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Introduction
Welcome to Old South Congregational
Church, United Church of Christ!
We are delighted that you are considering holding your
wedding ceremony at Old South. We are eager to be supportive
as you prepare to make a public profession of your commitment
to one another and, more importantly, to invite God's
blessing on your relationship.
This brochure will help you in your
planning process, in understanding the expectations
of Old South, its trustees and its staff. If you schedule
your wedding at Old South, we strongly suggest that
you keep and refer back to these Guidelines throughout
the wedding process.
A wedding will be most meaningful
when there is a careful concern for the sanctity of
the church and its services. Marriage is "instituted
of God" and regulated by God's commandments, blessed
by our Lord Jesus Christ, and to be held in honor by
all persons. A wedding ceremony at Old South is a Christian
worship service, with the language and music reflecting
that fact.
Scheduling
The date of the wedding is set in
consultation with the pastor. At least 3 months notice
must be given for the use of the church. Weddings are
not normally held during Holy Week, Christmas or Easter.
Officiating
The Old South Church pastor ordinarily
officiates at all weddings held in the church. The pastor
will meet with the wedding party and explain the procedures
to be followed.
Generally, the pastor of Old South
will meet with the couple at least three times prior
to the wedding to plan the wedding and for pre-marriage
counseling.
Other clergy may participate in the
service at the invitation of the pastor at Old South.
Please speak to the pastor if you would like another
clergyperson to participate in your service.
Music
Music for the weddings shall be in
keeping with the reverence observed upon entering a
house of worship. The Director of Music shall approve
all music.
The Director of Music is responsible
for the church organ and its use by other persons. Request
for other musicians must have the Director of Music's
approval.
Please see the enclosed information
that is provided by the organist.
General Rules
Reservations for any church wedding
must be made with the Church office and pastor.
No alcohol, or intoxicating substances
are to be served at any time. No smoking is allowed
in the church buildings or on the church grounds.
The Board of Trustees reserves the
right to limit the use of the church properties at any
time.
Promptness at the rehearsal and wedding
is essential. A wedding rehearsal may be canceled if
the wedding party is not assembled within thirty minutes
of the starting time of the rehearsal.
No receiving lines, please, unless
the reception will be held in the Parish House.
No recorded music in the sanctuary,
unless allowed by the pastor.
It is the responsibility of the couple
to secure a marriage license. This license must be brought
to the wedding rehearsal.
Reception
If you wish to hold your wedding
reception in the Parish House, please speak with the
administrative assistant regarding policies and the
rental agreement.
Invitations
It is customary for invitations to
the rehearsal dinner and the reception be issued to
the pastor and the pastor's spouse (and, sometimes,
the organist as well). The pastor appreciates a formal
invitation to these events.
The pastor makes every effort to attend
the rehearsal dinner. However, the pastor rarely is
able to attend the wedding reception. In most instances,
therefore, you should ask a family member or a friend
to offer the blessing at the reception. The pastor would
be happy to write such a blessing. Please make your
request prior to the rehearsal.
Payment Schedule
Payment is expected in full
by the day of the rehearsal or prior to the day of the
wedding. Payment shall be made separately to those individuals
participating in the service, including the sexton.
Checks are to be given to the administrative assistant
in the church office (please be aware that the church
office is open only in the mornings).
A $50.00 deposit is required when
returning the application, to secure your date on the
church's calendar.
Fee Schedule (fees should be paid
separately)
For active church members, there
is no fee for the use of the church buildings. A free
will donation, though, is appreciated.
Please speak to the pastor if you
have financial concerns regarding any of the wedding
fees.
*Sanctuary - winter (November through
March) $150.00
summer $100.00
*Fellowship Hall (if needed) $100.00
Organist - wedding (see insert) $150.00
Pastor - wedding $250.00
Custodial fee (Elizabeth Cieslinski) $ 45.00
Cameras, Video and Photographs
During the ceremony, attention should
be on the liturgy with a minimum of distraction. Hence,
discreet photography is recommended, and no flash photography
is permitted during the ceremony itself.
All photographs that will be taken
at the church after the service must be completed within
one half hour after the ceremony.
The photographer must speak to the
pastor before the ceremony to discuss arrangements.
Floral Arrangements
The Sanctuary provides a setting for
a sacred service, which is dignified and beautiful.
Please speak with the pastor about floral arrangements
and instructions for your florist.
Parking/Accessibility
For the rehearsal and the day of the
ceremony, you may park along Second Street and in the
parking lot next to the Parish House.
A handicapped parking spot is located
at the bottom of the ramp located on the Chestnut Street
side of the church, near the railroad tracks.
The church has a wheelchair.
The Church Staff
Pastor: The Rev. Susan M. Reisert,
622-1220, smreiser@colby.edu
Director of Music: Bunny Stanley – 549-5187
Administrative Assistant: Peggy Harrington, 622-1220
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