EXAMPLES OF LIFE MILESTONEs
Any occasion big or small can be marked.
WEDDING AND VOW RENEWAL CEREMONIES
Your wedding day is one of the most personal and cherished days of your life. Your wedding ceremony itself should be just as personal, no matter what your genders, blending of family, culture, faith or philosophy.
You may be approaching a wedding anniversary and would like to recommit your love between the two of you, or in the company of your family and friends.
You may be approaching a wedding anniversary and would like to recommit your love between the two of you, or in the company of your family and friends.
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Are you looking for a personalized and unique wedding that expresses who you are as a couple?
Are you celebrating a wedding anniversary and want to recommit your love with a vow renewal? Are you secular, religious, spiritual? Are you an interfaith, interdenominational, or multi-cultural couple? Are you blending families with children and want to include them in the ceremony? Through a collaborative process, I will guide you in choosing rituals, symbols, readings, and even vows that represent your values.
This is your special day. Let’s make your wedding or vow renewal ceremony a reflection of who you are and the love you share in the presence of your family and friends. What You Can Expect
Testimonials Thank you so much for making our wedding so special and meaningful. We could not have found a more thoughtful, kind and committed officiant, and we will always be thankful to you. We are deeply appreciative of your work with us. -L and J Thank you for officiating at our wedding. You did a superb job and many family members have commented on your ministry to us. Everyone appreciated your gentle and supportive words and presence. -J and B You helped write and perform our Union Blessing Ceremony where we exchanged our rings in a beautiful ocean-side setting. You then were with us every step of the way until his death. Many thanks. -Marcia |
celebration of life ... memorial ... funeral ... witnessed cremation
Gathering after a family member or friend has died offers a way to celebrate that beloved's life, share memories, and offer mutual support. Each gathering is unique to the family, their culture, their traditions.
My goal is to collaborate with you to create a service that best represents your family and your loved one. I do this by listening closely to your wishes; gathering information about your beloved; suggesting secular or religious readings when desired; and, offering compassionate support in your time of grief.
My goal is to collaborate with you to create a service that best represents your family and your loved one. I do this by listening closely to your wishes; gathering information about your beloved; suggesting secular or religious readings when desired; and, offering compassionate support in your time of grief.
What You Can Expect
Testimonials
You were a blessing in my time of loss. You oversaw my husband's memorial service with an opening prayer that was sweet and uplifting - such a gift upon the day of my Beloved's cremation! Whenever I recall this occasion, I feel again the enormous help that you poured into this ceremony: you many pastoral gifts that made of this difficult day so felicitous a commemoration.
-Susan
Andrea, you were masterful in your direction of the memorial celebration for my sister, sharing your grace and wisdom through your words and actions that were thoughtful and comforting. In everything you did and said, you communicated that all were welcome.
-Rob
What You Can Expect
- Meet with you to discuss your vision of the ceremony.
- Interview you to learn about your beloved.
- Offer secular or religious readings.
- Collaborate with you until the ceremony is just right!
- Gift you with a keepsake copy of your ceremony to treasure.
- Continue compassionate care for two months following the service.
Testimonials
You were a blessing in my time of loss. You oversaw my husband's memorial service with an opening prayer that was sweet and uplifting - such a gift upon the day of my Beloved's cremation! Whenever I recall this occasion, I feel again the enormous help that you poured into this ceremony: you many pastoral gifts that made of this difficult day so felicitous a commemoration.
-Susan
Andrea, you were masterful in your direction of the memorial celebration for my sister, sharing your grace and wisdom through your words and actions that were thoughtful and comforting. In everything you did and said, you communicated that all were welcome.
-Rob
INTERFAITH SPIRITUAL COMPANIONSHIP
I accompany people who are called to deepen their spiritual life or see a spiritual connection at the heart of everything by offering a safe space to explore life’s deep questions, spiritual or not.
This kind of companionship, sometimes known as spiritual direction, is a walking with another. I am unlike most spiritual directors because I spend the time that you need and never try to fit our time into a 50-minute window. I also will not direct you to believe or think or act in a certain way. Instead, by asking questions and sharing observations, I help you connect with your own inner wisdom.
You may say, “This sounds like therapy.” Spiritual companionship is not therapy, but the subjects of therapy may arise, held in a different way through a discovery of your deepest self.
In 2002, I completed the Spiritual Guidance Program from Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation. As an ordained interfaith minister, I bring my appreciation and exposure of all faith traditions and cultures to our meetings. I will walk with you on your spiritual journey, listen as you uncover your true life’s purpose, and support you as you discover your Path.
What You Can Expect
This kind of companionship, sometimes known as spiritual direction, is a walking with another. I am unlike most spiritual directors because I spend the time that you need and never try to fit our time into a 50-minute window. I also will not direct you to believe or think or act in a certain way. Instead, by asking questions and sharing observations, I help you connect with your own inner wisdom.
You may say, “This sounds like therapy.” Spiritual companionship is not therapy, but the subjects of therapy may arise, held in a different way through a discovery of your deepest self.
