Beliefs Without Boundaries
Galen has discovered a need for ministry services especially to those individuals who exist outside the conventional boundaries of a church. He has over 20 year’s Pastoral Ministry experience to help you with your wedding ceremony or other ministry needs. His Beliefs without Boundaries Ministry exists to provide family spiritual services throughout the greater Madison area with services that have been extended to include weddings, pastoral visitation, funeral/memorial services, prayer, and many other ministries that serve your needs. This ministry is not without beliefs, but it is without institutional boundaries.
Galen CarlsonIs a licensed Realtor who has lived in the greater Madison area since 1986. Galen is a graduate of North Central University in Minneapolis, MN., Licensed to preach in 1982 and ordained in 1985, Galen has served as a Minister in Assembly of God and non denominational churches.
After retiring from formal Pastoral work, Galen began receiving requests to perform wedding ceremonies and funeral services. He has discovered a need for ministry to those who may not attend a particular church. Galen considers himself a bi-vocational Minister with a unique ministry to those who may feel disconnected from a denomination or church.
In his own words…
“After years of serving as a Pastor, I found myself lacking spiritual energy and feeling burned out. Like someone suffering from amnesia, I found myself asking, “Who am I and what am I here for?” God has given me the ability to relate to people that wrestle with similar frustrations. My mission is not to eliminate beliefs, but to eliminate boundaries that keep people from becoming true believers.”
Not sure where to start with your wedding?
I will help you to create a ceremony that you and your family will cherish forever. I welcome your creativity in making your ceremony the memorable experience that it should be and I will provide options for you to review if you are unsure of where to begin.
Choosing a Minister
The minister you choose will play a large part in shaping the overall dynamics of your ceremony. I realize the importance of choosing a minister who will customize the service according to your needs and who will conduct your ceremony competently.
Location?
Whether your ceremony takes place at a formal location, park or private home, I am happy to travel anywhere within the greater Madison area.
Budget Concerns?
I can offer services of value that will fit your needs and that will fit your budget.
Free Phone Consultation
Please contact me by email gcarlson@kw.com or call 608.224.1206 and let’s discuss your needs and desires. I would be honored to walk you through these important life events.
Additional Services?
Whether it is a time of remembering or a time of celebrating I would be honored to take part in your ceremony. I feel confident that my professionalism and compassion will enhance the quality of your ceremony.
Wedding Ceremony
Your wedding will be one of the most important events in your life. A day that is about you... Your wedding should reflect your personalities, your lives, your dreams, as well as your love and commitment to one another.
Wedding ceremonies can vary greatly and many couples opt to create their own distinct wedding. I will guide you in creating your own ceremony.
Most wedding ceremonies contain the following elements.
Wedding processional
This generally begins the ceremony. Typically a song is chosen for the entrance of the parents and grandparents, then a different song is chosen for the entrance of the wedding party, and then finally the bride is introduced to a different song. There are more common songs such as Canon in D and the Bridal Chorus, however; the bride and groom should choose music that is meaningful to them.
Readings, scripture, or poetry
Some couples take quotes from the bible, others have a favorite poem, or something that they have written themselves. If you don’t have something, don’t worry we have readings for every type of wedding. In some wedding ceremonies couples will read a poem to each other as another way to express their love.
Wedding Vows
Couples can either write their own vows or repeat after the officiate words that express their vow to love one another forever.
Exchange of the Rings
This takes place when the couple exchanges wedding rings as a symbol of their love and commitment to one another.
Unity Candle Ceremony
Wedding ceremonies often consist of the unity candle ceremony. This is when the couples light their own individual candle, and then they light one candle together.
Pronouncement of Marriage and Recessional
The couple is introduced as husband and wife and they exit the ceremony. The wedding party follows them and the guests exit as well.It is important that a wedding ceremony reflects who you are as a couple and to help you create a wedding ceremony that accommodates your values, faith and beliefs as a couple or a new family. We welcome your creativity in creating a ceremony that you will cherish forever.
Wedding Planner
There are so many things to think about when planning a wedding that it can be very overwhelming. Here are some suggestions to help with the details for the wedding ceremony and the wedding reception that occur in the weeks preceding the big day!
