Planning Your Wedding - Amazon S3€¦ · Contact the Wedding Coordinator if your wedding involves...
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Planning Your Wedding Newtown Presbyterian Church Newtown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania
Transcript of Planning Your Wedding - Amazon S3€¦ · Contact the Wedding Coordinator if your wedding involves...
Planning Your Wedding
Newtown Presbyterian Church
Newtown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania
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Index
Christian Marriage in the Presbyterian Church..................................................... 3
What To Do First ........................................................................................... 4
Wedding Guidelines and Helpful Hints .............................................................. 5
Wedding Checklist ............................................................................................ 7
What Will It Cost? ......................................................................................... 8
The Wedding Coordinator .................................................................................. 9
Planning the Order of Service ............................................................................ 10
Music Selection ................................................................................................. 10
The Traditional Wedding Service ...................................................................... 11
Rite of Christian Marriage ................................................................................. 14
A Contemporary Wedding Service ...................................................................... 17
Suggested Scripture Readings ........................................................................... 19
Contact Information ........................................................................................... 20
Fee Schedules ................................................................................................... 21
Parking ............................................................................................................ 23
Information Sheet ............................................................................................. 24
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Christian Marriage in the
Presbyterian Church
Our Presbyterian Directory for Worship says:
Newtown Presbyterian Church affirms marriage as a gift to the world, given by God. As two
people stand before God and witnesses, they make promises to one another--vows that bind them
together for a lifetime.
The liturgy, sermon, scripture readings, and prayers of the service of marriage bear witness to
God's everlasting covenant with humanity and all of creation, and testify to the means by which
this sacred covenant has been revealed--the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ our Lord.
A wedding is a sacred service of the Church--a time of joy and celebration, and, most important of
all, a time set aside for the praise and glorification of God.
As a welcoming and inclusive Christian congregation, we invite the opportunity to speak with you
about the decision to marry, and to help make your wedding a meaningful event for your families
and friends. Please let us know how we can assist you, including the answering of questions.
We conduct weddings according to the guidelines of our denomination, the Presbyterian Church
(USA). The Constitution of the PC (USA) reads as follows:
"Marriage is a gift God has given to all humankind for the wellbeing of the entire
human family. Marriage involves a unique commitment between two people,
traditionally a man and a woman, to love and support each other for the rest of
their lives. The sacrificial love that unites the couple sustains them as faithful and
responsible members of the church and the wider community.
In civil law, marriage is a contract that recognizes the rights and obligations of
the married couple in society. In the Reformed tradition, marriage is also a
covenant in which God has an active part, and which the community of faith
publicly witnesses and acknowledges."
The grace and peace of Christ our Lord be with you.
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What to do first……..
Your wedding date and time should be cleared first through the Church Office (215-968-
3861), and then through one of the Pastors as to their availability. Final approval of the date will be
made by one of the Pastors. No weddings can be scheduled during Lent, Good Friday through
Easter Sunday or the month of December.
You should plan on at least three one-hour pre-marriage counseling sessions with the
officiating Pastor. Call the church office to arrange these sessions. In addition, you will need to
meet with the Wedding Coordinator and the Organist.
One of the Pastors must be involved in the planning of any wedding taking place in our
sanctuary. Other clergy can and are welcome to participate by invitation of the Pastor. The
officiating Pastor and the Wedding Coordinator will be responsible for the rehearsal direction and
the wedding service.
In the Presbyterian tradition, marriage is NOT a sacrament, but an ordinance of the church.
As such, it is governed by the Directory of Worship of the Presbyterian Church and by the Session
of the local congregation.
There are three wedding liturgies included in this booklet. For example: the traditional
wedding service relies heavily upon the old Book of Common Worship and has a more formal
language and style. The other suggested liturgies are more contemporary and informal. Variations
or combinations of each of these services may be used. You may write your own service as well,
but it must be consistent with the standards of the Presbyterian Church and must include those
elements required by the state. The Pastors are willing to work with you through each step of the
actual text of your service and approve any self-written service.
So, where do you begin?
