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AS YOU PLAN YOUR WEDDING First United Methodist Church welcomes inquiries from couples who desire to become husband and wife through the Church of Jesus Christ. For pictures of First Church and the sanctuary, click here. The staff will endeavor to make your marriage ceremony a memorable one. All staff personnel can be reached by calling the Church 814-452-3300. The Church Secretary, Mrs. Shirley Yeaney, (ext. 201), will confirm the wedding date that you have chosen on the Church calendar. She will reserve the date and time of your rehearsal and wedding. Mrs. Yeaney will place you in contact with the pastor so you may begin to plan the marriage ceremony. The Senior Pastor, Terry Shaughnessy, (ext.209), will arrange consultations with the couple, and may meet with the bride and groom separately if desired. He will be able to answer questions and help you with the ceremony. Pastor Terry performs all weddings at First. If you have a guest Pastor that would like to participate, please contact Pastor Terry. Our Organist and Minister of Worship/Music is Mr. Bruce R. Gingrich, (ext. 205). He will help you select organ music and other music if desired appropriate for a service of Christian marriage. It is understood that Mr. Gingrich plays for all weddings and has the right to approve any guest organists and soloists that are asked to participate in the wedding. Our custodian will care for the cleanliness of the sanctuary and other areas of the church. The couple is responsible for the arrangements for clean-up and notifying the church of any special needs. HONORARIA AND DONATIONS NOTE: A $100.00 NON- REFUNDABLE deposit required FOR NON-MEMBERS to book your date on the church calendar. Use of Church for Members No Charge Use of Church for Non Members $300.00 (The $100.00 deposit will be deducted from the non member use fee of $300.00.) Pastor $175.00 Minister of Worship/Organist $175.00 Wedding Hostess(s) Complimentary Soloist(s) As arranged with permisssion from Minister of Worship Instrumentalist(s) As arranged with permission from Minister of Worship Custodian $50.00 ALL FEES MUST BE PAID BY THE WEDDING REHEARSAL DATE OR BEFORE.
RECEPTIONS The Church’s Fellowship Hall and Oxford Center are available for receptions. A spacious kitchen is also available with commercial style equipment. Fees for the use of this facility will vary. Please note, however, that the use of tobacco and alcohol is not permitted in United Methodist Churches. You may employ a band or DJ for dancing. PHOTOGRAPHY Videography of your wedding ceremony is permitted, provided the videographer does not enter the altar area. Still photography without flash is permitted during the ceremony. Prior to, afterward, and during the processional and recessional, flash photographs may be taken. HANDICAP ACCESSIBILITY First Church is now totally accessible! The Sanctuary of First Church is located on the second level and a full-size elevator is available. The church requests that the couple notify the pastor of any special health needs for members of the wedding party and guests. PARKING Parking is available in the three church lots and in nearby ramps. INVITATION TO WORSHIP If you are not a member of First Church in Erie, we invite you to attend our services of worship to become more familiar with our church. We worship each Sunday at 8:30 a.m. and again at 10:55 a.m. FLOWERS AND OTHER DECORATIONS The couple is requested to consult with the pastor regarding floral decorations and other decorations for the wedding. No permanent alterations to the church facilities, or defacing of property may be made. The couple may use the altar flowers which are in place for the Sunday services.Special needs will be referred to the Church Board of Trustees.
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From the Ritual of Marriage... Christian marriage is proclaimed as a sacred covenant reflecting the Baptismal Covenant. Everything about the service is designed to witness that this is a Christian marriage. From the wedding service... The covenant of marriage was established by God, who created us male and female for each other. With his presence and power Jesus graced a wedding at Cana of Galilee and in his sacrificial love gave us the example for the love of husband and wife. And from St. Paul... Now faith, hope, and love abide; these three, and the greatest of these is love. I Corinthians 13:13 |
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