Two weeks out
§ Final wedding dress fitting
§ Start to work on seating plan and place cards
§ Address announcements
§ Find a pet sitter and house sitter if need be
§ Notify caterer of estimated head count
§ Write toasts
§ Coordinate delivery of welcome baskets to out-of-town guests
One week out (wedding checklist)
§ Finalize the seating plan
§ Pick up dress or have it delivered after final alterations
§ Pack for the honeymoon
§ Confirm final head count with the caterer
§ Confirm honeymoon arrangements and provide itinerary to family or friends in case of emergency
§ Assign duties to honorary attendants such as passing out wedding programs for the wedding ceremonies, dispersing bouquets, boutonnieres, etc. One day before (wedding checklist)
§ Manicure and pedicure
§ Ceremony rehearsal with wedding officiate and rehearsal dinner
§ Give gifts to wedding party, parents, grand parents, children, etc.
§ Prepare money envelopes for tips and final payments to vendors
§ Confirm transportation to and from ceremony, reception, and airport.
§ Give wedding thank you cards to someone for mailing after the wedding
Wedding Day
Relax and enjoy yourself!
Do you need a Church Facility or Wedding Coordinator?http://www.preshouse.org/hos.main.cfm The Pres House, contact Pat Werk, 608.213.7558 or
email patwerk@verizon.net
http://graceec.org/weddings.html Grace Episcopal Church, contact Pat Werk 608.213.7558
Wedding ceremonies can vary greatly and many couples opt to create their own distinct wedding. I will guide you in creating your own ceremony.
Most wedding ceremonies contain the following elements.
Wedding processional
This generally begins the ceremony. Typically a song is chosen for the entrance of the parents and grandparents, then a different song is chosen for the entrance of the wedding party, and then finally the bride is introduced to a different song. There are more common songs such as Canon in D and the Bridal Chorus, however; the bride and groom should choose music that is meaningful to them.
Readings, scripture, or poetry
Some couples take quotes from the bible, others have a favorite poem, or something that they have written themselves. If you don’t have something, don’t worry we have readings for every type of wedding. In some wedding ceremonies couples will read a poem to each other as another way to express their love.
Wedding Vows
Couples can either write their own vows or repeat after the officiate words that express their vow to love one another forever.
Exchange of the Rings
This takes place when the couple exchanges wedding rings as a symbol of their love and commitment to one another.
Unity Candle Ceremony
Wedding ceremonies often consist of the unity candle ceremony. This is when the couples light their own individual candle, and then they light one candle together.
Pronouncement of Marriage and Recessional
The couple is introduced as husband and wife and they exit the ceremony. The wedding party follows them and the guests exit as well.It is important that a wedding ceremony reflects who you are as a couple and to help you create a wedding ceremony that accommodates your values, faith and beliefs as a couple or a new family. We welcome your creativity in creating a ceremony that you will cherish forever.
Wedding Planner
There are so many things to think about when planning a wedding that it can be very overwhelming. Here are some suggestions to help with the details for the wedding ceremony and the wedding reception that occur in the weeks preceding the big day!
Two weeks out
§ Final wedding dress fitting
§ Start to work on seating plan and place cards
§ Address announcements
§ Find a pet sitter and house sitter if need be
§ Notify caterer of estimated head count
§ Write toasts
§ Coordinate delivery of welcome baskets to out-of-town guests
One week out (wedding checklist)
§ Finalize the seating plan
§ Pick up dress or have it delivered after final alterations
§ Pack for the honeymoon
§ Confirm final head count with the caterer
§ Confirm honeymoon arrangements and provide itinerary to family or friends in case of emergency
§ Assign duties to honorary attendants such as passing out wedding programs for the wedding ceremonies, dispersing bouquets, boutonnieres, etc. One day before (wedding checklist)
§ Manicure and pedicure
§ Ceremony rehearsal with wedding officiate and rehearsal dinner
§ Give gifts to wedding party, parents, grand parents, children, etc.
§ Prepare money envelopes for tips and final payments to vendors
§ Confirm transportation to and from ceremony, reception, and airport.
§ Give wedding thank you cards to someone for mailing after the wedding
Wedding Day
Relax and enjoy yourself!
