First Presbyterian Church of Hawley

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	First Presbyterian Church of Hawley
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	OUR MISSION
	We believe that God is alive and active. As faithful disciples we spread the good news of Christ’s love, forgiveness, and grace. Our mission is to be God’s presence within our community. Our ministry is people to people, nurturing spiritual growth, promoting peace, caring for others, and providing fellowship.

Congratulations!

Music | Decorations | Photos | Rehearsal | Costs

We at the First Presbyterian Church hope to be able to help you prepare for your wedding so that it will be an occasion of great joy.

Marriage is the occasion for the establishment of a life-long covenant. Not all of life's questions and commitments can be dealt with fully at the time of one's marriage, yet this is the time for careful consideration of how one thinks and feels about love, faith, trust, vocation, and other areas basic to human relationships.

This is one of the reasons why weddings are performed by ministers of the church only after there has been sufficient time for the exploration of the wedding service itself. Ordinarily, there will be at least two interviews with the pastor and one interview with the church organist.

All arrangements for your wedding at First Presbyterian Church (such as making appointments to see the pastor and discussing the time of the wedding and rehearsal) are to be made by calling the church office at 570-226-4835.

It is expected that the Pastor of First Presbyterian will officiate at all weddings at the church. Should you wish to have another clergy person participate in your wedding service, please talk with the pastor here as soon as possible. Any invitation to another clergy person should be issued by the pastor of First Presbyterian.

Music

The organist of First Presbyterian or her approved substitute will be in charge of both the arrangements for all music and playing for the wedding service itself. Music for the wedding ceremony should normally be sacred in nature and shall be selected by the couple in consultation with the organist at least two weeks prior to the wedding. Final decisions concerning music rest with the organist.

Any instrumentalists or vocal soloists chosen by the couple in consultation with the organist shall be paid directly. When requiring accompaniment by the organist, rehearsal times should be scheduled prior to the wedding rehearsal night.

Guest organists are permitted, but must be approved by the church organist. Guest organists are asked not to change organ or midi settings without the church organist's approval. If setting changes are necessary, original settings must be reset immediately after use.

For further information concerning your wedding music or to make an appointment, contact our organist, Adele Harrison, at 570-775-9828.

Decorations

The use of candles is limited because of fire hazards, cleaning problems, and difficulties involved in installation and removal. No candle-holders may be affixed to the pews and none may be placed in the aisles even if the candles are not to be lit for the service.

Flowers, aisle-runners, and other such decorations are ordinarily provided by a florist selected by the bride's family. Please be alert to the following: Nothing may be affixed to the carved woodwork or pews with nails, screws, staples, clamps, or gummed tape. All flowers and other decorations are to be in place at least forty-five minutes before the scheduled start of the wedding service.

Please be sure that information concerning the disposition of the flowers following the service has been given to the pastor before the wedding day.

Picture Taking

The wedding is a service of worship. It is important that all involved be able to give their full attention to the service. Therefore, under no circumstances may flash photographs be taken during the ceremony. Video recordings may be made of the service providing only available light is required. If the bride and groom wish, the wedding party may reassemble following the service in order that pictures may be taken.

The Rehearsal

Time of rehearsal. Ordinarily the rehearsal is held on the day preceding the wedding. The rehearsal usually takes about 45 minutes. We ask that all participants be present and ready to begin on time. Please bring the wedding license and any payments to the rehearsal.
Who is needed at the rehearsal? The bride and groom, other attendants, the father of the bride or whomever will be escorting the bride down the aisle. It is helpful if the bride's mother is present. Others are welcome to come, of course, but are observers at the rehearsal rather than participants.
What happens at the rehearsal? We familiarize ourselves with the mechanics of the service, entrance and exit, places to stand, and other details. The purpose is to make it possible for all who participate in the wedding to be comfortable with the procedures so that they can give their full attention to the service itself.

Costs Involved
There are no charges for the use of the church buildings or the pastoral ministry of the church to members of its congregation, since they already support the church through its annual stewardship program. The amounts listed below serve as guidelines.

	Sanctuary	Members	Non-Members
	Use Pastor Organist Sexton	No Charge Honorariam $85 $50	No Charge Honorariam $85 $50

	Blough Hall	Members	Non-Members
	Use for Reception Sexton	Honorariam $50	$200 $50

First Presbyterian Church, 815 Church Street, Hawley, Pennsylvania 18428 - 570.226.4835