On behalf of John and Shirley I would like to give you a very warm welcome to this special occasion - the ruby wedding celebration of John and Shirley.
And today we want to rejoice with John and Shirley as they celebrate 40 years together and also renew their vows together in the presence of God.


Father we thank you for this special day, we thank you for John and Shirley and all the years they have enjoyed together as husband and wife and on this special occasion we want to ask Holy Spirit that your presence will here and that your hand of blessing will be on this time.


It is good on these occasions to remember that in his lifetime Jesus attended weddings, and shared in the joy of the day. And by His Holy Spirit he is with us now.

Scripture teaches that:

¶ Marriage is a gift of God in creation and a means of grace; a holy mystery in which man and woman become one flesh. It is God's purpose that as a husband and wife lovingly give themselves to each other throughout their lives, they shall be united in that love as Christ united with his church.

¶ Marriage is given, that the husband and wife may comfort and help each other, living faithfully together in all of life's circumstance.

¶ In marriage husband and wife belong to one another, and they have a new life together in the community.

And 40 years ago John and Shirley you joined your lives together in marriage.
You both made vows to one another and exchanged rings as a sign of the covenant you were entering into.

Over the years God has blessed you with children and grandchildren - children who love you and respect you.
You are also loved and appreciated much by many people in your church and in this community. And you have a great passion to serve God together and love and influence many people's lives.

Over the years you have also learned the meaning of the words "and the two shall become one". As you have gone through many experiences - times of joy and times of sadness, times of trial and struggle, God has taught you many things about love and grace and forgiveness.

And now 40 years later you have chosen to celebrate that relationship but also to renew your vows to one another as husband and wife.


As you celebrate here today, and reflect back over the years, do you now wish to publicly renew the vows you took?

Answer: WE DO




On your wedding day John and Shirley you also exchanged rings as a symbol of the covenant you were entering into. These rings serve as a reminder of your commitment to live in love, unity and happiness.





Before God and this company of people, John & Shirley, today you have renewed the promises and vows you made to each other on your wedding day.

It is with great joy that I conclude this ceremony of renewal of vows that binds you together in love and husband and wife.

Therefore, I proclaim:

'That which God has joined together, let not man divide'



Ian Nundy
Julie Nundy
Brian Miller
Pam Miller
Margaret Farrant
John Hearson

Food would soon be ready, and afterwards, cutting the cake and speeches.