In 2002, I completed the Spiritual Guidance Program from Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation. As an ordained interfaith minister, I bring my appreciation and exposure of all faith traditions and cultures to our meetings. I will walk with you on your spiritual journey, listen as you uncover your true life’s purpose, and support you as you discover your Path.
What You Can Expect
- A safe and hospitable place to explore your life’s questions.
- Confidentiality.
- Presence and deep listening.
- A cup of tea.
Testimonials
Even though I’m a tough cookie, your spiritual direction over the years has given me so many new perspectives and peace, especially during these last years of my life. I am very grateful.
-Joanne
Thank you for being willing to walk with me. I don't know how I could have gotten through some difficult times without you.
-Pamela
Even though I’m a tough cookie, your spiritual direction over the years has given me so many new perspectives and peace, especially during these last years of my life. I am very grateful.
-Joanne
Thank you for being willing to walk with me. I don't know how I could have gotten through some difficult times without you.
-Pamela
CELEBRATING OUR BELOVED ANIMAL COMPANIONS
Chances are you love your pets and animal companions as family members as much as I do - throughout their lives and beyond. We can mark their arrival into our homes and bestow a name. Honor them as they age. Celebrate their service to people in need. And when they transition out of the physical world, make a tribute with storytelling or create a lasting memorial.
What You Can Expect
Testimonials
Thank you for blessing our kitty Gracie, and us as a family when we brought her home from the shelter. It was a special marking of our new life together, and the kids loved it!
-Cathy
When Dodger died, you helped me through my grief. We talked and honored him in ways that helped me so much. He was such a good dog. Thank you.
-Jo Anne
- Meet with you to learn about your animal companion.
- Collaborate with you until the ceremony is just right!
- Gift you with a keepsake copy of your ceremony to treasure.
Testimonials
Thank you for blessing our kitty Gracie, and us as a family when we brought her home from the shelter. It was a special marking of our new life together, and the kids loved it!
-Cathy
When Dodger died, you helped me through my grief. We talked and honored him in ways that helped me so much. He was such a good dog. Thank you.
-Jo Anne
PEACE POLE PLANTING
It is said that Peace Poles are planted because peace needs cultivation and watering in our hearts and in the world. When we see a Peace Pole, we are reminded of creating peace.
History
The Peace Pole Project was started in Japan by Masahisa Goi (1916 – 1980), who dedicated his life to spreading the message, “May Peace Prevail on Earth”. After being significantly affected by the destruction caused by World War II and the atomic bombs that fell on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, he dedicated the remainder of his life to the creation of world peace. It was in 1955, that the Peace Message, May Peace Prevail On Earth, came to him in a moment of inspiration and prayer.
Now you will find peace poles throughout the world and in unexpected places.
What Is A Peace Pole?
A Peace Pole is a reminder of our innate desire for peace. Peace Poles come in all sizes, from table top to garden size to large enough to showcase in a community plaza. There are at least four sides of a peace pole, while some have many more. The message on all sides of peace poles around the world is “May Peace Prevail On Earth”. When you order a peace pole, you choose the languages of this message that are meaningful to you or your community.
To learn more about Peace Poles, see examples, and perhaps order one for yourself or your community, I recommend that you visit a cottage industry, Peace Pole Makers USA at this link https://peacepoles.com/. I do not receive any money for recommending them. You can also do your own search for peace pole makers in your city or country. Some people have even made their own.
Peace Pole Planting
When you are ready to plant your Peace Pole, I encourage you to invite family, friends and neighbors to help you dedicate and bless it. I have organized one in my personal garden and participated in others at places of worship. If you would like help with any aspect of this, please contact me.
What You Can Expect
History
The Peace Pole Project was started in Japan by Masahisa Goi (1916 – 1980), who dedicated his life to spreading the message, “May Peace Prevail on Earth”. After being significantly affected by the destruction caused by World War II and the atomic bombs that fell on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, he dedicated the remainder of his life to the creation of world peace. It was in 1955, that the Peace Message, May Peace Prevail On Earth, came to him in a moment of inspiration and prayer.
Now you will find peace poles throughout the world and in unexpected places.
What Is A Peace Pole?
A Peace Pole is a reminder of our innate desire for peace. Peace Poles come in all sizes, from table top to garden size to large enough to showcase in a community plaza. There are at least four sides of a peace pole, while some have many more. The message on all sides of peace poles around the world is “May Peace Prevail On Earth”. When you order a peace pole, you choose the languages of this message that are meaningful to you or your community.
To learn more about Peace Poles, see examples, and perhaps order one for yourself or your community, I recommend that you visit a cottage industry, Peace Pole Makers USA at this link https://peacepoles.com/. I do not receive any money for recommending them. You can also do your own search for peace pole makers in your city or country. Some people have even made their own.
Peace Pole Planting
When you are ready to plant your Peace Pole, I encourage you to invite family, friends and neighbors to help you dedicate and bless it. I have organized one in my personal garden and participated in others at places of worship. If you would like help with any aspect of this, please contact me.
What You Can Expect
- Consult with you about placement and type of peace pole.
- Collaborate with you for a meaningful dedication.
- Gift you with a keepsake copy of your ceremony to treasure.