The Church Secretary will confirm the wedding date that you have chosen on the Church calendar. The date and time of the rehearsal and wedding will be reserved. The secretary will place you in contact with the Senior Pastor to begin planning the marriage ceremony.
The Senior Pastor, Rev. Jim Parkinson, 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.
Our Organist is Bruce Gingrich. He will help you select organ, piano, or other music appropriate for a service of Christian marriage. Mr. Gingrich provides music for weddings and approves guest organists at First UMC.
Our custodian and church hostesses 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.
RECEPTIONS
The Church’s Fellowship Hall and Oxford Hall are also available for receptions. A spacious kitchen is also available with commercial grade equipment.
Please note, that the use of tobacco and alcohol is not permitted in the church.
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
The Sanctuary of First Church is located on the second level. An elevator is available off the Sassafras Street entrance. 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 two 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 10:30 AM.
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.
Any questions regarding special needs not detailed here can be referred to the First UMC Board of Trustees.
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
