A Reconciling in Christ Congregation
|
Weddings at St. Peter's Church
|
|
|
|
|
Congratulations on your engagement and decision to bring your celebration of marriage to the church!
Below is an online version of our Wedding booklet for you to read and consider before calling the church office for an appointment.
Weddings
at
St. Peter's Church
31 W. Main St.
Port Jervis, NY 12771
(845) 856 - 1033
Congratulations!
We join with you in expressing our joy at your decision to marry and to celebrate this Rite in the Church. We are honored to become part of the journey you have already begun and to help you celebrate your union.
This booklet contains items for you to consider as you make your preparations. In order for the planning to be as joyous as possible and free of misunderstandings, we urge you to read this brochure before you call the church office. Be sure also to make the necessary appointments as soon as possible.
A Community of Faith
The marriage liturgy is normally preceded by a period of preparation. In the Lutheran Church we understand marriage to be a gift of God, intended for the joy and mutual strength of those who enter it and for the well-being of the whole human family
Marriage is also a human estate, with vows publicly witnessed. The church in worship surrounds these promises with the gathering of God’s people, the witness of the Word of God, the Sacrament of Holy Communion, and prayers of blessing and intercession.
The Church assumes that you are planning your wedding here as part of your participation or interest in the life of this congregation. It is our expectation that you will attend services with regularity.
At St. Peter’s we recognize as sacred and holy same sex and hetero - sexual couples’ desire to marry, and solemnize marriages for all who are seeking to live out their baptism in an ethical and loving relationship.
Setting the Date
After reading this brochure and discussing it with your partner, you should call the church secretary and make an appointment to see the Pastor. We do not discuss a wedding date until after that meeting. Only upon receipt of the fees is the church committed to the date and time agreed upon.
St. Peter’s does not solemnize church weddings during the seasons of Lent or Advent as these are penitential seasons.
Premarital Counseling
You will need to have a series of three appointments with the pastor. These premarital counseling sessions are designed to help explain the liturgy, review with you your relationship and the expectations you bring to it, and to plan the ceremony. It is wise to make these appointments before you secure reception halls or make other plans since the pastor cannot perform wedding ceremonies without certifying that these sessions have taken place. If you have been married previously, you will be asked to bring a copy of your divorce decree.
In the Lutheran Church, one of the two planning to be married must be a baptized Christian (although not necessarily a Lutheran). No one is required to become either a Christian or a Lutheran, but the ceremony is Christian by nature.
Music
The Marriage Rite is a service of worship, and the music therefore must be carefully chosen. It should embody high standards of quality and the texts should reflect the praise of God, the steadfast love of Christ for his church and the invocation of God’s presence and blessing. Secular music is not appropriate.
Please be sure to speak with our Music Minister/Organist to arrange for a time to review the music.
Seating
St. Peter’s seats about 200 people, with some options for folding chairs if needed. We are also handicapped accessible. The center aisle is approximately 60 feet long.
Flowers
The flowers are customarily left at the church to be taken to the sick and shut-in. If you choose to make other arrangements, please speak to the Pastor. Artificial flowers are not permitted.
Leaving the Church
Birdseed and bubbles are permitted after the ceremony. (Outside only, please!)
Photography
Still and motion photography within the context of the liturgy demands a sensitivity that most professionals understand. Photography and videography are permitted. Flash photography and artificial lighting are permitted only during the processional and recessional. Once the bridal couple reaches the altar, all photography and videography will be accomplished using existing light. Please inform your guests of this rule. Moving about the sanctuary unobtrusively is acceptable for the professional. We ask that photographers remain behind the front pews, and do not enter the chancel.
If your photographer or videographer has questions, they may contact the Sacristan.
Fees
Members of the congregation, by their stewardship, support the church with their offerings. The only fees due from members are for the organist, sexton, and printing bulletins.
All fees are due after the first appointment with the Pastor. Only then is the date and time reserved.
Church Fee: $250
Organist: $175
Sexton: $75 (Brian Lewis)
Altar Guild: $100
Pastor: $250
Bulletins: $25
Please note: Fees for soloists, choir or instrumentalists are to be arranged with the Minister of Music/Organist.
