A WORD FROM THE PASTOR
Pastor Natacha D. Kemp
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
Very soon, the two of you will stand before God, friends, family, and other Christians to be joined in marriage. I am happy that God has brought your two lives together. What a blessing! May God richly bless you as you begin to make plans for your wedding day.
Marriage owes its existence to God. God intends that husband and wife should faithfully love one another throughout their life, and that children should be brought up in Christian love and nurture.
Marriage must not be entered into lightly, thoughtlessly, or carelessly; but with mutual respect and reverence for God. Two people desiring to join their hearts as one must have the intention to obey God’s will. This gives assurance that God will give us His joy and peace. As you make wedding plans, remember that the Christian wedding service is primarily an act of worship which lifts up our Savior and Lord. Let this fact guide you. Things that distract us from this goal should be avoided. Also keep in mind that your wedding need not be an expensive and elaborate affair to be a sacred and beautiful celebration of this happy time. The key to remember about a Christian wedding is that it is a worship service focusing on God’s love for God’s people. Never forget that a wedding lasts a day and a marriage lasts a lifetime.
May God’s blessings on both of you be ever abundant as you become one in heart, mind, body, and spirit.
WEDDINGS AT GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH
The Good Shepherd family is glad to share in the celebration of your marriage, to provide this information about wedding policies at the church, and to assist you in making plans for your wedding. This booklet will help answer many of your questions. Please read and follow the guidelines carefully, so your wedding will be joyous and meaningful. We assume that when you schedule a wedding here, you have read these policies and agree to abide by them.
A Wedding is a Religious Service!
The Good Shepherd family rejoices with you and gives thanks to God, who is the creator of life and community. He promises steadfast love to the husband and wife as they seek to fulfill the vows they make before God and to one another. The congregation gathers to thank God for the gift of marriage, and prays for God’s ever-present help and support. Jesus Christ brought joy to a wedding in Galilee, and we pray for his presence to be with you.
The choice of the church as the site for your wedding has religious implications. At Good Shepherd Lutheran Church we consider the ceremony to be a sacred service where the bride and groom pledge themselves to one another in the presence of God. All parts of the service should be in keeping with the place and purpose of holy marriage.
The policies that follow are for both members of this congregation and non-members. They are for small weddings and for large events attended by many people. The service for marriage in the Lutheran Book of Worship and music that expresses worship of God will be used in the ceremony. Any adaptations desired will be made in consultation and approval with the pastor.
May God bring joy to your wedding!
AS YOU BEGIN PREPARATION:
CONTACT THE CHURCH
This should be done as far in advance of the wedding as possible. At this time the following dates should be cleared and set:
--The date and time of the wedding (and reception, if at the church). Plan as early as possible so the use of the church facilities can be arranged. A tentative date can be held for three weeks. Holy Week and eves of major church festivals are closed to weddings. In the event that your wedding date would need to be changed, please notify the church office.
Rehearsal
The date and time of the rehearsal is important! This is usually the evening before the wedding; approximately one hour. The wedding party, parents, and ushers should be in attendance. If you are planning a groom’s dinner, the evening rehearsal should be planned before it.
Pre-Marital Counseling
Each couple is asked to take a pre-marriage inventory which the pastors utilize in their pre-marriage conversations with you. The fee for the inventory currently is $35.00 and is due when the inventory is taken. This is paid directly to the company that provides the service (Life Innovations). Our parish administrator will guide you in this process.
--Pre-marital conversations with the pastor should be set.
--It is possible to have more than one wedding on a day, but a minimum of three hours should intervene between weddings.
--The participation of the church’s pastor is required in all weddings held in the church. If the wedding is to be in a private home or location other than the church, the arrangements should be made directly with the pastor.
IMPORTANT DETAILS
Conferences with the Pastor
The couple must make an appointment with the pastor for consultation on plans for the wedding service and to prepare for marriage. Discuss your suggestions for the wedding with the pastor. Plan on at least three sessions with the pastor.
Please call the pastor at the church, (316) 524-3401, to arrange the sessions.
Wedding Reception
Receptions may be held at the church in the Fellowship Hall. Arrangements for a reception are to be made with the wedding coordinator who helps in all church receptions. Fees will be determined by the number of guests at the reception (see last page of booklet).
Dressing Room
The bride and her party may dress at the church in designated rooms. The groom and his attendants may dress in another designated area at the church.
It is the responsibility of the bride and groom to arrange for the care of the property of the wedding party before, during, and after the wedding, and for the removal of such items immediately following the service.
Wedding Bulletins and Folders
It is the couple’s responsibility to purchase and secure the appropriate number of bulletins. Fine selections of wedding bulletins are available in various bookstores and printing shops.
The church will be glad to print a worship bulletin for your marriage service. If you would like the church administrator to print your bulletins, please have all information, names of all the principles, and acknowledgements printed or typed and in the layout order you wish as well as the bulletins themselves at least two weeks before the wedding. This is so you are able to proof it before the final run.
*Footnote at bottom of bulletin “There will be no flash photography during service other than paid photographer.”
Marriage License
The wedding license is obtained at the Sedgwick County Courthouse (9th floor), 525 N. Main, Wichita (316-383-7644). Applications must be made at least 3 working days, and not more than 60 days, before the wedding. A valid marriage license must be given to the pastor at least 2-3 days prior to the wedding.
NO LICENSE, NO WEDDING SERVICE, NO EXCEPTIONS!!!
