Weddings

Although the Christian marriage ceremony is a happy and sacred time, there is so much more ahead of you! Christian marriage is a promise of what life is to be. Marriage is not something that can be performed for us nor can we just "wish" for everything to be perfect. Simply saying "I do" is not enough - you must be willing to work to make your marriage fresh, vibrant and exciting.

The wedding day shines like a beacon in the night proclaiming the passage of your life from singleness into the uncharted path of marriage. Surely you have hopes, dreams, expectations and perhaps even a few questions about what lies ahead. The words that are spoken during your wedding ceremony, and the vows that you exchange, are but symbols of the process that is to come. You will discover that marriage requires words, promises, action and a lot of loving work. A successful marriage depends upon you and your willingness to love and learn together.

No matter what your present age you have already learned a great deal. You have developed many habits ( some good and perhaps a few not so good) that your new mate will not have - you two must now begin to mesh your differences into a workable lifestyle. It will be worth it all to have a happy home!

As you learn to love more and live together in peace and harmony, you will discover that patience will be a strong and powerful virtue. Practice saying "we' instead of "me" and surely you will be blessed! Marriage is the working together of two people to form a home that seeks the mutual benefit and happiness of the other. Marriage was God's idea. God first brought man and woman together and directed them to live in harmony, to tend His world, and to bring forth "like kind."

Marriage is the binding, both legally and spiritually, of two individuals into one unit. It was designed to bless both man and woman and God! there is to be no end in the marriage that is dedicated to God. With God's help the wedding vows can truly be for a lifetime together in growth and harmony. As you prepare for this new beginning in your life, please consider the many changes that will take place in your life, your mate's life, and in the two homes you leave behind. What you do now and how you treat one another in the early days of marriage will have a lasting effect on the final outcome.

If your marriage is to be successful you need a common interest. Consider building this common foundation on Jesus Christ. When you place your faith in Him, Jesus offers everlasting life (John 3:16). He promises never to leave you alone (Hebrews 13:5). When you make Jesus Lord of your life, He will guide you into the fullness of the Christian life that will bring joy and peace to your home and marriage. Before your wedding day, commit your life and your marriage to Jesus Christ; it will make the difference!

Members of the St. Petersburg First Church of the Brethren and all others who desire the use of the buildings for a wedding are invited to request our pastor to perform the marriage ceremony. If another qualified minister is desired, that is fine but please clear this with the Pastor before inviting the other minister to do your wedding.

The bride and groom shall arrange a conference with the Pastor as far in advance of the ceremony as possible. The conference should be held before announcements are made or invitations are printed. This initial meeting is for the pastor to ask specific questions of the prospective bride and groom and for the couple to get information helpful in planning their wedding. The determination of whether a pastor will join the couple in Holy Matrimony is solely the decision of that pastor.

The pastor will provide counsel which will be helpful in impressing upon the participants the solemnity of the marriage vows and to prepare them for their life together. This counsel will consist of no less than three sessions after the pastor has agreed to perform the ceremony and these sessions are mandatory. The cost of counseling in included in the pastor's fee.

It is most important that arrangements be made with the pastor and the church office for the rehearsal and subsequent ceremony so that neither shall conflict with the scheduled activities of the church.

The policy of the church is that the first wedding scheduled for that day has priority and subsequent ceremonies must be scheduled no closer than three hours to another wedding.

Music used in connection with the wedding ceremony should be in keeping with the sacredness and dignity of the wedding service.

The pastor and musicians will counsel with the interested parties concerning the choice of music to be used. The church will furnish the instrument (organ or piano) or the sound recording/playback system for recorded music. The sound system will be operated only by one of the church's authorized and trained sound engineers.

The church will provide the organist and soloist on request (and when available;otherwise, bridal parties will arrange for their own organist and soloist. The church has specific fees for musicians, sound engineers, and other wedding workers. (See fee schedule below.) The fee for self-contracted soloist, organist or pianist should be agreed upon in advance.

The wedding party will long cherish the photographs of the ceremony. Pictures may be taken before or after the ceremony or during the reception. Time-lapsed or other non-flash pictures may be taken during the ceremony, but only from the back of the sanctuary. It is recommended that extreme care be taken if non-flash pictures are to be taken during the ceremony - a careless photographer can ruin a beautiful worship experience. The bridal party is responsible for informing their family members and friends not to take photographs during the wedding. this must be left only to a professional photographer who understands the etiquette of wedding photography.

Florists are asked to get clearance with the church office or pastor prior to decorating any part of the church building for the ceremony or reception.

Candelabra are available from most florists. Only dripless candles may be used. If a "unity candle" is to be used, it should be purchased and in place for rehearsal.

All floral decorations should be removed immediately following the ceremony unless previous arrangements have been made.

We at the St. Petersburg First Church of the Brethren believe that God has blessed us with our church facilities. As Christian stewards, it is our responsibility to utilize the buildings in the most efficient manner possible. The following guidelines are intended to assist those who wish to use the facilities of the St. Petersburg First Church of the Brethren.

All facilities of the church are available to members.

Non-members may use the facilities for weddings, receptions, showers and family gatherings.

Use by individuals, groups or organizations not connected with the church will require approval by the church prior to use.

Anyone using the buildings must contact the church office and conform to church policy.

Responsibilities:

The pastor or other designated church official will unlock the facilities and insure that the building is locked when the function is complete.

The control of the heating and cooling of the building will be the responsibility of the pastor or designated church official.

The pastor or other designated church official will be responsible for turning on and off the church lights.

The wedding janitor will insure that all areas are vacuumed and properly cleaned. Those using the building are required to return all furniture to its proper place.

Users are responsible for washing all dishes and utensils in the kitchen area. Caterers are required to furnish their own dishes and utensils.

Special Notes:

There is to be no smoking anywhere in the buildings.

No alcoholic beverages served, used or consumed anywhere on the premises.

All decorations are to be removed immediately following the function unless other arrangements are made with the church office.

No rice anywhere on the church property - bird seed can be used, but not inside the building.

Arrange with the church office for use of the sanctuary

Reserve the place of reception (if church fellowship hall is to be used, clear this through the church office.)

Schedule an appointment with the Pastor to begin counseling and ceremony preparations.

Read the Church Use Guidelines and abide by them.

Contact the florist

Contact the caterer

Contact the printer about invitations

Contact the photographer

Arrange for men and women's wedding apparel

Secure the marriage license from the Courthouse (the license must be brought to the pastor no later than the night of rehearsal).

Be sure the pastor has your home and work telephone numbers.

If a Wedding Director is to be used, select someone who can help you in the planning process and has a knowledge of a wedding ceremony and the facilities. Make arrangements for this person to speak with the pastor before the night of the rehearsal.

Make sure all the Church fees are paid on or before the night of the rehearsal.

Be sure your wedding party knows the time and date of the rehearsal; encourage them to be on time.

Make travel arrangements.

Begin writing your "Thank you" notes.