CIVIL UNIONS AND COMMITMENT CEREMONIES
WELCOMING A CHILD
CEREMONY FOR NAMING A CHILD
CHRISTENING DEDICATES A CHILD
MEMORIAL SERVICES OFFERED
FUNERAL SERVICE
MEMORIAL SERVICE
COMMITTAL SERVICE

CIVIL UNIONS AND COMMITMENT CEREMONIES
Every couple, regardless of their sexual orientation, deserves equal rights and equal treatment under the law.   I am honored and proud to officiate at Civil Unions and Commitment Ceremonies for same-sex couples who want to affirm their loving partnership.  I offer beautifully crafted civil union ceremonies for you and your partner to celebrate your love and commitment to one another. I believe that ‘love is love’ – something to be cherished and celebrated. Together we will learn and discover what is important to you and your partner. We will then incorporate your personalities and values into your ceremony. 
Planning your civil union ceremony will be a process that is joyful, liberating, and comforting. The path will be one that you will always treasure as a time of deep connection and growth, for each partner individually, and for your partnership as a couple.  Whether you choose to have a religious ceremony or a secular/civil one, I would be honored to unite you and your life partner in marriage.  Call me to start planning the celebration of your love for each other. 




WELCOMING A CHILD
Welcoming a child is an ancient ritual. Readings can include traditional religious scriptures, or non-religious selections from poetry or literature. Welcoming a new child is a joyous and beautiful celebration.  You may include honoring siblings, god-parents and grandparents.
Your joyous celebration can include lighting candles, rose petals or the "Rose and Water" ceremony.The timeless wonder of birth and the joyous blessings parents feel in a solemn ceremony are given cheerful and wondrous voice. 


CEREMONY FOR NAMING A CHILD
Having a name that is one's own is the first step in declaring individuality. The name sets a child apart from all others. This ceremony announces the arrival of your child as part of your family and extended family. It is a celebration of the family that will nurture this child. In this service, parents godparents and grandparents commit themselves to the rearing of the child. Any faith or religious background can have a Child Naming Celebration, and they can be held at any location.   They are joyous ceremonies and usually include honoring siblings, the grandparents and godparents of the new child.


CHRISTENING DEDICATES A CHILD
Traditional aspects of Christening are celebrated: Blessing your child, anointing him/her with water, welcoming her/him into the religious family joining us in this world with a moving creative ceremony. Celebrating the gift, the power that is your child. Either of these ceremonies may be held in the privacy of your own home, a chapel, a park, or another place of your choosing.  These ceremonies can include honoring godparents, siblings, other family members and grandparents.


MEMORIAL SERVICES OFFERED
Losing a loved one hurts. Paying tribute to the life of the loved one generally includes a public or private service of some type. The grieving beginning immediately after death leads to a reconstructed life and a return to living, no matter how shattering the death is for the bereaved.
Types of Services: There are three basic kinds of services to honor a loved one’s passing: the memorial service, the funeral, and the committal service. (Please note: If a personalized eulogy is desired, a meeting with the family prior to the service is required to obtain necessary information).

FUNERAL SERVICE
This is the traditional service. The body of the loved one is usually present. The service may take place in a church, chapel, funeral parlor, lodge, union hall, or even a private residence. It may be held before burial or cremation. Readings, music, and a eulogy for the deceased are used to provide a meaningful spiritual content.

MEMORIAL SERVICE
A memorial service usually takes place after the loved one has been buried or cremated. It can take place at a convenient time to gather the family. A church or chapel is a normal setting, but any appropriate site can be used, such as a public hall, a private home or an outdoor setting pays tribute to the life of the loved one. Together family, friends, and acquaintances gather to remember and talk about a person’s life and experiences. This ritual is offered in a universal spiritual context.

COMMITTAL SERVICE
This service takes place at the site of burial of the body or with the cremation remains. This service can be the sole service and is more brief than either the memorial or funeral service. Readings and ritual provide meaning for the family and friends.
This service takes place at the site of burial of the body or with the cremation remains. This service can be the sole service and is more brief than either the memorial or funeral service. Readings and ritual provide meaning for the family and friends.

ALL OF THESE SERVICES:
Each of these services is done as a tribute to the life lived by the departed loved one. Together, we select prayers, readings, and rituals. Reverence and dignity honor our dear departed loved ones.