Do you need a Church Facility or Wedding Coordinator?http://www.preshouse.org/hos.main.cfm The Pres House, contact Pat Werk, 608.213.7558 or
email patwerk@verizon.net
http://graceec.org/weddings.html Grace Episcopal Church, contact Pat Werk 608.213.7558
Funeral Services
Working together, we can customize the celebration of your loved one’s life by helping you select funeral poems, prayers, and inspirational verses. I will speak on behalf of your family to deliver a beautiful and dignified service to appropriately commemorate the life of a loved one who has passed away.The minister you choose to conduct the service will play a large part in shaping the overall sentiment of the funeral service. Funerals help us to cope with the reality that a loved one has passed away. It provides a place for family and friends to come together to remember and celebrate the life of the dearly departed. Whether it was unexpected or anticipated, death is a part of life that we are never prepared for and shouldn’t have to experience alone.
Bereavement Support
Grief is our body’s natural way of healing our emotional injuries. It is an emotional, mental, and physical condition that is brought on by significant loss or the death of someone you love. While it is a personal process, many times the assistance of friends, loved ones, a spiritual guide, or a grief counselor is needed. Please do not hesitate to seek help from outside sources. It is important to heal your emotional injuries to ensure your mental health for yourself and for those that love and care about you.
Grief is our body’s natural way of healing our emotional injuries. It is an emotional, mental, and physical condition that is brought on by significant loss or the death of someone you love. While it is a personal process, many times the assistance of friends, loved ones, a spiritual guide, or a grief counselor is needed. Please do not hesitate to seek help from outside sources. It is important to heal your emotional injuries to ensure your mental health for yourself and for those that love and care about you.
Free Phone Consultation
Please contact me for a phone consultation and let’s find the right words to create a fitting tribute to your loved one. It is an honor to provide your funeral services needs in a way that brings piece and comfort to you, your family and to the friends of your loved one.
Frequently Asked Questions Funeral Etiquette for Family and Friends of the Deceased
There are some general guidelines for funeral etiquette for guests as well as for those who are making the funeral arrangements.
Expressing Sympathy
When expressing sympathy most find it best to keep is short and simple. Many simply say they are sorry for the loss which is perfectly fine to say. Don’t feel as if you have to say a lot. More times than not, most people who have just lost someone are at a loss for words. Sometimes you are needed to simply listen to what family and friends of the deceased have to say and you don’t need to say much at all.Attire: The standard in funeral etiquette has been to wear dark colors, or otherwise clothing that will not stand out. You should try to keep your clothing simple but not too casual. Most opt to wear black as this is most always appropriate.
When expressing sympathy most find it best to keep is short and simple. Many simply say they are sorry for the loss which is perfectly fine to say. Don’t feel as if you have to say a lot. More times than not, most people who have just lost someone are at a loss for words. Sometimes you are needed to simply listen to what family and friends of the deceased have to say and you don’t need to say much at all.Attire: The standard in funeral etiquette has been to wear dark colors, or otherwise clothing that will not stand out. You should try to keep your clothing simple but not too casual. Most opt to wear black as this is most always appropriate.
Offer Assistance
If you are able, it is always appreciated if you offer assistance to help with child care, picking up out-of-town relatives, food gifts, or other things. When it is a sudden death your gesture may be especially helpful.
If you are able, it is always appreciated if you offer assistance to help with child care, picking up out-of-town relatives, food gifts, or other things. When it is a sudden death your gesture may be especially helpful.
Funeral Etiquette for the Bereaved
Thank You Notes
For family members who have taken care of funeral planning and all of the arrangements, it is common funeral etiquette to send a thank you card to those friends who sent a gift, flowers, food, or a card to the family. Attendants do not need to receive a thank you note, but those friends who may have helped with transportation or any arrangements should receive a thank you note as well.
Typically thank you cards are sent within two weeks of the funeral services.
Thank You Notes
For family members who have taken care of funeral planning and all of the arrangements, it is common funeral etiquette to send a thank you card to those friends who sent a gift, flowers, food, or a card to the family. Attendants do not need to receive a thank you note, but those friends who may have helped with transportation or any arrangements should receive a thank you note as well.
Typically thank you cards are sent within two weeks of the funeral services.
Clergy
It recommended that a personal note is sent to thank your clergy person. If you send an offering or honorarium, then send it separately from the thank you note in another envelope. Funerals and memorial services serve as an opportunity to commemorate the life of a loved one who has past away and is a way for friends and family to say goodbye. The service is a necessary part of the grieving process because it helps family and friends to come to terms with the fact that their loved one has passed away.