ENGAGE THE FOLLOWING
Organist
Our church organist is under contract to provide organ music for all worship services, including weddings. She will play for your wedding unless other arrangements are made with the pastor and the organist. They will answer your questions about processionals, recessionals, and approval of solo selections. If there is to be a different accompanist using the piano or organ, that person must consult with the church’s organist (see consultation fees, page…) It is the couple’s responsibility to make contact well in advance of your wedding and to compensate the organist. She will discuss musical selections with you. Our present organist is Joan Eberhardt.
NOTE: If the wedding party wants to have a guest organist play, the guest organist MUST meet with Joan Eberhardt for approval for playing of the church organ. This must be done in order for the guest organist to be allowed to play the church organ.
Music at the Wedding
Here at Good Shepherd, we consider a wedding conducted in the church sanctuary to be a sacred service, specific guidelines exist for selections of appropriate music. The texts should reflect the praise of God and the love of Jesus Christ. ALL music must be approved by the pastor and church organist. Plan your wedding so the music used for all parts of the service is sacred and Christ-centered. The use of pop secular music is to be avoided as it does not add but rather detracts from the worship. Songs of that nature are better used at the wedding reception. It is the responsibility of the bride to see that any soloist contacts the organist in sufficient time to set up a rehearsal.
Congregational hymns can be a very appropriate way to involve the whole congregation in the marriage service.
Suggested Hymns:
Lutheran Book of Worship (Green Hymnal)
- Sent for forth by God’s Blessing…221
- O Perfect Love…287
- Hear Us Now, Our God and Father…288
- Heavenly Father, Hear Our Prayer…289
- Love Divine, All Loves Excelling…315
- Children of the Heavenly Father…474
- Now Thank We All Our God…534
- Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee…551
- Let All Things Now Living…557
With One Voice (Blue Hymnal)
- Here in This Place…718
- Bind Us Together…748
- When Love is Found…749
- As Man and Woman We Were Made…751
- I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry…770
- Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying…775
- Oh, Sing to the Lord…795
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Flowers and Decorations
A reliable florist can be of great help in beautifying the service and reception with the appropriate decorations and flowers. Decorations may be used in the church and fellowship hall for both the wedding and any reception dinner. All decorations should be fitting for worship. Please advise your florist of these guidelines:
All candles must be of the drip less variety. To protect furnishings and carpet, candelabras that catch and contain drippings must be used. Plastic coverings must be placed on the floor below. The couple or florist will be responsible for cleaning wax from all floor coverings and furniture in the event of a spill.
Flower bouquets should be placed on flower stands, not on the pulpit, baptismal font, or communion railing. Please make arrangements with the wedding coordinator for the time of delivery of flowers. Also arrange for the florist to pick up stands and candelabra at a convenient time.
Furniture in the sanctuary and chancel may not be moved without pastor’s permission. The cross may not be covered or obscured.
Only live flowers are permitted on the altar.
It is your responsibility to remove all decorations and waste from the church before you leave. As you found the church when you came so it should be when you leave.
Other Equipment:
The Wedding Coordinator
All couples will use the wedding coordinator of the church. The couple should contact and arrange to meet with the wedding coordinator as soon as the wedding date is set. The wedding coordinator works with the wedding party to make sure all details are covered and carried out according to the policies of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. The wedding coordinator will be present at the rehearsal and wedding to supervise the facilities and members of the wedding party to help all things go smoothly.
The Wedding Coordinator will:
- Meet with the couple to plan ceremony specifics.
- Assist at rehearsals.
- Coordinate matters with Altar Guild, Parish Reception, Pastor, and Wedding.
- Collect and distribute fees.
- Arrive early the day of the wedding to ensure the proper placement of items, and to assist bridal party’s preparations.
- Assist ushers, candle lighters, florists, video and photographers, and all others involved.
- Arrange for care of wedding gifts.
- Help parents and family know where to go and what do to.
- Assist with processional and receiving line.
Photographers
All pictures should be completed hour before the wedding is to begin so that guests will come to an empty sanctuary and not be distracted with last minute picture-taking of the wedding party. Relatives and friends are asked to abide by the policy. Other pictures of the wedding party may be taken before or following the completion of the service. You will also need to determine who you want to video your service as this is an excellent way to preserve your wedding day.
Childcare
If childcare is desired for the guests, arrangements can be made through the wedding coordinator. There is a charge. Childcare staff must meet the churches S.A.F.E. policy and is to be arranged by the church.
No Smoking or Alcohol
It is the responsibility of the bride and groom to be sure that members of the wedding party are aware that:
YES: Rice, seed, and wheat may be used, but only outside church building.
NO:confetti may be used in or outside the church!
NO:use of alcoholic beverages is permitted on the church premises, including the parking lot, at any time. Smoking is not permitted in any part of the church building or outside it.
Size of Weddings and Receptions
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church will comfortably accommodate about 142 people in the sanctuary and about 250 in Fellowship Hall. Our wedding fees for church members and non-members are listed at the back of this booklet.
Note: There is no fee for members’ use of the church or pastoral services for member weddings.This is pastoral care at the time of marriage. Any honoraria from members to church or pastor are received as gifts.
All fees must be paid to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and the original wedding certificate will need to be sent/brought to the church office THREE DAYS prior to the ceremony. Other fees and gifts should be made payable to the person providing that service.
From time to time, circumstances arise that prevents a wedding from taking place on the date selected. PLEASE notify the church office as soon as possible should your wedding plans change.
THE WORD OF GOD
Readings from God’s Word help us to understand marriage in the context of God’s creative love for his people. One or more readings from the Bible are read. You may choose a lector or if not, the pastor will read these passages. Consider the following suggestions as you select readings for your wedding:
