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Guide for Ministers
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- 6.1 Holy Baptism with water
- 6.1.1 Holy Baptism with water: Prerequisites
- 6.1.2 Holy Baptism with water: Preparation
- 6.1.3 Holy Baptism with water: Sequence and wording
- 6.1.4 Conditional baptism
- 6.1.5 Baptisms in emergency situations
- 6.2 Adoption into the congregation
- 6.2.1 Adoption: Prerequisites
- 6.2.2 Adoption: Preparation
- 6.2.3 Adoption: Sequence and wording
- 6.3 Holy Sealing
- 6.3.1 Holy Sealing: Prerequisites
- 6.3.2 Holy Sealing: Preparation
- 6.3.3 Holy Sealing: Sequence and wording
- 6.4 Holy Communion
- 6.5 Confirmation
- 6.5.1 Confirmation: Prerequisites
- 6.5.2 Confirmation: Preparation
- 6.5.3 Confirmation: Sequence and wording
- 6.6 Engagement
- 6.7 Blessings on wedding anniversaries
- 6.7.1 Wedding anniversaries: Sequence and wording
- 6.8 Acts of blessing performed outside of the divine service
6.7.1 Wedding anniversaries: Sequence and wording
6.7.1.1 Liturgical position
The dispensation of a wedding anniversary blessing takes place after the celebration of Holy Communion. If several acts are planned after Holy Communion, they are to be performed in the following sequence:
- retirement, termination of an appointment or assignment bound to a ministry
- ordination, appointment, assignment, reinstatement
- termination of, or assignment to, a service that is not bound to a ministry
- engagement blessing, wedding blessing, wedding anniversary blessing
6.7.1.2 Execution
The dispensation of a wedding anniversary blessing is performed by a priestly minister or an Apostle. The act takes place in front of the altar or at the seat of the anniversary couple.
A piece of music is usually performed as an introduction to this act.
6.7.1.3 Address
The following content can be expressed:
- praise and thanksgiving for divine protection and help
- where appropriate, special events in the couple’s matrimony
- where appropriate, the work the couple has performed in the congregation or district
- where appropriate, a Bible text can be shared with some brief comments
Prayer for God’s blessing
The congregation rises for a prayer, in which the plea for God’s blessing comes to expression.
6.7.1.4 Dispensation of blessing
The anniversary couple is asked to join their right hands. The officiant places his or her hand on top of the hands of the couple and dispenses the blessing with the following words:
“In the name of God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, receive the blessing of God on your (…)[73] wedding anniversary.”
The following content may be expressed:
- God has protected you in the time that lies behind you.
- You are commended to His continual care.
- God awaken good thoughts within you so that you may bring joy to one another.
- May God continue to bless your marriage bond.
- May He prepare you for the return of Jesus Christ.
Mandatory conclusion:
“May the blessing of God accompany you! The peace of the Risen One be with you! Amen.”
6.7.1.5 Transition to closing prayer
After the officiant has congratulated the couple, a piece of music may follow. This is followed by the closing prayer.
[73] The wedding anniversary should be specifically named, for example: “on your silver wedding anniversary”.