Contact the Pastor and the Church office concerning dates, times and pre-wedding
counseling. Do this well in advance of the wedding date. You meet with the Pastor at least
three times before the wedding.
Contact the Wedding Coordinator if your wedding involves more attendants than a
Maid/Matron of Honor and a Best Man.
Contact the Organist of the church to plan the music. If you wish to have a soloist, this
person should be contacted well in advance as well. Often the organist can assist you in
locating a soloist.
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Wedding Guidelines and Helpful Hints…..
PICTURES: NO FLASH PICTURES are allowed during the ceremony because cameras and
flashes distract all who are present. (This should be noted in your wedding bulletin. Also indicate that
all pagers, cell phones, etc. should be turned off during the service.) Professional photographers are
allowed to take a picture of the wedding party as they enter and leave the sanctuary. All other flash
pictures are to be posed following the ceremony. A sound plug is available for taping from the
balcony. Upon arrival at the church on the day of the ceremony, the photographer or videographer
must consult with the Wedding Coordinator and/or the Pastor in charge as to the rules and setup
allowed.
PARKING: Because parking is a problem close to the church, we suggest parking in the school lot
across the street (except in those areas restricted by yellow no-parking zones). The Wedding
Coordinator or the Pastor will offer parking instructions at the rehearsal. Parking cones are available
for use by the immediate family on the day of the wedding. A parking instruction sheet (which can be
copied for inclusion in your wedding invitation) is enclosed at the back of this booklet.
FLOWERS, CANDLES AND DECORATIONS: Arrangements for flowers, white paraments
and use of any candles will be made through the Wedding Coordinator or Pastor.
Flowers: Vases are available for your flowers. If additional flowers are being
considered, please consult the Wedding Coordinator. You may leave the wedding
flowers for a Sunday service (with appropriate dedication in the church bulletin) if you
wish. Arrangements for this may be made with the Wedding Coordinator. All flowers
and other decorations must be removed from the church following the service unless they
are to be given to the church for the Sunday service. Any floral arrangements on the altar
must be lower than the height of the cross.
Pew Bows: Ribbons may be used on the pews if they are tied and secured with bows or
approved plastic clips. PLEASE, NO THUMB TACKS OR TAPE OF ANY KIND.
Aisle Runner: The use of an aisle runner is optional. We encourage you to check with your
florist about the availability of a runner. If used, it should be at least 75’ long.
Guest Book: A guest book can be placed in the narthex or at the reception hall.
WEDDING BULLETINS: Bulletins outline the basic order of the service and the names of the
participants. These are optional and are NOT printed by the church office.
RINGS: The service may be either double or single-ring. If it is a single-ring service, only the
bride is given a ring. If the service is double-ring, then both the bride and groom exchange rings.
PLEASE NOTE: It is recommended that children acting as flower girl or ring bearer be old
enough to walk down the aisle.
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COMMUNION: Ordinarily Communion is not included in a Presbyterian wedding service. When
Communion is included, however, it must be offered to everyone in attendance.
STATE REQUIREMENTS: The State of Pennsylvania has requirements that must be met
for couples wishing to be married. The Pastor will go over these requirements with you at one of the
counseling sessions. The Pastor cannot marry you without a license from the State of Pennsylvania.
This is secured from the marriage license bureau at the Court of Orphans, Division of Court of
Common Please, Bucks County Courthouse or the branch office in Newtown Borough. We suggest
that you obtain a second copy of the certified marriage license from the Courthouse. You will
receive a copy of a wedding certificate from the Pastor. A portion of the certificate is returned to the
County Courthouse where your marriage is recorded. From this time on, all legal proof of your
marriage must be obtained from the County Courthouse. We also keep a record in the Church
Register.
WEDDING REHEARSAL: It is necessary for all members of the wedding party to be
present at the rehearsal. This includes all family members, ushers, readers and musicians. Although
not required, you may invite the Pastor and his/her spouse to the rehearsal dinner.
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES: Drinking of any alcoholic beverages before the wedding or the
rehearsal will not be tolerated.
