SAT.

26TH AUGUST, 2023

 SAT. 26 TH
10:00
AM
AUGUST
2023

Reception

Ven. Okechukwu Owhonda

Lt. (Rev'd) E.O. Oguche (Vicar)
Rev. Can. Ugochukwu I. Nna
Rev. Can. Bright Okocha
Rev. Can. John Chinda
Sgt. (Rev'd) Ademola Oluwasegun (Asst. Vicar)
Cpl. (Rev'd) Owolu Sunday (Asst. Vicar)
Rev. (WO) Rtd. Istifanus H. Butsat
Rev. David Wopara

St. Jude’s Military Church Choir

St. Jude’s Anglican Church Choir, Oginigba
Exquisite Choir of Port Harcourt

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1. Bridal Procession - Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring
2. Opening Hymn - A&M 400
3. Introduction and Exhortation
4. Declaration
5. Hymn - God give us Christian homes
6. Joining and Blessing
7. The Ministry of the Word:
a. Genesis 1: 26-28 (by the groom)
b. Psalm 128 (to be chanted)
c. Epistle: Eph 5: 18-24 (by the bride)
d. Gradual Hymn - A&M 68
e. The Holy Gospel: Mark 10: 1-12
8. Hymn for Sermon - SS&S 61
9. Sermon
10. Anthem by the Choir
11. Hymn - A&M 463
12. Suffrages and Prayer (for the couple)
13. The Peace / Greetings
14. Hymn for Offertory - A&M 406
15. Communion Proper (Eucharistic Prayer /
Distributiion of Elements)
16. Hymn during Communion - A&M 397, 415, 443
17. Post Communion Prayers
18. General Thanksgiving
19. Signing of Marriage Register (Anthems by Choir / Solos)
20. Presentation of Marriage Certificate
21. Photographs with Officiating Ministers
22. Hallelujah Chorus
23. Benediction
24. Processing Out - A&M 271

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1. BRIDAL PROCESSION - JESU JOY OF MAN'S DESIRING

2. OPENING HYMN - A&M 400

1. Lord, enthroned in heavenly splendour,
First begotten from the dead,
Thou alone, our strong defender,
Liftest up thy people's head.
Alleluia,
Jesus, true and living bread!

2. Here our humblest homage pay we,

Here in loving reverence bow;
Here for faith's discernment pray we,
Lest we fail to know Thee now.
Alleluia,
Thou art here, we ask not how.

3. Though the lowliest form doth veil thee

As of old in Bethlehem,
Here as there thine angels hail thee,
Branch and flower of Jesse's stem.
Alleluia,
We in worship join with them.

4. Paschal Lamb, thine offering, finished

Once for all when thou wast slain,
In its fullness undiminished
Shall forevermore remain,
Alleluia,
Cleansing us from every stain.

5. Life-imparting heavenly Manna,

Stricken Rock with streaming side,
Heaven and earth with loud hosanna
Worship thee, the Lamb who died,

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 Alleluia,
Risen, ascended, glorified!

3. INTRODUCTION AND EXHORTATION

Dear people of God, we have come together in the presence of God,
to witness and to celebrate the marriage of STEPHEN and
VIRGINIA to ask His blessing on them, and to share in their joy. Our
Lord Jesus Christ was Himself a guest at a wedding in Cana of
Galilee and blessed this way of life, and through His Spirit He is with
us now.

The Scriptures teach us that marriage is a gift of God in creation and

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

Marriage is given primarily that husband and wife may comfort and
help each other, living faithfully together in need and in plenty, in
sorrow and in joy. It is also given, that with delight and tenderness,
they may know each other in love, and through the joy of their bodily
union, may strengthen the union of their hearts and lives. Lastly, it is
given that they may have children and be blessed in caring for them
and bringing them up in accordance with God's will, to His praise and
glory.

In marriage, husband and wife belong to one another, and are linked
to each other's family and they begin a new life together in the
community. This is a way of life that all should honour; and it must not
be undertaken carelessly, lightly or selfishly but reverently,
responsibly, and after serious thought. Into this way of life STEPHEN
and VIRGINIA come now to be joined. If anyone of you can show just
cause why they should not be lawfully married, you must now declare
it, or forever hold your peace.

