Pagan Online Sermons

By Rev. Dragonbear Walking a Pagan Path in a Christian World

As I walk through the world and look around I often ponder to myself what does it mean to be a Pagan Minister walking in a Christian World. To me there is really no difference. I believe in a one that made all of the Universe. I just chose to hear the wisdom of that one not Through Jesus but, through a Lord and a Lady. So why is it that there is so much hate on both sides of the fence? When there should not be any? I believe that we as people spend so much time trying to persuade others that there way to the divine is the only way that I believe that we forget that the focus is suppose to be on the divine. We are all spiritual people and as long as we are doing harm to none we should be open and accepting of all religions. Like many Christian Ministers my duties are the same. I perform the rites of marriage, of birth, of death, and even perform sermons (rituals in paganism) for the holy days. So besides the words and the gestures what is different between my faith and another's? Nothing! Absolutely nothing! And I try everyday to remember this fact when my religious choices are being challenged and even insulted and I pray often to my Lord and Lady that I can find the strength to stand before the wash of hate of those who do not understand. Most of all at the end of the night as I stand within my circle and send forth my prayers I ask for one thing. A peace between all worlds religions and an understanding that the Divine is far more infinite then we as humans can ever hope to understand. ******************************* The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have many classes in Christianity, one about Wicca, several forms of Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. You can  become an ordained minister, for free,  and for life, so use this Free Online Ordination, link. This  online seminary, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of minister supplies.  Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Pagan Online Ceremonies

Deity, By Any Name...

Author: Micca MacKay

As I sit here, having just been called a devil worshiper and hearing the word "Pagan" used like a four letter word, I wonder why we are asked to endure the closed minded?

So, I want to challenge those closed minds with some questions. I contemplate these same questions myself on a regular basis. I felt these needed to be shared and I hope that by writing this it will help someone come closer to Deity, open a closed mind or help someone find their own idea and path to Deity that's right for them.

These questions are my personal beliefs and thoughts, and I hope you will all see that I don't claim them to be the only right answer or a "gospel" to be followed. Just something to think about.

First, my questions. I like to ask them to start a conversation verses an argument with people that say I'm wrong because I don't believe or accept their religious belief. I like to start with, "What do you gain from your belief personally?" The most common answer I get is "I don't know"

How strange is that! They don't know what they get from their beliefs? Sometimes someone will say it makes him or her happy or lets them see there is a life out there to live that they didn't know was there. This often leads to several other things, such as the comment, "How come you didn't know this life was out there?" and a discussion on being able to make choices in our lives that will change where we are and what were doing.

You might wonder why I take the time to talk to people who are obviously closed minded to anything or anyone that's not of "their religion". Well, I do it because I believe we, as Pagans, have to start the dialog and take the steps to open those closed minds. We need to show these people that we are not the "heathens" they think we are just because we don't follow their chosen insert religion If we don't work to open the minds and change the thinking, who will?

I hear many Pagans talk about disrespect, lack of rights, the fear of being "outed" and countless other complaints about why it's hard to be openly Pagan. Again I ask, if we don't speak up for our beliefs, and work to change these things, who will?

Don't get me wrong, I'm not out to change the world or to make anyone change their faith or belief, I'm just trying to open their minds, to see the alternatives. I hope by helping people see that there are alternatives, they will discover that thinking and belief other than their own shouldn't be scorned or put down, but accepted as someones personal choice in belief. Hopefully this will help them see that Deity comes in many names and forms, not just one.

Religion is about faith and conviction of the heart, not about the building, the book you read to find it, the money you put in the offering plate or even the politics that a religion may support. Granted, you can't turn around sometimes without one of these things being used to influence religion.

How many times have you seen a new church being built or heard the televangelist asking for more money or even the President saying "with God's help"? We are a nation that has a Constitution based on the belief in religious freedom; people fleeing to a new home to have religious faith and freedom, as they wanted it, founded this country. But it seems sometimes, that the freedom offered by the Constitution only exists if you're following "mainstream" faiths.

Pagans in some areas are facing the same religious persecution that those Pilgrims faced before coming here. Take a second to think about that and remember why this country was founded.

Yes, over the last few years, Paganism (and more commonly, Wicca) has come into the view of the mainstream faiths. Those Pagans that serve this country in the military are allowed to worship on base or ship because of changes in the past. These small steps that we are seeing come at a cost of huge gaps between all Pagans and the true freedom guaranteed by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.

