FUNERAL

Add more meaning and purpose to a funeral by giving your loved one a personalized service that joyfully celebrates their life. Rev. Shirley will meet with you and your family to learn about the person and what made them unique and special as an individual. The service is open in form and structure so it can be performed at the funeral home or most any place that would be relevant to the loved one – in a park, a home or any place that was special to this person. We will plan a service together that affirms the individuality and dignity of your loved one.

­­­RENEWAL OF VOWS
A renewal of wedding vows ceremony is a meaningful and touching ceremony for you and your children, family and friends. As a married couple, it is a time to pause and reflect on where you have been and where you are going.  It is also a wonderful example to set for your children and grandchildren. 

Vow renewal ceremonies can be as creative and personal as you want them to be. Significant anniversaries are especially appropriate times for renewing your commitment and love. Some couples choose to renew their vows after a particularly difficult crisis in their lives, like the overcoming of a serious illness or a period of estrangement. Others simply want to reaffirm the tremendous love that has matured and deepened with the passing of years.  Rev. Shirley will design the perfect ceremony to say “I do” all over again.

BLESSING OF THE NEWBORN

Baby blessings, an alternative to a traditional baptism or christening, have become more popular among couples of different faiths and those who may not have ties to a specific church. Many families agree that the benefit is that the ceremony can be tailored to exactly the parent’s wishes. Usually there is a vow to love the child unconditionally and guide them through their life. Baby blessings help fill the need for ritual if you’re not religious or don’t belong to a specific religious community. The ceremony is a service that brings all family members together to honor the child.

LIFE PARTNER COMMITMENT

Although Ohio does not recognize same-sex marriages, we can make huge strides on a spiritual level by acknowledging same-sex partnerships in ceremony. Gathering together in ritual with friends and family who offer love and blessings in a ceremony that publicly declares two people’s intent and commitment to each is extremely powerful, both socially and spiritually. This beautiful ceremony is personalized to the specific wishes and spiritual beliefs of the couple to express their love in a joyful celebration.

PET MEMORIAL

There is nothing else in life like the relationship we have with our animal friends. When that friend is gone it is a deep and painful loss. Rev. Shirley customizes a service to celebrate the life of your beloved pet that allows you and your family to celebrate all the love that this special creature brought to you.  It also allows children to more fully understand death and gives special meaning to the lives of our pets. A memorial service can help all to heal from their loss.

DIVORCE

Many people find that obtaining a legal divorce isn’t enough to make them feel a sense of closure. A divorce ceremony allows them to heal their hearts, to forgive past hurts and mistakes and to free each other to move powerfully into new and separate futures. This ceremony is also particularly helpful for children to understand that the break up was not their fault and that their parents still love them just as much as before. This ceremony offers healing to the couple, immediate family and extended family and friends.