WEDDING GUIDELINES AND INFORMATION

INTRODUCTION

The congregation and staff of Knox-Metropolitan United Church welcome your request to be married at Knox-Metropolitan in a Christian marriage service. We consider all marriage requests equally. We trust that we can work together with you to make this a meaningful, honest and joyful experience.

Marriage in the church involves deep and significant commitments, which signify not only a permanent and lasting covenant with each other but also a desire for God’s blessing on your marriage and your home.

Your marriage in the church is a turning point in your lives that provides you an opportunity to explore your faith. If either or both of you have not had an active church relationship lately, then planning and participating in your wedding might be a time for you to make new choices concerning your faith, and experience life as part of a faith community.

TOWARD A CHRISTIAN UNDERSTANDING OF MARRIAGE

Christian marriage adds the concept of “covenant” to the meaning of marriage in the civil or contractual sense. A covenant is an agreement that is greater than a contract. The Christian covenant of marriage recognizes and proclaims the presence of God in the community of family and friends who support you. Covenant also names God’s presence in the promises you make in your love for each other, and in the mystery of God’s love (grace), which surrounds you, protects you and brings healing to your life.

The church makes available the skills and caring attention of our staff. In your time with them, we hope you will feel encouraged to express your hopes and questions, which, through discussion and reflection, will help you build a safe and secure foundation for the new relationship you plan to enter. The church also provides a worshipful setting for your marriage. You will plan the order of worship with the minister and organist. We believe that public worship is a very effective setting for your friends and family to bless your love and your hopes, just as it is the setting to seek God’s blessing.

KNOX-METROPOLITAN’S GUIDELINES FOR MARRIAGE

Marriage Interviews

The marriage interviews provide an opportunity for you and the minister to:

· get acquainted,

· discuss your wedding at Knox-Metropolitan United Church,

· reflect on the meaning and commitment of Christian marriage,

· explore aspects of your relationship with each other.

If at any time, either of you or the minister feels uncomfortable about proceeding with your wedding at Knox-Metropolitan, it may be mutually agreed to cancel the service.

Marriage Preparation

All couples being married at Knox-Metropolitan are required to take a marriage preparation course. Confirmation by letter or certificate that the course has been completed must be given to the minister at least one week prior to the ceremony.

Church Involvement

We believe that it is important for couples married at Knox-Metropolitan to have had some exposure to this church—not just as a building but as a community of people. Some couples will already feel at home in this community. For those who are new, it is our hope that you will see the value in making a connection with this congregation. Your regular participation in worship will help you as you plan your wedding ceremony. The values and ideals for which this church stands can strengthen your marriage and family life for years to come. It is our expectation that couples married at Knox-Metropolitan will worship with our congregation during the time you are planning your wedding. We hope that you will continue afterward as well.

Music

Couples may experience some anxiety about selecting music for their wedding. This is natural and quite understandable since not everyone has had musical training or experience. In order to make the selection of music for your wedding as simple as possible, our organist (Warren Mack) is available to meet with couples. Please contact him at 472-2783 to arrange an appointment. Usually a couple only needs to choose two pieces: one for coming in, and one for going out (processional and recessional). Warren will help you choose the music or will discuss your selections. Any special sheet music must be supplied by the couple.

The choice of any music for a wedding service is always done with respect to its appropriateness of text (if sung), style and effect, remembering that a wedding is a service of worship. The use of recorded music, including accompaniment tapes, is discouraged. Please contact Warren Mack well before your wedding.

Soloists

Knox-Metropolitan does not supply soloists, so if you would like to have a soloist, the arrangements are your responsibility. The soloist should meet with the organist, preferably at the same time as the couple. Appropriate solo(s) can be chosen at this time.

Rehearsal

A rehearsal lasting from one-half to one hour normally takes place the afternoon prior to the service. The minister who will be conducting the service will conduct the rehearsal, but the organist is usually not present.

Photographs

Because the wedding is a service of worship, it is important that care be taken and decorum maintained by photographers during the service. We ask that the following be observed:

a) A camcorder may be used during the ceremony, provided it is stationary and inconspicuously placed. Artificial light will not be used.

b) Pictures by friends and family are permitted only before and after the wedding ceremony (i.e., as the wedding party enters and exits the sanctuary).

c) One photographer (professional or otherwise) may take a few pictures during the ceremony, with the following conditions:

i) Pictures must be taken discreetly; the general rule being that photography must not disrupt or distract from the service.

ii) No flashes or power winders.

d) The wedding party may return to the sanctuary for a brief period after the wedding service, if further pictures are desired.

