Wedding Information
Faith Lutheran Church shares with you your joy as you prepare for your wedding service and your marriage. Because we believe that you want your wedding to be a joyous and meaningful service of worship, we offer this booklet to make your planning easier and more effective.
General information:
Church Office: 587-2093
Fax: 320-587-2090
Church Hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 – 4:30
Staff Names/Phone:
Pastor Randy Freund 587-2093
Pastor Scott Grorud 587-2093
Jackie Backen, wedding scheduler 587-2093 587-3486 (home) 583-7755 (cell)
Scott Stuber, custodian 587-2093
Shirley Holtz, organist 587-4829
Wedding Consultant: Once the date is on the calendar and the damage deposit paid, you will be contacted by the wedding consultant.
The Christian Wedding
A cord of three strands is not easily broken. – Ecclesiastes 4:12
The Christian wedding service is an act of worship. It is a ceremony in which Christians come together to offer special thanks and praise and to ask God’s blessings upon your life together as husband and wife.
A Christian wedding service carries certain responsibilities as well as offers special blessings. Some of these responsibilities are listed in the paragraphs that follow.
A Christian wedding is also a worship opportunity for all those gathered to praise, pray and implore God’s blessing with you upon your marriage. Strange as this may sound at first, it means that your wedding is not for you alone. Those who come should not come merely as spectators, but as worshippers. By emphasizing the congregational nature of the Christian wedding, you will be helping those who come to share your joy be an integral part of your wedding.
Christ is at the Center
The center of worship for Christians is always Christ. This means that as we worship, our attention is to be drawn first and last to Him. It is, after all, an evidence of God’s grace that we are able to celebrate Christ’s presence with us. For your wedding, this means that God should be given glory and honor, and that the attention of all in attendance should be drawn to Him.
Pre-Marriage Counseling
Weddings that take place at Faith Lutheran are Christian celebrations; it is mandatory for all couples to attend a PAIRS first weekend workshop sponsored by Ostergaard Consultation Services. Information about this workshop is available in your wedding packet.
Wedding Coordinator
The wedding coordinator will be a valuable resource for you on the day of the rehearsal and wedding. She will also assist you regarding receiving lines, guest book, dressing rooms, etc. The day of the wedding, she will help in the direction of parents, grandparents, usher instruction and bridal party entrance. You will be contacted by your assigned wedding coordinator approximately 6 weeks prior to your wedding.
Sanctuary Seating
The sanctuary of the church has 36 pews, 18 to a side, and will seat approximately 290 people. An additional 50 people can be seated using chairs and the balcony as an overflow area. Make sure this coincides with your guest list.
Altar Flowers
You may wish to furnish two altar bouquets to enhance the beauty of the chancel area. These bouquets can be arranged in your own containers or in the church’s brass vases. These vases are not to leave the chancel area; however, the bouquets can be arranged in a liner which slides into the brass vase. These liners can then be removed and used as decoration for the reception if held in the church basement. Most florists can provide you with these liners.
If you wish these flowers to remain for Sunday morning worship services, please sign the “Flower Chart” located in the main hallway outside of the church office.
Aisle Cloth
An aisle cloth is not required – it is up to the couple if they would like to use one. The church does NOT provide an aisle cloth. Paper runners can be purchased at the local floral shops. You will need a 100-foot roll to reach from the altar to the last pew.
Aisle Candelabra
The church has seven pairs of aisle candelabra available for rent (see fee schedule). The money received is channeled into the Haugen Scholarship Fund.
Bows or small flower arrangements may be attached to the candelabras as long as care is given not to mar the brass in any way.
Alcohol
Alcohol is not allowed in the church or on church property at any time.
Unity Candle
If you elect to light the unity candle during your wedding ceremony, the church has a unity candle holder you may use. You are responsible to supply the two white side candles and center candle. (suggested height is 8 inches)
Decorations
Most couples choose to decorate every other pew with a bow or small floral arrangement. This requires ten (10) arrangements on each side of the aisle. There is a small nail located on the pews for this purpose. Use only non-marking attachments, such as ribbon or string for these decorations. Do not use tape, glue, wire, etc.
