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Since marriage is a divine institution, established by God, the Church serves to solemnize marriages. As two people come to be joined in marriage, it is a time of worship and fellowship in God’s name and presence. Joyfully we make God the focus of all that is done.  Thus, all marriages done in the church premises are Christian marriages.
 

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MINISTER

The pastor has the authority to use his or her discretion whether or not to agree to officiate at a requested wedding ceremony.

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Ordinarily, the pastor in residence celebrates weddings performed in our sanctuary.  However, if the couple requests the participation of another pastor, the current pastor's permission is needed.  The couple and the pastor shall determine the extent of the guest's involvement.

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The current pastor, Dr Dilip Abyasekara, does NOT accept honorariums for conducting a wedding.  Suitable honorariums should be considered for any guest pastor participating.

 

 

THE CHURCH

The Catawissa Avenue United Methodist church views the use of its facilities for such a gathering as part of its ministry to the community.  Our sanctuary and other accommodations, as well as,  our pastor and staff, are here to aid you in creating a worshipful service of marriage.  This booklet is offered in the hope that it may help in  your planning.

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DATE OF THE WEDDING
To be assured that the pastor and church facilities are available for the ceremony on the date you have chosen, arrange a meeting with the minister several months in advance, three to six months.

 

After determining the availability of the church and the pastor, your dates can be confirmed.

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​COUNSELING
At least three (3) with the current pastor are required for a couple planning to be married in our sanctuary.  It is up to the pastor's discretion whether more visits will be required.

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The first visit will be a “get acquainted” visit where wedding plans will be discussed, the requirements for the use of the church presented, and questions answered. The couple will be asked to design their wedding service and bring this to the next visit.  Materials will be given to help with this adventure.

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The second and third visits will focus on the couple's relationship and their understanding of the covenant they are making in marriage.

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These counseling sessions will be arranged far enough in advance of the wedding date so as not to crowd last minute details for the bride and groom.  If conflicts in appointments arise, as they might, ample notification should be given so rescheduling can be done.

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ORGANIST/PIANIST
Our organist, Mr. Todd Kern,  is available to play for your wedding,  A guest organist/pianist or other musicians are acceptable if the couple desires.

 

In either situation it is suggested that the organist/pianist be contacted at the same time as the pastor. This will allow the musician time to clear his/her calendar. He/she may also want to meet with the couple to determine what music shall be used in the service.

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MUSIC
It is highly recommended that only sacred music be used at the wedding. Though there is appropriate secular music available, this should be reserved for the reception. The organist/pianist or the pastor can give seemly suggestions.

 

If the couple has a question about a particular piece to be played or sung, they may ask the organist or the pastor as to its appropriateness.

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​PHOTOGRAPHY/VIDEO
Picture taking is allowable both before and after the worship service by your designated photographer, professional or amateur, and your guests.  ONLY the designated photographer  may take pictures during the service, and then only without flash. Parts of the service may be restaged after the service and other pictures taken. Your designated photographer directs this portion of the wedding.

 

Video recording is allowed as well.

 

Both your designated photographer and the person using the video should remain in one location during the service, and well out of the way of the normal flow of the wedding,

 

The pastor will be happy to discuss locations and requirements with these people.

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FLOWERS
It is the responsibility of the couple to arrange for the floral and other decorations for the sanctuary. Your florist should contact the church office or the pastor to arrange to pick p the inserts from the altar vases if they are to be used.

 

If flowers are to remain for the service on Sunday morning, the choice is the couple's.  The pastor should be informed so it may be duly noted on the flower chart for the church.  The church secretary should be given any notice for the bulletin in writing so it may be included in the following Sunday.

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​WORSHIP FOLDERS
The couple may decide to use worship folders, bulletins, as mementos for the wedding, The couple will be responsible for purchasing these bulletins.   Any Christian book store will have a selection to choose from.

 

The church secretary is available to reproduce the bulletins.  The couple will supply in writing: (1) the music and composers that will be used for the pre-service music, (2) The list of attendants and any information you would like included about them, and (3) any announcements or words of greeting.  The pastor will provide the order of worship. 
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REHEARSAL
The wedding rehearsal is usually planned for the evening before the actual wedding. The date and time will be determined at the first meeting with the couple. The wedding rehearsal will allow time to:

1. Deliver the marriage license to the pastor

2. Block out and walk through the entire service

3. Determine what part of each member of the wedding party will have in the service

4. Hear the words that will be used and become familiar with those that will be spoken by the Bride and groom

5. Answer any last minute questions and make final preparations.

6. Get the giggles out!

             At least one (1) hour should be allotted for the rehearsal.

         Everyone involved in the service, including parents or other family representatives, should plan to attend the rehearsal.

        

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RICE, BIRD SEED AND CONFETTI
It is now illegal in the state of Pennsylvania to throw rice.

 

Bird seed and confetti are NOT to be thrown inside the church. It is suggested that this be the last act as the couple are leaving the building.

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​RECEPTION
Facilities of the church are available for rehearsal functions and/or wedding receptions. 

 

It is understood that no alcoholic beverages be used on the premises.

 

Smoking is also prohibited.

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PASTOR’S DESCRETION
The pastor has the discretion, at any point in the process, to cancel the church’s involvement in the wedding, if the couple is unwilling to adhere to the above guidelines, or if they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs during either the rehearsal or ceremony.
 

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