The 'IRC' Wedding

The Virtual Blessing

The following blessing was conducted on-line, on Internet Relay Chat (Undernet) by the Rev. Peter Murphy from his parish in Lyndhurst, New Forest, Hampshire, England, and assisted by the Rev. Mike Bugal from his home near Seattle, Washington, USA.
Andy and Lisa were in Taunton, Somerset, England, in the cyber-cafe.
These words are to bless the marriage of Andy and Lisa, which had happened earlier that day at the Taunton Register Office.

If this is an historic occasion in some ways, that is all well and good, but it is very small fry compared to the significance of what is happening to Andrew (^Cloud9) and Lisa (^Starr_) IRL (in real life) today. Today they are pledging themselves to each other for better, for worse in unconditional love.

So, let us spend a moment quietly together on-line preparing for this significant day in their and our lives.

Dearly Beloved, when two people come together with their families and friends for a marriage ceremony, it is to celebrate the love already present and guiding their relationship into the future.

Their public declaration of their love is neither an end nor a beginning, but rather a time of momentary pause before continuing and changing and growing over the months and years to come.

So let us celebrate their present and future love together.

We are gathered together here in the sight of God, in the face and on the screens of this congregation, both IRL (in real life) and in cyberspace to bless the marriage of Andrew (^Cloud9) and Lisa (^Starr_) and to rejoice with them.

[Revrend Michael Bugal]
Through this new mode of communication, we are all present in the eyes of God and in the eyes of the world. May God bless all who are present, wherever they may be.

[Revrend Peter Murphy]
Let us consider the holy mystery into which they have entered. Marriage is a gift of God and a means of his grace, in which man and woman become one flesh.

It is God's purpose that, as husband and wife give themselves to each other in love, they shall grow together and be united in that love as Christ is united with his Church.

[Revrend Michael Bugal]
In marriage, husband and wife belong to each other, they are linked to each other's families, and they begin a new life together in the community. It is a way of life that all should reverence and none should lightly undertake.

On their wedding day we pray with them that by God's help they may fulfill his purpose for the whole of their life together.

[Revrend Peter Murphy]
Andrew (^Cloud9), you have taken Lisa (^Starr_) to be your wedded wife, will you love her, comfort her, honour and protect her, and, forsaking all others, be faithful to her as long as you both shall live?

[Andrew (^Cloud9)]
I will.

[Revrend Peter Murphy]
Lisa (^Starr_), you have taken Andrew (^Cloud9) to be your wedded husband, will you love him, comfort him, honour and protect him, and, forsaking all others, be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?

[Lisa (^Starr_)]
I will.

[Andrew (^Cloud9)]
I, ANDREW, have taken you LISA, to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward; for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God's holy law; and this is my solemn vow.

[Lisa (^Starr_)]
I, LISA, have taken you ANDREW, to be my husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward; for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God's holy law; and this is my solemn vow.

[Revrend Peter Murphy]
Andrew (^Cloud9) and Lisa (^Starr_) have chosen this reading to symbolise their love and devotion to one another. It is titled 'From This Day Forward' by Helen Steiner Rice.

[Lisa (^Starr_)]
Sharing and caring

[Andrew (^Cloud9)]
Giving and forgiving

[Lisa (^Starr_)]
Loving and being loved

[Andrew (^Cloud9)]
Walking hand in hand

[Lisa (^Starr_)]
Talking heart to heart

[Andrew (^Cloud9)]
Seeing through each others eyes

[Lisa (^Starr_)]
Laughing together

[Andrew (^Cloud9)]
Weeping together

[Lisa (^Starr_)]
Praying together

[Andrew (^Cloud9)]
And always trusting

[Lisa (^Starr_)]
And believing

[Andrew (^Cloud9)]
And thanking God

[Lisa (^Starr_)]
For each other

[Revrend Peter Murphy]
From the separateness of their familes, upbringing, experiences and values these two have come together across the Atlantic Ocean. Bringing what is unique about them to this moment. Now there, they are husband and wife!

You may now **KISS** the Bride.

They light these candles as a symbol of the new unity of purposes and shared life even in the midst of their individual lives.

Now, with the blessing of God the Creator, let us all give our blessings to Andrew (^Cloud9) and Lisa (^Starr_), so that they may continue their lives along their chosen cyberpath.

We thank you Lord and Father of us all, for bringing Andrew (^Cloud9) and Lisa (^Starr_) together in a new and meaningful way.

[Revrend Michael Bugal]
May they love one another and may they continue in your love on earth and in heaven. Grant them wisdom and devotion in their life together, that each may be to the other a strength in need, a comfort in sorrow, and a companion in joy.

So, unite their wills in your will, and their spirit in your spirit, that they may live and grow together in love and peace all the days of their life, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

[Revrend Peter Murphy]
May the Lord bless and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and show you his favour. May the Lord befriend you and prosper you.

And the blessing of God Almighty... The Creator who holds all space and time in his hands Jesus through whom all life is renewed and The Holy Spirit, who holds the net of life together be with you and remain with you always.

Amen.

[Revrend Michael Bugal]
May God bless you both.

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