Generally, I am more professional than casual and I prefer:
humor and humanity over strictness and rules
aesthetics and beauty over efficiency
in social interactions, respect and appropriate boundaries over assumptions and charm
in language, precision and brevity over cumbersome or plodding thoroughness
Additionally, although personal and unique to me, my spirituality, beliefs, and theological/philosophical foundations are closely aligned with other humanists.
150 to around 500 dollars —based on the anticipated time I'll spend creating your ceremony. My time and leadership at a rehearsal would require the charge of an extra fee, and depending on the locales at which we meet or at which the ceremony is held, I may need to charge a mileage fee.
I have led 90+ wedding ceremonies since 1995. I was an ordained minister in a large traditional religious denomination from 1995 to 2011. During that time I presided at approximately 3-5 weddings per year, mostly in a parish setting. Between 2013 and 2018 I was a part of the Ceremony Collective at Positively Charmed here in Minneapolis. In 2014 and in 2018, I also officiated at the weddings of my sons and daughters-in-law (these were, of course, highlights of my entire life! :-)
When we meet to discuss your ceremony, we'll discuss this element of my services.
I am authorized to perform marriage ceremonies ("solemnize") within the State of Minnesota. I am an ordained minister in the Universal Life Church (Modesto, CA). My Credentials are filed at Hennepin County, Minnesota.
I am happy to pursue credentialing in other States as necessary.
I have a Master of Divinity from Luther Seminary, 1995 (a post-graduate, 4-year degree which includes a one-year internship in a parish setting). My Bachelor in Arts is in Humanities, History, and Near Eastern Studies with a Minor in Sociocultural Anthropology (College of Liberal Arts, University of Minnesota). From August 1995 through October 2011, I was ordained into the Ministry of Word and Sacrament of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, serving as pastor for two parishes, and as a hospital resident chaplain.
I am happy to provide references and share copies of documents that describe my journey of leadership.
In any guided meditation in which the speaker suggests we bring to our imagination a happy place, I immediately recall a place in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. In the mid 70's, the first trip after receiving my driver's license was to the BWCA. During that trip, I embarked on a solo segment one day; just me, the sun, the calm water, and the almost indescribable beauty. I brought my canoe to the shore at a random spot and started walking into the woods. Just beyond the ring of woods at the shore, I came upon a small clearing of prairie grass among the birch and occasional pine. This remains my place of contentment, my place of rejuvenation, a memory of powerful healing.
My heart and mind are open, and I am a good fit as an Officiant for any couple! I'd be honored to be your Officiant!
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