“For this reason a man will leave his mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore, what God has joined together, let man not separate.”
Matthew 19:5-6
What the Bible Says About Marriage
Genesis 2:18-24 Marriage is God’s idea.
Genesis 24:58-60 Commitment is essential to a successful marriage.
Song of Songs 4:9-10 Romance is important to a healthy marriage.
Jeremiah 33:10-11 Marriage holds times of great joy.
Malachi 2:14-15 Marriage creates the best environment for raising children.
Matthew 5:32 Unfaithfulness breaks the bond of trust.
Matthew 19:6 Marriage is a permanent covenant.
Romans 7:2-3 Only death dissolves a marriage.
Ephesians 5:21-33 Marriage is based on the practice of love, not feelings.
Ephesians 5:23,32 Marriage is a living symbol of Christ and the church.
Hebrews 13:4 Marriage is good and honorable.
A Message From
The First Church of God
Your wedding will be one of the most important events of your life. We at First Church of God value the significance and purpose of marriage and want to affirm its place of honor in God’s eyes. God established the marriage covenant (Gen. 2:24) and upheld the value of marriage between a man and a woman throughout the scriptures. Because we believe the teachings of the Bible are clear on what a marriage should look like, we want to be sure that we do not place unnecessary barriers in front of couples wishing to be married, and that we do not compromise on what we see to be clear biblical teaching on what constitutes a marriage in the eyes of God. Therefore, we will do everything we can to ensure that your wedding day is a joyful, celebratory event, but only if it is consistent with what the Bible teaches about marriage. We are unable to host weddings that do not meet these criteria.
Following are a set of guidelines that we have adopted in order to ensure that both those couples hoping to use our facility and our own church staff work within a biblical framework for marriage.
We are committed to upholding what we believe are the biblical principles for a healthy, God-honoring marriage, and these guidelines reflect those principles. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the following scriptures that apply to marriage, as they serve as the framework for our guidelines.
“Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘make them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.” (Matthew 19:4-6)
Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her …(Ephesians 5:21-25)
Scheduling Guidelines
· All on-site weddings will be scheduled a minimum of six months in advance and must not interfere with standing, recurring or previously scheduled church events or worship services. The requested date must allow the couple to fulfill all wedding requirements including pre-marriage appointments.
· We are unable to schedule Sunday weddings. Saturday weddings must be performed by 6:00 p.m. Weekday options can be discussed.
· Scheduling a wedding does not automatically reserve the facility for all wedding-related activities. Rehearsals, rehearsal dinners and receptions must also be scheduled through the wedding liaison.
· Make certain your building reservation request has been confirmed with the pastor and church office before you announce a wedding date to family and friends, and before you order/print invitations, etc.
· First Church of God pastors have limited availability to perform weddings. Couples may request the FCOG pastor they prefer, but must recognize the possibility that they may be unavailable.
The Following Steps Must Be Completed To Receive FINAL Approval For Your Wedding:
· Read FCOG Wedding Guidelines (this document). If you have any questions, please call the officiating pastor.
· We will contact you to schedule an appointment with the pastor who will be performing the ceremony. Do not finalize dates for other wedding-related services prior to this point.
· At this meeting, we will confirm that your circumstances meet FCOG’s guidelines. You will also complete and sign the Wedding Agreement and discuss the proposed date on the church calendar. At this time you will receive final approval of your wedding request, and you may proceed with related wedding plans.
· Our wedding liaison will contact you to schedule an appointment. She will assist you with the details involved with planning a wedding at First Church of God and will be able to answer any questions about our facility.
· A $200 deposit is required to reserve the wedding date, payable to First Church of God. It is refundable up to one week prior to the wedding date. All fees must be paid in full 30 days prior to the wedding. Wedding fees do not produce income for FCOG, but are used to offset facility use and to properly compensate wedding-related personnel.
· Deposits will be returned unless wedding personnel have not been paid or there are damages to the building or furniture. The bride and groom are responsible for any damages that exceed the deposit.
Who May Be Married at
First Church of God?
1. FCOG members do not have an automatic right to hold weddings at FCOG and must meet all guidelines.
2. Because of the effort and time required of church staff and volunteers, we make our facility available only to those who express a desire to make Christ the centerpiece of their family, and who participate regularly at FCOG (or who are equally involved in another church, if they are coming “home” to be married; see #5 below). Prior to scheduling their wedding date, the engaged couple must have been active participants at FCOG for a minimum of six months. The couple must intend to remain active in the church and establish a Christ-centered home.
3. Exceptions to the participation standard will be considered by the staff. Circumstances involving those new to the area, or those planning to move away, will be considered.
4. Couples are strongly discouraged from joining any church simply to use the church facility for a wedding. A couple who does not intend to continue church involvement should seek either a civil or off-site wedding ceremony.