USHERS: The ushers will be instructed by the Wedding Coordinator or
the Pastor at the rehearsal concerning the seating of guests, seating of late comers, escorting parents,
use of the aisle runner (optional) and any other duties. Ushers are a very important part of a beautiful
wedding.
RECEPTION: Ordinarily the reception is held outside the church, but
Ettenger Hall can be rented for receptions. There is an additional fee for the use of Ettenger Hall. No
alcoholic beverages of any kind are permitted in Ettenger Hall or on the church grounds. If you wish
to have the Pastor offer a prayer at the reception, please inform him/her ahead of time.
CUSTODIAL SERVICES: The sanctuary, its entrance and any other rooms used by the
wedding party require extra cleaning. The church Sexton is paid for this extra service by the
wedding couple. See Wedding Fee Schedule for specific rates.
RICE AND BIRDSEED: THE THROWING OF RICE AND/OR BIRDSEED AT
THE OUTSIDE ENTRANCES OF THE CHURCH IS PROHIBITED!
AFTER YOUR WEDDING: The church and the Pastor feel a continuing responsibility to
you. If you ever need counseling and help for your marriage and family life, the Pastors and
resources of the church are available to you at no charge.
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WEDDING CHECKLIST (for your convenience)
Church contacted_____________________________ Date Reserved___________________
(date)
Pastor Contacted_________________ Name ______________________________________
(date)
Counseling sessions scheduled (1)____________________________________
(date)
(2)____________________________________
(date)
(3)____________________________________
(date)
Wedding Coordinator Contacted _______________________________________________
(date)
Organist Contacted__________________________________________________________
(date)
Florist Contacted__________________________ Name_____________________________
(date)
Photographer Contacted ____________________ Name____________________________
(date)
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What Will it Cost? ……… (and suggestions for who pays)
FLOWERS: These will cost as little or as much as you want. You are responsible
for flower arrangements for the sanctuary and reception hall and flowers for the wedding party and
family. Tradition tells us that the groom is usually responsible for paying for the corsages,
boutonnieres, etc. worn by the wedding party. Ordinarily the bride’s parents are responsible for the
flowers decorating the sanctuary and the reception hall.
RECEPTION: This can be held in a home, a private club, and a catering facility or at
the church. Ettenger Hall and the kitchen are available for a wedding reception (see the Wedding
Fee Schedule for rates). No alcoholic beverages are permitted on church property.
REHEARSAL DINNER: This is optional and may be held either before or after the wedding
rehearsal. The groom or his family usually pays the cost of this.
PHOTOGRAPHS: You must decide in consultation with your photographer how much
you wish to spend. The cost is usually paid by the bride’s family or by the bride and groom together.
No flash pictures may be taken during the wedding ceremony.
PERSONNEL: The pastor’s, organist’s, wedding coordinator and sexton's checks
should be made out to those persons directly. The use of church sanctuary check should be written
to Newtown Presbyterian Church. (See Wedding Fee Schedule on page 21 for rates/names.)
USE OF THE CHURCH: See the Wedding Fee Schedule on page 21.
DRESS: It should be made clear to the participating members of the wedding
party if they are expected to bear the cost of special dresses or formal wear.
MEMBERS OF THE WEDDING PARTY: Usually small gifts are given by the bride and groom to
the ushers, best man, maid or matron of honor and other attendants. Sometimes the bride and groom
also provide the cost of special wedding clothing to their attendants.
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Services Provided by the Wedding Coordinator
The services of the Wedding Coordinator are required for any wedding involving more
attendants than a Maid/Matron of Honor and a Best Man.
The Wedding Coordinator will consult with the couple concerning flowers and other
decorations for the sanctuary, candles in the windows or the Unity candle as well as details
concerning parking and the wedding rehearsal.
She will be present at the rehearsal and the wedding to oversee entrance times, flowers and
their dispersal, usher decorum and timing, and any other matters pertaining to the entrances and
exits of the wedding party, including the reception line.
She will offer advice and counsel concerning photographers, videotaping and other details
such as seating parents, etc.
The Wedding Coordinator will receive a fee from the family (see the fee schedule). If the
fee is beyond the means of the couple, appropriate adjustments will be made in consultation with the
Pastor and the Wedding Coordinator.
