speed. We were married in oh, about 5 minutes! And he had the sides cheering to see who was louder... ummmm not my idea of romance!

Then we start the pictures and notice there is a woman there we've never met directing our pictures. We had arranged for the groom’s uncle to take the pictures and apparently he decided that our wedding was a good time to bring his new girlfriend out. (His wife was the mother of the groom’s sister. She hasn't been dead more than a year so everyone was slightly offended.) But anyway she was a real pill. Every picture had to be perfect and she didn't seem to understand that, well, toddlers are not perfect! Giggle! My 3 year old son shed his suit about half way through the pictures.

Finally it’s time to go inside and eat. They gave everyone nice large tables – except, of course, the table for us. I had told them we would be sitting with our children. No assigned seating except apparently us. We were placed in a corner with a tacky hand written sign that said Bride’s table.

They started with a salad that was wilted and drenched with dressing. About 20 minutes later they brought out the kid’s dinners. Chicken nuggets (they were cold) and then about 20 minutes later they began to serve the adults lasagna. It was lukewarm too! But the bread that was with it tasted good. In fact everyone asked for more bread. I think that's all anyone ate.

Then it was time to do the toasts. Now we had arranged for the place to serve the apple cider to everyone with the cake. But apparently that was forgotten and they didn't serve it. They had glasses on the tables ahead of time. All they did was hand each table a bottle and we had to pour our own - another moment of pictures with a nasty lady directing us.

Then my father made a wonderful toast welcoming Scott into the family. His father however made his toast inviting my mother into his family. Not sure how he goofed up but he did. So we turn to the cake to take more pictures and it’s already cut! We of course say hooray no more pictures but the server quickly reassembled the cake... (How do you reassemble a cake?) And we faked the cake cutting for the picture.

Next came the weird part. The cake was cut and all the adults were given a slice but nobody served the children or the bride or groom. I finally sought out the slices and served the kids myself.

Then I went upstairs to get the kids stuff together to send them off with the grandparents. When I got down and announced it was time to toss the bouquet and do the garter I was informed nobody wanted to catch them! So we tossed them to the kids.

Scott went to get the car and transfer the car seats to the grandparent’s car and everything got out of control at that point. (Not that we had control of anything anyway.) His parents started to demand that we open the wedding presents right there! I said not a chance and took all the single cards with us and had his brother take home the rest of the presents. While we were dealing with that, the nasty uninvited lady took all the bubbles that we bought for the kids to blow at us when we left and handed them to the adults! By the time we got them back and in the kid’s hands his parents were throwing another fit refusing to let us leave. They felt the kids shouldn't see us leave! So we finally had to let the kids blow the bubbles because we were never going to get out of there in style. We were finally the last ones to leave! And when we went around the front to go in and let the servers know we were leaving, we found the door was already locked!

Even they left before us!

-Cheryl P.

re-printed from: http://www.veilubridal.com/wedding-stories.htm

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have many classes in Christianity, one about Wicca, several forms of Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

You can become an ordained minister, for free, and for life, so use this Free Online Ordination, link.

This online seminary, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of minister supplies.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Wedding Stories

2010-10-26T12:26:00.001-07:00

A Wedding that Changed My Life
Wedding Story from ULC

By Rev. Jane

Dear Amy,

I wanted to write and tell my story....I was Ordained a few years ago through ULC...because the Lord was leading me in that direction at the time.....I actually had 2 visions about it....I really don't tell people about these visions because I never acted on them....because I was just plain scared to death. The first vision was...that I saw looking up at myself preaching from the a pulpit....when I awoke ....I just laughed...and thought it was a crazy dream...because in college it took me 21 minutes to do a 8 minute speech...lol....I thought to myself yeah right God...I just KNOW your NOT picking me for that JOB!!!!...lol.....and I never gave it another thought. And the second vision broke me into tears with fear...because of public anything let alone speaking....and the vision was this: that I was standing in the pulpit...dress in robe and stole....SPEAKING AND PREACHING TO THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE....when I think of those visions I begin to stutter....lol...

