South Plains Presbyterian Church Guidelines for Weddings
Christian marriage is sacred; established by God, blessed by Jesus Christ, and sanctified by the Holy Spirit. For Christians, marriage is a covenant through which a man and a woman are called to live out together, before God, their lives of discipleship. A Christian wedding ceremony, therefore, is a worship service, a profession of obedience to God’s holy plan through which God is glorified. The wedding guests bear witness to the establishment of a new family unit welcomed into the congregation of believers.
1. Contacting the Pastor
As soon as a couple decides to marry, they should contact the Pastor. The decision to perform the ceremony is at his or her discretion. Wedding ceremonies in the sanctuary are directed by the Pastor and supervised by session. The couple will complete the “Wedding Information Form” for approval by the church. Other participants in leading the ceremony can be invited by the Pastor.
2. Setting the date at the church depends upon availability of the Pastor and couple for three premarital sessions and the wedding date; availability of the organist; and, availability of the sanctuary.
3. The simple beauty of the sanctuary requires little embellishment. Flowers and other decorations should not hide the communion table or the baptismal font. Lighted candles must not drip wax on the floor or furniture. Bubbles or bird seed may be used outside the buildings. Rice is dangerous to our wildlife. No nails, tacks or tape can be used for decorations. All evidence of the wedding must be removed immediately after the ceremony. With prior arrangement, flowers may be left as a reminder to the congregation of the marriage.
Alcoholic beverages are not permitted on church property; and smoking is allowed only outside.
A unity candle, aisle runners, candle holders, kneelers, etc must be provided by the wedding party.
4. Music in the ceremony should be suitable and reverent, directing attention to the praise of God. Because a wedding is a worship service, it may include music of any form and style that would be appropriate in Sunday worship. Popular music and love songs which have special significance for the couple, but which are not suitable for worship, may be shared in the reception. As rule of thumb, music not appropriate for Sunday worship is better used at the reception. Music shall be planned and approved by the organist and Pastor as soon as possible to avoid misunderstanding.
The organist of South Plains retains the right of first refusal for accompanying the service.
5. Photography should not interfere with worship. Flash may be used before or after the service, and during the entrance of the bridal party. During worship, videotaping and still photography are permitted only from a stationary position and using only available light.
6. Kirk Hall will be open for the use of restrooms and for dressing. Use of Kirk Hall for receptions requires session approval.
7. Fees for members
Organist $100 for wedding only; $150 for wedding and one rehearsal
Custodian $50 check made out to George Amirez and sent to church office.
Pastor no fee for members
8. Fees for non-members
Organist $100 for wedding only; $150 for wedding and one rehearsal.
Custodian $50 check made out to George Amirez and sent to church office.
Pastor $200
Church $150
9. Checks for the organist, custodian and pastor should be made out to them individually. Checks for the church are payable to South Plains Presbyterian Church one month before the wedding.
10. A Key to Kirk Hall for use of the restrooms is available a week in advance of the wedding. The sanctuary is unlocked. It is the responsibility of the wedding party to open the buildings and to see that they are secured after the rehearsal and wedding. Items belonging to the wedding party or florist must be removed immediately after the wedding to permit the custodian to clean the facilities.
South Plains Presbyterian Church
P.O. Box 277
Keswick, VA 22947
434 293-4112
southplainspc.org
David K. Garth, Pastor
August 2007
USE OF THE FACILITIES For Weddings
Return this completed form to the church. Requests for use of the facilities are subject to approval of the session. Fees are due one month in advance.
Date of wedding ___________________ Time ___________
Date of Reception__________________ Time___________ Place _________________________
Bride____________________________ Groom _________________________
Contact information for person planning the wedding
Name______________________________________________
Address__________________________________________________________
Tel: day ___________________________ evening _____________________
Cell __________________________ email _______________________
Fees for members
Organist $100 for wedding only; $150 for wedding and one rehearsal
Custodian $50 check made out to George Amirez and sent to church office.
Pastor no fee for members
Fees for non-members
Organist $100 for wedding only; $150 for wedding and one rehearsal.
Custodian $50 check made out to George Amirez and sent to church office.
Pastor $200
Church $150
Checks for the organist, custodian and pastor should be made out to them individually. Checks for the church are payable to South Plains Presbyterian Church one month before the wedding.
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In consideration for the use of South Plains Presbyterian Church, the undersigned agree(s) to be responsible for any damage to the property or grounds of the Church resulting from the use of the Church’s facilities for the above purposes, and further agree(s) to indemnify and hold harmless South Plains Presbyterian Church and its officers, employees, and congregation from any expenses, costs, or damages of whatever nature arising from the use of these facilities.
______________________________________ Date ___________________
______________________________________ Date __________________