Rev. Joseph Paul

KUDOS FROM A RECENT BRIDE

2011-12-10T21:17:00.001-05:00

Alison, married by me on 11/11/11, posted this review recently at Thumbtack.com:

Rev. Joe was just perfect for us. He did everything just the way we wanted it which was important cause we didn't want any surprises on our wedding day. He is just really easy going but also professional. He charged a reasonal fee and is well worth it. He took care of filing our license for us and all. We were so happy with our wedding and both felt he was absolutely the right choice for us. We both highly recomend him.

GREAT WEDDING AT THE CHAPEL

2011-11-13T22:30:00.000-05:00

Best wishes to Sal and Melisa, married on Nov. 13, 2011 by me at the beautiful Allaire State Park chapel in Farmingdale, N.J.

A BRIDGE TO MARRIAGE

2011-11-12T10:27:00.002-05:00

Great 11/11/11 wedding for Alison and Daniel, married by me at 11:11 p.m. on the Brooklyn Bridge.

Also the bride's birthday.

HOME WEDDING A SUCCESS

2011-10-02T12:49:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Jennifer and Kohlman, and her two children, for their great Sept. 24, 2011, wedding at their Maplewood, N.J. home.

Great Brooklyn Wedding

2011-09-10T10:18:00.000-04:00

Congrats to Joshua and Xiomara, married by me at their home in Brooklyn , N.Y., on Sept. 9, 2011.

MID-WEEK WEDDING

2011-07-21T11:36:00.000-04:00

Great gathering at Costa del Sole in Union, N.J., on July 14, when Adriana and Richard tied the knot in a small outdoor ceremony.

JERSEY CITY CELEBRATION

2011-07-11T17:27:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Taneya and Ryan, married by me at The Westin in Jersey City, N.J., on July 9, 2011.

Ryan is also a lance corporal in the U.S. Marine Corp.

DOUBLE-HEADER SATURDAY

2011-05-23T10:47:00.000-04:00

A great pair of weddings on Saturday, May, 21, 2011.

First, Geri Sue and Matt tied the knot at the lovely Mountain View Chalet in Asbury, N.J. in the morning.

Then, that night, Nanako and Louis were married by me at the upscale W Hotel in Hoboken.

Complete with a great wedding cake from the nearby Carlo's Bake Shop of Cake Boss fame.

GREAT WEDDING IN SCOTCH PLAINS

2011-05-15T10:04:00.000-04:00

Best wishes to Tom and Michelle, married by me on May 14, 2011, at the great Pantagis Renaissance. My second wedding there in the past two months

GREAT EASTER WEDDING

2011-04-24T17:11:00.001-04:00

Kathleen and Paul surprised their friends with a wonderful Easter Sunday wedding on April 24, 2011, at their New Providence, N.J., home.

GREAT NEWARK WEDDING

2011-04-12T17:13:00.000-04:00

Best wishes to Alejandra and Jonathan, married by me on April 9, 2011, at the Iberia Restaurant in Newark, N.J.

GREAT FRIDAY NIGHT WEDDING

2011-03-26T11:01:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Kathy and Bill Skulitz, married by me on March 25, 2011 at Pantagis Renaissance in Scotch Plains, N.J.

I am doing another wedding there May 14.

PRAISE FROM A RECENT GROOM

2011-02-17T11:10:00.000-05:00

"Just want to thank you again for marrying Vicky and I. Honest, can't thank you enough. Take care and God bless."

-Joe Bagnato, married on 10/10/10 (photo below)

Congrats to Denise and John, married in their Hawthorne, N.J. home by me on New Year's Eve - 12/31/10

2010-12-31T18:34:00.000-05:00

Mert and Annalise were married by me in my Maplewood, N.J., home on Dec. 6, 2010

2010-12-31T18:32:00.000-05:00

GREAT WEDDING IN SOUTH JERSEY

2010-10-17T20:57:00.000-04:00

Congrats to Redona and Joe, married by me on Oct. 16 at The Merion in Cinnaminson, N.J.

10/10/10 WEDDING

2010-10-11T17:42:00.000-04:00

I was part of the record weddings nationwide on Oct. 10, 2010 with the wedding of Vicky and Joe, married by me at The Chandelier in Belleville, N.J.

Wedding of Crystal and Marvin Glas

2010-09-27T16:56:00.000-04:00

I married Crystal and Marvin on Sept. 26 at the PNC Bank Arts Center reception facility.

Wedding of Gina and Albert Berrouet - Aug. 28

2010-09-23T18:08:00.000-04:00

The couple was married by me at Puccini's in Jersey City, N.J.

More wedding pics

2010-08-24T16:02:00.000-04:00

GREAT WEDDING LAST WEEKEND

2010-08-17T17:06:00.000-04:00

Best wishes to Wei Wei and Lei, who were married by me on Sunday in Jersey City, N.J.