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4. DECLARATION
(The man shall unveil yhe woman)
The Priest says to the couple

STEPHEN and VIRGINIA the vows you are about to take are to be
made in the name of God and I charge you both, as you will answer
before God who is the judge of all and who knows all the secrets of
our hearts: that if either of you knows a reason why you may not
lawfully marry, you must declare it now.

If there is no impediment declared, the Priest says to the Groom.

STEPHEN of your own free choice, will you take VIRGINIA to be
your wife?
The Groom: I will.

Will you love her, comfort her, honour and protect her, in sickness and
in health, in poverty and prosperity and, forsaking all others, be
faithful to her as long as you both shall live?
The Groom: I will.

The Priest says to the bride:

VIRGINIA of your own free choice will you take STEPHEN to be
your husband?
The Bride: I will

Will you love him, comfort him, honour and protect him, obey and
serve him, in sickness and in health, in poverty and prosperity and,
forsaking all others, be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?
The Bride: I will.

5. HYMN - GOD GIVE US CHRISTIAN HOMES

1. God give us Christian homes
Homes where the Bible is loved and taught
Homes where the Master's will is sought
Homes crowned with beauty Your love has wrought

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 God give us Christian homes
God give us Christian homes

2. God give us Christian homes

Homes where the father is true and strong
Homes that are free from the blight of wrong
Homes that are joyous with love and song

3. God give us Christian homes

Homes where the mother, in caring quest
Strives to show others Your way is best
Homes where the Lord is an honoured guest

4. God give us Christian homes

Homes where the children are led to know
Christ in His beauty who loves them so
Homes where the altar fires burn and glow

6. JOINING AND BLESSING

The Priest asks: Who gives this woman to be married to this
man?
The bride’s father comes out and hands over the Bride to the Priest
saying “I do”).

The father will take hold of the bride by her right hand and hand her
over to the minister who will put her right hand in the right hand of the
man and both facing each other.

(The bridegroom says)

I, STEPHEN ECHEONWU, take you, VIRGINIA AMOS, to be my

wife, to have and to hold from this day forward: for better for worse, for
richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish,
until we are parted by death according to God's holy law. This is my

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solemn vow.

They loose hands:

The bride takes the bridegroom's right hand in hers, and says:
I, VIRGINIA AMOS take you, STEPHEN ECHEONWU, to be my
husband, to have and to hold from this day forward; for better, for
worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to
cherish, until we are parted by death according to God's holy law: The
is my solemn vow:

(They both shall separate their hands)

The Priest shall ask: What token do you share to represent your
love and commitment to each other?

(Then the man shall produce the rings and give them to the minister
for prayer)

THE PRIEST RECEIVES THE RINGS. HOLDING UP THE

RING, THE PRIEST SHALL SAY:
The ring is the symbol of wholeness and perfection. It is made of gold
which is a precious and durable metal. What better representation of
your feelings for each other!

Heavenly Father, by your blessing, let these rings be to STEPHEN

and VIRGINIA a symbol of unending love and faithfulness, to remind
them of the vow and covenant which they have made this day;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

(The minister hands over the ring to the man who then places it onn
the fourth finger of the bride’s left hand, holding it there while he
repeats the following after the minister)

The Groom: VIRGINIA, I give you this ring as a sign of our marriage
and a token of my love and fidelity to you. With my body I honour you,
all that I am I give to you and all that I have I share with you, within the

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love of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

(The minister delivers the ring to the bride who then places it onn the
fourth finger of the bride’s left hand, holding it there while she repeats
thus after the minister(

The Bride: STEPHEN, I give you this ring as a sign of our marriage
and a token of my love and fidelity to you. With my body I honour you,
all that I am I give to you and all that I have I share with you, within the
love of God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

(The Bridegroom and bride kneel. While the congregation remains

standing. The minister then joins their hands together The Priest
says)

Eternal God, Creator and Preserver of all, giver of spiritual grace,

and author of everlasting life: send Your blessing upon STEPHEN
and VIRGINIA who we bless in Your name that living faithfully
together they may fulfill the vow and covenant they have made of
which the ring given and received is a token and pledge and may ever
remain in perfect love and peace together and live according to Your
laws; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

(Then shall the minister speak to the people)

Now that STEPHEN and VIRGINIA have given their consent and
made their vows to each other before God and this congregation,
with the joining of hands and the giving and receiving of rings, I
declare that they are husband and wife in the name of God the
Father, God the Son and God the Holy spirit, Amen.

