Welcome to St.

Paul United Methodist Church

Congratulations! As you now begin to make plans for your wedding, we share in your excitement and want to offer you our love, support and prayers. We pray your engagement will be a time of blessing as you prepare for your very special day. Our church wants to do everything possible to help plan your wedding. The following guidelines and policies have been designed to preserve the dignity of worship, the church property, and our heritage as a United Methodists faith community. If these policies are updated or revised after making your deposit, the bride will receive an updated Wedding Brochure via US mail or email. It is the responsibility of the bride to communicate the church policies to all vendors, including wedding coordinators, florists, photographers and caterers.

Scheduling Days and Times

(all dates are subject to Church Staff approval)

Due to the great liturgical significance of some special days weddings will not be scheduled on : Sundays New Years Eve New Years Day Palm Sunday weekend Holy Week Easter Sunday weekend

Memorial Day Independence Day Labor Day Thanksgiving Day Christmas Eve Christmas Day

Evening rehearsals shall be scheduled to begin no later than 6:00 pm Evening weddings shall be scheduled to begin no later than 7:00 pm Afternoon weddings are welcomed. Non-members may reserve the church up to 1 year in advance of the desired Wedding date. Scheduling is done through the Church Office, 672-7814. Each Wedding is allowed a total of 10 (ten) hours of building use, including rehearsal, decorating, photography and ceremony.

Meeting with the Minister

When a wedding is being planned, one of the first people you should contact is the minister you are planning to use for your ceremony. Be sure to schedule an appointment with him/her through the Wedding Office Administrator after you have an approved date. If a minister other than our pastor is to officiate, you must inform the Wedding Office Administrator as soon as possible. Our pastor must approve of the guest minister and extend an invitation to and welcome the guest minister by mail. Marriage Counseling for the couple will be conducted by the minister officiating at the wedding.

Available Sites For.

Your Wedding
The Church Sanctuary provides reverence and beauty for weddings. It is able to accommodate a large wedding, or can be equally as beautiful for a smaller wedding. The Church Sanctuary will seat 600 people comfortably. The Griswold Chapel is also available, and would be especially appropriate for a small, private wedding. The Chapel will seat 50 people comfortably.

Your Rehearsal Dinner and/or Reception

The Wesley Friendship Hall may be used for rehearsal dinners and/or receptions. The fellowship hall will seat 125 people. The use of the fellowship hall includes the use of the kitchen and the ice machine. Arrangements should be made for people to help with the serving and clearing of cups and plates. It is essential that the building be left just as it was when you arrived. To help with any extras you may need, the church offers punch bowls, coffee urns and table cloths to be rented for your special day. Arrangements for the use of these items should be made through the Church Office. Prices are listed in this brochure.

Photography
Photographs help to keep the special memories of a wedding day alive. The following guidelines are provided so the bride and her family may explain church policies regarding photographs:

Only non-flash photographs taken from the balcony are permitted during the ceremony, unless otherwise arranged through the St. Paul Wedding Coordinator.

Formal Wedding photographs may be made prior to or immediately after the ceremony, after the guests have exited the Sanctuary. The Wedding Party may reassemble in the Sanctuary after the ceremony for additional photographs. During the wedding ceremony photographers will remain stationary.

Video Taping
Video taping is permitted from the TV stands located on each side aisle and in the Sanctuary balcony. Unattended video cameras may be placed in the doorways of the choir chancel. It is very important for the videographer to check with the church

Wedding Representative for any further instructions or requests on locations.

If you decide to have your videographer use our sound system in connection with their equipment, please make these arrangements through the church St. Paul Wedding Coordinator.

Wedding Music
The wedding ceremony is a sacred Christian service. It is a time when you declare your life-long devotion for one another before family and friends. We strongly

encourage the use of music that is scriptural, worshipful, dignified, and composed with attention to detail.

The bride must provide the Staff Organist and/or the Director of Music approval copies of the music to be used prior to printing any programs. (Note: St. Paul U.M.C. does not provide printed programs for your wedding.)