WEDDING TODAY

2010-08-15T08:37:00.001-04:00

Congrats to Wei Wei Li and Lei Gao, who will be married by me today in Jersey City, N.J.

BAPTISMS

2010-08-14T18:46:00.000-04:00

I am getting more inquiries about baptism, which I am glad to do in anyway you see fit.

Here is a great article on how they can be done.

Peace, Rev. Joe

BIG WEDDING AND PLANNING GOING ON

2010-08-07T13:58:00.000-04:00

Meeting with a great couple today for a wedding next June.

Another wedding next weekend in Jersey City.

Beautiful plans all around.

BIBLE PASSAGE FOR MONDAY

2010-08-02T18:40:00.001-04:00

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.
Psalm 28:7

2010-08-02T18:40:00.000-04:00

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.
Psalm 28:7

Tuesday bible passage

2010-07-13T16:46:00.000-04:00

“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”- Philippians 2:9-11

BIBLE PASSAGE FOR A SUNDAY

2010-06-27T10:02:00.000-04:00

So Jacob worked seven years to pay for Rachel. But his love for her was so strong that it seemed to him but a few days.
Genesis 29:20

WEDDING TODAY

2010-06-26T09:48:00.001-04:00

Congrats to Charlene and Bud, who will be married by me today at 6 p.m. in Hainesport, N.J.

Bless them, joy to the family.

BIBLE PASSAGE FOR MONDAY

2010-06-21T18:30:00.000-04:00

For Father's Day......

My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline
and do not resent his rebuke,
because the LORD disciplines those he loves,
as a father the son he delights in.(Proverbs 3:11-12)

BIBLE PASSAGE FOR MONDAY

2010-06-07T16:40:00.000-04:00

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
(Proverbs 3:5,6)

Have faith in all you can, never give up.

MEMORIAL DAY PRAYER

2010-05-30T09:04:00.000-04:00

Eternal God,
Creator of years, of centuries,
Lord of whatever is beyond time,
Maker of all species and master of all history --
How shall we speak to you
from our smallness and inconsequence?
Except that you have called us to worship you
in spirit and in truth;
You have dignified us with loves and loyalties;
You have lifted us up with your lovingkindnesses.
Therefore we are bold to come before you without groveling
[though we sometimes feel that low]
and without fear
[though we are often anxious].
We sing with spirit and pray with courage
because you have dignified us;
You have redeemed us from the aimlessness
of things' going meaninglessly well.
God, lift the hearts of those
for whom this holiday is not just diversion,
but painful memory and continued deprivation.
Bless those whose dear ones have died
needlessly, wastefully [as it seems]
in accident or misadventure.
We remember with compassion those who have died
serving their countries
in the futility of combat.
There is none of us but must come to bereavement and separation,
when all the answers we are offered
fail the question death asks of each of us.
We believe that you will provide for us
as others have been provided with the fulfillment of
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."

BIBLE PASSAGE FOR WEDNESDAY

2010-05-26T14:53:00.000-04:00

“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”- John 3:17

Keep faith through all difficulties, strive for hope and allow others to help.

DALAI LAMA LOVE

2010-05-22T12:22:00.000-04:00

Great story on his message and followers, whether you believe him or not.

See HERE

BIBLE PASSAGE FOR A FRIDAY

2010-05-21T12:03:00.000-04:00

It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze - Psalm 18:32-34 NIV

Take this when you need strength, and give to others as well. Keep faith always.

SUPREME COURT RELIGION?

2010-05-11T07:43:00.000-04:00

Should the religion of a Supreme Court nominee matter?

Elena Kagan, nominated by President Obama for the court, is Jewish. Should anyone care.

See a great story on the issue HERE

Bible passage for Mother's Day

2010-05-07T11:11:00.000-04:00

And I will bless her, and give thee a son also of her: yea, I will bless her, and she shall be [a mother] of nations; kings of people shall be of her. Gen 17:16

Remember your mother this weekend, bless all that she gives you.

HAPPY EASTER!

2010-04-04T08:43:00.000-04:00

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. - John 11:25-26

Embrace the Lord on this most holy day. Embrace whatever your belief, in God, yourself, the earth, others. Rejoice!

GOOD FRIDAY PASSAGE FOR THOUGHT

2010-04-02T12:00:00.000-04:00

Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. - Acts 2:36

The crucifixion reminds us of the worst of man, but also to stay strong and know that better days of rejoice come soon.

BIBLE PASSAGE FOR WEDNESDAY

2010-03-31T13:59:00.000-04:00

"Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him." - John 3:36

Keep faith through all other troubles. The higher power, whatever it is you believe, is strong. Be strong!

SEX ABUSE SCANDAL SPARKS DISCUSSION

2010-03-29T12:13:00.000-04:00

The sex abuse scandal of the Catholic church, now in Europe, draws a number of questions about how this can be handled and avoided.