That is just a little background on me...I wanted to tell you that my nephew found out that I am an Ordained Minister w/ULC and called and ask me to do his wedding because they really couldn't afford a big beautiful wedding and that he didn't wanted them to have to go to the courthouse to get married....so I agreed to do it....then....the fear set in once again...I spent hours on hours preparing for this ever so small wedding..about 25 people....and completely driving myself crazy....then....the morning of the wedding I had some quiet time in which I like to spend with the Lord and I heard something say............pop in the disc that goes along with your book...because I never actually thought anyone would ask me to do their wedding.......and I did...I watched the video on how to do the wedding.....and when I was done watching I felt a HUGE relief come over me......like I was carrying a million brick kinda feeling......I thought wow...its really not that hard....and I was so very honored when I got to the wedding....but still a bit nervous ....because I didn't wanna bumble my first service.....when it was time for the service EVERYBODY was nervous not just me....I did get a little hot under the Collar...lol..... no pun intended...lol.....but after we all settled in....everything when wonderful!!!!!!....

I just wanted to thank you...for your guidance in that wedding video.....because that wedding service changed my entire life....something really happened to me during that service.....especially when I put that robe and collar on...I felt a HOLINESS come over me and I had no questions what the Lord once again wanted me to do......during that service I learned so many things about myself and others.....when I arrived at my nephews house...there was some guys there...about 10 or 15.....and I didn't think much about it...because I was too busy being nervous...I kept going over my paperwork so many time just to make sure I had everything in order....and then I found out that my nephew was in a GANG and that these men I was too busy ignoring..but still smiling the whole time were MURDERERS and KILLERS.......all tattooed up and packing many guns...BUT...when I started with OPENING PRAYER...and asked......THAT ALL EYES BE CLOSED AND ALL HEADS BE BOWED.......Those murderers and killers that I was afraid of....ACTUALLY DID IT AMY!!!!!!! I really don't know how I kept myself together...ALL I can say is that it was such an Honor and a Privilege to do that service under your guidance!!!!

Thanks so much,

Jane

********************

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free, and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site with wedding ceremonies to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Wedding Stories

2010-08-05T07:06:00.000-07:00

Wedding Story

Universal Life Church
This weekend I married my friends. I thought it would be really cool to do the entire service using my iPad. I thought that I would be an innovator, an early adopter—it was the geekiest part of my soul that made me want to do this. In some ways, I was more excited about marrying people using an iPad than the marriage itself. My wife, an early adopter by marriage, was disgusted at me and warned me, ominously, that if something went wrong I would be screwed. I scoffed at the comment knowing that my faith in Jobs would win the day.

The service started well enough as you can see in the picture. Everything was happy until midway through the service when the temperature warning went off and the iPad said, "the iPad is overheating and will need to cool down. Oh, and you're totally screwed."

Suddenly I was panicked. As a new reverend of the Universal Life Church I had never dealt with a technical challenge during a service. I was nervous enough as it was. Beads of sweat formed on my head. I quickly fast forwarded the service to some readings that the bride's father was going to do, hoping he'd be long-winded.

I went to where my wife was sitting and quickly popped my iPad out of the DodoCase, putting it under her chair in the grass to cool it down. Having seen the error on the iPad when I popped it out of the case, she looked at me with disdain. She knew that I, and my trusting friends, were about to take it in the pooper. The iPad was too fried and I was going to have to wing it.

Of course it all ended up okay. Most said that they didn't know the difference. Personally, I wouldn't have changed my decision. As early adopters we need to push forward constantly even when it means that we have to hold our phones differently to make a phone call.

********************

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free, and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site with wedding ceremonies to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Wedding Stories

2010-08-03T08:13:00.000-07:00

Flower Girl

I went to a wedding once where a flower girl was taking her job very, very seriously. Someone must have coached her to drop a petal at every step because she would carefully take one step, then reach into her basket, take out one flower petal, and place it carefully on the floor in front of herself. It was a hoot watching her! Then when she got to the altar, she realized she still had petals in her basket, so she turned it upside down and shook out the petals! LOL! The best part was the terribly grave expression of concentration on her little face.

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have many classes in Christianity, one about Wicca, several forms of Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

You can become an ordained minister, for free, and for life, so use this Free Online Ordination, link.

