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St. James Services | Weddings |
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| Presiding Minister: Rev. Mary Jo Patterson | |
| The congregation of St. James United Church is pleased that you are interested in recognizing your marriage commitment in this church and within the context of the Christian community. We rejoice with you in this important decision in your lives, and offer you our prayers and support, and a church home for you and your family. We offer the following guidelines to assist you in your planning and to make your day run smoothly. Email Mary Jo |  |
| Marriage within the church community |
| When you ask the minister of a church to perform your marriage you declare your desire to seek God's blessing and to share your life of faith within a Christian community. Any other marriage should be performed by a judge or a justice of the peace. |
| A Christian wedding is a service of worship; so the most suitable place for it is in the sanctuary or chapel where the symbols of faith are clearly visible: the Cross -- which stands for the redemptive love of Christ, and the Table -- which reminds us of the gathered family nourished by God's presence. |
| First Steps |
| Call the church office (428-2611) and make an appointment for you and your fiancé to see the minister. At the first interview, preliminary arrangements will be made and you will be asked to take a pre-marriage education course with the minister, or some equivalent. Such courses cover learning to communicate, sharing intimacy, sexual identity, having children, mixed marriage and remarriage, for better... for worse (questions of power and abuse) and the spiritual dimension. The wedding service is discussed and adapted to fit the needs and style of the participants. |
| Legal Documents | |
| Marriage is both a civil contract and a Christian covenant. | |
| In Ontario marriage may take place under the authority of either a marriage licence or the publication of banns. You can purchase a licence at any municipal office in Ontario prior to your wedding day. The licence must be given to the minister or taken to the church secretary with honoraria and fees at least one month before the wedding. Either one or both parties to the marriage may swear out the affidavit for the licence and will be asked to produce two forms of identification each -- usually a birth certificate and a driver's licence. |  |
| If you attend St. James regularly you may ask for the publishing of banns instead of purchasing a licence. |
| Music | |
| All arrangements for music will be made through the musical director of the church, Kelly Goldsmith. The best time for doing this is immediately following a Sunday morning service. |  |
| The choice of music is governed by the same considerations that cover all services of worship in the church: God alone is praised and served. Solos may be sung at various times before and during the service and during the signing of the register. |
| Photographs and Recordings | |
| No photographs may be taken during a wedding service either by a professional or by guests. Pictures may be taken as the procession comes down the aisle, during the signing of the register, and as the couple leaves. Special poses, such as the exchange of rings, may be re-enacted for the photographer following the service. Video recordings may be made from the gallery only. All arrangements must be discussed with the minister and wedding manager at the rehearsal. |  |
| Flowers |
| Flowers and other decorations are provided by the bridal party. Please keep them simple and consult with the minister on their location. If you would like some of your wedding flowers to remain in the church after your wedding, please notify the church office. The church building will be open one hour prior to the wedding time for delivery of flowers, or flowers may be left at the church at the time of the rehearsal. |
| Fees |
| BOOKING DEPOSIT: We require a $100 deposit when the wedding is booked, refundable up to the time of the first meeting with the minister. Make cheque payable to St. James United Church and mail to the attention of Ann McNall, 203 John St., Simcoe, Ontario N3Y 2Y6. |
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| OPTIONAL |
| Bulletins -- If a printed order of service is requested, there is a charge of $25, payable to Ann McNall at the church office. |
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Pre Marriage Course -- For those who choose a pre-marriage education course with Mr. Beacom there is a charge of $25 to cover the materials. |
| Cheques to be made out to: ST. JAMES UNITED CHURCH. |
| Your cheque (less deposit) is to be presented to the Church Secretary, Mrs. Ann McNall, one month before the rehearsal. A tax deductible receipt will be given for the church fee. |
| Other Considerations: |
| a) No confetti may be thrown on the church premises. |
| b) Smoking is not permitted inside the church buildings. |
| c) Members of the wedding party must not consume alcohol or other non-prescription drugs on the day of the service. This is a provision of the Marriage Act of Ontario. Failure to comply requires the minister to postpone the marriage. |
| After Your Wedding |
| When you settle down in the community, we would be glad to have you worship with us and be part of our church family, if you are not already. A growing faith can best be nurtured in the worship and fellowship of a church community. The minister is interested in you. If you have a question or a problem call for an appointment. Ministers are trained and prepared to offer help or to make referrals if necessary. |
