"Come live with me and be my love,
And we will some new pleasures prove
Of golden sands and crystal brooks,
With silken lines and silver hooks."
-- John Donne
Frequently Asked Questions
What church/organization were you ordained through?
On May 31st, 2015, I was co-ordained through Interfaith Community International, the ordaining body for the New Vision Interspiritual Seminary, after graduating from their Bridge Program. The one-day course was a strong, much-loved update to my personal understanding of interfaith and interspiritual ministry in today's world. I graduated from The New Seminary of New York, NY and was ordained by their Interfaith Temple on June 12th, 2011. I was ordained by the Universal Life Church prior to that time. My original ULC ordination dates back to 1991, but included no seminary training.
Do you have a church or congregation?
I currently do not have a regular church home, as Patchwork Interfaith Ministries (my ministry) has no physical space. We worship in local parks and at the Cathedral of the Pines, and in my home. I have visited with the local Baha'i meeting, the Quakers, and the United Church of Jaffrey, and found joy in all of these spiritual homes. I attended The United Church of Winchester in Winchester, NH for four years. There, I was very involved in worship planning, helping out the interim pastor, working with the children, and doing other assorted duties as they came up. I volunteer at the Cathedral of the Pines when I am able, and was honored to lead their Blessing of the Animals on October 14th, 2012.
Have you had any training or experience?
Yes! I have taken courses on wedding planning, and I have extensive religious training. I have performed many weddings in the past few years, ranging from civil, non-religious ceremonies, right up to full Handfastings and costume/destination weddings. I have also been lucky enough to perform non-traditional unions for gays and lesbians, although at the time those marriages were not legal. I have served at several local churches as a supply pastor, and been welcomed with open arms. I attended The New Seminary and graduated high in my class. I continue to take academic courses to benefit myself and my ministry.
What are your fees?
For more information on how much I charge for various services, feel free to read my fees page.
What kind of payments do you accept?
I accept cash, as well as checks and money orders made out to my business name: Troglodite Services. I also can be paid via PayPal to my email address ([email protected]). At this time I do not accept credit card payments except via PayPal.
What types of services do you provide?
There are many types of services that I can create for you. The ones most people will recognize are funerals or memorials, baby blessings, and of course weddings. However, there are many types of ceremonies, and I am willing to work with you to design what you need. I have, to date, performed coming of age rituals for both young women and for elder women, birth blessings, Handfastings (as separate from the wedding ceremony), and joining ceremonies for people who are not legally able to be married (gay couples, until recently, as an example).
Do you charge for other services, like baby blessings or funerals?
I consider baby blessings and funerals, and other services like them, to be strictly religious and spiritual activities. Because of this, I try to keep fees affordable, and do not have a set rate. I do ask that the people involved purchase any and all items needed (such as candles, incense, etc.), as well as pay for my transportation to and from the ceremony if it is more than a few miles. I will not turn anyone away for lack of money, but ask that you pay me what you can afford.
Where can you do weddings?
I am authorized to perform weddings in all States, and some protectorates. Some States require registration in advance, or payment of a fee in order to perform a marriage as an out-of-state minister, and so I need at least three months lead-time for any weddings outside of New Hampshire. This allows me to complete paperwork required by the State in which I will be officiating. Certain States have special requirements, or recognize only some clergy. Each county has different rules, and it is my job as minister to verify that I follow all local laws, and let you know the results.
Do you know any ministers who do weddings in (another state)?
I do! My Seminary classmates are spread across the globe, and I have contacts with other ministers throughout the United States and Canada. I also know and can recommend other ministers in the Monadnock area, if we don't click for some reason or if I cannot accommodate your wedding date due to a previous booking. Please contact me for information.
Do you perform theme weddings or location weddings, such as Renaissance style or a wedding at a boat dock?
Yes I do! Theme weddings can be a lot of fun, especially if it means a lot to the couple involved, and I am happy to accommodate. Please be aware that if I must wear special garb (a Renn gown for instance) you would need to pay the purchase or rental fee. The exception to that is if I already own something suitable for your wedding. I am happy to borrow, as well, if necessary.
How can I check on your credentials?