This online seminary, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of minister supplies.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Wedding Stories

2010-08-01T08:06:00.000-07:00

Groom's Speech
My cousin Craig was the groom and was about to make his speech at the reception. This traditionally starts with the words "On behalf of my wife and I..." and everyone cheers. But Craig (who was a little tipsy) forgot the traditional opening and just launched into the speech.

His wife Diane began tugging at his jacket, hissing "Say "my wife and I!"". Craig ignored her and continued with the speech, batting at her hand like he was shooing a fly. Diane continued with the hissing and tugging until Craig turned to her in obvious exasperation and said "Shut up, woman!"

There was a hideous, eternal second of horrified silence before Diane burst out laughing.

After 15 years of happy marriage and 4 kids, she still thinks it's hilarious and Craig still hasn't lived it down.

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have many classes in Christianity, one about Wicca, several forms of Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

You can become an ordained minister, for free, and for life, so use this Free Online Ordination, link.

This online seminary, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of minister supplies.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Wedding Stories

2010-07-31T12:03:00.000-07:00

Wrong Name
When I got married last year the officiant called Mr. Sweede by the wrong name. His actual legal name is an American nickname, but he was born in another country and his parents liked the nickname better than the traditional name, so they picked the nickname.

On the legal paperwork for our marriage it says his actual name (nickname) and I only used his actual name in all correspondence with the officiant.

But the officiant must have assumed that Mr. Sweede was actually called the traditional name. So he used it during the entire ceremony. Mr. Sweede was a little put off and some people in the audience giggled the first time the officiant said the wrong name (cause they all knew better). But when it was time to say the vows and Mr. Sweede had to repeat after the officiant, he actually corrected the officiant in the middle of our ceremony. People were laughing out loud as we said our vows.

Since that night people who were at the wedding have been calling Mr. Sweede by wrong name on purpose, cause they think it is funny.

Too bad there was no videographer.

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have many classes in Christianity, one about Wicca, several forms of Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

You can become an ordained minister, for free, and for life, so use this Free Online Ordination, link.

This online seminary, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of minister supplies.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Wedding Stories

2010-07-28T08:09:00.000-07:00

Funny Vows

My parents decided to memorize their traditional vows (I Bride, take you Groom, blah blah.). Well, my mom practiced for weeks. Everywhere they went, she'd be reciting them to herself, "I, Mary, take you, Michael..."

Dad never practiced. She would bug him: "Don't you need to practice?" and he'd say, "I've got them down, no problem."

The Big Day arrives. They're standing before the priest. My father opens his mouth and says, "I, Mary, take you, Michael...."

33 years later, he still hasn't lived that one down.

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have many classes in Christianity, one about Wicca, several forms of Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

You can become an ordained minister, for free, and for life, so use this Free Online Ordination, link.

This online seminary, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of minister supplies.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Wedding Stories

2010-07-26T11:57:00.000-07:00

One the Way to the Wedding

Mum , dad and brother are making their way up to the hotel to get ready 2 hours before kickoff , when all of a sudden smoke starts pouring into the interior of the car . Dad has respiratory probs anyway , and he's starting to panic , so they screech to a halt on the hard shoulder of the A120 , with Mother screeching ' GET OUT OF THE CAR !! GET OUT OF THE CAR !! ' and brother trying to put out the fire by throwing the dregs of a small bottle of Evian over the center console, but to no avail . Call the Fire Brigade, and at this point Mother remembers the ludicrously expensive Jacques Vert mother of the bride outfit about to smolder to nothing in the boot . So, she wallops brother over the head , screeches 'GET BACK TO THE CAR ! GET BACK TO THE CAR !! ' and gets him to retrieve said outfit . Fire Brigade duly turn up and do the honors , and shut the road to be on the safe side .

I in the meantime am at the hotel , when I get a raging phone call from hubby to be because he's stuck in traffic because 'some stupid person's car's on fire ' .......

In the finish, he's then driving to the hotel, when he recognizes said in law's vehicle on the back of the recovery truck!

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have many classes in Christianity, one about Wicca, several forms of Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

You can become an ordained minister, for free, and for life, so use this Free Online Ordination, link.