In September of 1986, Wicca, more commonly referred to as Witchcraft in this case, was recognized as a religion protected under the First Amendment. This ruling in Dettmer vs. Landon (1) was additionally upheld with the repeal of the Helms Amendment (2) by the United States Congress.

So don't get me wrong. There have been huge strides to better the understanding and general acceptance of Wicca and Pagan's by the mainstream religions, but we have also had barriers put before us.

In 1999, just prior to the 2000 Presidential Elections, in a televised Presidential debate, the candidates were asked "With religious diversity increasing, what are your thoughts on the protection of religious freedom and the separation of church and state? Should religions like Wicca be banned from recognition by the military, as some legislators suggest?"

Then Texas Governor George W. Bush replied to this question with "I am committed to the First Amendment principles of religious freedom, tolerance, and diversity. Whether Mormon, Methodist, Jewish, or Muslim, Americans should be able to participate in their constitutional free exercise of religion. I do not think witchcraft is a religion, and I do not think it is in any way appropriate for the U.S. military to promote it." It would appear that G. W. Bush, our current president, is all for religious freedom under First Amendment protection, as long as your NOT Pagan.

There are many more examples of the barriers and problems we must face as Pagans, but let us also look at those steps that take us in the right direction.

Enter one Chrystal Seifferly, in October 1998.

Chrystal was ordered by school authorities to remove her pentacle necklace under threat of suspension. She was an honor student, and admitted witch and Priestess of Wicca and had been for several years at that time.

So you ask, where does the step forward come from? Simple. In March of 1999, the ACLU brought First Amendment legal action against the Lincoln Park Michigan School District (3), in the U S District Court of Judge Gerald Rosen. Judge Rosen agreed with the ACLU, declaring the student's pentacle to be a recognized symbol of the Wiccan religion. As such, the display of that symbol is protected under Constitutional law.

I have traveled far and wide from the original subject, but there is much for us as Pagans to do to start opening minds. Having some knowledge of what has been done and has been dealt with in the past can do nothing but help with the future struggles we will face.

Some people, whom I consider far wiser than I and whose opinion I respect, fear for the freedom of our faith and the practice of it in these current times. Are we facing another "Burning Times?" I don't know the answer to that one, but we should be concerned and again, we need to be the ones to speak up.

We can't allow another politician to make comments like Mr. Bush did and still be elected to office. These are the people who will shape the future for us through their political and, as we can see, religious belief.

My stepdaughter comes to circle on occasion and is starting to question faith for herself. If I/we don't speak up now, and open the minds of those in authority, what will her religious freedoms be in 5 or 10 years? Freedom of faith, religion and belief for ALL not just a few, is what we need to work for.

This article is not about politics, so forgive the soapbox stand in some areas of this. But understand, if we don't stand up and demand our rights under the First Amendment, there will be Acts like the Barr (4) and Helms Amendments that slip through and harm us all in our practice of religious faith.

This article is about Deity, and changing the way people accept faiths other than their own.

A dear friend, Vernon McCoy, once said, " I close my eyes and hear Deity's voice".

I don't think I ever told Vernon how those words hit me and made me look at my own faith, but in them I found the culmination of my own long held belief about faith. It strengthened my feelings that closed minds should be questioned. I thought about my own actions and wondered if I was doing enough to open those closed minds.. and I found that I wasn't.

Yes, I questioned people when they would give me a hard time about being Wiccan. But I never took the time to talk to them. I just defended myself. (So excuse me a second as I say Thank you to Vernon...)

I'm not out to force anyone to change his or her mind, but only to ask people to think about Deity in the broad span and to think about other choices in faith and belief outside their own.

I don't expect them to come rushing to support Pagans, but if we can open a single mind, get them to think about something outside their comfort zone, to understand that we don't all have to follow one faith, then we have the beginning of a new future.

You see, to me, Deity in all its forms, names and visages falls into place when I think about the energy and grace Deity possesses. Deity is all knowing, all encompassing and because of that belief in Deity, I have my personal thoughts.

Now some will say that I am wrong; others might say that it can't be this easy. Some may even close their minds to the thoughts that faith and belief don't have to be mainstream. But I hope they will at least think about it.

So you're probably asking yourself, "What's this thought? What's his personal idea?"