St. Paul United Methodist Church has an organist on staff, and we encourage the use of his services. He is skilled in the use of the Sanctuary organ, whereas only limited practice time is available on the organ for a guest organist who should be chosen and approved by the Staff Organist and/or the Director of Music 2 months before the day of the wedding. The fee for the Staff Organist for a standard wedding is stated in the prices listed at the back of this brochure. (Note: The Sanctuary piano may be used for your wedding, although it is recommended that it will be used only for accompaniment of

vocal and/or instrumental solos).

A standard wedding includes the wedding rehearsal and the wedding ceremony;

one

rehearsal with a vocal or instrumental soloist, prelude music prior to the ceremony, and other appropriate service music, processionals, recessionals, and postludes. Music selections of concert level solo organ works or extensive outside rehearsals with vocal soloists will require additional compensation for the organist.

Flowers
The following guidelines are listed for the use of flowers, and will be the responsibility of the florist. Your florist is very important to your wedding, but they must meet all criteria set forth in our rules and regulations for use of the Sanctuary before they are approved by the St. Paul Wedding Coordinator or the St. Paul Staff before your wedding.

The only type of candles permitted are dripless. These dripless tube candles are required and can be rented from your florist. If candles will be placed at the end of the aisles, they must be in hurricane shades to protect guests, as well as the carpet and furniture. Votive candles may not be used on chancel, communion, or modesty rails. *Protective plastic must be placed under every candelabra.*

Great care should be used when attaching any decorations to woodwork or furniture. Only tape that does not leave a residue or harm the finish on the woodwork may be used. Tacks, pins and nails may not be used to attach decorations to the furniture or the building. Pew clips are preferred and may be rented from your florist.

The florist should remove all flowers, floral equipment and decorations upon completion of the service. This includes any residue left by the decorations. Only silk flower petals may be tossed. All petals must be disposed of properly. Outside sidewalks must be swept in preparation for Sunday Worship services.

Early access to the church may be scheduled by the family with the St. Paul Wedding Coordinator. Arrangements for the church to be available for deliveries from the florist and/or caterer should be made through the St. Paul Wedding Coordinator.

Nothing may be placed on the Communion cushions.

Banners, flags, the cross, the Bible, the altar, the pulpit, altar candles, the baptismal fount, and the lectern must not be hidden, removed, or decorated. There may be liturgical banners hung in the Sanctuary to coincide with the church/ liturgical year. These banners will stay in place and will not be removed for weddings. Both altar candles must be lit before the wedding ceremony begins.

Hymnals and various pew items will remain in place.

All decorating times must be cleared with the St. Paul Wedding Coordinator ahead of time. If extra times are needed, this must be cleared with the St. Paul Wedding Coordinator.

The Sanctuary is decorated with greenery for a four week period during December. The greenery will remain in the Sanctuary until Epiphany (January 6) and may not be removed. With the approval of the St. Paul Wedding Coordinator, additional floral arrangements are acceptable with these special decorations. Poinsettias are placed along the altar rails, etc. on the Sunday prior to Christmas Day and are removed by those who purchase them on that Sunday.

Available Accessories
The church has available the following items:
Two

adjustable brass candelabras which hold 7 tube candles each.

Tube candles are not provided by the church.

A kneeling bench which matches our woodwork. Two wooden pedestals.

The use of these items is included in the Building Rental Fee.

Rehearsals
Weddings will have a rehearsal scheduled for the evening before the wedding. The usual scheduled time for the rehearsal is 5:00 p.m., and the latest is before 6:00 p.m. It is strongly suggested that everyone be on time and prepared, as the rehearsal should last no longer than one and one half hours. The time for the rehearsal is included in the ten (10) hour weekend maximum for you wedding.

Those who should be in attendance, along with the minister, are the bride and groom, their parents, grandparents, attendants, ushers, organist and/or pianist. If vocal music is to be used, the soloist(s) should also be present for sound purposes. Promptness at the rehearsal is essential for all members of the wedding party. The marriage license should be given to the minster at the rehearsal.