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Planning the Order of Service for Your Wedding
Following this page you will find complete copies of three services of worship for your
wedding. The first is the traditional Presbyterian service; the second is the contemporary
Presbyterian service, and the third is from the Ecumenical Book of Common Worship.
Read through them and then decide which service best suits your needs. You may create
your own order of service by taking parts of one or more of them and creating a new service. You
may also write part or all of your service using one of these basic outlines. The Pastor approves all
newly written material in advance. The marriage service is, as stated in our marriage standards, a
service of worship, not just a social occasion that happens to be held in a church.
Music Selection
Music forms a very important part of most wedding services and should be in keeping with
the dignity and sacredness of a worship service. As soon as your wedding date has been confirmed,
you should contact the Organist and schedule a meeting. Our Organist will help you with decisions
about your processional music and any solos that may be included in the service. We can also
make suggestions regarding choosing a soloist if desired.
A wedding is both a personal experience and a public witness of your intentions before
God; therefore we discourage the use of musical selections that are meaningful only to the couple
involved. Good taste and fitting lyrics should be the guide. Purely secular music is generally
inappropriate for the wedding service, although certainly would be fine for the wedding reception.
Questions about a specific piece of music should be directed to the Organist and Pastor.
Hymns may be incorporated into the service either as a processional, part of the prelude, or
incorporated into the service itself as congregational singing. The Organist and/or Pastor can
suggest a variety of suitable hymns.
All parts of the service should serve to reflect the purpose of a church wedding—to invoke
the blessing of God on the founding of a home.
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Traditional Wedding Service
(taken from the Book of Common Worship of the Presbyterian Church, U.S.A.)
The Persons to be married shall present themselves before the
Minister, the Man standing at the right hand of the Woman.
Then, all present reverently standing, the Minister shall say:
Dearly beloved, we are assembled here in the presence of God, to join ______________ and
____________ in holy marriage; which is instituted of God, regulated by His commandments,
blessed by our Lord Jesus Christ, and to be held in honor among all men. Let us, therefore
reverently remember that God has established and sanctified marriage, for the welfare and
happiness of mankind. Our Savior has declared that a man shall leave his father and mother and
cleave unto his wife. By His apostles, He has instructed those who enter into this relation to
cherish a mutual esteem and love; to bear with each other’s infirmities and weaknesses; to comfort
each other in sickness, trouble, sorrow, in honesty and industry to provide for each other, and for
their household, in temporal things, to pray for and encourage each other in the things which
pertain to God; and to live together as the heirs of the grace of life.
The Minister shall say: Let us pray.
Almighty and ever-blessed God, whose presence is the happiness of every condition and whose
favor hallows every relation: We beseech Thee to be present and favorable unto these Thy
servants, that they may be truly joined in the honorable estate of marriage, in the covenant of their
God. As Thou hast brought them together by Thy providence, sanctify them by Thy Spirit, giving
them a new frame of heart fit for their new estate; and enrich them with all grace, whereby they
may enjoy the comforts, undergo the cares, endure the trials, and perform the duties of life together
as becometh Christians under Thy heavenly guidance and protection; through our Lord Jesus
Christ. AMEN.
Then the Minister, calling the Man by his Christian name, shall say:
________________, wilt thou have ____________ to be thy wife, and wilt thou pledge thy troth to
her, in all love and honor, in all duty and service, in all faith and tenderness, to live with her, and
cherish her, according to the ordinance of God, in the holy bond of Marriage?
The Man shall answer: I will.
Then the Minister, calling the Woman by her Christian name, shall say:
________________, wilt thou have ____________ to be thy husband, and wilt thou pledge thy
troth to him, in all love and honor, in all duty and service, in all faith and tenderness, to live with
him, and cherish him, according to the ordinance of God, in the holy bond of Marriage?
The Woman shall answer: I will.
Then the Minister may say:
Who presents __________________ to be married to _________________?
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Then the Father or Guardian or Friend of the Woman shall put her right hand in the hand of the
Minister, who shall cause the Man with his right hand to take the Woman by her right hand.
