Lynne R. Wright
MA 5200, Worship in the Church
August 12, 2014
Worship Evaluation Paper
In thinking about the idea of marriage and weddings, the ceremony of a wedding is both a splendid and momentous occasion. It is replete with spiritual symbolism and ritual, all weddings to one degree or another mirror the uniting in spirit of Christ with His church. He is the Bridegroom and the universal church is His bride. This is why the church is referred to in ecclesiastical nomenclature as, "the bride of Christ." The marriage ceremony or wedding feast has been a part of God's design for mankind from the beginning of human existence. As God declared, "it is not good for man to be alone, and I will make him a helper that is comparable for him." (Gen.2:18, New International Version). The joining in marriage of two individuals is a sacred and joyous act of worship, as the two are becoming one flesh before God and in the sight of man. (Gen.2:24). It is through the act of marriage that the image of God and His love for humanity is further illustrated.
On January 26, 2014, Gayle Anne Livingston and Ronald David McClellan were united in holy matrimony at the Mount Moriah Tabernacle Church, at 1:00pm. This wedding was a grand affair with a bridal party with sixteen people. The wedding ceremony was officiated byPastor Michael D. Wright Sr of the Christ Bible Fellowship Church and Bishop Christopher Clark of the Mount Moriah Tabernacle Church. A musician delivered two solo selections.
Order of the Wedding Program:
Organ Prelude
Solo- A Ribbon in the Sky, by Stevie Wonder
Music Prelude
Bridal Procession
Invocation
Welcome
Scripture Reading - 1st Corinthians 13:4-8
Solo- You and I, by Stevie Wonder
Proclamation of Marriage
Marriage Sermon- Gen. 2:24
Dedication & Prayer Blessing the Rings
Exchanging of Vows
Lighting of the Unity Candle
Pronouncement of Marriage
Reception Line
Recessional
This wedding ceremony clearly communicated its Christian basis by using the word of God in explaining the context of marriage. The pastors stressed the roles that God created for both husbands and wives during the wedding sermon. They connected for the bride and groom and congregation exactly how a wedding between a man and a woman demonstrates the marriage of Christ and His church. The Scriptures read were those typical passages shared during a wedding ceremony. In the exposition and exegesis of the verses, the overarching theme of love, which is central to the gospel, was shared in this gathering.
In looking at the wedding feast as an act of worship, this wedding as well as most Christian weddings are reminiscent of a Sunday