Well, here it is Deity, in all its forms, names, and grace, is SMARTER than we are!

I know, some are asking how can you say that? I say it because it's true. If Deity weren't smarter, the way to knowledge, worship and faith would be impossible for us to find.

Deity being smarter than us makes the way to that path possible and we have the way to faith, belief and prayer. Imagine if you couldn't find that path. No faith in your beliefs. What a sad thing that would be.

Deity is smarter than we are, and I'm happy for it, aren't you?

Now using that simple statement, 'Deity is smarter than we are', I came to the understanding that I use to question closed minds, and yes, even some open ones. I'm sure someone reading this has had this conversation with me in person, and by the way, thank you for your input in that conversation. This discussion is ongoing; I find new ways to approach it every time I get to have it with someone.

The main question that has built from this thought about Deity being smarter than we are is simply this; "If Deity, in all its knowledge, wanted us to believe and have faith, wouldn't it make the path to that belief something we can most easily accept and understand, by form, culture and grace, as faith and religion?"

There you go! The question that has started discussions, some arguments, and in one case, a long discussion and friendship with a Catholic Priest. I still ask the question even though there are those who want to argue about it. I still use it to start a discussion or to counter negative opinions.

So, as you read this, stop for a minute, think about how YOU would answer this question.

Now that you have thought about the question, let's get into it some more. First off, Deity wouldn't come to each of us in the same form as it did for you. Why would it? What you see and what I see and what the man or woman next to you sees are most likely NOT the same thing. But yet, to us all, it is Deity.

An example of this I like to use comes from the early days of this country. With the expansion west, we came to know more and more about the Native American culture. Many Christians felt that the Indians were wrong in believing that the Eagle flying in the sky was the symbol for the Great Spirit, aka Deity, and the Indians didn't understand the early Christian's seeing a cross with Jesus on it as a form of god.

Neither culture or people were wrong in their faith, they just didn't understand the other and were closed minded about anything not of their faith. Both cultures had faith and both cultures had a belief in "God". They just viewed it with different names.

The same can be said for every religion in the world. No matter the name, image or belief, its all faith in Deity. No matter the culture or people, in whatever form they choose, Deity comes to them in the form they can accept and have faith in.

Doesn't this all sound like something the "all knowing" Deity would do? It does to me. Think about it for a minute. With the vast religious faiths practiced around the world, the countless names, beliefs and images all have one thing in common: faith.

Here comes another discussion starter In all the forms of faith and belief, religious icons, symbols and song, Deity and faith the all mighty "God" by whatever name, is still simply faith in Deity. Though we have numerous names, countless practices and cultures associated with religion, it's still all about faith, belief and worship of Deity.

I remind you, it doesn't matter if you worship outside in the forest, or in a Cathedral or in Temple. It's still faith that opens our hearts and minds to Deity.

It's that same faith that leads us to the path we choose to follow to Deity. 'Deity is smarter than we are' and has allowed each of us the ability to have faith in our personally chosen "God form"

Often this discussion leads to a variety of comments, denials and even acceptance of the idea that Deity is smarter than we are and has allowed us to find faith in a way we accept personally. What I have found that often helps with this discussion, especially when people are starting to question their own acceptance of the idea, is to calmly listen and discuss the reason they are feeling like this.

Usually you will find that people are not secure in their own faith and belief and this discussion, and the idea it represents, can make them very uncomfortable. Know in your own heart that you're secure in your faith and choice in Deity before discussing with others about their faith.

I know I'm secure in my faith. I choose to see Deity in the form of the God and Goddess and I'm happy with my faith. But remember, just because I'm happy with my faith, does not mean that anyone else is wrong in their belief and faith just because its not mine.

In my opinion, those people with closed minds will view your faith and belief as wrong simply because it's not the same as theirs and because you don't believe the way they do, or in the same thing they do.

These are the minds we, as Pagans, have to start to open, and to get people started on questioning their own strict moral high ground that they are standing on. If we can get one person to look at Deity, and see that faith in Deity is about our hearts and where we are, then we will have done the best that we can.

Simply put, everyone has the choice to believe and have faith as they wish, and this is what we have to continue to protect.

The freedom that we as Pagans and other non-secular religions have fought to gain, and are working to maintain, has to be held onto. If we allow people to change laws and/or enact policies that discriminate because of religious choice, then we have lost our own chance to have the faith that Deity has allowed us to choose.

