It was one of my favorite annual celebrations. Very touching. Sometimes humorous. Always encouraging.
Diana DavisOur church members who celebrated 50 years of marriage were held up as heroes and honored with a brief ceremony during worship near Valentine’s Day. Whether we honored one couple or several, it took only a few minutes, and it packed a powerful punch!
To prepare for the recognition, print invitations for honorees to send to their friends and relatives. Personalize the celebration by asking the anniversary couples to provide:
– A wedding photograph and a current photograph.
– A favorite scripture verse.
– A few sentences about their marriage, using these prompts:
1) How we made it through 50 years of marriage.
2) How God has made a difference in our marriage.?
Use their photos and scriptures to create a beautiful display in the foyer. Hang ribbons or cords to reserve front-row seats for the honorees and their guests. Ask honorees to arrive early for photos and prayer with the pastor before the service.?
During the worship service, invite 50th anniversary couples to stand at the front of the sanctuary, introducing them and asking their friends and family to stand in their honor.
The pastor can select one or two quotes from the couples’ responses to share with the congregation. While he reads, a PowerPoint or slide presentation of photos, favorite scriptures and marriage quotes can be shown. As their “secrets for success” are shared, the enormous role of God in marriage will be evident.
Present a commemorative certificate, a rose for the wife and a boutonniere for the husband, and then offer a prayer of praise and thanksgiving. A church can further honor couples by adding their names to a permanent plaque listing church members married 50 years.?? ?
Memorializing marriage milestones – what an encouragement to the next generation!?