This online seminary, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of minister supplies.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Wedding Stories

2010-07-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

The Joy of Duct Tape

One of the sisterhood (a super tight group of girlfriends I have, closer than family) was getting married some years back to her childhood sweetheart (we tease them about "rushing it" they had known each other for 14 years and had broken up and gotten back years later as adults). Well, my friend asked all of us to be bridesmaids (not a bridezilla thing, she's a total softy who wanted everyone to feel included). A few days before the wedding, I realize no one had thought to pack an emergency kit for the day of. So I grab a spare purse and start throwing in everything I could think of. Needle, thread, super glue, extra hose, a package of safety pins, scissors, clear nail polish etc... Then I spy a role of duct tape and think "heck, you never know" and toss it in.

The day of the wedding, while everyone is gratefully making use of the emergency kit, my friends proceed to tease me about the duct tape. I shrug and say "hey, duct tape fixes everything, it might come in handy". Sure enough, halfway through preparations, J (fiance of one the bridesmaids and "go between" for bridesmaids and groomsmen's) knocks on the door of our dressing area and asks if we by chance have, quote, "some safety pins and duct tape"! While the other bridesmaids grab a hold of furniture and howl with laughter I smugly hand J the requested items and simply state "told you so". Turns out one the groomsmen had a broken belt and needed the duct tape to fix it. I still get teased about that sometimes but I always point it, it got used!

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have many classes in Christianity, one about Wicca, several forms of Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

You can become an ordained minister, for free, and for life, so use this Free Online Ordination, link.

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Wedding Stories

2010-07-19T11:44:00.000-07:00

My husband and I were married on Friday the thirteenth. we did this on purpose but if I had known......

We had a outdoor wedding by a lake.

None of my family attended,
My soon to be mother in law and maid of honor were stung by bees,
None of the pictures turned out right,
I fudged up on the wedding vows,
And the band dressed like they were going to a truck pull.
My husband caught the flu on our wedding night and ran a fever all night long, so the next night to make it up to me he took me to a party some friends had for us. The party was fun but when we went to leave we backed over a wasp nest and my husband, who is very allergic to bees and wasps, was stung many times. So a friend rushed us to the hospital where my husband stayed for three hours. The whole time I thought I was gonna be a widow before I could be a wife.
Needless to say, we went home and hid out for a couple of weeks.
Oh yeah, the hospital bill was over $600.

We have been married almost 10 yrs and have 3 wonderful kids but if i had to go back and do it all over again I think I would have waited just one more day to get married.

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have many classes in Christianity, one about Wicca, several forms of Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

You can become an ordained minister, for free, and for life, so use this Free Online Ordination, link.

This online seminary, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of minister supplies.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Wedding Stories

2010-07-17T08:42:00.000-07:00

Funny Facility

My Parents had a specific budget for my wedding, and we found a great place, with good food, and the price was right. However, the name of the restaurant wasn't so appealing...the "SQUAT and GOBBLE" Restaurant.

-Anonymous

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have many classes in Christianity, one about Wicca, several forms of Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

You can become an ordained minister, for free, and for life, so use this Free Online Ordination, link.

This online seminary, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of minister supplies.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Wedding Stories

2010-07-15T08:37:00.000-07:00

Lisa and Brianr 8, 2001

Brian and I met through an online personals/dating service. We talked online for a week, over the phone and online for another week, and then we had our first date. It only took about two weeks and we knew that we were perfect for each other.

After dating for three months Brian came home one day with a package which he sat on the mantel over the fireplace and told me that I could not look in it. Since we had been talking about getting married, I assumed it was an engagement ring. He left it there for two weeks and I did not peek.

Finally after two weeks of anticipation, his son convinced him to let me open it. Much to my surprise, it was a gold letter opener that his son had won at an arcade for me.

Shortly after, that package disappeared from the fireplace mantel, it was replaced by a small ring box. Again, I assumed it was an engagement ring. I asked how long it was going to be before I could see what was in the box. He finally said it would be July 13th, but gave no reason why the 13th, or what the significance of that date was.