Guest Book
We will set up a guest book table in the narthex. A linen cloth is provided with the table, but any additional decoration is the responsibility of the couple.
Picture Taking
We, along with most photographers, suggest you have your wedding pictures taken before the ceremony. No flash pictures are allowed during the ceremony.
Video Cameras
You may film your ceremony from the front of the church as long as the camera or person running it cannot be seen and are not disturbing the wedding service. No camera equipment is allowed in the altar area. Church owned AV equipment is not available for usage.
Throwing rice and/or bird seed
Absolutely no throwing rice and/or bird seed is allowed in or near the church. An alternative to this is to have the guests blow bubbles which can be purchased through your invitation supplier.
The Wedding Ceremony
Scripture Reading (s)
One or two Scripture portions are commonly read at most weddings. A pastor or scripture reader of your choice may read Scriptures. The following Scripture portions are possibilities to be used at your wedding:
Genesis 1:26-31 Matthew 7:24-29
Genesis 2:18-24 John 2:1-11
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 John 15:9-12
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Romans 12:1-2, 9-18
Psalm 67 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Psalm 128 Ephesians 3:14-21
Proverbs 31 Ephesians 4:29-32
Jeremiah 31:31-32a, 33-34a Ephesians 5:21-33
Matthew 5:1-12 Colossians 3:12-17
Matthew 5:13-16 I John 4:7-12
The Music
Music for a wedding should be chosen with great care. It should reflect the Christian understanding of marriage and should be tasteful in tone and quality.
Questions regarding music need to be addressed by the pastor conducting your wedding ceremony.
If you can answer “yes” to the following questions, the music is probably appropriate:
1. Does this music/text reflect praise and/or thanksgiving to God?
2. Is it based on, or does it reflect, a Scriptural theme?
3. Would this song be appropriate for a Sunday worship service?
Your active participation in the planning of music for your wedding is encouraged and welcomed. A meaningful worship experience generally evolves and grows in direct relation to the careful consideration given its planning. In addition, since a wedding is a worship service, congregational singing should also be given serious consideration.
Vocalist
If you choose to have a vocalist, the vocalist must contact the organist/pianist for practice times and music selections. (Note – We do request that all music be approved by the pastor officiating at your wedding before your vocalist is secured.) Practice at the church should be done during church hours if possible. Please contact the church office at 587-2093 to schedule practice times.
Possible vocalists:
² Lara Liepold – 234-5906
² Marc Vaillancourt – 587-4730
² Rachel Kurtz-May – 612-354-3030
Recommended Vocal Music:
Household of Faith
He Has Chosen You for Me
Home is Where the Heart Is
The Lord’s Prayer
God, A Woman and A Man – Lilly Green
The Gift of Love
Our Sacred Pledge
Make Us One – Liles (alto piece, not soprano)
Cherish the Treasure – Mohr
I Will Be Here – Steven Curtis Chapman
In This Very Room – Harris
Love Will Be Our Home – Chapman
Make Us One, Father – Paul Johnson
Me & My House – Tim Shepherd
This is the Day – Brown
On Eagle’s Wings – Joncas
**Remember – the fee for your vocalist or instrumentalist is NOT included in the charges listed on the fee schedule. The suggested fee is $50.00-$100.00 depending on whom you ask as he/she may have a predetermined fee.
Organist
It is your responsibility to contact the church organist if you do not have one of your own. This should be done as soon as possible after the date and time of the wedding are set. Shirley Holtz (587-4829) must be contacted regarding usage of the organ.
Possible organists you can contact:
Shirley Holtz – 587-4829
Ronda Eckhart – 587-7526 (Ronda also plays piano)
Organ suggestions for your wedding ceremony are on the following page.
