Second and Pearson Streets, Auburn, PA 17922

WEDDING POLICY

            It is the intent of the staff and the congregation to help make any wedding ceremony conducted at St. John Church lovely and meaningful.  The guidelines stated here have been established to help preserve the beauty, dignity and atmosphere of reverence which should surround a wedding service.

            The church and the pastor should be contacted as early as possible so that the wedding date can be added to the church calendar.  For information on weddings and other special events call 570-754-7722 or office@stjohnsunionchurch.org.

                                                FEES FOR THE USE OF THE BUILDING

             Costs for the use of the church will be minimal unless specific and out-of-the-ordinary efforts are requested.

            1.  There will be no cost for the use of the building if either the bride or groom is a member of the congregation.

            2.  For non-members, permission must be granted by the Joint Board, and a fee of $150.00 will be charged.

 OTHER FEES

            While there is no charge for members or a minimal charge for non-members for the use of the building, other fees are necessary for the services of those staff members whose work is expected.  As a general principle, charges incurred by the church specifically for the wedding service will be paid by the couple.  These could include, but not be limited to:

   1.  The Parish Secretary will prepare the wedding bulletin, if one is desired.  There is a one-time charge of $20.00 to compensate the Parish Secretary.  The bulletin cover will be purchased by the couple.  All information for the bulletin should be given to the Parish Secretary at least two weeks before the wedding.

   2.  There is a $15.00 fee for the uses of the candelabra and/or the pew candles.  The church will be responsible for providing the candles.

   3.  See below for other staff fees.

PASTOR

                        Counseling with the pastor about marriage as well as the wedding service should be arranged as soon as possible.  He/she will discuss the guidelines concerning counseling sessions, music, the order of ceremony, and all other general arrangements concerning the church.  It is anticipated that at least three sessions will be required.  The bridal couple shall discuss the pastoral fee with the pastor.

MUSIC

        Music chosen for the ceremony should be appropriate for a Christian church.  After meeting with the pastor, the couple will arrange to meet with the organist as soon as possible to select music that is appropriate to the sacred nature of the wedding service.  Any music selected must be approved by the pastor and the organist.

ORGANIST

        Ms. Debbie Perkins is the organist designated by the church for most weddings.  She can be reached at 213 St. Peter’s Street, Schuylkill Haven, PA  17972, phone 570-385-2962.  If the wedding couple prefers an organist other than the one suggested by the church, permission must first be obtained from the Joint Board.

            The fee for the organist is $85.00.  If rehearsals are required with the selected soloist(s), an additional fee of $25.00 per rehearsal will be charged.

 SOLOIST

          The soloist (s) can be selected by the couple and arrangements regarding fees can be made between the couple and the soloist (s).  The suggested fee for the soloist is $30.00.

                                                                         SEXTON

            The church sexton will be paid $75.00 for preparing the church for a typical wedding and for restoring the church to its original condition following the ceremony.  If you have questions about the use of the building, contact Leonard Brown, sexton, at 570-366-1359.

 RULES FOR THE USE OF THE BUILDING

1. No throwing rice or birdseed.  If additional time is needed to clean the parking lot because something is thrown the church reserves the right to charge an additional $25.00, which will be given to the sexton for the additional time spent.
2. No tape may be used to put up decorations.
3. No church furnishings may be moved (pulpit, lectern, piano, organ, etc.).
4. Keep things neat.  Leave them as you found them.
5. A lectern may be used in the narthex for a guest book.
6. No smoking in the building.
7. No alcoholic beverages on church property, including the parking lot and cemetery.
8. If flowers are placed in the church for the wedding and are not being kept for Sunday, please make arrangements to have the flowers and other decorations removed.

OTHER

      1.  A statement of charges will be prepared by the church office and sent to the couple.   Payment will be made to the church prior to the wedding.

            2.  The wedding license should be given to the pastor prior to the rehearsal.

This policy or any portion thereof may be modified or changed at any time upon a majority vote of the Joint Board.

Adopted by the Joint Board of St. John Church                                                                          2/20/2007

Send mail to office@stjohnsunionchurch.org with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: 10/30/07