A great piece at USA Today discusses it.

Keep strong, even in the face of these terrible crimes.

FRIDAY BIBLE PASSAGE

2010-03-19T16:49:00.000-04:00

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”- Galatians 5:22-23

Feel free with love, strength and joy

Supreme Court Religion?

2010-03-08T14:23:00.000-05:00

Does it matter what faith, or not, our Supreme Court justices are? I think it does not.

But it is an interesting discussion today in The Washington Post.

See it HERE.

Be strong in all faiths you have.

Sunday Rising

2010-03-07T12:10:00.000-05:00

"It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze." Psalm 18:32-34 NIV

Even with the worst facing you, faith in God, or yourself or whatever you choose is strong if you let it be. Do not give up, ever, on love, life and others.

SATURDAY BIBLE PASSAGE

2010-03-06T12:07:00.000-05:00

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." - John 1:9

Seek forgiveness and give forgiveness and be strong in all things. It is never to late to mend broken fences, especially with family.

Religion in schools?

2010-03-03T07:35:00.001-05:00

Religion in schools is always a tricky one. I always lean toward separation of church and state. But, if a child wants to pray on his or her own, let them.

An interesting case discussed HERE

Tuesday bible passage

2010-03-02T19:47:00.000-05:00

Knowing how best to raise children can be difficult, we all deal with it. Some solemn words of wisdom

"Those who love their children care enough to discipline them."

-Proverbs 13:24

SUNDAY SUNSHINE

2010-02-28T17:11:00.001-05:00

Attended the Unitarian Church in Summit, with my son who went to the children's activities. A joy to be with family on this holy day.

If you have no family, reach out at a local house of worship, no matter what your faith. Rejoice!

My Unitarian Links Are Strong Today

2010-02-27T19:53:00.000-05:00

Feeling my Unitarian beliefs today drew me to find a word from one of their own. This came to mind, a good thing to remember

"Embrace Jesus as your brother; get to know him. He does not have to be adored in any other way." – Rev. Francis David 1578

Or find another brother if you wish, be true to yourself and let others help you. God bless.

RELIGIOUS TOLERANCE IN INDONESIA?

2010-02-23T14:33:00.000-05:00

More than anything, I preach that each should believe as he or she wishes. So this report on Barack Obama visiting his child homeland of Indonesia and being urged to take on that country's lack of religious tolerance is important.

Read it and feel it in your heart.

SATURDAY BIBLE PASSAGE

2010-02-20T08:22:00.000-05:00

"Leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift." - Matthew 5:24

In light of Tiger Woods news from yesterday, a few words about forgiveness. Let he who is without sin...

Bless all today who need forgiveness.

Friday Bible Passage for Faith

2010-02-19T07:38:00.000-05:00

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no man can boast."

- Ephesians 2: 8-9

Have your faith strong in this lenten season whether you worship or not. Faith can be in others, yourself or nature, but do not give up. Blessings all!

BIBLE PASSAGE TO COMFORT IN TIME OF DEATH

2010-02-17T09:34:00.000-05:00

"And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." Revelation 21:4

This passage is for those facing a death of a loved one. Be strong and ask for God's strength. If you believe not in God, find strength in others, yourself and spiritual healing.

CHURCH A CRIMINAL ACT?

2010-02-16T21:06:00.000-05:00

Apparently it is for one man who took his daughter to church and allegedly violated a restraining order.

Be glad for your freedom of religion, or not to exercise faith at all. It is your choice, choose wisely and with heart.

PRESIDENT'S DAY, REMEMBER OUR CHRISTIAN FOUNDING FATHERS

2010-02-15T08:44:00.000-05:00

On this day to remember our presidents, recall all have been devoutly religious, especially the founding fathers.

This article from San Francisco explores that fact. Bless all today.

VALENTINE'S DAY LOVE MESSAGE

2010-02-14T09:01:00.000-05:00

"Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot wash it away. If one were to give all the wealth of his house for love, it would be utterly scorned" - Song of Solomon 8:7

Keep love in your heart today, for family, spouse and friends. If you have a significant other, hold him or her close. If you do not, hold faith in the lord to bring you love and spread yours around through others.

ST. VALENTINE. MORE THAN JUST A BOX OF CANDY?

2010-02-13T09:19:00.000-05:00

Is St. Valentine more than just a romance character?

A Kansas pastor takes on the issue of faith and St. Valentine as the love day approaches. Use your faith as you can on this day. God bless!

FRIDAY BIBLE PASSAGE

2010-02-12T10:13:00.000-05:00

So Jacob worked seven years to pay for Rachel. But his love for her was so strong that it seemed to him but a few days.- Genesis 29:20

Love is in the air as St. Valentine's Day approaches. Find it, give it, enjoy it. Feel God's love or that of your supreme being, take the positive road and find its strength.