The Wedding
In preparation for the wedding service, the bride and her attendants should arrive at the church well in advance of the appointed hour. If photographs are to be taken before or after the ceremony (or both) scheduling considerations need to be made with the church St. Paul Wedding Coordinator so he/she may make the necessary arrangements to have the building unlocked.

The Brides Room is located in Room 116. There are several full length mirrors, electrical outlets, a closet for hanging dresses and a restroom facility. The church will not be responsible for dresses and articles that are left overnight in the building, although the building will be locked and secure. The wedding party may bring snacks and drinks to the church, but they must be consumed in the Craft Kitchen area. Only water is allowed in the brides and grooms rooms.

The groom, his attendants and ushers may dress in Room 122. If the arrival time of the groom and his attendants is different from the Brides, please let the St. Paul Wedding Coordinator know. The groom and best man should meet with the minister no later than fifteen minutes before the wedding in the grooms room or Chapel area.

If child-care services are needed at rehearsal, wedding or both, please contact the church office to make arrangements (672-7814). Payment for these services is the responsibility of the bride and/or groom. We have care-givers who are employed by the church, but this arrangement should be made through our Coordinator of Childrens Ministries.

As You Leave
Throwing rice, birdseed, or confetti is strictly prohibited in any of the church buildings or near the entrances. Bubbles may be used outside the building only.

Removal of the flowers after the wedding is the responsibility of the brides family. However, if you have no specific plans for your floral decorations and your wedding is scheduled for a Saturday, you might consider leaving any chancel flowers that may be used during the worship service on Sunday morning. You may then pick them up at noon after the late Worship service, or if you prefer, they may be rearranged and shared with those in our congregation who are sick or shut-in. Please make arrangements before the Wedding date with the St. Paul Wedding Coordinator regarding the disposition of your flowers. Our church uses Philpott Florists for chancel flowers each Sunday morning, so it is important for us to know if flowers will be left behind, because of the contribution by our members of flower memorials.

Alcohol/Tobacco Prohibition
Absolutely no alcohol is permitted on Church property, and no use of tobacco is permitted in any of the church buildings. We thank you in advance for respecting this policy. Wedding Parties found in violation of this policy will be dismissed from the Church Property immediately and the ceremony cancelled. No refunds will be made.

Payment
Deposit of $250.00 must be paid to the Church Director of Finance before the wedding date will be reserved. All final payments for wedding fees should be made to the Church Director of Finance no later than one (1) week prior to the day of rehearsal.

_______________________________________________

DATE OF WEDDING TIME OF WEDDING

_______________________________________________

Wedding Policies and Guidelines Agreement St. Paul United Methodist Church
525 Beech Street, Abilene, Texas 79601 We, the undersigned, having read all the St. Paul United Methodist Church Policies and Guidelines governing weddings, herewith acknowledge our willingness to abide by these guidelines by means of our signatures below.

_________________________________________

Bride

_________________________________________

Groom

Dated this __________ day of _____________________, 20_____. This Agreement and the $250.00 deposit is to be returned to the office and officially reserves the date of your wedding.
The following person is responsible for payment of outstanding charges:

_______________________________________________ Name _______________________________________________ Address _______________________________________________ Phone

Brides copy

_______________________________________________

DATE OF WEDDING TIME OF WEDDING

_______________________________________________

Wedding Policies and Guidelines Agreement St. Paul United Methodist Church
525 Beech Street, Abilene, Texas 79601 We, the undersigned, having read all the St. Paul United Methodist Church Policies and Guidelines governing weddings, herewith acknowledge our willingness to abide by these guidelines by means of our signatures below.