SCRIPTURE READINGS
The Wedding party moves to the altar.
HOMILY
Say after the Minister as follows:
I._______________, take thee,_____________ to be my wedded wife. And I do promise and
covenant; before God and these witnesses; to be thy loving and faithful husband; in plenty and in
want; in joy and in sorrow, in sickness and in health; as long as we both shall live.
Then shall they loose their hands, and the Woman, with her right hand taking the Man by his right
hand, shall likewise say after the Minister.
I._______________, take thee,_____________ to be my wedded wife. And I do promise and
covenant; before God and these witnesses; to be thy loving and faithful husband; in plenty and in
want; in joy and in sorrow, in sickness and in health; as long as we both shall live.
Before giving the ring, the Minister may say:
Bless, O Lord, this ring, that he who gives it and she who wears it may abide in Thy peace and
continue in Thy favor, unto their life’s end, through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.
Then if a ring be provided, it shall be given to the Minister who shall return it to the Man, who
shall then put it upon the fourth finger of the Woman’s left hand, saying after the Minister:
This ring I give thee, in token and pledge of our constant faith and abiding love.
OR
With this ring I thee wed, in the name of the Father; and of the Son; and of the Holy Spirit. AMEN.
If a second ring be provided, a similar order shall be followed, the Woman saying the same words
after the Minister.
Then the Minister shall say: Let us pray.
Most merciful and gracious God, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named: Bestow
upon these Thy servants the seal of Thine approval, and Thy Fatherly benediction; granting unto
them grade to fulfill, with pure and steadfast affection, the vow and covenant between them made.
Guide them together, we beseech Thee, in the way of righteousness and peace, that, loving and
serving Thee, with one heart and mind, all the days of their life, they may be abundantly enriched
with the tokens of Thine everlasting favor, in Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
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Then shall the Minister say unto all who are present:
By the authority committed unto me as a Minister of the Church of Christ, I declare that _______
and _________ are now Husband and Wife, according to the ordinance of God, and the law of the
State; in the name of the Father and of the Soon, and of the Holy Spirit. AMEN.
(If a Unity Candle is used, insert here.)
Then causing the Husband and Wife to join their right hands, the Minister shall say:
Whom, therefore, God hath joined together, let no man put asunder.
It is fitting that the Bride and Groom kneel to receive this benediction.
The Lord bless you and keep you: the Lord made His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto
you: the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace: both now and in the life
everlasting. AMEN.
OR
God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, bless, preserve and keep you; the Lord
mercifully with his favor look upon you, and fill you with all spiritual benediction and grace, that
ye may so live together in this life that in the world to come ye may have life everlasting. AMEN.
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Rite of Christian Marriage
ENTRANCE: As the people gather, music appropriate to the praise of God may be offered. At the
appointed time, the bride, groom and other members of the wedding party present themselves and
stand before the minister.
SENTENCES OF SCRIPTURE This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118: 24
STATEMENT ON THE GIFT OF MARRIAGE
We have gathered in the presence of God to give thanks for the gift of marriage, to witness
the joining together of ________ and _________, to surround them with our prayers, and to ask
God’s blessing upon them, so that they may be strengthened for their life together and nurtured in
their love for God.
God created us male and female, and gave us marriage so that husband and wife may help
and comfort each other, living faithfully together.
God gave us marriage for the full expression of the love between a man and a woman. In
marriage a woman and a man belong to each other, and with affection and tenderness freely give
themselves to each other.
God gave us marriage as a holy mystery in which a man and a woman are joined together,
and become one, just as Christ is one with the church.
In marriage, husband and wife are called to a new way of life, created, ordered, and blessed
by God. This way of life must not be entered into carelessly, or from selfish motives, but
responsibly, and prayerfully.
We rejoice that marriage is given by God, blessed by our Lord Jesus Christ and sustained
by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, let marriage be held in honor among all.
PRAYER Let us pray: Gracious God, you are always faithful in your love for us. Look
mercifully upon _________ and ____________, who have come seeking your blessing. Let your
Holy Spirit rest upon them so that with steadfast love they may honor the promises they make this
day, through Jesus Christ our Savior. AMEN.