FAITH-BASED GROUP ENDORSEMENTS?

2010-02-10T11:01:00.000-05:00

The recent issue of the Supreme Court lifting bans on corporate donations to candidates raised the issue of faith-based groups doing the same. Should they?

The Dallas Morning News takes it on HERE.

I believe in separation, but also libertarianism. Choose your own way.

BIBLE PASSAGE FOR TUESDAY

2010-02-09T11:19:00.000-05:00

GENESIS 16:7 "The angel of the LORD found Hagar near a spring
in the desert; it was the spring that is beside the
road to Shur."

Look for the angel to help you.Have faith when tough times come.
Or as I used to see on highway signs: "Pray! It works." Bless all.

COLUMNIST OBJECTS TO PRAYER BREAKFASTS

2010-02-08T09:56:00.000-05:00

I have long been against too much mixing of church and state. As a devoutly religious person, I strongly oppose any forced beliefs. I am usually not one to object to some harmless appearance of religion if leaders wish it so.

But a Boston Globe columnist takes on the issue strongly here. Read it and see what you think. Remain faithful to whatever your belief is.

BIBLE PASSAGE FOR A SUNDAY

2010-02-07T09:25:00.000-05:00

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:6-7

Rejoice this Sunday. God's great power and love is with us. Use that, or whatever your faith, to reflect on the joys of life over the struggles. Stress and anxiety are real, but can be controlled if you use them for greater good and allow yourself to be human.

FAITH BOWL III COMING SUNDAY

2010-02-06T09:13:00.000-05:00

Now here is a great way to use Super Bowl Sunday effectively. Before the big game, some well-known Catholics are gathering for Faith Bowl III

Shows you can root on your team and show your spiritual side. Maybe if you root for the Saints, it means even more.

BIBLE PASSAGE FOR A FRIDAY

2010-02-05T19:38:00.000-05:00

I saw a lengthy funeral procession today, but did not know the deceased. It reminds us of the fragility of life and the need to understand death, or try to.

"The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
1 Corinthians 15:42-57

Take heart when such sadness comes and reach for God's mercy and strength in such times as these.

SWEAT LODGE GURU ARREST SPOTLIGHTS 'RELIGION'

2010-02-04T07:33:00.000-05:00

Is the arrest of the sweat lodge guru a mark on alternative religious views?

We are not all like this guy, and perhaps he is just one who made a mistake.

Decide for yourself HERE.

BIBLE PASSAGE FOR WEDNESDAY

2010-02-03T10:03:00.000-05:00

Proverbs 20:22
Do not say, "I'll pay you back for this wrong!" Wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you.

Forgiveness can be the hardest thing in life, but the most helpful. Do it for yourself if not for your rival. Allow yourself to rid your mind of such baggage.

SAME-SEX MARRIAGE AND RELIGION: A CONFLICT?

2010-02-02T09:17:00.000-05:00

Many of us who follow a devout view of God or some other powerful being, be it Christ or nature or an inner strength, find a mixed view of same-sex marriage.

As a former San Francisco resident and reporter, my support of other's gay rights is strong. I find no conflict with my religious views. We are all God's children, made by him and in many ways in his image.

But what do you believe? Does it cause conflict in your spiritual life?

This article lays some views out. Be strong.

PASSAGE FOR A MONDAY

2010-02-01T20:58:00.000-05:00

“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”- Deuteronomy 6:4-5

A true need to have faith in the worst of times, even when it seems hopeless. Whether your faith is in nature, yourself or a high power, keep the hope alive, allow others to help. Never give up.

BIBLE PASSAGE OF SUNDAY

2010-01-31T15:37:00.000-05:00

"So the poor have hope, and injustice shuts its mouth."

-JOB 5:16

The less is more factor at work here. Job shows the power of the faithful and hopeful over the evil-doers. A true sign again of the power of oneself not to give up and follow what is good and right. Often at the sacrifice of what is self-promoting to reach what is self-sustaining.

IN A NEW YORK CITY STATE OF MIND

2010-01-31T15:29:00.001-05:00

My registration information is in to the City Clerk of New York City. I will soon be able to perform marriages there as well. Cannot wait to help you all in the five boroughs.

WELCOME TO MY MINISTRY

2010-01-25T14:17:00.000-05:00

I have officially set up shop as a minister in the Universal Life Church Monastary.

Yes, it is an online church. But I am now legally ordained to perform marriages, christenings, last rites and memorials for those who have passed.

I was born and raised Catholic and am now a Unitarian. In the Unitarian tradition, I have chosen to be ordained this way only so that I can help others with these very important and spiritual events.

I am seeking to help people experience these joyful, tense and sometimes sad times. My approach is your approach to do as you wish for these important times in your life. Please read about me and if you can use by services, be in touch.

Peace,

Joseph Paul