This handbook is a compilation of tested ideas and resources from pastors to help new and veteran pastors benefit from fresh ideas. Includes difficult situations like the death of a child and second marriages. (20050401)
This book is really practical and helpful. I read it and compared it to Hughes “The Pastor’s Book” and found Hughes to be much better, although this book is a good companion to Hughes book.
Useful tool for making your ceremonies more modern, and relevant to those you are ministering to. In addition to weddings and funerals, covers the Eucharist (Lord's Table), family or child dedications, Baptism, ordinations and installations and others. All from a Protestant (Baptist, Methodist, Non-Denominational) flavor. Useful with some tweaking for most faiths and those wanting ceremonies without religious overtones. A great tool to use with this book is "The Rituals Resource Book: Alternative Weddings, Funerals, Holidays and Other Rites of Passage" by Susan M. Mumm as well as "The Rites I and Rites II of the Catholic Church". I also find useful "The Book of Common Prayer: and Administration of the Sacraments and Other Rites and Ceremonies of the Church (Episcopal)".
If you find yourself put off by any of these titles, you're missing the point. I'm not talking about cherry picking your God. I'm talking about devising a ritual that truly reflects your relationship and your choice of "oath" with your God, and not just going through the motions.