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Minister: Rev. Chad O'Shea |
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Rev. Chad O'Shea
Senior Minister
Chad's Wedding Service - Originally co-written for their own wedding ceremony, this service has evolved into a warm affirmation of love and a vision of a relationship that encompasses individuality within oneness. It is spiritual in flavor, but without any heavy "religiosity". Both your conservative grandmother and your wild cousin will enjoy the wedding service. Wedding guests frequently comment on how meaningful, unique, and perfect the service was. If you choose, the service can be adapted by adding personal vows and/or short readings or poetry. You may also add a Unity candle or Sand ceremony... or elements from other religions or spiritual paths (Protestant, Catholic, Jewish, Native American, Buddhist, etc.) If the couple have children, they may be included in a special Family Vow that honors the new family that is being formed. A Spiritual Union service is available to honor & bless the commitments of same-sex couples. "I did not thank you properly for your participation in Lyndsay and John's wedding ceremony. We loved the wonderful bits of wisdom and the reverence that you provided. They could not have picked a better team. I hope to visit the Unity Center and meet you both again." ~ (bride's mom) |
Rev. Chad O'Shea Pre-marital counseling is available if you choose, but is not required You will need to meet in person or by phone to discuss the details of your ceremony. You do not need to be a member of our church or a Christian to be married in our church. Previously divorced people are also welcome. Click for Marriage License info |
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Chad's presence is warm and
light-hearted, relaxed yet professional. He brings many years of experience
to the occasion. Before his ordination in 1977, he served as an assistant
Wedding Coordinator at Unity Village, the world headquarters for Unity.
He has celebrated well over 1,000 weddings for couples of all ages and
beliefs. "Relax... just show up and pay attention!" Chad has served as the Officiant for weddings at all kinds of locations.... including: Unity Center, private homes, Bed & Breakfast Inns, The Grove Park Inn, Homewood, Highland Lake Inn, Crest Center, Biltmore Estate, on the beach, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, on a trail overlook off the Blue Ridge Parkway... "wherever and whenever love demands it." Although he believes the music of his wife, Lytingale, adds a significant ambiance to the wedding service, he is also available individually, and is willing to work with (or without) other musicians. You may specify how formal the attire will be for your wedding... Tuxedo... Suit... Shirt & Tie... Golf shirt & Khakis... T-Shirt & Shorts... it's your wedding! "Thank you so much for this opportunity to share in your celebration of love. Weddings are one of my favorite parts of being a minister." ~ Chad |
Overlooking the Pacific in Davenport, CA
A backyard in Tennessee |
Honorarium to minister for ceremony:
Unless your wedding is very large & complex, you do not need to hire a wedding aide. Chad will help you with all the basics.
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Chad has served at the Unity Center in Mills River, North Carolina, since August, 1983. Under his leadership, this Unity Center has grown from attendance of 40 to an average of 200 each Sunday, and in 2000, we moved into a new 9,000 square foot facility on 21 acres. Ordained in 1977 at Unity Village, he also served Unity churches in Richmond, VA, Warrensburg, MO, and Nashville, TN. Born in Omaha (Om - Aha!), Chad is a natural actor, speaker, and showman, Chad weaves humor, stories, and magic into his teachings, believing "life is too important to be taken seriously." Drawing his inspiration from diverse sources including Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism, Sufism, Ram Dass, Jack Kornfield, Pogo, George Carlin, and contemporary psychology and holistic healing, Chad demonstrates why "misery is optional" for those who understand "the Great Way is not difficult for those who have no preferences" (Third Zen Patriarch). |
At Unity Center 
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