Since I thought the ring box was my engagement ring, I went out and bought a wedding band for Brian which I proudly placed beside the ring box on the mantel. In the mean time he had my teenaged daughter in on the plan, and they kept telling secrets and even contacted my boss. I assumed that Brian had arranged for me to get off early, or be off, on Friday, July 13th, so was I ever surprised on Thursday, July 12th when Brian, my daughter, his son, my boss, the Human Resources Director and the people who report to me at my job all showed up in my office.

Brian was carrying two dozen roses and his son had a bottle of wine with 'I Love You' balloons tied to it.
Brian first handed me a card where he had written how much he loved me and why he wanted to include our family and my friends from work.

Then he said the following: "Lisa, like wine takes years to age, we have taken years to find one and other. Like the roses, you are beautiful yet fragile, and need to be taken care of - like I want to spend the rest of my life taking care of you. Like the air in the balloons, when we kiss, I feel like I am walking on air."
Then he got down on one knee, opened the ring box, which was not the one from the mantel, to reveal my engagement ring. He then asked if I would do him the honor of being his wife. Of course I said yes.
When we got home I gave him the box that I had on the mantle, being all proud of the band that I had purchased. He opened it, smiled and then said "hold that thought" and went and got the box off the mantle...it was a band exactly like the one that I had purchased for Brian. We laughed and I told him "Well, I guess you know you can trust me not to peek!"

Our wedding is planned for September 8th and I will never forget my wonderful proposal, it was like something out of a fairy tale!
Lisa Bolan and Brian Evans
Wedding September 8, 2001
Euless, TX.
www.superweddings.com

Karaoke Connection
Paula and Anthony

I met the love of my life on the Internet. We did not meet in a chat room, on a message board, at a public site or through the personals. Meeting someone on the Internet or anywhere else, for that matter, didn’t even occur to me. Starting a relationship was the last thing on my mind.

It all started when a girlfriend asked me to go to Austin, Texas for the weekend. We were both separated and going through a divorce and needed to get away from that stress and familiarity of our rural town of 4,000.. I enjoy singing, and especially karaoke, and wanted to do that while we were there. But, where to go?

Then I had a brain storm. I decided to go to the AOL member directory and find someone who lived in Austin and ask them. I found several profiles of Austin residents, including Anthony’s. I sent him an e-mail asking where to go for karaoke in Austin. His personal quote was: "If you have family, friends, health and music, what more do you need?" It really touched my heart and I told him so.

Three days later I got a response. Anthony sent me an e-mail suggesting I go to the Chelsea Street Pub and asked me what 0309 from my screen name meant. I explained that it was my birthday. It turns out it was his birthday too.

Later that night, I was online when I received an instant message from him. We chatted, sending messages back and forth for two hours before I went to work. He told me that he was originally from New Jersey and had lived in Texas for two years. We talked about our families, music and work. He is a banker and I am a correctional officer. What a combination.

Still, there was a feeling of comfort and knowing that was undeniable. We decided to talk on the phone the next night and we talked for three hours. It was like we had known each other all our lives.
I never did end up going with my girlfriend on the Austin trip because my dad underwent heart by-pass surgery. Three weeks later, Anthony and I decided to meet and I drove four hours from East Texas to meet a man whom I’d never even seen a picture of.

We met at Austin’s Highland Mall parking lot at 7 a.m. and immediately gave each other a big hug. I thought he was cute and very polite. We ate breakfast at the International House of Pancakes and he told me later that he couldn’t stop looking at my eyes because he couldn’t believe how green they were.
After breakfast, we went back to his apartment so I could rest. That might seem like risky behavior to some people, but my instincts about people are usually correct and I felt strongly that Anthony was someone I could trust. I had been awake for over 30 hours and was so tired that I went to sleep sitting on the couch. When I woke up, Anthony was holding my hand. I can’t believe such a small gesture could mean so much. At that moment I knew that he was a sensitive and caring person. I was comfortable staying with him at his apartment, and he was kind enough to give me his bedroom and make up a bed for himself on the couch.
We did a lot of things during our first weekend together. We went to see the movie "Duets." We had dinner with his parents, and of course, we went to karaoke. I sang "Valentine" by Martina McBride and Anthony sang "I’ll Be" by Edwin McCain. We also sang a duet: "Just You and I" by Eddie Rabbit and Crystal Gayle.
Anthony also told me that his sister had met someone online and had gotten married, but that he didn’t think it could happen to him. Something was happening, though. In spite of the fact that I had fears about getting into a relationship before my final divorce papers were signed, and Anthony had gotten hurt in two previous relationships, our connection was growing.