_________________________________________

Bride

_________________________________________

Groom

Dated this __________ day of _____________________, 20_____. This Agreement and the $250.00 deposit is to be returned to the office and officially reserves the date of your wedding.
The following person is responsible for payment of outstanding charges:

_______________________________________________ Name _______________________________________________ Address _______________________________________________ Phone

Office copy

Wedding Information Sheet St. Paul United Methodist Church

525 Beech Street, Abilene, Texas 79601 BRIDES FULL NAME: ____________________________________________________________________ Nickname: _____________________________ Phone: ___________________________________ Church Membership: ____________________ Email: ___________________________________ GROOMS FULL NAME: ___________________________________________________________________ Nickname: _____________________________ Phone: ___________________________________ Church Membership: ____________________ Email: ___________________________________

REHEARSAL: Date: ____________ Start Time: ___________ Arrival Time: __________ Decorate Time: __________ WEDDING: Date: ____________ Start Time: __________ Decorate Time: _________ Dressing Time: ________ Approx. # of wedding guests: __________

Wedding Location: Sanctuary Chapel

Name of Minister (s):___________________________________________________________________ Church Name and Address if not a St. Paul Minister:__________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________

Rehearsal Dinner Location: __________________________ Reception Location: ___________________ A St. Paul Wedding Coordinator will be appointed. IF you have a PROFESSIONAL WEDDING COORDINATOR Name: _____________________________ Phone: _______________________________ Email: ____________________________________ BRIDES PARENTS: _______________________________________________________________________ Phone: ____________________________________ Address: __________________________________ Email: _______________________________ City: _________________State: ________ZIP: _______ GROOMS PARENTS: _____________________________________________________________________ Phone: ____________________________________ Address: __________________________________ Email: _______________________________ City: _________________State: ________ZIP: _______

Brides copy

MUSIC AND MUSICIANS (live musicians do not participate in ceremonies with pre-recorded music) Organist: ___________________________Pianist: ___________________________Soloist: _______________________ Instrumentalists: _______________________________________ Prelude Music: ______________________________ Selections for: Families: ________________________________ Bridesmaids: ________________________________ Brides Entrance: _________________________________ Prayer/Unity Candle: _________________________ Recessional: _____________________________________ Postlude: __________________________________

PHOTOGRAPHER: _______________________________________________________________________ Phone: ____________________________________ Address: ___________________________________ Email: ____________________________________ City: ____________________State: ________ZIP: _____

FLORIST: ________________________________________________________________________________ Phone: ____________________________________ Address: ___________________________________ Email: ____________________________________ City: ________________State: _______ZIP: _________ Disposition of the Altar Flowers:

Take following wedding

Leave for Sundays Worship Service

Will you need St. Pauls: Brass Candelabras (y/n)

Kneeling Bench: (y/n)

CHILDCARE REQUEST:

During Rehearsal (y/n)

During Wedding (y/n)

Number and ages of children: ______________

Number of Attendants: Bridesmaids: __________ Groomsmen:__________ Number of Mothers: ________ Number of Grandmothers: ________ Number of other (female) relatives to be escorted in and out of church: ________

Officiating St. Paul Pastor Wedding Policies/Guidelines Agreement Signed Deposit paid Music Approved by Dir. of Worship/Arts St. Paul Wedding Coordinator Final Payment made

FOR OFFICE USE Staff Approval

Wedding Information Sheet St. Paul United Methodist Church

Please complete and return to Lisa Barela in the church office at least 1 month before the day of the wedding.
BRIDES FULL NAME: ____________________________________________________________________ Nickname: _____________________________ Phone: ___________________________________ Church Membership: ____________________ Email: ___________________________________ GROOMS FULL NAME: ___________________________________________________________________ Nickname: _____________________________ Phone: ___________________________________ Church Membership: ____________________ Email: ___________________________________ 525 Beech Street, Abilene, Texas 79601

REHEARSAL: Date: ____________ Start Time: ___________ Arrival Time: __________ Decorate Time: __________ WEDDING: Date: ____________ Start Time: __________ Decorate Time: _________ Dressing Time: ________ Approx. # of wedding guests: __________

Wedding Location: Sanctuary Chapel

Name of Minister (s):___________________________________________________________________ Church Name and Address if not a St. Paul Minister:__________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________

Rehearsal Dinner Location: __________________________ Reception Location: ___________________ A St. Paul Wedding Coordinator will be appointed. IF you have a PROFESSIONAL WEDDING COORDINATOR Name: _____________________________ Phone: _______________________________ Email: ____________________________________ BRIDES PARENTS: _______________________________________________________________________ Phone: ____________________________________ Address: __________________________________ Email: _______________________________ City: _________________State: ________ZIP: _______ GROOMS PARENTS: _____________________________________________________________________ Phone: ____________________________________ Address: __________________________________ Email: _______________________________ City: _________________State: ________ZIP: _______

