WHAT IS A CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE?

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The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church USA states: Marriage is a gift God has given to all humankind for the well-being of the entire human family. Marriage involves a unique commitment between two people, traditionally a man and a woman, to love and support each other for the rest of their lives. The sacrificial love that unites the couple sustains them as faithful and responsible members of the church and the wider community. (Book of Order, W-4.9001)

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In civil law, marriage is a contract that recognizes the rights and obligations of the married couple in society. In the Reformed tradition, marriage is also a covenant in which God has an active part, and which the community of faith publicly witnesses and acknowledges.

 

Marriage ceremonies taking place in the sanctuary of First United Presbyterian Church are to be considered an act of Presbyterian liturgical worship and should therefore be regarded as such by the bridal party and their guests. For this reason, our pastor conducts all weddings, member and nonmember. Pastors of other churches have to be approved by the current pastor.

 

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS OF MARRIAGE IN OUR CHURCH?

As stated above, one of the foremost requirements is a desire to have God in our wedding and in your life together. This does not mean you have to be a “Super Christian” but that you have a desire for learning more about and building a more faithful relationship with God. The couple is required to regularly attend church during the preparation period and after the wedding itself.

 

To uphold this requirement, meetings with the pastor will be required. This time of “premarital counseling” is intended to help you as individuals and as a couple on your walk of discipleship. These meetings will explore the nature of your relationship with God and with each other, your readiness to freely enter into the covenant of marriage and to plan the wedding ceremony. 4-5 sessions will be scheduled with the pastor. This is only required if our pastor is officiating the wedding ceremony.

 

 

 

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ADDITIONAL COSTS

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Bulletins $10(per 100)

**Aisle Candles (24 available) No Charge

**Candelabras (7 candles each) No charge

 

**Church supplied candles only

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All costs will be billed to the couple prior to the ceremony and will be paid by the rehearsal date.

 

SUGGESTED MUSICIANS

Organists and pianists of other churches are allowed at the discretion of the FUPC pastor and/or church musician. Vocalists will need to arrange practice time, if using church organist or pianist. The sound operator can play cd tracks.

 

All music selected for the ceremony will need to be appropriate for a Christian worship service. Secular music is only allowed without lyrics. Please save picture powerpoints, couple videos, and non-religious songs for your reception.

 

SPECIAL NOTES

Due to the risks posed to God’s creation and the resulting clean-up

Incurred, no one is permitted to throw rice, birdseed, confetti, etc. in the church or on church grounds.