Friends in Christ, we have gathered to commission these members of our family as they prepare for another year as unmarried people.
The Lord Jesus, during His earthly ministry, did not take a wife, in order that He might take a heavenly bride for Himself, the Church. Many of His prophets and saints remained unmarried in order to pursue undistracted devotion to Him. Some remained unmarried despite their desire for a spouse, but nonetheless lived in faithfulness and holiness. Some became single after the end of a marriage, whether through divorce or through their spouse’s death. Some remained unmarried for many other reasons and lived out their various vocations and callings as members of the Body of Christ. All of them, regardless of the reason for not getting married, were nonetheless beloved, called, chosen, and accepted before God.
As these members of our congregation continue in their walks with Christ and with us, their community, some of them may eventually enter into the covenant of marriage, and some of them may not. While they remain single, we want to affirm both the difficulty and the freedom that being single provides; we want to commit ourselves to being their helpers and companions on the way of Jesus; and we also want to encourage them in their vocations as equal members of this body and of the Church at large.
Readings:
Psalm 68:4-6
Isaiah 56:1-5
Matthew 19:23-30
The service leader asks the following questions to the single people, and then to the congregation.
All of our unmarried friends who are adults, will you please stand as you’re able? If you’re unable, please raise a hand or otherwise indicate that you’re a single person. I’ll ask you some questions and you can respond with “We will, with God’s help.”
Beloved, will you walk in faithfulness to the call of the Gospel as part of the body of Christ?
We will, with God’s help.
Will you love and serve your neighbors and Christian family as those who are loved by God?
We will, with God’s help.
Will you practice hospitality, welcoming others as you have been welcomed by Christ, and will you practice vulnerability, openness, and confession with others?
We will, with God’s help.
Will you resist the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil? Will you reject isolation, and accept the help of your companions in the Lord?
We will, with God’s help.
Will you pursue deep friendships with people from all walks of life and seek to encourage and be encouraged by them in love?
We will, with God’s help.
Now I’m going to ask some questions for the whole congregation. Again, your response is, “We will, with God’s help.”
Friends in Christ, will you love and honor these members of the family of God as they walk in chastity, service, and obedience to Christ?
We will, with God’s help.
Will you regard them as your equals and co-heirs with Christ?
We will, with God’s help.
Will you practice hospitality and welcome them into your households as fellow members of the household of God?
We will, with God’s help.
Will you help them in their times of temptation, and aid and comfort them in their times of suffering and sorrow?
We will, with God’s help.
Will you rejoice with them in their successes and milestones?
We will, with God’s help.
Let us pray.
Almighty God, grant that these your beloved children may walk before you in holiness and righteousness. Send them comfort in times of loneliness, send them strength in times of trial and temptation, and reveal to them your great love in times of need: through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.