Sheila Cordellia Hicks
Ceremonies by Sheila Cordellia. Arkansas Weddings and more
Essential Elements
Essential Elements of Spiritual Humanist Ceremonies
The distinctive elements of Spiritual Humanism:
-Religious inspiration should come from: the beauty of the natural world and recognition of our place in it; art, music, or poetry; hopes for future generations yet to be born and remembrance of those that have past; and calling on each person to be part of a community to make the world a better place.
-Have references to the universe and life and recognize our scientific understanding of these processes (evolution, the age of the universe in billions of years, etc.)
-Treat all people as equals
-Rituals are encouraged, like lighting a unity candle.
-There should be no reference to supernatural (no spirits, gods, etc.)
An officiant may not perform ceremonies involving-animal sacrifice, bloodletting or circumcision.( I would not do those anyway).
The official list of ceremonies that an Ordained Clergy Person may perform are: Marriage, Baby Naming, Hand Fasting, Commitment, Affirmation of Love, Invocations, Renewal of Marriage, Funeral, and holiday ceremonies.
However if your religious traditions include ceremonies not mentioned here you may also perform them as long as they break no law and harm no one.
texts I utilize
This list is not all inclusive- however these texts are ones I find particularly useful in my work...
*The Wedding Ceremony Planner: The Essential Guide to the Most Important Part of Your Day.
By the Reverend Judith Johnson
*Weddings From the Heart: Contemporary and Traditional Ceremonies for an Unforgettable Wedding.
By Daphne Rose Kingman
*In Memoriam: A Guide to Modern Funeral and Memorial Services
By Edward Searl
*Funerals without God; A practical Guide to Non-Religious Funerals.
By Jane Wynne Willson ( please bear in mind that I am not anti- religion at all)
Importance of Nature and the Arts
The importance of the involvement of Nature and the Arts in any Spiritual Humanist ceremony can not be over stressed. The beauty and glory of the natural world rivals anything ever created in the mind of man. Embrace nature and invite nature into your ceremony.
The creative mind of man and woman is a part of who we are as a species- art has the power to move, to teach, to incite, to sooth, to inspire, to bond. Incorporating the artistic talents of you and yours as well as of well known artists will make your ceremony all the more special.
Take the Grand Canyon of the Colorado River as inspiration---
Life, Love, Peace
Just a note
Some of you might have found my website via a related seach -- like you put Spiritual Humanism in google and found me.
I just wanted to make sure that I give credit where credit is due.
I am not the original Spiritual Humansist- R.A. Zorger, the president of the church is the brain behind the movement.
The simple fact is we Humanists have existed in many forms for all of history- and in it's many incarnations the reality has been:
Humans believing in Humanity and trusting in themselves and each other.
There are many other Spiritual Humanists and SH officiants- I encourage each of you to explore the vast world that we inhabit.
Sending the very best hopes that the Karma you develop is good Karma.
Want to make a snowflake?
Go here
http://www.popularfront.com/snowdays/
for a free, interactive snow flake maker
send them to your family and friends if you wish.
Contracting my services
Thank you for you interest in my services. I am always happy to answer any questions or address any concerns you may have in order to assit you in choosing the best officiant for your needs. Please be aware that as a professional I book my work through the use of contracts- many of which are simple emailed documents- after you contact me and express a desire to utilize my services I will send you a contract-if after reviewing the contract you decide to forego my services all you need do is simply email me a "Thanks but No Thanks" reply.