You can check on my credentials at any time, by contacting The Interfaith Temple at:
Interfaith Community International / New Vision Interspiritual Seminary
Rev. Deb Ross
(914) 345-2043
E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]
On May 31st, 2015, I was co-ordained through Interfaith Community International, the ordaining body for the New Vision Interspiritual Seminary, after graduating from their Bridge Program. The one-day course was a strong, much-loved update to my personal understanding of interfaith and interspiritual ministry in today's world. I graduated from The New Seminary of New York, NY and was ordained by their Interfaith Temple on June 12th, 2011. I was ordained by the Universal Life Church prior to that time. My original ULC ordination dates back to 1991, but included no seminary training.
Do you have a church or congregation?
I currently do not have a regular church home, as Patchwork Interfaith Ministries (my ministry) has no physical space. We worship in local parks and at the Cathedral of the Pines, and in my home. I have visited with the local Baha'i meeting, the Quakers, and the United Church of Jaffrey, and found joy in all of these spiritual homes. I attended The United Church of Winchester in Winchester, NH for four years. There, I was very involved in worship planning, helping out the interim pastor, working with the children, and doing other assorted duties as they came up. I volunteer at the Cathedral of the Pines when I am able, and was honored to lead their Blessing of the Animals on October 14th, 2012.
Have you had any training or experience?
Yes! I have taken courses on wedding planning, and I have extensive religious training. I have performed many weddings in the past few years, ranging from civil, non-religious ceremonies, right up to full Handfastings and costume/destination weddings. I have also been lucky enough to perform non-traditional unions for gays and lesbians, although at the time those marriages were not legal. I have served at several local churches as a supply pastor, and been welcomed with open arms. I attended The New Seminary and graduated high in my class. I continue to take academic courses to benefit myself and my ministry.
What are your fees?
For more information on how much I charge for various services, feel free to read my fees page.
What kind of payments do you accept?
I accept cash, as well as checks and money orders made out to my business name: Troglodite Services. I also can be paid via PayPal to my email address ([email protected]). At this time I do not accept credit card payments except via PayPal.
What types of services do you provide?
There are many types of services that I can create for you. The ones most people will recognize are funerals or memorials, baby blessings, and of course weddings. However, there are many types of ceremonies, and I am willing to work with you to design what you need. I have, to date, performed coming of age rituals for both young women and for elder women, birth blessings, Handfastings (as separate from the wedding ceremony), and joining ceremonies for people who are not legally able to be married (gay couples, until recently, as an example).
Do you charge for other services, like baby blessings or funerals?
I consider baby blessings and funerals, and other services like them, to be strictly religious and spiritual activities. Because of this, I try to keep fees affordable, and do not have a set rate. I do ask that the people involved purchase any and all items needed (such as candles, incense, etc.), as well as pay for my transportation to and from the ceremony if it is more than a few miles. I will not turn anyone away for lack of money, but ask that you pay me what you can afford.
Where can you do weddings?
I am authorized to perform weddings in all States, and some protectorates. Some States require registration in advance, or payment of a fee in order to perform a marriage as an out-of-state minister, and so I need at least three months lead-time for any weddings outside of New Hampshire. This allows me to complete paperwork required by the State in which I will be officiating. Certain States have special requirements, or recognize only some clergy. Each county has different rules, and it is my job as minister to verify that I follow all local laws, and let you know the results.
Do you know any ministers who do weddings in (another state)?
I do! My Seminary classmates are spread across the globe, and I have contacts with other ministers throughout the United States and Canada. I also know and can recommend other ministers in the Monadnock area, if we don't click for some reason or if I cannot accommodate your wedding date due to a previous booking. Please contact me for information.
Do you perform theme weddings or location weddings, such as Renaissance style or a wedding at a boat dock?
Yes I do! Theme weddings can be a lot of fun, especially if it means a lot to the couple involved, and I am happy to accommodate. Please be aware that if I must wear special garb (a Renn gown for instance) you would need to pay the purchase or rental fee. The exception to that is if I already own something suitable for your wedding. I am happy to borrow, as well, if necessary.
How can I check on your credentials?
You can check on my credentials at any time, by contacting The Interfaith Temple at:
Interfaith Community International / New Vision Interspiritual Seminary
Rev. Deb Ross
(914) 345-2043
E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]