5. Children of active FCOG members may schedule weddings at FCOG if both the bride and groom can demonstrate that they have been active participants in another evangelical Christian church for a minimum of six months prior to the request, and if their conduct is consistent with these guidelines.
6. Completing a minimum of six counseling sessions with the officiating pastor is a requirement for all couples being married at FCOG (both people must fully participate).
First Church of God Cannot Host Weddings For People Who…
· Are not personally committed to Jesus Christ and determined to establish a Christ-led home.
· Are younger than 20 years of age and do not have the blessing of their parents (some exceptions).
· Are of the same gender, or whose gender has been altered or concealed.
· Are already legally married, but desire a public wedding that is deceptive to family and friends.
· Are living together, and are unwilling to separate and cease sexual intimacy until married.*
· Have (or are expecting) a child together, but will not pledge abstinence until married.*
*Couples who are living together, or have had children together while unmarried, are encouraged to marry if both man and woman desire a healthy, Christ-centered marriage. Such couples will be considered for marriage at FCOG if they desire to begin living in obedience to Christ. We will attempt to assist those who are will to humbly acknowledge their mistakes and who proceed in a way that does not appear to ignore or celebrate the inappropriate sequence of events in the relationship.
What If I Have Been Divorced?
Divorced persons will be considered for marriage at First Church of God if they meet one of these biblical criteria:
· The former spouse is deceased (Romans 7:2, 1 Corinthians 7:39).
· The divorce occurred prior to making a personal salvation commitment to Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
· The divorce occurred because of sexual unfaithfulness by the former spouse (Matthew 19:3-9).
· There was permanent desertion by an unbelieving spouse (1 Corinthians 7:15).
· The former spouse initiated the divorce and has remarried (Romans 7:3).
If a divorced person cannot confirm one or more of the factors above, First Church of God may not be able to host the wedding due to the church’s commitment to upholding scriptural standards regarding marriage, divorce and remarriage (1 Corinthians 7:10-11). If there are extenuating circumstances, a special request may be submitted in writing to the senior pastor for review. We will not consider or schedule a wedding for a divorced person prior to one year after the date the divorce is finalized.
Who May Perform Weddings At
First Church of God?
· Weddings will normally be performed by a member of FCOG’s pastoral staff. Exceptions may be made for pastors (in good standing) from other evangelical churches. Weddings involving such pastors will normally not require involvement by FCOG staff member. However, all guest pastors must be approved by the senior pastor. The couple is responsible for verification of the guest pastor’s credentials. Guest & former pastors may not suspend any guidelines contained in this document, including pre-marriage preparation requirements.
· Request to use ministers/pastors other than those mentioned above will be considered on a case-by-case basis and should be directed to the senior pastor through the wedding liaison.
· No pastor on the FCOG staff will marry a couple if another FCOG pastor has refused to perform the ceremony for ethical/scriptural reasons. This guideline applies even when the wedding is scheduled off-site. Naturally, this guideline does not apply to scheduling conflicts.
Wedding Content
· Wedding ceremonies are worship services. The couple is encouraged to discuss their wishes concerning ceremony content with the pastor. The pastor retains the right to determine the wording and content of the marriage ceremony. Some aspects of the ceremony are optional (parental vows, unity candle, etc.), but other components are crucial to a God-centered ceremony.
· Couples are encouraged to preview the wedding ceremony/vows and to seek clarification on content that is not understood.
· Wedding music should be carefully chosen and be reasonable in length. We strongly encourage music that reflects biblical themes and aspirations. Secular music with questionable styles or lyrics will not be permitted. Those presenting live music at weddings should dress modestly and conduct themselves in a worshipful manner. The number of songs played/sung during the actual ceremony should be limited out of consideration for the wedding party and guests. A list of possible musicians can be obtained from our wedding liaison.
· Wedding consultants will be expected to fully cooperate with FCOG personnel. The couple is encouraged to verify approval of wedding plans prior to purchasing materials or paying for recommended services. Fees for FCOG ‘s wedding liaison will still apply.
My Notes and Questions:
Building Use Guidelines
Weddings, Receptions, Rehearsals and Rehearsal Dinners
A. Guidelines For Use of the Building
1. Ours is a multiple-use facility; other activities may occur simultaneous to yours. We ask that everyone be considerate of others who may also be utilizing the facilities.
2. The wedding party and guests must confine their activity to the area(s) requested and approved. Children must not be allowed to explore the building unsupervised or to disrupt the rehearsal or ceremony.
3. No tobacco products, alcohol or illegal drugs are permitted on/in church property, including parking lots. Failure to follow this guideline will result in the loss of your deposit.
4. Intentional or careless damage to church property or facilities or use of unauthorized rooms, including furnishings and equipment, must be reimbursed by the couple at full repair/replacement cost, or standard room usage fee. If additional space is needed, consult the wedding liaison before occupying it.