I have been told many times I'm wrong because of my faith because its not the same as my family's choice. To those people I say, "I'm sorry you feel that way.. maybe we can discuss it?"

Remember, if we can open one closed mind to the idea that religion and the choice to have faith is based on each person accepting deity in their own way, then we will continue to gain ground in true religious freedom.

Who knows? If you ask the right questions along the way, you just might strengthen your own faith along with opening minds. Softening the religious morality and stoic views of 'right' and 'wrong' as seen by "mainstream" religions is one challenge each Pagan has to stand unto.

Without religious freedom, and the right to make our personal choices of faith and deity, then only one question remains:

Where will we be?

Bright Blessings

Micca

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.

The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Online Ceremonies

By Devon Adams Lighting Candles of Joy or Sorrow Universal Life Church

For the lighting of the candles of joys and sorrows, it goes as such - Take the lighting candle "I am lighting a candle of joy/sorrow for __________" Light the candle at the end of the entire lighting, the congregation affirms by the sharing of peace, with traditional Catholic phrasing - "peace be with you" (answer) "and also with you" "please share the peace amongst your family and friends in this fellowship" Thanks! Devon Adams ******************************* The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button. The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Funeral Ceremony - Internment

Internment

So it is that we gather to commemorate the passing of one who was with us and is no more. We keep in our minds and hearts those memories and that love we knew because ______ shared his/her life with us; and we commit his/her (body to the ground and his/her) spirit into the keeping of Almighty God.

Universal Life Church - Online Funeral Ceremony

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Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials. I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

 

Online Ceremonies

Today I Pray By Pamela Mercer Universal Life Church

Today I pray that good things, Godly things will rain into your life. May the healing begin this moment, this second. As we walk in victory, we can win Today I pray that the tearful child you know of will have her tears washed away by the sprinkling of heavens blessings or her home, on her heart and on her head. That the pain she can not speak of will suddenly subside as the angel of life surrounds her, bringing forth more blessings of the Living God. Today I pray that your job difficulties because something of the past. The enemy that smells of evil and pain will be bound and banished from this place. That we speak the word and know the word gives us power and strength. I pray that those who try to hurt us are hindered in their attempts, for we our not evicted from the arms of God by prayer; we have paid our rent I pray that blessings come even to those who in anger try to evoke pain. That God may not only smile upon them but shower them in the latter rain I pray for my coworker, our supervisors, and staff, that the truth that we know is God is the only truth that they see. And I pray that no tears are shed today except those cries of joy, that we all know that God is everything He is all we need. I pray that someone will bring you a smile that you can share and show because of God's love that we too love and care. And I pray that all my friends and family from this moment until the end will know that Jesus lives and God is love, that we may look in side ourselves look around us and find a way to keep the circle of pray and positivity and encouragement for like the rings of love that connect us. Nothing can seperate us we pray; we praise; we love; we reach out; to receive; we extend our hearts and hands to share we pray; we believe; we receive; and it's all in God's unchanging hand. We know not the hour nor second in time when God will call our name. Today I pray that we experience the blessings here and now. May you be richly blessed as I pray for you, and we pray for each other and others. For God's love is prefect and when we love without condition, when our love for mankind is not contingent upon what that do for us, what they give us and how much they love us, I believe, that the Lord smiles upon us. As we struggle each day through the trials and tribulations that would keep us in bondage may we hold on to the word and remember that God will not bring us to anything that He won't bring us through. Every day will not be a test. Each day I open my eyes even if I smell the city work on the streets or spreading tar or the gentle floral fragrance of a flower or breakfast cooking in the apartment next door, I know that I am blessed. He woke me up, I can see, I can hear, I can smell and I love all of you because I can share this experience that I call life with you. I pray that as God smiles upon you, and your family and whatever you circumstances is today that he pour just a little more of His spirit in you and upon you that you may now that glory of the Lord in each day, each hour, each second and each breath we take. May hour hearts not be burdened with the past but your faith be strong in the present. Elohim, The Father of the Universe, The true and living God loves you and so do I. ******************************* The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button. The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Pagan Online Sermons