Three weeks later, Anthony came to visit me and meet my family and friends at karaoke. Three more weeks passed and he invited me to his bank’s Christmas party. That weekend he told me he loved me. It scared me to death. I told him that I liked him a lot and enjoyed his company but I wasn’t ready to say those words to him. Little did I know that I would be ready much sooner than I thought.

On January 7 we were talking by IM after I returned from an evening of karaoke with some friends. I was telling him about the evening, how much I missed him, and that it just wasn’t the same anymore without him there with me. He asked me if I ever wanted to get married again. I told him that I that I might. The next thing I knew, he sent me an e-mail at 2:22 a.m. asking, "Will you marry me?" I responded, "Yes, but you will have to ask me again in person."

We weren’t able to see each other again until January 20th. This time I met his sister and her family and we joined all of his family and his co-workers at the Chelsea Street Pub for an evening of karaoke. Anthony was one of the first to turn in a song to sing, but when they called him up, he said he had something to say first and asked me to come up on the stage.

Anthony got down on one knee and said, "Paula, you know how happy you have made me and you know how much I love you. Will you marry me?" All I could do was stand there with my hands over my face. After I got over the shock, of course I said yes. The audience stood up, clapping and cheering. We are engaged to be married on Feb. 2, 2002.
On April 3, 2001, I got a job transfer and moved to Austin to be with the love of my life.
This experience has taught me several things: love can come when you least expect it, love comes in unexpected ways and if love between two people is meant to be, it will happen. They will find each other, even somewhere as vast as the Internet.
Paula Smith, 29, and Anthony Birkholz, 30
Austin, Texas

Angela and Adam Married

It is a day I'll never forget. The 4th of July. He had told me he had to work on this Jeep he had just bought off a guy at work. So I figured the day was probably going to be spent just working on getting the jeep running. He had mentioned going to a fire works stand and getting our own fireworks. The day went flying by and we still hadn't been to town to get anything. We came in from working on his car when he asked me to go find him somthing to wear. I came back out, he got changed, and we headed for town.. We live near an airforce base at which he is a staff sargent. It was kind of fun getting to drive along and watch the fireworks. He tried his best to get me there but, we missed them.

We started driving around looking for a fireworks stand.. So we stood there and looked around and he finally picked out three different kinds of fireworks.. I didn't think anything about it.. I knew he had already bought my ring he had had for the past 3 months and I had kind of given up on him giving it to me.

We got home and he told me to go on in the house and find something to light the fireworks with.. I came back out and he handed me one of the boxes of fireworks and told me to open them. Next, he handed me the next box and had me open them. Then he said, "Well, you might as well open the last box", and I'll never know what made me turn my back to him when I did so, but when I turned around there he was, on one knee. He had the ring in a ring-box and asked me to open it. I just started crying.. I still can't believe it.. We our planning a March 2, 2002 wedding..

Angela and Adam

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have many classes in Christianity, one about Wicca, several forms of Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

You can become an ordained minister, for free, and for life, so use this Free Online Ordination, link.

This online seminary, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of minister supplies.

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Wedding Stories

2010-07-13T08:36:00.000-07:00

Aletta and Christo

Married 2-20-99

I'm Aletta, 28, married to hubby Christo, 29. Only married 7 months!! We had a dream come true medieval theme wedding. No real problems except if you count that we didn't say our vows properly, as the minister forgot to read them out loud!!! Now we plan to say them properly to each other on our first anniversary. Hubby had a white flowing shirt, velvet waistcoat with silver embroidering and a blue and black velvet cloak with black pants and riding boots.

He's an artist and enjoyed knowing that it would be a surprise to me! I had a surprise of my own. I 'planted' a sketch of a medieval dress with elaborate green, purple and gold in my flat, which he saw, as planned, and assumed to be my wedding dress. He actually wanted me to wear white and it was a real surprise to him when he saw me in the church after the wine red velvet cloak was taken off in a white chiffon dress cut medieval style!