The Priest joins their hands together and says:

THOSE WHOM GOD HAS JOINED TOGETHER, LET NO MAN

PUT ASUNDER!

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The BLESSING (The Minister Blesses the Couple)

God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit bless, preserve
and keep you; The Lord pour upon you the riches of His grace that
you may faithfully live together and receive the blessings of eternal
life. Amen.

ACCLAMATION
The Priest says to the Parents (invitation of parents of both sides)
As STEPHEN and VIRGINIA enter a new life together will you their
parents give them your blessing in the presence of this
congregation?

The Parents say to the couple saying: MAY GOD BLESS YOU
BOTH. AMEN.

The Priest may ask the congregation

You, as friends and families, have come to witness this exchange of
vows. Will you do all in your power to support this marriage now and
in the years ahead?

Congregation: We will.

The Congregation remain standing: The husband and wife

kneel, and the Priest blesses them:

God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, bless, preserve,
and keep you; the Lord mercifully grant you the riches of His grace,
that you may please Him both in body and soul, and living together in
faith and love, may receive the blessings of eternal life through Jesus
Christ our Lord, Amen.

The Parents of the bridegroom moves forward and the Priest

says:

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In the name of God and in the presence of this congregation we hand
over this woman fomerly MISS. VIRGINIA AMOS now MISS.
VIRGINIA ECHEONWU to you as a full member of your family. Will
you promise on behalf of your family to continue to up-hold them in
your prayer and give them your moral support?

The Groom’s Parent: I PROMISE IN THE NAME OF GOD

Then the Priest prays for the family.

Eternal God, creator and sustainer of us all, give your grace to
the family of STEPHEN and VIRGINIA. Grant them that in the
years ahead they may live together in the love, joy and peace of our
Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

7. THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD:

A. GENESIS 1: 26-28 (BY THE GROOM)
26. And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness:
and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the
fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over
every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
27. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God
created he him; male and female created he them.
28. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and
multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have
dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and
over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.

B. PSALM 128 (TO BE CHANTED)

1. Blessed are all they that / fear the / Lord: And / walk / in his / ways.
2. For thou shalt eat the labours / of thine / house: O well is thee and
/ happy / shalt thou / be.
3. Thy wife shall be as the / fruitful / vine: upon the / walls / of thine /
house.
4. Thy children like the / olive / branches: ro- / und a- / bout thy /
table.

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5. Lo thus shalt the / man be / bess-ed: that / fear- / eth the / Lord.
6. The Lord from out of Zion shall / so / bless thee: that thou sall see
Jerusalem in prosperity / all thy / life- / long.
7. Yea, that thou shalt see rhy / children's / children: and /peace up-
/ on / Israel.
GLORIA.

C. EPISTLE: EPHESIANS 5: 18-24 (BY THE BRIDE)

18. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with
the Spirit;
19. Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual
songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
20. Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the
name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
21. Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
22. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the
Lord.
23. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the
head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
24. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be
to their own husbands in every thing.

D. GRADUAL HYMN - A&M 68

1. A Great and Mighty Wonder, A Full and Holy Cure:
The Virgin Bears the Infant with Virgin Honour Pure!

Repeat The Hymn Again: “To God on High Be Glory

And Peace on Earth to Men!”

2. The Word Becomes Incarnate and Yet Remains on High,

And Cherubim Sing Anthems to Shepherds from The Sky.

3. While Thus They Sing Your Monarch, Those Bright Angelic

Bands,
Rejoice, Ye Vales and Mountains, Ye Oceans, Clap Your

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 Hands.

