Wedding Policy
WEDDING POLICY OF ST. JOHN’S
We are pleased that you have chosen St. John’s for your wedding. We hope that an atmosphere of simple beauty and dignity will make this Christian occasion a memorable one for you.
You will need to contact the minister of St. John’s to set the date and to allow adequate time for counseling.
Should you wish another minister to officiate, the minister of St. John’s should issue the invitation. (Contact current minister at 453-7522.)
Since this is indeed a service of worship, we suggest that decorations be avoided which detract from the sacredness of the ceremony. Specifically, we have the following policies:
1. The altar candles are of Christian significance and shall remain in their place. No additional candles or flowers are to be placed on the altar. Seasonal worship appointments and altar furniture are to be left in place.
2. You are permitted to use candelabras and candle trees in the chancel area. Protective covering for the carpet must be provided.
3. In your selection of music, please remember that this is a Christian ceremony. Only sacred music can be used. The Minister of Music or organist will be glad to discuss selections with you. (Contact the church office at 453-7522, to secure this information.)
4. Do not use thumbtacks or scotch tape in decorating or marking pews.
5. Dried rose petals may be used only if there is a protective covering over the carpet.
6. Throwing of rice is discouraged as it can be slippery and pose a hazard. Also, it is thought to be harmful to some birds. We encourage the use of birdseed or potpourri. Nothing is to be thrown inside the building, sanctuary or fellowship hall.
7. Alcohol is strictly forbidden on church property.
8. If photography and videotaping are to take place during the ceremony, this must be worked out in detail with the minister as soon as possible after the wedding date is set. The church does not allow flash photography during the ceremony.
9. You and your wedding director should work out the placement of members of the wedding party, seating of family and guests, etc. prior to rehearsal.
10. The ritual and ceremony are the responsibility of the officiating minister. The minister will be glad to take into consideration any suggestions or personal requestsyou make. The minister will rehearse the bride and groom on the ritual.
11. For members of St. John’s, there will be no fee for use of the sanctuary; however, a $50.00 custodial cleanup fee will be charged for members to cover the after-hours clean-up of the sanctuary to ensure that it will be suitable for Sunday worship. A $50.00 clean-up fee will be charged for the Lighthouse. The fee for janitorial services is payable to the church office when the wedding is scheduled. You may do your own clean up.
· You are responsible for securing an organist for this service. You will negotiate the fee with the chosen organist. The staff organist must approve guest organists.
13. A sound technician from St. John’s will need to be secured. Contact the Director of Music for names of trained members. The honorarium must be at least $100.00.
14. A fee of $500.00 will be charged to non-members for the use of the sanctuary and the Fellowship hall. There is a clean up fee of $100.00. The Chair of the Board of Trustees will inspect before and after the wedding, and payments must be made for any damages to churchproperty. The fee for use of church facilities is payable to the church when your wedding is scheduled.