The wedding was beautiful ... even if I say so myself. Really enjoyed it. We got married in an old medieval looking church and had our photos taken there and had our 'feast' there as well. Medieval style - no forks or spoons. One plate and a knife was all the guests had with a superb buffet finished off with fresh fruit and nutty wedding cake!

Now I miss the excitement of planning it last year at this time. I really enjoy organizing and plan to perhaps become a wedding planner.

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have many classes in Christianity, one about Wicca, several forms of Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

You can become an ordained minister, for free, and for life, so use this Free Online Ordination, link.

This online seminary, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of minister supplies.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Wedding Stories

2010-07-11T08:32:00.000-07:00

By Rev. Sam Minder
Horror Story

This one is sort of a horror story. I officiated at a wedding that was kind of short notice. The whole thing had been put together quickly and on a small budget. This wasn't the problem. The problem was that the room the wedding was in was on a ship and the room was a little crowded. The photography (my least favorite photographer) was moving to take a picture of the bride and groom at the head table. He was standing by the cake when it mysteriously fell over! Everyone was horrified, especially the bride. The photographer (who still had the frosting on his jacket) looked at it like it was such a shame that 'someone' had knocked over the cake. Didn't apologize, didn't take responsibility, offered no compensation to the bride and groom. He just went on as if nothing happened. Fortunately, the person who made the cake had the foresight to bring her cake-decorating stuff so she was able to do some repairs. Moral of the story: Stay away from the cake!

-- Rev. Sam Minder

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have many classes in Christianity, one about Wicca, several forms of Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

You can become an ordained minister, for free, and for life, so use this Free Online Ordination, link.

This online seminary, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of minister supplies.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Wedding Stories

2010-07-09T08:31:00.000-07:00

A Weird one
By Amy Long

This was a little weird. I got a call for a wedding on a Friday for that following Monday. The bride was 83 and the groom 84. The groom had had a stroke and couldn't be there to get the license, so I had to go down and sign for it with the bride.

I showed up to the ceremony place itself (at the groom's retirement facility) and after a very brief ceremony, I began looking over the license to sign. Just then, the owner of the facility tells me I have a phone call. Me?

To make a long story short, the groom had been declared incompetent by the court and I had to talk to the conservator's office, the conservator herself, then their attorney (who wasn't very nice) and everyone was very upset that these two people were getting married.

I ended up leaving without signing anything because the bride has to go to court for the right to get married to the groom.

The whole thing was a bit weird. I guess a new standard question should be if both parties are competent enough to be married!

--Amy

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have many classes in Christianity, one about Wicca, several forms of Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

You can become an ordained minister, for free, and for life, so use this Free Online Ordination, link.

This online seminary, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of minister supplies.

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Wedding Stories

2010-07-07T08:28:00.000-07:00

Keep an Eye on Your Wedding gifts
By Debbie Kalinowski and newspaper article

Hi,

From what I've heard recently, this is the latest "trend". And now this newspaper article confirms it. Please warn all your Brides and Grooms to keep a lookout for "uninvited" guests at their weddings! These "guests" are making off with the wedding gifts! (By the way, I have done/will be doing weddings at all of the catering halls mentioned in this article and I find this news very distressing!)

Debbie

________________________________________________

Posted on Sat, Dec. 04, 2004

A wedding pest admits to thefts at receptions
A South Philadelphia man has told authorities he stole $10,000 in cash and checks from three recent events.

By Sam Wood
Inquirer Staff Writer

An uninvited guest at wedding receptions in South Jersey has admitted to making off with $10,000 in cash and checks intended for the
newlyweds, authorities said.

Anthony Rossi, 30, of the 2600 block of Percy Street in South Philadelphia, surrendered to police yesterday and confessed to absconding with gifts from three recent receptions, said Detective Michael DeLorenzo of Berlin Borough police.

In the most recent incident, on Nov. 13, Rossi told police, a wedding guest - the groom's cousin - pursued him down the Atlantic Expressway after he grabbed the gift box at a reception at Venice Catering in Berlin and tried to make a getaway, DeLorenzo said.