If these conditions are not observed, the ceremony may be stopped until the issue is resolved. Please have your photographer attend the rehearsal, or contact the minister before the wedding service.

Flowers and Pew Markers

It is recommended that flowers be brought to the church at least a half-hour prior to the wedding. They will be clearly marked with the last names of the couple. If pew markers are used they must be easily attached without damaging the pew ends.

Confetti

In consideration of the custodian, please ensure that no confetti or rice is thrown in the church building or on the church property.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Registration Requirements

Enclosed is a “Marriage Registration Form”. We ask you to fill out this form, and return it to the church office along with a $50.00 deposit to confirm the date. Please pay particular attention to the information requested under the headings of Partner A and Partner B. It is essential to be clear and accurate. Be specific about religious denomination; if you are not affiliated with a denomination, say “none”. “Protestant” is not a sufficient answer; please respond with “Anglican”, “Lutheran”, “United”, etc. Please Print your responses.

You are required to obtain a Marriage Licence from a Registry Office; these are listed in the Yellow Pages under ‘Licence & Registry Services’. The Marriage Licence is valid for three (3) months. Price varies depending on where the licence is purchased.

We encourage you to obtain your licence well in advance of your wedding, and to present it to our office administrator at least one week in advance of the wedding date, along with any remaining church-related fees.

Please Note: By law the wedding cannot be performed unless the licence is in the possession of the officiating minister.

Official Marriage Certificate

A Certificate of Marriage will be provided by the minister following the ceremony. Please be advised that this certificate is NOT a legal document. Upon your request a legal certified copy of your Marriage Registration will be sent to you by Alberta Municipal Affairs Registries, Vital Statistics.

Costs

The church charges a fee of $750 to cover costs such as office expenses, staff time and church use and maintenance.

The fee includes:

a) A $50.00 non-refundable deposit;

b) The services of our organist, (who is paid even if you choose to make other arrangements for music or have another musician or group);

c) The services of our custodian;

d) Church use and office administration. You may choose to have your wedding bulletins typed and photocopied (1 original page) by our office staff. Supplying the bulletin cover is the responsibility of the couple. Bulletin covers can be purchased at Revelations Book & Gift Cooperative located at 144, 4211 106 Street (Whitemud Crossing); Phone: 485-8744.

e) The services of the minister.

Conclusion

The ministers and members of Knox-Metropolitan hope your wedding service will be a worshipful, happy and memorable occasion for you and your guests. The above arrangements are set out with the intention of making this occasion meaningful. Please contact the church office or the minister performing your ceremony if you have any further questions.

Knox-Metropolitan United Church Mission Statement

New KMUC Mission Statement

We are a vibrant, caring, and inclusive community of faith, rooted in the past, and responsive to the challenges for a changing church, society, and community.

Seeking God’s justice, peace, and sense of belonging, we:

• worship God, who calls us into relationship with all creation;
• proclaim Jesus Christ in word, in deed, and in our care for self and each other;
• create opportunities for each person, and for the community as a whole, to grow and live in the Spirit.

The United Church of Canada

“The United Church of Canada is the largest Protestant denomination in Canada. Ours is a rich history closely entwined with the development of Canada itself.” For more information about The United Church of Canada, including a history and view of marriage in our denomination, please visit http://www.united-church.ca/exploring/marriage

What you Need to Know

to Plan Your Wedding at

Knox-Metropolitan United Church

Phone: 439-1718

Fax: 433-5952

Address: 8307 – 109 Street, Edmonton, AB T6G 1E1

Email: knoxmet@telusplanet.net

Website: www.knox-met.org

Fee: $750.00 including a $50.00 non-refundable deposit

Photos by guests are allowed only before and after, but not during the service. Photos by your photographer are allowed within guidelines.

Licence & Fees: Deliver to the church office 1 week before the wedding date.

Contact the Officiating Minister following the completion of your Marriage Preparation Program.