4. Since All He Comes to Ransom, By All Be He Adored,

The Infant Born in Bethlehem, The Saviour and The Lord.

E. THE HOLY GOSPEL: MARK 10: 1-12

1. And he arose from thence, and cometh into the coasts of Judea
by the farther side of Jordan: and the people resort unto him
again; and, as he was wont, he taught them again.
2. And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him, Is it lawful for a
man to put away his wife? tempting him.
3. And he answered and said unto them, What did Moses
command you?
4. And they said, Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and
to put her away.
5. And Jesus answered and said unto them, For the hardness of
your heart he wrote you this precept.
6. But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and
female.
7. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and
cleave to his wife;
8. And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more
twain, but one flesh.
9. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put
asunder.
10. And in the house his disciples asked him again of the same
matter.
11. And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and
marry another, committeth adultery against her.
12. And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to
another, she committeth adultery.

8. HYMN FOR SERMON - SS&S 61

1. Master, the tempest is raging!
The billows are tossing high!

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 The sky is o'ershadowed with blackness.
No shelter or help is nigh.
Carest thou not that we perish?
How canst thou lie asleep
When each moment so madly is threat'ning
A grave in the angry deep?

The winds and the waves shall obey thy will:

Peace, be still.
Whether the wrath of the storm-tossed sea
Or demons or men or whatever it be,
No waters can swallow the ship where lies
The Master of ocean and earth and skies.
They all shall sweetly obey thy will:
Peace, be still; peace, be still.
They all shall sweetly obey thy will:
Peace, peace, be still.

2. Master, with anguish of spirit

I bow in my grief today.
The depths of my sad heart are troubled.
Oh, waken and save, I pray!
Torrents of sin and of anguish
Sweep o'er my sinking soul,
And I perish! I perish! dear Master.
Oh, hasten and take control!

3. Master, the terror is over.

The elements sweetly rest.
Earth's sun in the calm lake is mirrored,
And heaven's within my breast.
Linger, O blessed Redeemer!
Leave me alone no more,
And with joy I shall make the blest harbor
And rest on the blissful shore.

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9. SERMON
10. ANTHEM BY THE CHOIR
11. HYMN - A&M 463
(Couple move to the altar for prayer)

1. O perfect Love, all human thought transcending,

Lowly we kneel in prayer before Thy throne,
That theirs may be the love which knows no ending,
Whom Thou for evermore dost join in one.

2. O perfect Life, be Thou their full assurance,

Of tender charity and steadfast faith,
Of patient hope and quiet, brave endurance,
With childlike trust that fears nor pain nor death.

3. Grant them the joy which brightens earthly sorrow;

Grant them the peace which calms all earthly strife,
And to life's day the glorious unknown morrow
That dawns upon eternal love and life.

11. SUFFRAGES AND PRAYERS (FOR THE COUPLE)

(The Priest says to the People)
Priest: the Lord be with you
All: And also with you
Priest: Let us pray, Lord have mercy upon us
All: Christ have mercy upon us
Priest: Lord have mercy upon us
The Lord’s Prayer

(ALTOGETHER)
Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be your name, Your kingdom
come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven, Give us this day
our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those
who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver
us from evil. Amen.

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Priest: O Lord save your servant STEPHEN and VIRGINIA ypur
handmaid
All: Who put their trust in you
Priest: O Lord send them help from your Holy place
All: And evermore defend them
Priest: Be unto them a tower of strength
All: From the face of their enemies
Priest: O Lord hear our prayers
All: And let our cry come unto you

Priest: O God our Father bless these thy servants, and sow the seed
of eternal life in their hearts that whatsoever in Your Holy Word they
may profitably learn, they may indeed fulfill the same, that so,
obeying your will, and always being in safety under your protection
they may abide in your love until their lives end, through Jesus Christ
our Lord, Amen.

