WEDDING GUIDELINES FOR CHURCH MEMBERS



WEDDING GUIDELINES FOR CHURCH MEMBERS

Wedding requirements:

A. The wedding and reception ceremonies must be done to the glory of God. This concern is to be included in the Pastor's pre-marital counseling.

B. As part of the approval for marriages in our church the elders require the couple to participate in pre-marriage counseling with the senior pastor of the church. The session will begin at least four (4) months prior to the wedding date. There will be a minimum of six (6) pre-marriage counseling sessions covering the following items:

* Biblical instruction on the responsibilities of marriage and parenthood.

* The development of a budget and repayment plan if there are financial debts.

* Two preparatory inventories - the Taylor-Johnson Temperament Analysis Inventory and PREPARE (a premarital personal and relationship evaluation which will cost the couple $30).

* A session of pre-marriage counseling to specifically plan the details of the wedding ceremony to insure that each part of the wedding ceremony (including all songs and music) is Christian in nature.

C. Prior to the wedding date the couple is required to attend worship services at least three out of four Sundays per month in the four months prior to the wedding. If couples are in attendance in another church the elders reserve the right to contact the pastor or elders at that church to verify church attendance.

D. In situations where the couple desires to have someone other than the senior pastor of the congregation perform the wedding ceremony, written approval of the person performing the wedding ceremony must be requested from the elder by the couple.

E. The use of the forms for marriage as approved by the Synod of the Christian Reformed Church is to be encouraged.

F. The wedding couple is responsible for arranging any needed musicians with the guidance of the wedding consultant. The music and words to the songs shall be Christian. These must be submitted to the Church’s Administration Committee in advance for approval.

G. Dancing, the use of alcoholic beverages, use of narcotics or any illegal substance is prohibited on the premises. If violated, permission to use the facilities will be terminated immediately. No rice (or other fine grains or seeds) or confetti may be thrown on the church property.

H. Weddings may be held on Friday or Saturday, depending on building availability and Council approval. The facilities must begin by 6:00 pm and vacated no later than 8:00 pm on Saturday in order to allow adequate time for cleaning after the ceremony. If the use of the facilities goes past 8:00 pm, the custodian's fee will be doubled.

I. It shall be understood that those using these facilities for a reception must set up their own tables, chairs, displays, etc. They are expected to clean all dishes used as well as other utensils, tables, chairs and leave the kitchen clean as found. The custodian will be responsible to see that all chairs, tables, etc. are put back in their proper places. Linens of the church may be used if available, but users shall see to it that they are laundered after use, and should be left on the kitchen counter.

J. A rehearsal may be held the evening before the wedding.

ADDITIONAL BUILDING USE REMINDERS:

1. For use of the sound system, arrangements must be made in advance to schedule our technician to operate it. There will be no use of the sound system without our technician operating it.

2. Pulpit furniture that has been moved must be replaced as found, ready for any worship service to follow.

3. Tacks, staples, scotch tape, etc. are not to be used on the pews or woodwork. Carpeting must be protected from candle drippings and table tops from water and pottery spots.

4. Anyone using or renting the facilities will be liable for damages.

5. Picture taking during the actual ceremony should be kept to a minimum and be as unobtrusive as possible.

6. The removal of any items from the church by members is prohibited with the exception of Hanford Christian School. Only furnishings stored in the Clubhouse may be used outside the church after contacting the custodian.

7. Please, absolutely no food or drink in the sanctuary.

FEES FOR MEMBERS:

All fees are payable two weeks prior to the wedding date.

▪ Custodian-Wedding $100

▪ Custodian- Use of kitchen for rehearsal dinner $50

▪ Sound System Technician $50

▪ Wedding Consultant $50

▪ Pastor and musician honorariums, etc. are the responsibility of the wedding couple.

Member fees apply when one or both of the persons being married are on the membership roles of our congregation either as a member by public profession of faith or by baptism, or when one or both of the persons being married are the children of parents who members in good standing in our congregation.

For weddings at First Christian Reformed Church of Hanford the church provides:

▪ Service of Wedding Consultant at rehearsal and wedding.

▪ Use of facilities

▪ Silverware (100)

▪ Set of white dishes (120)

▪ Silver Coffee and Tea service

▪ Punchbowl

▪ Two coffee makers (101 cup and 32 cup size)

▪ Catering suggestions

▪ Custodian service

▪ Small glass candle holders for reception tables

▪ Tables (rectangular seating 10 or round seating 8)

Bride Provides:

▪ Candles, candelabra, etc.

▪ Flowers (sanctuary and bridal party)

▪ Runners (optional, available through florists)

▪ Photographer

▪ Someone to pour coffee, tea, punch, cut cake, keep food supplied.

▪ Someone to be present when cake is delivered

▪ Someone assigned to pick up clothes and presents after ceremony

▪ Catering if desired

Sanctuary seats a maximum of 450 (including balcony)

Fellowship Hall seats 120 for a banquet

It is our wish that your wedding be as memorable and joyful an occasion as possible. It is also our wish that God's name be honored and glorified through your wedding. Please do not hesitate to call on the minister or wedding consultant for any help they may be able to give you.

WEDDING GUIDELINES FOR NON-MEMBERS

The guidelines are identical to those for church members, with the following exceptions.

All weddings of non-members will be allowed only on Friday.

FEES FOR NON-MEMBERS

A. Use of Building $500

B. Refundable Security/Cleaning deposit $500

C. Sound System Technicians $100

D. Wedding Consultant $100

E. Custodian $200

F. Use of kitchen for rehearsal dinner $100

G. Pastor $100

H. Church Organist /Pianist (each) $ 75

I. Evidence of Liability Insurance needed

J. All above fees must be paid upon approval of request or at a time agreed upon by Council.

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Use of kitchen for small parties, anniversaries, showers, etc. $ 75

GUIDE FOR USE OF CHURCH FACILITIES

I. The church facilities shall be free to any or all the following groups when used in the church. Requests shall be made of the council through the church secretary

A. All societies, clubs, church school classes, etc. which are affiliated with our church.

B. All groups or organizations which are in any way connected with classis of the denomination

C. All groups or organizations of which society are members or are affiliated with, such as youth organizations, church councils, or ministerial associations.

D. Hanford Christian School or affiliated organizations, either local or connected with Christian School International (CSI), including Christian School teaching groups and their organizations.

II. Families or family groups belonging to our church and wishing to use the facilities for such occasions as showers, anniversaries, birthdays, etc. Fees are as follows.

• A minimum gift of $50 must be made to the custodians for their service.

It shall be understood that those using these facilities for any of these events must set up their own displays, etc. They are expected to clean all dishes used as well as other utensils, and leave the kitchen clean as found. The custodian will be responsible to see that all chairs, tables, etc. are put back in their proper places. Linens of the church may be used if available, but users shall see to it that they are laundered after use, and should be left on the kitchen counter.

Only furnishings stored in the Clubhouse may be used outside the church after contacting the custodian.

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