Reformed Presbyterian Minutes of Synod 1995 - Rparchives.org

REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 1635. At the grave the minister may use words such as these: "We committhe body to the grave in the hope of a glorious resurrection through faith inHim who is the resurrection and the life." Suitable Scripture may be read,such as I Corinthians 15:53-58, followed by a brief prayer and thebenediction.6 The congregation may arrange for food and lodging for visiting lovedones. Where the bereaved person may be aged and alone, there may be needfor additional ways of support. Attention to the bereaved should not endwith the funeral, for often the most difficult times come afterward. Visitsfrom the pastor, the elders or Christian friends are most welcome. Thebereaved should be remembered in prayer at worship services and othermeetings of the congregation.777e Marriage Ceremony7. Marriage is an ordinance of God, adapted to the nature of mankind,and designed for the welfare and happiness of men and women. It is theunion of one man and one woman, who covenant to live together and toperform faithfully the duties of husband and wife. It is not a sacrament, norpeculiar to the Christian church, but it is the duty of the church to require itsmembers to conform to the laws of God with respect to marriage. Christiansshould marry only in the Lord and their marriage should be solemnized by anordained minister of the Gospel. The state authorizes both ministers and civilmagistrates to perform the ceremony. Ministers should be careful to complywith the regulations of the state where the marriage is to take place.8. The minister should make certain that a marriage license has beensecured. The church forbids the marriage of persons who are within thedegrees of consanguinity or affinity prohibited by the Word of God, and of aperson who has been divorced on unscriptural grounds or has been the guiltyparty in a Scriptural divorce (Testimony, Chapter 24). A marriage shouldnot take place on the Sabbath, except in extraordinary circumstances. ASabbath wedding ceremony should not be accompanied by a gala celebration.9. A marriage should be a happy occasion. The minister should bring toit a spirit of dignity and wholesome pleasure. Careful preparation should bemade so that each occasion may have its own attractiveness.The ceremony may be performed in various ways. While the bride andgroom may decide to frame their own vows and make suggestions regardingthe content of the marriage ceremony, the final decision as to what may besaid should be left up to the minister. To indicate significant parts andpossible content of the ceremony, the following is suggested as a guide:a. When the parties are present before the minister, he may say,"We are gathered in the presence of God and of thiscompany, to join this man and this woman in marriage. This isa Divine institution and an honorable estate, and is to be