Office copy

MUSIC AND MUSICIANS (live musicians do not participate in ceremonies with pre-recorded music) Organist: ___________________________Pianist: ___________________________Soloist: _______________________ Instrumentalists: _______________________________________ Prelude Music: ______________________________ Selections for: Families: ________________________________ Bridesmaids: ________________________________ Brides Entrance: _________________________________ Prayer/Unity Candle: _________________________ Recessional: _____________________________________ Postlude: __________________________________

PHOTOGRAPHER: _______________________________________________________________________ Phone: ____________________________________ Address: ___________________________________ Email: ____________________________________ City: ____________________State: ________ZIP: _____

FLORIST: ________________________________________________________________________________ Phone: ____________________________________ Address: ___________________________________ Email: ____________________________________ City: ________________State: _______ZIP: _________ Disposition of the Altar Flowers:

Take following wedding

Leave for Sundays Worship Service

Will you need St. Pauls: Brass Candelabras (y/n)

Kneeling Bench: (y/n)

CHILDCARE REQUEST:

During Rehearsal (y/n)

During Wedding (y/n)

Number and ages of children: ______________

Number of Attendants: Bridesmaids: __________ Groomsmen:__________ Number of Mothers: ________ Number of Grandmothers: ________ Number of other (female) relatives to be escorted in and out of church: ________

Officiating St. Paul Pastor Wedding Policies/Guidelines Agreement Signed Deposit paid Music Approved by Dir. of Worship/Arts St. Paul Wedding Coordinator Final Payment made

FOR OFFICE USE Staff Approval

Members of St. Paul United Methodist Church Fees for Weddings and Receptions
Payments made to the St. Paul Director of Finance

Non-Members of St. Paul United Methodist Church

Fees for Weddings and Receptions

Payments made to the St. Paul Director of Finance

(Must be an active member for at least 1 year)

Wedding (Sanctuary)
$0.00 $200.00 $150.00 $75.00 $0.00

Utilities Wedding Coordinator Custodial (normal set-up/clean-up) Sound Building Use Fee

Wedding (Sanctuary)
Utilities Wedding Coordinator Custodial (normal set-up/clean-up) Sound Building Use Fee $125.00 $200.00 $150.00 $75.00 $175.00

Subtotal Subtotal Wedding (Chapel) $200.00

$400.00

$725.00 $300.00

Wedding (Chapel)

Additional Fees
$250.00 $200.00

Pastor and Counseling Organ/Instrumentalist

Additional Fees $450.00

Pastor and Counseling Organ/Instrumentalist $300.00 $200.00

Subtotal

Subtotal Reception

$500.00

Reception
$0.00 $150.00

Wesley Friendship Clean up/Utility

Wesley Friendship Clean-up/Utilities

$100.00 $150.00

Subtotal

$150.00 Other
n/c n/c $5.00/Place set $25.00/50 $10.00 Each $10.00 /Hour

Subtotal
Punch Bowl Coffee Urns China Clear plastic/cups Table Clothes Dishwasher Fee

$250.00
n/c n/c $5.00/Place set $25.00/50 $10.00 Each $10.00 /Hour

Other

Punch Bowl Coffee Urns China Clear plastic/cups Table Clothes Dishwasher Fee

Childcare
$10.00/hour $_______

Childcare
Minimum 2 workers; Minimum 2 hours $10.00/hour $_______

Minimum 2 workers; Minimum 2 hours

Grand Total

_________

Grand Total

_________

St. Paul United Methodist Church

Rev. Felicia Hopkins Senior Pastor Rev. Ross Whiteaker Associate Pastor Rev. Robert P. Kelley Associate Pastor of Congregational Care Adam Samuels Director of Music David Gotch Organist/Pianist Lisa Barela Executive Secretary to the Senior Pastor & Wedding Coordinator

(325) 672-7814