Pagan Ways Universal Life Church By Al Franks

Would like to share some thoughts with you. Enlighten me if you feel any of my statements are incorrect, am always open to learning. I'll offer you this on the subject of Paganism. It is not a religion, as much as it is a belief system. Modern religions follow written doctrine, not so with Pagans. There is a fundamental belief system based on observation and learning that guide a Pagans path. Changing of  seasons, movement of celestial bodies, known sciences and unknown science (referred to as magick) are the study of a true Pagan. There are gods, not always represented by a deity. Just understood that you cannot understand energies of a thing, and the word god is closest fit. Most Pagans I've encountered feel as I do that evil lies in the heart of man. So if Satan exists, it exists in the individual, not as a separate entity. Politicians for centuries have used this ideal, and religions heaven and hell as a tool to control the masses. With few exceptions, all religions have a form of specific publication, used to establish doctrine, and a human, identified as founder for the particular idealisms. Hindu being one of the oldest, and most notable to be an exception to this. Of interesting note, all religions that have written doctrine also have a male as figurehead. This leads to Wicca. Television has portrayed the Witch as female. My assumption is due to events like Salem midwives being burned as practicing devil's work. Walt Disney did his part in portraying the Witch as female, and not in a very positive light. In reality, there are as many male Witches in this world, as there are female. Keep in mind, being Pagan does not mean you are tagged with the title Witch, although Pagans do follow same practices and beliefs, whether using that tag or not . Shaman, Healers, those that believe today's magick is tomorrows science, and Witches, are all equally Pagan. Let me get to the point on Wicca. Wicca has afforded opportunity for a religion to form that is female based, to my knowledge, the only one that is. It has become a girls club. I have objection to Wicca in that they are attempting to form doctrine. Once doctrine is establish and “enforced, then Wicca is no longer Pagan. I take offense to many thinking being Pagan means you follow Wicca. Not so, Wicca is just another small offshoot of the bigger picture. I could go on to argue the fact that all religions of the world started from Pagan roots. From the first time primitive man saw lightening in the sky. Decided there must be a higher power he did not understand, religion, of sorts, has existed. In order to survive, mankind had to study changing of seasons, learn when to plant, when to harvest. Watch celestial bodies to develop a calendar for such things. Celebrations came to be. Good  example is observation that every year, days became shorter. Humans prayed the sun would not go away completely. When the days started to get longer it was a  joyous time. The sun was reborn and life could continue for another year. Call it winter solstice, Christmas, or whatever your desire. The reason we celebrate to this day is because ancient humans had a fundamental belief system based on observation and learning. That carries on to this day. Pagan? One in tune with the way of things, explained, and unexplained, forces and energies that are around us all. Knowing your way along the path of life from intuition, seeing and visions. Feeling harmony, and disharmony of life around you. Communication with sprits, bending the future, casting spells. Using things such as candle magick, Runes, Tarot and some of the lesser known tools (whatever helps you project and focus). These are all Pagan. I would suggest someone wanting to follow the way of a Pagan should pick up every and all writings they can find. Study all religions, learn basics of the science of things. Find the common thread and their own truth within it. You are your own priest or priestess. I'd be happy to discuss products, if after reading the above you are still encouraged. Rev. Rich Yohn, an Eclectic Pagan Witch ******************************* The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button. The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Funeral Ceremony - Closing Prayer

PRAYER
Universal Life Church - Online Funeral Ceremony
 

(Choose one) 

Eternal God, let your presence rest upon us as we give thanks for _________ 's life.

We thank you for the days of life that you gave to him/her.

May his/her memory live long among us and be a source of strength for us.

In the midst of the loss we feel as we experience the death of one whom we love, keep us in touch also with the memories which can sustain us.

May we find the courage to face the changes which life presents to us as we go on from here. Give to those who most deeply feel this loss the comfort of your presence, and enable each of us to minister to those who mourn. Amen.

 This is a prayer, from  the American Indian tradition: "O Great Spirit whose voice I hear in the winds and whose breath gives life to all the world, hear me. I am small and weak - I need your strength and wisdom. Let me walk in beauty and make my eyes ever behold the red and purple sunset. Make my hands respect the things you have made and my ears sharp to hear your voice. Make me wise so that I may understand the things you have taught my people. Let me learn the lessons you have hidden in every leaf and rock. I seek strength not to be greater than my brother, but to fight my greatest enemy, myself. Make me always ready to come to you with clean hands and straight eyes so when life fades as the fading sunset my spirit may come to you without shame.

