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Gary Turner's Description of His Divorce Service
I recently created and performed this service with the assistance of several friends. It grew from my need for concrete spiritual closure for my marriage. As I realized that I was going to be divorced, I discovered many questions that the established legal, intellectual, and emotional institutions did not address. And like many people I buried myself in books looking for answers. Several friends (themselves divorced or working with divorce recovery ministry) and I began the process of writing a service to that would fill in some of the gaps. We worked within the guidelines of the United Methodist church with an ordained minister administering the sacrament. Only after we began the process of writing a service ourselves did we discover the obscure reference from the 1976 Abington publication, "Ritual in a New Day - an Invitation" compiled by the section on worship by the Board of Discipleship and subcommittee on alternative rituals editorial committee, which I have attached. It explains much of the motivation, process, examples of services, and suggestions for other rituals. I found the references in the endnotes insightful. I want to share this information so divorced Christians with similar needs will have a starting place to gain spiritual peace. Just as every person is unique, so is every marriage, and so is every divorce. I hope and expect that every person who finds this service will adapt the scripture, rituals, and prayers to their own situation. A few basic thoughts to consider about this service. Do’s:
Don’ts:
Here's the link to Gary's service, if you want to read it now. |
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