Weddings
What is Christian Marriage?
Marriage is a gift God has given to all humankind for the well-being of the entire human family. Marriage is a civil contract between a woman and a man. For Christians marriage is a covenant through which a man and a woman are called to live out together before God their lives of discipleship. In a service of Christian marriage a lifelong commitment is made by a woman and a man to each other, publicly witnessed and acknowledged by the community of faith.
The opening statement on The Gift of Marriage, declares to all present the full extent and intent of Christian Marriage:
We gather in the presence of God to give thanks for the gift of marriage, to witness the joining together of N. and N., to surround them with our prayers, and to ask God's blessing upon them, so that they may be strengthened for their life together and nurtured in their love for God.
God created us male and female, and gave us marriage so that husband and wife may help and comfort each other, living faithfully together in plenty and in want, in joy and in sorrow, in sickness and in health, throughout all their days.
God gave us marriage for the full expression of the love between a man and a woman. In marriage a woman and a man belong to each other, and with affection and tenderness freely give themselves to each other. God gave us marriage for the well-being of human society, for the ordering of family life, and for the birth and nurture of children. God gave us marriage as a holy mystery in which a man and a woman are joined together, and become one, just as Christ is one with the church.
In marriage, husband and wife are called to a new way of life, created, ordered, and blessed by God. This way of life must not be entered into carelessly, or from selfish motives, but responsibly, and prayerfully. We rejoice that marriage is given by God, blessed by our Lord Jesus Christ, and sustained by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, let marriage be held in honor by all.
From The Book of Common Worship
Requirements for Christian Marriage
Members seeking to be married in Christ Chapel or The Sanctuary of Christ Church must be actively involved in the worship, study and fellowship of the congregation. If they currently live away from the Canton area, they are expected to be actively involved in the life of a similar congregation. The facilities of Christ Church are in constant use with ministry events scheduled year-round. Because of this we do not open the church for non-member weddings.
Preparation for marriage at Christ Church requires pre-marital counseling. Such counseling can be done with the pastor or, with the concurrence of the pastor, can be completed by other accredited counselors. Topics to be discussed include: dealing with differences, religious practice, financial readiness, family and friends, parenting assessments and a comprehensive discussion of each family of origin.
For further information regarding requirement and expectations, contact the church office at 330.456.8113.
Scheduling a Wedding at Christ Church
We schedule all weddings and appointments through the church office. Dates for weddings and rehearsal should be made as early as possible. When you call to schedule a wedding the office will send you several forms you will need to complete and return. The sooner this is done the sooner your dates and times are confirmed.
For further information regarding fees, schedules and facility accommodations, please contact the church office at 330.456.8113.
The Wedding Worship Service
Christian marriage should be celebrated in the place where the community gathers for worship. As a service of Christian worship, the marriage service is under the direction of the minister(s) of Christ Church and the supervision of the session. The marriage ordinarily takes place in a special service, the focus of which is marriage as a gift of God and as an expression of the Christian life. Others may be invited to participate as co-leaders in the service only at the discretion of the pastor. Celebration of the Lord’s Supper at the marriage service requires the approval of the session, and care shall be taken that the invitation to the Table is extended to all baptized present.
A wedding at Christ Church is an act of worship and will be conducted according to the liturgy found in the Presbyterian Book of Common Worship. The service begins with scriptural sentences and a brief statement of purpose. The man and the woman shall declare their intention to enter into Christian marriage and shall exchange vows of love and faithfulness. The service includes appropriate passages of Scripture, which may be interpreted in various forms of proclamation. Prayers shall be offered for the couple, for the communities that support them in this new dimension of discipleship, and for all who seek to live in faithfulness. In the name of the triune God the minister shall declare publicly that the woman and the man are now joined in marriage. A charge may be given. Other actions common to the community and its cultures may appropriately be observed when these actions do not diminish the Christian understanding of marriage. The service concludes with a benediction.
Portions adopted from The Book of Order
Because the wedding service is an act of worship, the music will be provided only by the musicians of Christ Church. The couple will need to set an appointment with Dr. David Kienzle, who will assist them in choosing appropriate music from a set repertoire. The worship ministry must approve any additional guest soloists and instrumentalists who are chosen to assist Dr. Kienzle.