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Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials. I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Online Ceremonies

Prayer for a Sinner By Pastor Dann Knight

John 14:6 -'And Jesus said to him .' "I am the way , the truth , and the life . No one comes to the father except through me ." DEAR FATHER , I KNOW THAT I HAVEN'T BEEN PERFECT . IN FACT , I'VE MADE SOME PRETTY BAD CHOICES . BUT FATHER , I ADMIT MY SINS . I ACCEPT THAT JESUS CHRIST IS THE ONLY WAY TO SALVATION . I KNOW IN MY HEART THAT HE , HIMSELF , BORE MY SINS AND TOOK MY PLACE , SO THAT I TOO , COULD HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE . I GIVE THANKS TO YOU FATHER , FOR LOVING ME EVEN THOUGH I'M NOT PERFECT . IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST I PRAY . AMEN "May the Lord of peace and hope richly bless you , as you continue to serve in all His ways ." Deuteronomy 6:5 - Matthew 19:19 , Pastor Dann - 'Brother Thunder' (Mark 3:17) ******************************* The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button. The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Pagan Online Ceremonies

Pagan Online Ceremonies GATHERING OF REMEMBRANCE Lee Barrick We are gathered here to today to honor (Name, person or animal). Let us remember (Name) whole life from his/her very beginning of life, until the present. Look back on all the great memories, accomplishments and the love that they possessed and gave to others, remember him/her fondly. Also as we look upon their failings, forgiving them and understanding we are a product of Nature and the Universe. We are not always perfect, but we learn from our mistakes and become a better being. Always think of the positive side of one/'s Life. Everyone wishes to have done things differently in life. However, we are what nature has bestowed upon us. We are a complicated, complex random joining of atoms, particles, cells and elements of the Universe. Everyone is totally different from everyone else. We react differently to different situations. This is what life is all about, our reaction to what Nature randomly puts before our ever changing selves and us. The Universe And Nature does not guide us, or judge us, or test us, or predetermine our lives. We are free to use our knowledge and intelligence to make choices that will lead us to be a positive influence on society, Nature and the Universe. Our contributions and failings are of our own creation. We can blame no other. Nature is not perfect but is constantly continuing to change, to improve and update. We are part of this natural updating. We are part of Nature and the whole Universe. We are part of everything that ever was, that is and that will ever be. We are made up of all the elements in Universe and will return to Nature and the Universe, to be recycled throughout eternity. Not necessarily as we were but as a greater part of the whole. We all share the grief of losing a loved one. We will miss them, we will remember them, and we will ask why they are no longer with us. All living things from the smallest cells to the largest trees have only a brief life span compared to our Universe. We must remember that in nature our body returns to the basic elements from which we are made. Our energy or essence never dies. Energy goes on forever mixing with the new and becoming part of all eternity. Envision being part of all the future. We may experience different aspects of the Universe until again we are recycled by Nature through new experiences. Our loved one is not gone but is being renewing within the whole Universe. Every breath of air we breathe, every beautiful day we awake to, every starlight night, the rain and snow, the breeze on our face is part of our loved ones who have returned to our God The Universe.
******************************* The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button. The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Online Ceremonies

Christian Financial Blessing By Rev. Rick Sisco Universal Life Church

MAY THE POWER OF GOD'S GRACE GO BEFORE YOU IN THE CHRIST LIGHT AS YOU SPEAK THESE WORDS OUT LOUD. THIS IS A POWERFUL PRAYER. SAY OUT LOUD. I KNOW WE ALL DESIRE A BLESSING AND GRACIOUSLY ACCEPT THE POWER OF PRAYER IN OUR HEARTS AND SOUL. Heavenly Power, most Gracious and Loving God, I know that you are Omniscient, Omnipresent and Omnipotent. I also know that as extensions of you, we are all inseparably one. Knowing this, I understand that your power and prosperity is ours as well. I know that your infinite abundance is available to each and every one of us. I know that my family and I are blessed, as are each and every person. We know and recognize, that a family is more than just a mother, father, sister, brother, husband and wife, but all who believe and trust in the Higher Power within each one of us. Higher Power, with the consciousness of Christ, I send out a prayer of financial blessings for not only one person, but for all that may be needy. I know that the power of joined prayer by those who believe and trust in Our Infinite Omnipotence is more powerful than anything. God within, deliver us all from debt and debt burdens. Release powerful wisdom that we may all be good stewards over all that we have co-created, for we know how wonderful and mighty we are and how if we just trust in Our Power, and walk in the Word and have the faith of a mustard seed that we can co-create blessings. With gratitude and joy for the recent blessings we have received and for the blessings yet to come, I release this word into the Law where I know it is done according to the Law. And so it is. Amen. ******************** Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button. As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site with wedding ceremonies to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.