DECLARATION OF INTENT ____________, having heard how God has created, ordered and blessed the covenant of
marriage, do you affirm your desire and intention to enter this covenant?
Answer: I do.
AFFIRMATION OF THE FAMILIES (Names of family members)__________, do you give your blessing to ___________ and
____________, and promise to do everything in your power to uphold them in their marriage?
Answer: We do.
AFFIRMATION OF THE CONGREGATION
Will all of you witnessing these vows do everything in your power to uphold _______ and
___________ in their marriage?
Answer: We will.
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A Psalm, hymn, spiritual or anthem may be sung.
SCRIPTURE AND SERMON
God of mercy, you have never broken your covenant with us, and you free us to live
together in the power of your faithful love. Amid the changing words of our generation, may be
hear your eternal Word that does not change. Then may be respond to your gracious promises with
faithful and obedient lives; through our Lord Jesus Christ. AMEN.
Scripture shall be read. A brief sermon may follow. A psalm, hymn, spiritual or other music may
be used.
VOWS
____________ and ___________, since it is your intention to marry, join your right hands,
and with your promises bind yourselves to each other as husband and wife.
The bride and groom face each other and join right hands. Then, they shall say their vows to each
other, in turn.
The man says:
I, _____________, take you __________, to be my wife; and I promise, before God and
these witnesses, to be your loving and faithful husband; in plenty and in want, in joy and in sorrow,
in sickness and in health, as long as we both shall live.
The woman says:
I, _____________, take you __________, to be my husband; and I promise, before God and these
witnesses, to be your loving and faithful wife; in plenty and in want, in joy and in sorrow, in
sickness and in health, as long as we both shall live.
Exchange of rings (or other symbols)
What do you bring as a sign of your promise?
When the rings are presented, the minister may say the following prayer:
By your blessings, O God, may these rings be to _____________ and ____________
symbols of unending love and faithfulness, reminding them of the covenant they have made this
day, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The bride and groom shall exchange rings, using these or other appropriate words:
This ring I give you, as a sign of our constant faith and abiding love, in the name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
PRAYER
The couple may kneel.
Eternal God, without your grace no promise is sure. Strengthen __________ and
_________ with patience, kindness, gentleness and all other gifts of your Spirit, so that they may
fulfill the vows they have made. Keep them faithful to each other and to you. Fill them with such
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love and joy that they may build a home of peace and welcome. Guide them by your word to serve
you all their days.
Enable us all, O God, in each of our homes and lives to do your will. Enrich us with your
grace so that, encouraging and supporting one another, we may serve those in need and hasten the
coming of peace, love, and justice on earth, through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
ANNOUNCEMENT OF MARRIAGE
Before God and in the presence of this congregation, ___________ and ____________
have made their solemn vows to each other. They have confirmed their promises by the joining of
hands (and by the giving and receiving of rings). Therefore, I proclaim that they are now husband
and wife.
Blessed be the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit now and forever. Those whom God
has joined together, let no one separate.
The Unity Candle may be placed here.
CHARGE TO THE COUPLE
As God’s own, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness and patience, forgiving each
other as the Lord has forgiven you, and crown all these things with love, which binds everything
together in perfect harmony. Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the
Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God through him. Colossians 3:12-14, 17
BENEDICTION
The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord be kind and gracious to you.
The Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace.
AMEN. Numbers 6:24-26
OR
The grace of Christ attend you,
The love of God surround you,
The Holy Spirit keep you, that you may live in faith, abound in hope and grow in love,
Both now and evermore.
AMEN.
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Contemporary Service of Marriage (1994)
MUSICAL PRELUDE
PROCESSIONAL
CALL TO WORSHIP
This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
WELCOME
We gather in the presence of God to unite this man and this woman in marriage. Marriage
is a gift from God, as God created us and intended for us to be joined together as one spirit.
Therefore, since this marriage is a gift from God, let this marriage be held in honor by all.