Processionals:
Water Music Suite – Handel
Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring – Bach
Arioso – Bach
Arioso – Handel
Aria – Handel
Westminster Abby – Wetzler
Fanfare & Processional – Wagner
Trumpet Voluntary – Clarke
Canon in D – Pachelbel
Recessionals:
Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring – Bach
Prelude in Classis Style – Young
Joyful We Adore Thee – Beethoven
Trumpet Tune – Clarke
Psalm XIX – Marcello
Eight Little Preludes and Fugues – Bach
Allegro Maestoso – Handel
Praise to the Lord – LBW 543
Trumpet Voluntary – John Stanley
God of Grace, and God of Glory – LBW 415
Now Thank We All Our God – LBW 534
Passaglia – Young
Allegro – Handel
Toccata – Widor
Rigaudon – Campra
Rondeau – Mouret
Congregational Hymns: LBW
288 Hear Us Now, Our God and Father
557 Let All Things Now Living
551 Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee
533 Now Thank We All Our God
241 We Praise You, O God
287 O Perfect Love
543 Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
518 Beautiful Savior
481 Savior, Like A Shepherd Lead Us
It is our hope that your wedding will be a meaningful and memorable occasion for you and your guests, and that your life together will be richly blessed by God
If you have your reception at Faith Lutheran:
If your wedding includes a church reception, the consultant must be advised. We will assist you in the planning and execution of all details related to a reception in our church.
Responsibilities of the Caterer
We ask that the caterer use the church kitchen as you would your own. If anything breaks, please leave a note explaining the trouble. The church needs to know when something has to be repaired. Upon leaving the church, the kitchen should look as good as when they arrived. Dishes, cupboards, and sinks are to be left clean, wiped, and dried. Sink strainers and dish washer drains should also be clean and all plastic table cloths wiped off. All disposable items (plates, etc.) must be in garbage bags, tied, and ready for disposal. The caterer must contact the wedding consultant for specifics at least one month prior to the wedding.
Wedding Cake
We need to know in advance if your wedding cake is too large for the serving table. We prefer to have the caterer or cake baker supply any special table needed; however, arrangements can be made if we know far enough in advance.
Wedding Gifts
The following applies to receptions only: A table will be available in the church basement for wedding gifts and you will be responsible for their safety. If your reception is elsewhere, it is advisable to not bring gifts to the church.
Tablecloths
The church will furnish white plastic table cloths for all tables. It is very important to check with your caterer on what they intend to supply. Some furnish all special tablecloths, some furnish none. The wedding consultant needs to know in advance what we must furnish.
Punch Table
The punch table is generally set up in the concourse of the church. Two people serving is most efficient. A simple decoration of greens around the bowl or a bud vase with a sprig of flowers is usually sufficient. Check with your caterer to see if they furnish the punch bowl. If not, the church has one you can use.
Special Guest Table
This is a table near the head table set aside for “special” invited guests such as grandparents, siblings, godparents, etc. We suggest you use place cards on the table as a means of reserving it for these people.
Seating
The church basement is divided into two sections. The south side of the basement (most often used) will comfortably accommodate 197 people plus the head table. The north side can be set up and used as overflow. This side will accommodate 160 people. This means our basement can hold a maximum of 360 seated guests. The church has enough tables and chairs to seat 300. To have maximum seating, the family must bring in six tables and 60 chairs. These can be rented from several places within the city including the Armory, the Civic Arena, and the Elks Club.
Kitchen Supplies
The kitchen is equipped with enough plates, cups, silverware, etc. to accommodate 280 people.
Decorating for the Reception
Any decorating for the reception area is the responsibility of the couple. We suggest keeping it simple. It is the responsibility of the wedding party to remove the decorations immediately after the reception.
Please be reminded: If flowers are used in the sanctuary for the wedding, they may be taken downstairs for the reception; however, the brass altar vases are not to be removed from the chancel area.