The pursuit broke off only after he tossed the gift collection box out the window of his 1991 Lexus and the cousin stopped to recover it,
DeLorenzo said.

Berlin Borough police said they received numerous tips about the identity of the wedding thief after WPVI-TV (Channel 6) broadcast a
composite drawing of the suspect Thursday night.

One of the tips led police to Rossi yesterday.

DeLorenzo said Rossi was charged after confessing to the Nov. 13 heist; a Sept. 4 theft at the Renaissance Room in Washington Township; and a Sept. 11 theft from Anthony and Cleopatra Caterers in Williamstown.

He also told police he had tried to strike at the Woodbury Country Club but was scared off when off-duty Philadelphia police officers at the reception grew suspicious, DeLorenzo said.

Rossi told investigators he would randomly choose a catering hall on a Saturday and pose as a wedding guest, dressing the part. And, just in
case he might be spotted leaving with the loot, he would take the license plates off his getaway vehicle.

On at least one occasion, Rossi enlisted the help of an unwitting catering hall employee, DeLorenzo said.

"He would just walk up and say, 'You want to clean up now? Maybe we should take this out to the car.' They thought he was part of the
family and gave him a hand," DeLorenzo said.

In the wake of the thefts, local caterers have beefed up security and have asked guests to keep a close eye on their wedding gifts, DeLorenzo
said.

DeLorenzo said the unemployed Rossi had told investigators he was not responsible for any thefts where only a few cash envelopes were taken.

"He has no reason to lie," DeLorenzo said. "He's been honest and open. He said he wasn't interested in anything small. His main goal was to take the whole shebang."

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have many classes in Christianity, one about Wicca, several forms of Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

You can become an ordained minister, for free, and for life, so use this Free Online Ordination, link.

This online seminary, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of minister supplies.

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Wedding Stories

2010-07-05T08:26:00.000-07:00

Wedding Tips
By Rev. Sally Franklin Christie, D. D.

Have fun.

An ad in the Yellow Pages is billed by the month and a book stays around my house anyway for a very long time. I think my spot is 20 bucks a month.

An ad placed on the weddings and engagement page of your local paper is a good bet. It targets your audience well. I do not know how it will turn out but I got an ad coming up in a wedding planner that is distributed at three events targeting brides and runs throughout the year electronically on my local paper's web site.

The Yellow Book closes the booking before I get half way through the talk about what I do and how.

I've done one emergency and one fake wedding already.

At one wedding when I pronounced the couple, the small candles went out and the Unity Candle stayed lit.

Gate keepers are people like photographers, party rental places, caterers, DJs and such who are likely to meet your client before you and can send them your way. Start finding them at Bridal Fairs and stay in touch, send them thank you cards for referrals and refer them to others in return.

I haven't had a booth at a bridal fair yet, but it is a good idea to visit the events and drop a card or two with vendors, take their cards and
keep contacting them. Maybe next year I'll get a booth.

Inside signs has three of my ads in bathroom stalls and I had my first call recently. They created an ad for me and I use variations of it on my business cards and other media. It pays to look the same and have a slogan.

A web site is good for information before a booking. Before hanging up you can send them to the site to gather info and questions for meeting.

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have many classes in Christianity, one about Wicca, several forms of Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

You can become an ordained minister, for free, and for life, so use this Free Online Ordination, link.

This online seminary, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of minister supplies.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Wedding Stories

2010-07-03T08:24:00.000-07:00

Facing Away From the Audience
By Marilyn Tenney
Wedding Stories

I do have a comment and suggestion about performing a wedding: I recently attended a wedding in a small country church where the minister had the couple stand up on the first step at the front of the church facing the congregation, and the minister stood down below (with a cordless mic on her lapel). This way the couple were seen by all in attendance. It was very nice!

(note from Amy: I have done that a couple of times and it feels very weird to me to talk with my back to people. I usually just have the couple facing each other and talk through them, but I'd be interested to see how it works for others.)

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have many classes in Christianity, one about Wicca, several forms of Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

You can become an ordained minister, for free, and for life, so use this Free Online Ordination, link.

This online seminary, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of minister supplies.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar