"Take, O, take me as I am,
summon out what I shall be,
set your seal upon my heart,
and live in me"
summon out what I shall be,
set your seal upon my heart,
and live in me"
John L. Bell
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Welcome to the Wedding of
The Reverend Rachel Johannan Bahr, M. Div.
&
Doctor Gabrielle Mary-Willow Bychowski, Ph. D.
At First Congregational Church, Southington
18 February 2018
Rachel’s ring is inspired by the Gold Tree of Valinor, Laurelin. The band is rose gold with a circular sun-disk surrounding a central diamond.
Gabby’s ring is inspired by the Silver Tree of Valinor, Telperion. The band is white gold in the “willow style.” The gemstone is moissanite, chosen because she loves things that come to be via laboratory assistance, loves the stars (moissanite is not natural on Earth except from meteorites), and while diamonds shed a white light, moissanite creates rainbows.
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The Wedding Party
Team Gabby
Colors: Black and Silver
Maid of Honor
Dr. Erin Sheley
Erin lives in Alberta. She works as an Assistant Professor, at the University of Calgary Faculty of Law. She attended George Washington University with Gabby during her Ph.D. She is the Ron Swanson to Gabby’s Leslie Knope.
Emily Hofstaedter
Bridesmaids
Emily Hofstaedter
Emily lives in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. She works as an actor and theater professional. She attended The George Washington University with Gabby during her M.A. She shares Gabby’s love of medieval history and Catholicism, as well as medieval reenactment.
Megan Bowman
Megan lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota with her husband, Matt, and cat, Kitty Rose. She works as an intellectual property attorney. She attended DePaul University with Gabby during her B.A. She knows elvish and helped order the Tolkien inspired sections of the service.
Maria Carson
Maria Carson
Maria lives half-time in Syracuse, New York and half in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania with her husband, Dan. She is a Dissertation Fellow at the Humanities Center at Syracuse University in Religious Studies. She attended DePaul University with Gabby during her BA, as well as Glenbard West High School and Hadley Jr. High with her. She once toured Japan with Gabby as part of an orchestra.
Laura Bychowski
Laura Bychowski
Laura lives in Chicago, Illinois with her partner, Alex. She works as a film editor. She attended DePaul University after Gabby but walked the halls with her in Glenbard West High School, Hadley Jr. High School and Churchill Elementary School. She is her beloved sister. Among her first words to Rachel were: “don’t you dare hurt her.”
Beth Kelly
Team Rachel
Colors: Burgundy and Rose Gold
Maid of Honor
Beth Kelly
Beth and Rachel have known each other since 2004 when they were both entering Chicago Theological Seminary, and found each other relying on one another for fun and tears and beers. Beth saw Rachel’s queer before she would acknowledge her truth. She was there for the birth and early years of Clementine and Elanora.
Megan McCue
Bridesmaids
Megan McCue
Megan's friendship in Maine was one of the brightest spots from Rachel’s ministry in York. They thoroughly enjoy bro-ing out and laughing on the silliest things. Megan also gets the credit for helping Rachel to propose to Gabby.
Rev. Heidi C. Heath
Rev. Heidi C. Heath
Heidi and Rachel became friends when Rachel moved to New England in 2013 and she started reaching out to folks. Rachel can’t forget Heidi’s unending encouragement, and her house calls, hugs, organic vegan food, and learning about so many things from their past in common!
Miranda Moeller
Miranda Moeller
Miranda and Rachel became friends last year when theyz were connected by Heidi! They immediately found kindred spirits in one another- similar work, complex family systems, and offering support through navigating new calls, and lots of mirroring life changes/transitions!
Prelude
Processions
Call to worship
One: We come, gathered to this place from all around the world to witness the joining of they who are embodying love,
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Chapter I:
Introductory Rites
Prelude
Processions
- Wedding Party: “In Dreams”
- The Children: “Concerning Hobbits”
- Bride Gabby: “Take, O Take Me As I Am.”
Call to worship
One: We come, gathered to this place from all around the world to witness the joining of they who are embodying love,
Many: We come, bringing with us our cares and concerns, our memories of how love has intertwined within our own lives,
One: We come, with attentiveness to those whom we have loved, who are not here, yet still adding their blessings and shadows upon this day,
Many: We come, with gratitude for they who have been roots to trees blossoming into love: the ancestors, the teachers, the mentors, the guides... and all who have contributed to the love of Rachel and Gabby.
One: We come to this place, on this day, stretching towards all that is Holy. Calling upon the Name of the Divine.
Many: We come to lay our witness of love before Christ, to intertwine it with the love of God, and to send it forth in the Spirit of celebration.
One: Let us gather our hearts and minds for worship and witness, gratitude and joy!
The Trees of Valinor
One: We come, with attentiveness to those whom we have loved, who are not here, yet still adding their blessings and shadows upon this day,
Many: We come, with gratitude for they who have been roots to trees blossoming into love: the ancestors, the teachers, the mentors, the guides... and all who have contributed to the love of Rachel and Gabby.
One: We come to this place, on this day, stretching towards all that is Holy. Calling upon the Name of the Divine.
Many: We come to lay our witness of love before Christ, to intertwine it with the love of God, and to send it forth in the Spirit of celebration.
One: Let us gather our hearts and minds for worship and witness, gratitude and joy!
The Trees of Valinor
(Reader: Erin Sheley)
Trees are ancient sacred images with deep roots in Christian and non-Christian stories, inspiring the work of myth-makers like J.R.R. Tolkien. In The Silmarillion, Tolkien describes the Two Trees of Valinor, Laurelin and Telperion, shining with the light of the sun and moon respectively. Each tree has seasons of sharing its light, seasons of basking in the others glow, and seasons of mutual brilliance when their grace mingles with special radiance. For reasons of personal and mythic significance, Rachel and Gabby have chosen these trees as symbols of their love and marriage.
Opening Prayer
The Bahr-Bychowski household is proudly interfaith, drawing on an array of traditions, primarily sharing values with the United Church of Christ and Roman Catholic Church. On this day, the threefold structure of readings (Old Testament, Epistles, and Gospel) follows Catholic convention while the sermon will be preached by an ordained UCC Minister. The Old Testament reading will be given by Gabby’s Bridesmaid Maria as it is drawn out of her Jewish tradition. The New Testament reading will be given by Rachel’s Maid of Honor Beth as it comes from her Christian tradition. The Gospel will be sung, adapted from Mary’s Magnificat in the Gospel of Luke, by the choir.
First Reading: Ruth 1: 8-17
The Questions
The Officiants will question the couple regarding their intentions to marry. Marriage is a sacrament sanctified by the Church and community but one that is distinctly initiated by the couple in response to the love and intentions placed in their hearts.
Vows
Benediction
Recessional: The Rainbow Connection
“Why are there so many songs about rainbows and what's on the other side?”
Trees are ancient sacred images with deep roots in Christian and non-Christian stories, inspiring the work of myth-makers like J.R.R. Tolkien. In The Silmarillion, Tolkien describes the Two Trees of Valinor, Laurelin and Telperion, shining with the light of the sun and moon respectively. Each tree has seasons of sharing its light, seasons of basking in the others glow, and seasons of mutual brilliance when their grace mingles with special radiance. For reasons of personal and mythic significance, Rachel and Gabby have chosen these trees as symbols of their love and marriage.
Opening Prayer
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Chapter II:
Liturgy of the Word
The Bahr-Bychowski household is proudly interfaith, drawing on an array of traditions, primarily sharing values with the United Church of Christ and Roman Catholic Church. On this day, the threefold structure of readings (Old Testament, Epistles, and Gospel) follows Catholic convention while the sermon will be preached by an ordained UCC Minister. The Old Testament reading will be given by Gabby’s Bridesmaid Maria as it is drawn out of her Jewish tradition. The New Testament reading will be given by Rachel’s Maid of Honor Beth as it comes from her Christian tradition. The Gospel will be sung, adapted from Mary’s Magnificat in the Gospel of Luke, by the choir.
First Reading: Ruth 1: 8-17
(Reader: Maria Carson)
Response: “Wherever You Will Go”
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 12
Response: “Wherever You Will Go”
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 12
(Reader: Beth Kelly)
Acclamation: “Alleluia”
Gospel: “The Canticle of Turning”
Acclamation: “Alleluia”
Gospel: “The Canticle of Turning”
(based on the Magnificat)
Sermon
(delivered by the Rev. Dr. Chris Davies)
Sermon
(delivered by the Rev. Dr. Chris Davies)
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Chapter III:
The Celebration of Matrimony
The Questions
The Officiants will question the couple regarding their intentions to marry. Marriage is a sacrament sanctified by the Church and community but one that is distinctly initiated by the couple in response to the love and intentions placed in their hearts.
Vows
Traditional and Written.
Exchange of Rings
Exchange of Rings
(Ring Bearers: Laura Bychowski and Beth Kelly)
As a circle has no beginning and end, rings are signs of unending love. The exchange of rings functions as a sign of mutual commitment to one another.
Blessing
The Silmarils
As a circle has no beginning and end, rings are signs of unending love. The exchange of rings functions as a sign of mutual commitment to one another.
Blessing
The Silmarils
(Silmarils Bearer: Megan Bowman; Reader: Megan McCue)
In the age of the Trees of Valinor, gems were made to preserve their mingled lights for future generations. Today, Rachel and Gabby honor their children with Silmaril necklaces as an affirmation of their place in the story of love, life, and light.
Presentation and Preparation of the Gifts
Reflecting the processing of grain and grape (picking, crushing, and remaking), bread and wine are ancient symbols of life, death, and rebirth.
Sanctus
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Communion Prayer and Rite
Communion today is performed in the UCC open-table tradition. ALL are welcome!
Lord’s Prayer [in Unison]
“Eternal Spirit, Earth-maker, Pain-bearer, Life-giver, Source of all that is and that shall be, Father and Mother of us all, Loving God, in whom is heaven: The hallowing of your name echo through the universe! The way of your justice be followed by the peoples of the world! Your heavenly will be done by all created beings! Your commonwealth of peace and freedom sustain our hope and come on earth. With the bread we need for today, feed us. In the hurts we absorb from one another, forgive us. In times of temptation and testing, strengthen us. From trials too great to endure, spare us. From the grip of all that is evil, free us. For you reign in the glory of the power that is love, now and for ever. Amen.”
Sign of Peace
In the age of the Trees of Valinor, gems were made to preserve their mingled lights for future generations. Today, Rachel and Gabby honor their children with Silmaril necklaces as an affirmation of their place in the story of love, life, and light.
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Chapter IV:
Liturgy of Communion
Presentation and Preparation of the Gifts
Reflecting the processing of grain and grape (picking, crushing, and remaking), bread and wine are ancient symbols of life, death, and rebirth.
Sanctus
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Communion Prayer and Rite
Communion today is performed in the UCC open-table tradition. ALL are welcome!
Lord’s Prayer [in Unison]
“Eternal Spirit, Earth-maker, Pain-bearer, Life-giver, Source of all that is and that shall be, Father and Mother of us all, Loving God, in whom is heaven: The hallowing of your name echo through the universe! The way of your justice be followed by the peoples of the world! Your heavenly will be done by all created beings! Your commonwealth of peace and freedom sustain our hope and come on earth. With the bread we need for today, feed us. In the hurts we absorb from one another, forgive us. In times of temptation and testing, strengthen us. From trials too great to endure, spare us. From the grip of all that is evil, free us. For you reign in the glory of the power that is love, now and for ever. Amen.”
Sign of Peace
All shake hands or embrace in an affirmation of interdependence and respect.
Lamb of God
Lamb of God
A recognition of the gifts of grace and peace received by our community on this day.
Communion
Communion has diverse meanings across Christian denominations. Catholics affirm the Eucharist as the body of Christ. The UCC leaves the mystery open to interpretation. By sharing bread and cup, we commit ourselves to the lives, deaths, and resurrections of one another. ALL are welcome to participate in the tradition of communion today.
With people everywhere we affirm God’s goodness at the heart of humanity, planted more deeply than all that is wrong… Thanks be to God.
The Legacy of Light
Communion
Communion has diverse meanings across Christian denominations. Catholics affirm the Eucharist as the body of Christ. The UCC leaves the mystery open to interpretation. By sharing bread and cup, we commit ourselves to the lives, deaths, and resurrections of one another. ALL are welcome to participate in the tradition of communion today.
With people everywhere we affirm God’s goodness at the heart of humanity, planted more deeply than all that is wrong… Thanks be to God.
The Legacy of Light
(Reader: Emily Hofstaedter)
The Trees of Valinor are not the origin or end of the two lights. Before the Trees, existed the Great Gold and Silver Lamps. After the Trees, came the Sun and Moon, as well as the Silmarils. Light, love, and life are legacies. Today we use the tradition of lights to recognize those who have come before us, our grandparents and parents (those tied to us by blood and our chosen family) as well as all our children.
The Trees of Valinor are not the origin or end of the two lights. Before the Trees, existed the Great Gold and Silver Lamps. After the Trees, came the Sun and Moon, as well as the Silmarils. Light, love, and life are legacies. Today we use the tradition of lights to recognize those who have come before us, our grandparents and parents (those tied to us by blood and our chosen family) as well as all our children.
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Chapter V:
Concluding Rite
Benediction
Recessional: The Rainbow Connection
“Why are there so many songs about rainbows and what's on the other side?”
Rachel & Poppa
“Rainbows are visions, but only illusions, and rainbows have nothing to hide. So we've been told and some choose to believe it. I know they're wrong wait and see
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection
The lovers, the dreamers and me
Choir joins:
“Rainbows are visions, but only illusions, and rainbows have nothing to hide. So we've been told and some choose to believe it. I know they're wrong wait and see
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection
The lovers, the dreamers and me
Choir joins:
Who said that wishes would be heard and answered
when wished on the morning star?
Someone thought of that and someone believed it
And look what it's done so far
What's so amazing that keeps us stargazing and what do we think we might see?
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection
The lovers, the dreamers and me
All of us under its spell
We know that it's probably magic
Have you been sleeping and have you heard voices?
I've heard them calling my name
Is this the sweet sound that calls the young sailors
The voice might be one and the same
I've heard it too many times to ignore it
It's something that I'm supposed to be
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection, the lovers, the dreamers and me Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection, the lovers, the dreamers and me”
when wished on the morning star?
Someone thought of that and someone believed it
And look what it's done so far
What's so amazing that keeps us stargazing and what do we think we might see?
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection
The lovers, the dreamers and me
All of us under its spell
We know that it's probably magic
Have you been sleeping and have you heard voices?
I've heard them calling my name
Is this the sweet sound that calls the young sailors
The voice might be one and the same
I've heard it too many times to ignore it
It's something that I'm supposed to be
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection, the lovers, the dreamers and me Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection, the lovers, the dreamers and me”
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