Online Ceremonies

St. Theresa's Prayer: May today there be peace within. May you trust your highest power that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith. May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. ....May you be content knowing you are a child of God ..... Let this presence settle into our bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of you. ******************************* The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button. The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Funeral Ceremony - Extreme Unction

Extreme Unction 

Universal Life Church - Online Funeral Ceremony

 

There follows the Sacrament of Extreme Unction, or anointing, as it is popularly designated. Here the clergyman may find himself confronted with prejudices which in spite of reiterated explanations seem to have an extraordinary vitality.  His announcement that he purposes to anoint the sick person is often accepted by the patient and his friends as the reading of the death-warrant.  It is necessary to point out that the Sacrament of Extreme Unction gives health not only to the spirit, but also sometimes to the body. The basis for the teaching is of course to be found in the well-known utterance of James (v, 14, 15): "Is any man sick among you?  Let him bring in the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith shall save the sick man; and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he be in sins they shall be forgiven him."

Anciently it was the custom to confer this sacrament before the Viaticum; the maintenance of the existing usage has been prescribed not only by the Roman Ritual, but also the Lutheran, and many other denominations as well. Although the existence of a precept to receive this sacrament cannot be established, still the failure to avail oneself of its efficacy out of sheer sloth would be a sin. It cannot be administered more than once during the same illness, unless, after some notable betterment which has either certainly or probably taken place, a new danger should supervene. In chronic diseases, therefore, such as tuberculosis and different cancers that sometimes go into remission but then reoccur, it will often happen that the anointing sacrament may and ought to be repeated because of the recurrence of what is, morally speaking, a new danger.

According to the discipline in vogue in the Latin Church, the unctions essential to the validity of the sacrament are those of the organs of the five senses--the eyes, ears, nostrils, mouth, and hands. There is a diversity in the custom as to the unctions to be added to those already enumerated; in the United States, besides the parts mentioned, only the feet are anointed.

The sick-room ought to be made ready for the visit of the priest or minister on the occasion of his giving the last blessing, and or sacrament, it can at least be cleaned and aired. On a table covered with a white cloth there ought to be a lighted blessed candle, a crucifix, a glass of water, a spoon, a vessel containing holy water, and a towel. According to the rubric of the Roman Ritual the priest is to remind those who are present to pray for the sick person during the anointing, and it suggests that the Seven Penitential Psalms with the litanies might be employed, or the 23^rd Psalm for this purpose. 

Extreme unction, like other sacraments, produces sanctifying grace in the spirit. It has, however, certain results proper to itself. Of these the principal one seems to be the getting rid of that spiritual torpor and weakness which are the baneful output of actual sin, and which would be such a serious handicap in this supreme moment. From the viewpoint of the Christian, the struggle to be maintained with the devil is now more formidable than ever, and a special endowment of heaven-sent strength is necessary for the soul's final victory. 

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Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials. I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Online Ceremonies

By Lady Charia

Adoption Ceremony -Clergy says- This Family has come together today to welcome a new loved one. (Clergy- lights a large white candle for family) Bless this family For they have found one of their own The Heart Speaks loud when it finds love Family is love Family is forever May they know all the joy of family (parents are holding child or child?s hand) -Parents say? Dear child of our hearts, We welcome you into our family and our home We want you to know that here you will find love, understanding and comfort. You are one of our own and you have come home. -Clergy- May love see this family through all the times to come? Welcome home__(Child?s new name)____ May you grow with love and know love all your life Bless this family (clergy sprinkles/anoints family with Holy Water)May you forever and always have and hold this love Amen. By: Lady Charia (Charlotte Ann Chaffin) ******************************* The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. I have been a proud member of the ULC for many years as well as starting the Seminary.  The Universal Life Church offers handfasting ceremonies, funeral training, wedding ceremony training and free minister training.