PRAYER
DECLARATION OF INTENT (CHARGE TO THE COUPLE)
Do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife? Do you promise to honor her,
support her and love her for all of your days?
Answer: I do.
Do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband? Do you promise to honor him, support
him and love him for all of your days?
Answer: I do.
BLESSING OF THE FAMILY
Who is it that comes this day to give the blessing of the families?
Answer: We do.
SCRIPTURE READINGS
HOMILY
EXCHANGE OF VOWS
I, __________ take you, ________ to be my wife.
To have and to hold from this day forward,
For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer,
In sickness and in health, to love and to cherish
From this day forward and for all of my life, so help me God.
I, __________ take you, ________ to be my husband.
To have and to hold from this day forward,
For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer,
In sickness and in health, to love and to cherish
From this day forward and for all of my life, so help me God.
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EXCHANGE OF RINGS
I give you this ring as a sign of my promise.
With this ring, I thee wed.
PRAYER (OR THE LORD’S PRAYER)
UNITY CANDLE (at this time a candle may be lit, signifying the union of this couple and their
families)
PRONOUNCEMENT
By the power invested in me by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and more importantly
in the love and power of the risen Jesus Christ, I declare that __________ and ____________ are
husband and wife. What God has joined together, let no one attempt to tear apart.
In the name of God, the creator, Jesus, the Christ and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
BENEDICTION
RECESSIONAL
POSTLUDE
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SUGGESTED SCRIPTURE READINGS
Old Testament
Genesis 1:26-31
Genesis 2: 18-24
Psalm 8
Psalm 67
Psalm 95:1-7
Psalm 100
Psalm 103:1-5
Psalm 117
Psalm 121
Psalm 128
Psalm 145
Psalm 148
Psalm 150
Proverbs 3:3-6
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Song of Solomon 8:6-7
New Testament Matthew 5:1-10
Mark 10:6-9
John 2:1-11
John 15:1-17
Romans 12:1-2, 9-18
I Corinthians 13:1-13
Colossians 3:12-17
I John 4:7-12
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The Presbyterian Church
Newtown, Pennsylvania
Contact Information
1. Pastor The Reverend Samuel Massengill
The Reverend Laura Ferguson
215-968-3861
2. Wedding Coordinators Please contact church office - Bettilyn Bogia
215-968-3861 Gretchen Peters
3. Organist Hehsun Chun-Smith
267-750-9245 Cell
4. Church Office Eileen Honea
215-968-3861
Office hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday - Friday
5. Church Custodian Dan Stevens
484-620-5329
The Presbyterian Church
Newtown, Pennsylvania
FEE SCHEDULE
WASHINGTON AVE. CHURCH
CHURCH MEMBERS
Pastor $250.00
**Organist $350.00
Wedding Coordinator $135.00
Custodian $125.00
NON-MEMBERS
*Pastor $400.00
**Organist $350.00
Use of Church $400.00
Wedding Coordinator $135.00
Custodian $125.00 $120.00
SYCAMORE ST. CHURCH (HISTORIC CHURCH)
CHURCH MEMBERS NON-MEMBERS
Pastor $250.00 *Pastor $400.00
**Organist $350.00 **Organist $350.00
Wedding Coordinator $135.00 Use of Church $400.00
Custodian $125.00 Wedding Coordinator $135.00
Custodian $125.00
*The Pastor’s fee represents about 10 hours of professional time spent in counseling, rehearsal
and the wedding liturgy.
** The Organist’s fee covers the music selection consultation and the wedding service. Unless
specifically requested, the organist will not attend the rehearsal. Should you require the
organist at the rehearsal; a $75.00 charge will be added. If you have your own organist, a
$100 bench fee will be charged.
Soloist: $150 (contact Director of Music)
FEE PAYMENT
The pastor’s, organist and wedding coordinator checks should be made out to those persons
directly. The use of church fee and/or custodian check should be written to Newtown Presbyterian
Church (memo: custodian fee or use of church/custodian fee).