O merciful Lord and Heavenly Father by whose glorious gift mankind

is increased bestow we beseech you, upon these two, the heritage
and gift of children and grant that they may live together so long in
Godly love and honesty. that they may see their children and
grandchildren. Christianly and virtuously brought up to Your praise
and honour through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

PRAYER FOR THE COUPLE

(The couple moves to the altar for prayers)

THE COUPLE SAYS TOGETHER: All powerful ever living God, we

kneel before You very happy, but somewhat nervous. We feel You
brought us together from the beginning, helped our love grow, and at
this moment are with us in a special way. We ask that you stay by our
side in the days ahead. Protect us from anything which might harm
this marriage. Give us courage when burdens come our way, and
teach us to forgive one another when we fall, Amen.

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THE GROOM: I ask from the Lord the assistance I need to be a good
husband and father, never let me take my wife for granted or forget
she needs to be loved. Bless us with Godly children, I promise to love
them, help care for them and give them the best possible example.

THE BRIDE: I ask from the Lord the assistance I need to be a good
wife and mother. May I never fail to give my husband
encouragement. Bless me with motherhood. I promise to love and
care for the children and even to the point of stepping aside when
they must walk alone.

THE BRIDE AND GROOM TOGETHER: we ask, finally that in old

age we may love each other so deeply and cherish each other as
mush as we do at this very moment. May You grant these wishes
which we offer through Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Priest: Heavenly Father, Maker of Heaven and Earth, You enable us

t share in your work of creation, bless this couple with the gift and
care of children that their home may be a place of love, security and
truth and their children grow up to know and love You and You
begotten son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Eternal God, true and loving Father, in holy marriage you make Your
servants one. May their life together witness to Your love in this
troubled world; may unity overcome division, forgiveness heal injury,
and joy triumph over sorrow; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

O God of love, look mercifully upon STEPHEN and VIRGINIA in the

new life which they begin together this day. Unite them evermore in
Your love. Keep them faithful to the vows they have made one to the
other. Strengthen them with every good gift, and let Your peace be
with them, now and always; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord,
Amen.

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12. SUFFRAGES AND PRAYER (FOR THE COUPLE)
13. THE PEACE / GREETINGS
14. HYMN FOR OFFERTORY - A&M 406
15. COMMUNION PROPER (EUCHARISTIC PRAYER /
DISTRIBUTION OF ELEMENTS)
16. HYMN DURING COMMUNION - A&M 397, 415, 443
17. POST COMMUNION PRAYERS
18. GENERAL THANKSGIVING
19. SIGNING OF MARRIAGE REGISTER (ANTHEMS BY
CHOIR / SOLOS)
20. PRESENTATION OF MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE
21. PHOTOGRAPHS WITH OFFICIATING MINISTERS
22. HALLELUJAH CHORUS
23. BENEDICTION
STEPHEN and VIRGINIA may the Lord smile on you as you start
you wedlock journey. The Lord favour you and crown your days and
years with goodness and fatness. The Holy Spirit of God ever
defend, guide, protect and direct you all the days of your life. The
Lord befriend you and make friends of each other.

May good children add favour to your marriage. And the blessings of
God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit rest and abide
with you both now and forevermore, Amen.

24. PROCESSING OUT - A&M 271

1. God is working his purpose out
As year succeeds to year,
God is working his purpose out
And the time is drawing near;
Nearer and nearer draws the time,
The time that shall surely be,

When the earth shall be filled with the glory of God

As the waters cover the sea.

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2. From utmost east to utmost west
Where'er man's foot hath trod,
By the mouth of many messengers
Goes forth the voice of God,
Give ear to me, ye continents,
Ye isles, give ear to me,

3. What can we do to work God's work,

To prosper and increase
The brotherhood of all mankind,
The reign of the Prince of Peace?
What can we do to hasten the time,
The time that shall surely be,

4. March we forth in the strength of God

With the banner of Christ unfurled,
That the light of the glorious gospel of truth
May shine throughout the world;
Fight we the fight with sorrow and sin,
To set their captives free,

5. All we can do is nothing worth

Unless God blesses the deed;
Vainly we hope for the harvest-tide
Till God gives life to the seed;
Yet nearer and nearer draws the time,
The time that shall surely be,

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PAGE 19
 Meeting you is by fate, loving you is
by choice and getting married is God’s
ordained. I know I’ve found in
you my endless love.

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