WEDDING PREPARATION POLICY
First Christian Church
Onawa, Iowa
“ A place to believe, A place to belong, A place to become”
No matter what type of wedding you are planning, large or small, simple or
Elegant, the main purpose is the uniting of two lives into one through the
Exchanging of vows. Since vows are made before God, they deserve the dignity
Of a wedding service. We have developed materials to assist you in planning a
Wedding that is pleasing to both you & the Lord.
I. Please follow these steps in arranging your wedding at F.C.C.
1. Contact the office of First Christian Church & a tentative date will be
Reserved for you for 30 days. (423-2466)
2. Fill out the information sheets (blue & pink) & bring them with you to your
1st appointment. [Make an appointment to meet with one of our ministers.]
3. The date for the wedding cannot be finalized until you return the
Completed information sheets & meet with a pastor within the 30 day
Period.
4. It is required that couples complete pre-marital planning sessions with a
Pastor of First Christian Church or a person acceptable to him.
Any changes made in the wedding plans, including change of address
& / or phone number should be brought to the attention of the church
Secretary or pastor.
II. Our Concern: “Marriage is Holy”
*The purpose of marriage preparation through First Christian Church is to prepare
Couples for a life-long, God-glorifying marriage; to assist in the planning of the
Wedding ceremony; and to provide resources after the wedding to help the
Couple maintain & enrich their marital relationship.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy & peace as you trust in him, so that you may
Overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
In the case of premarital pregnancy, the marriage may or may not be preformed depending on
The maturity of the person involved & other considerations.
God expects couples to be Celibate & not live together prior to the wedding ceremony. Couples
Living at the same address compromise God’s standards of purity and holiness. Prayerfully
Consider your relationship.
We believe the Lord has His Own way of dealing with our sins, whatever they are. We always
Reap what we sow…and then some.
See Galatians 5:19-26 I Corinthians 5:8-11
I Corinthians 6:9-10 Ephesians 5:5-7 Hebrews 13:4
*God has instructed those who enter into this relationship to:
-Cherish a mutual esteem & love
-Provide for each other & household
-To share in each other’s infirmities & weaknesses
-Pray for & encourage each other
-Live together as heirs of the grace of life
-I comfort each other in sickness, trouble & sorrow
-Raise children, if they come, in the knowledge of love of the Lord
III. Our Minimum Expectation
1. A pastor of FCC must be part of all weddings performed at FCC.
- A guest pastor may use him for a welcome, greeting or opening prayer
2. Preparation Period:
- 3 months from the initial appointment until the wedding date
3. Church Attendance:
- Those whose weddings will be at FCC are encouraged to be in attendance
A minimum of twice a month. If you are from out of town you will be expected
To attend worship services where you live.
4. Premarital Preparation/Planning: 4-5 sessions
- These may include the use of a relational instrument (FOCCUS) Personality
Inventories (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, The FIRO-B or the Taylor/Johnson
Temperament Analysis).
- You will be asked for information which will be used to build your own unique
Ceremony. The planning of your wedding is a process which takes some time.
5. Divorced person may be considered for marriage at FCC
- Former wife is deceased (Romans 7:2, I Corinthians 7:39)
- Divorce occurred prior to conversion (II Corinthians 5:17)
- Divorce occurred because of sexual unfaithfulness by spouse (Matthew 19:3-9)
- Desertion by an unbelieving spouse (I Corinthians 7:15)
- Former spouse initiated divorce & has remarried (Romans 7:3)
Please discuss this with the minister at the appropriate time.
III. Cost:
Members Nonmembers
Building use: 0 $250.00
Custodian: $50.00 $50.00
Minister: Party agreement($150.00) Party Agreement($150.00)
Candelabras: $75.00 each $75.00 each
Chapel Weddings: 0 $75.00
PAYMENT IN FULL IS DUE TWO WEEKS BEFORE THE WEDDING DATE
V. FCC Can Provide:
-Rooms for the ladies to change (parlor)
-Room for men to change
-Restroom facilities
-Candelabras (14 candles each, 7/8 candle sockets – Please use dripless candles)
-Candle lighters
-Unity candle holder
VI. General Policies:
1. Beginning in 2006 the latest a Saturday wedding will be schedules in FCC building
Is 2:00p.m.
2. Church functions take priority over non-church functions at any time.
There is always a possibility of a funeral the morning of your wedding.
3. All dates must be cleared through the church office.
4. We do not marry couples if either is under the influence of alcohol or drugs
(exception-prescribed) before / during rehearsal / wedding.
5. No receptions on Saturday evening in FCC building.
6. No food or drink in the sanctuary. No smoking in the church building.
7. Rice / bird seed / ect. – outside the building due to janitorial regulations.
8. YOU are financially responsible for any damage to the property.
9. YOU are responsible for providing anything needed in the wedding & reception since the church does not own many specialized objects.
All must be removed immediately after the wedding.
The custodian locks the building when he is finished cleaning.
10. Church equipment may not leave the building (non-members)
11. Failure to abide by any of the above parts of this policy CANCELS one’s privilege to a wedding at First Christian Church.
VI. Receptions at F.C.C. – Food
1. You will provide whatever food is to be served at the reception including cake, coffee,
Punch, mints, nuts, etc.
2. If there is a reception you must make arrangements with the Women’s Council for serving. A phone number will be provided.
NOTES