ALL FEES ARE DUE TWO WEEKS BEFORE THE WEDDING REHEARSAL. Fees are subject to change
in January of the new year. (Send checks to Newtown Presbyterian Church, 25 N. Chancellor
St., Newtown, PA 18940)
Please note: The furniture in the chancel is not to be moved unless prior arrangements have
been made. January 2017 21
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ETTENGER HALL FEES
NON-MEMBERS Custodian fee: $125.00
Rental fee (does not include kitchen): $400.00
Kitchen Use fee: $200.00
Kitchen use does not include use of our dishes, silverware, glassware or tablecloths, etc.
Kitchen use requires orientation time for use of the dishwasher, stove, etc.
Security deposit (required at time of reservation - refundable) $100.00
MEMBERS Custodian fee: $125.00
Rental fee (does not include kitchen): $200.00
Kitchen Use fee: $100.00
Kitchen use does not include use of our dishes, silverware, glassware or tablecloths, etc.
Kitchen use requires orientation time for use of the dishwasher, stove, etc.
Security deposit (required at time of reservation - refundable) $100.00
Maximum number of persons in Ettenger Hall: 250
FEE PAYMENT: Rental fees for Ettenger Hall and the custodian should be added together. A single
check should be written to Newtown Presbyterian Church.
January 2017
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PARKING AT NEWTOWN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Washington and Chancellor Streets
For special events you may
reserve an area next to the church
for the cars of the participants.
Parking is available on the adjoining streets. Observe all yellow lines and do not block any driveways.
Your car will be ticketed if you do. Note that on-street parking is also close by on North and South
Lincoln Avenues.
Please be aware of the need to exercise care and concern for our neighbors by parking properly.
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The Presbyterian Church
Newtown, Pennsylvania
Information on Proposed Marriage
Date of marriage ________________________________ Hour of wedding ________________
Rehearsal date and hour _________________________________________________________
Location: Washington Ave. Church ________________________________
Historic Church (Sycamore St.) __________________________
Other _______________________________________________
GROOM: Name in full ___________________________________________________________
(first) (middle) (last)
Residence __________________________________________________________________
(street address, not P.O. box)
___________________________________________________________________
(town) (state) (zip)
Telephone ____________________________Email_________________________________
Date of birth _________________________ Place of birth ___________________________
Occupation _________________________________ Work phone _____________________
Date of baptism ___________________Church affiliation ____________________________
(specific church)
Ever previously married? ____________ If so, answer the following:
To whom _____________________________________ Date _________________
How and when was marriage terminated?__________________________________
Children by previous marriage __________________________________________
Father’s name ______________________________________________________________
(first) (middle) (last)
Mother’s name ______________________________________________________________
(first) (middle) (last) BRIDE: Name in full ____________________________________________________________
(first) (middle) (last)
Residence __________________________________________________________________
(street address, not P.O. box)
___________________________________________________________________
(town) (state) (zip)
Telephone ____________________________Email_________________________________
Date of birth _________________________ Place of birth ___________________________
Occupation _________________________________ Work phone _____________________
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Date of baptism ___________________Church affiliation ____________________________
(specific church)
Ever previously married? ____________ If so, answer the following:
To whom _____________________________________ Date _________________
How and when was marriage terminated?__________________________________
Children by previous marriage __________________________________________
Father’s name ______________________________________________________________
(first) (middle) (last)
Mother’s name ______________________________________________________________
(first) (middle) (last)
THE MARRIAGE
Officiating Pastor _______________________________________________________________
Witnesses _____________________________________and ____________________________ (Best man) (Maid/Matron of Honor)
The Giver-in-Marriage ___________________________ Relationship _____________________
Ushers ________________________________________________________________________
Bride’s attendants _______________________________________________________________
Flower Girl _______________________________ Ring Bearer ___________________________
Type of ceremony Traditional __________ Single ring _________
Contemporary __________ Double ring ________
Other __________
Organist ________________________________________________
Soloist(s) _________________________________________________________________________
Florist ___________________________________
Place of wedding reception ___________________________________________________________
Address after marriage _______________________________________________________________
Phone after marriage _________________________________________________________________
Dates of interviews __________________________________________________________________
Marriage license number _____________________________ Court of Record __________________