5. No food or drink is permitted in the sanctuary.
6. The church building will be available three hours prior to the wedding for preparation and pictures, unless other arrangements have been made with the wedding liaison. Florists, photographers and wedding party members should arrive no earlier.
7. Schedule flower deliveries for a time when YOU plan to be present. It is the couple’s responsibility to ensure that all deliveries are complete and timely and to confirm that the delivery interferes with no church interests.
8. All personal and rental items (including flowers) should be collected immediately after the ceremony/reception.
9. Please consult with the wedding liaison about what may be thrown at the wedding (rice is not allowed). Nothing may be thrown inside the facility. Distribute material to be thrown near doors exiting the facility. Artificial flower petals may be scattered in the aisle of the sanctuary as part of your processional.
10. Do not leave purses, billfolds or other articles unattended during wedding rehearsals/ceremonies. FCOG will not be responsible for loss of personal property by wedding party members or guests.
11. Please do not use tape, thumbtacks, wire or plasti-tak to secure flowers, ribbons, posters, etc. anywhere in the building. Pew bows may be attached to pews with ribbon, elastic, rubber bands or plastic bow holders.
12. Only those trained/approved by FCOG’s technical team may operate sound, video or light systems.
13. Do not attempt to navigate the building without adequate house lighting. Ask for assistance when needed.
14. Only assigned spaces may be used as dressing rooms.
15. No animals are allowed in the building with the exception of trained assist dogs.
My Notes and Questions:
B. Guidelines For Use of the Sanctuary
1. Some instruments, backdrops, props and decorations may not be removable for your wedding. Couples are encouraged to survey the room several days prior to the wedding to note the items present. You may opt to use flowers (and other decorations, if approved by the wedding liaison) to conceal unmoved items and enhance the appearance of the room. DO NOT move items in the sanctuary without the permission of the wedding liaison.
2. Please see the wedding liaison about the use of FCOG candelabras. All candelabras must use DRIPLESS candles and have plastic placed under the stands.
3. Video or slide presentations will be considered by the pastor; the content must be previewed and approved.
4. Furniture moved for your ceremony must be returned to its original location.
5. The custodian is responsible for cleanup of the sanctuary & building.
C. Guidelines For Rehearsals
1. The FCOG pastor will direct all rehearsals.
2. Out of consideration for the pastor and other participants, all rehearsals will begin on schedule, even if some members of the wedding party are absent. Please urge your party to be prompt.
3. Persons needing to be present at the rehearsal: bride, bridegroom, best man, maid of honor, bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girl, ring bearer, ushers, parents, organist/pianist, soloist and sound tech.
4. No ceremony changes are permitted after the rehearsal without the consent of the pastor.
5. Signing of the marriage license is the responsibility of the couple (or best man, if delegated). We recommend that the documents be submitted to the pastor at least seven days prior to the wedding ceremony.
D. Guidelines for Receptions & Rehearsal Dinners
1. Contact the wedding liaison about setting up tables and chairs for receptions. Any other equipment must be approved by the wedding liaison and brought/rented/set up by the wedding party.
2. The kitchen, along with its counter spaces and utensils, should be cleaned by the wedding party. Caterers must use their own equipment and utensils.
3. Food/drink must remain in the reception area.
4. Children must be supervised during rehearsals/receptions and not allowed to roam the church building.
5. The wedding party must furnish all decorations, accessories, food, punch, cake, etc.
E. Access to the Building
1. Access to the sanctuary for photographers, florists and decorators should be coordinated through the wedding liaison.
2. Access to the reception area for decorating should be coordinated with the wedding liaison.
Wedding Fees
You need to be aware of the following costs as you plan your wedding at FCOG. Fees have been established for church members and non-members. Membership is determined by the church bylaws and qualifications contained on page 7 of these wedding guidelines.
A deposit of $200 at the time of the reservation is required by everyone. The church is not reserved for your wedding until the deposit has been received. If all payments are made and all guidelines herein are followed, the deposit will be fully refunded. The deposit should be make payable to First Church of God for use of the facilities and should be given to the church wedding liaison.
FEES
Church members …see Wedding Liaison
Sanctuary $175
(Includes two dressing rooms)
Sound System Operators $50
(FCOG techs must operate sound system)
Video System Operators $20/hour
Sanctuary Pew Rearrangement $100
(For added seating only)
Reception Area (Fellowship Hall) $150
Rehearsal Dinner $50
*GRATUITIES
Wedding Liaison $50
Pastor (minimum honorarium) $125
Organist, Pianist or Soloist (to be
(Outside organists must meet with determined)
the church organist)
Custodian $50
(Additional cost for rooms other
than sanctuary & two dressing rooms)
Greeter $50
(Meets your florist, photographer, etc.)
*Checks for Gratuities are payable to individual participants. These checks need to be received in the church office one week prior to the rehearsal.
First Church of God
2800 Stevenson Drive
Springfield, IL 62703
217-529-1902