WEDDING POLICY

The sacred relationship of marriage was established by God at creation, and our Lord Jesus Christ adorned marriage by His presence and first miracle at the wedding in Cana of Galilee. The Apostle Paul chose marriage to symbolize the union between Christ and His church, and Holy Scripture commends marriage to be honored among all people.

The union of husband and wife in heart, body, and mind is intended by God for their mutual joy; for the help and comfort given to one another in prosperity and adversity; and nurturing one another in the knowledge and love of the Lord. Therefore, marriage is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but soberly, deliberately, and in reverent fear before God.

1. Use of the church for a wedding is a privilege extended to the church family. Members and regular attenders of the Springfield Baptist Church may schedule a wedding for family members upon the approval of the Pastor and the Board of Deacons.

2. The Pastor of Springfield Baptist Church must do the wedding unless he is unable to do so.

3. The church Organist must be engaged for the wedding unless she / he is unable to do so.

4. Weddings are a sacred occasion at Springfield Baptist Church and all activities associated with the wedding must be in keeping with the spiritual nature of the event. It is the responsibility of the Bride and Groom to communicate these standards of behavior to all of their guests.

a. No alcohol or tobacco products will be allowed in the church building or on the church grounds.

b. Music during the wedding ceremony and in the Fellowship Hall during the reception in must be God-honoring. It must be approved prior to the event by the Pastor.

c. Practical jokes, inappropriate attire and behavior are not permitted.

d. Dancing is not permitted.

5. The use of the Fellowship Hall for a Reception following the wedding must also be scheduled, and permission obtained from the Trustee Board. Use of church property such as tables, chairs, dishes, serving items, etc. must be requested and approved. Damage to church property will be charged directly to the Bride and Groom.

6. The Springfield Baptist Church does not charge for the use of the building. However the church charges two fees to compensate individuals for their services [these are in addition to the fee customarily given to the Organist]. Fees must be on deposit with the church no later than two weeks prior to the wedding ceremony.

a. Cleaning Deposit: $200. As of June 2002, the Trustees request a deposit of $200 to be paid in advance by the Bride and Groom. If the Bride and Groom provide for the cleaning of the church, and the church is cleaned as acceptable to the Trustee Board, the deposit will be returned in the week following the wedding. Otherwise, the Trustees will engage an individual(s) to clean the church at a rate of $50/hour. Should the Trustees decide that cleaning of the church may take longer than four hours, they may request a larger deposit.

b. Open / Close Fee: $100. An Individual will be designated by the Trustees to open and close the church for the wedding ceremony. This individual will also be responsible for the moving of furniture on the sanctuary platform and replacing it following the wedding ceremony. The individual doing this task will be compensated at the rate of $25/hour. Remaining monies will be returned to the Bride and Groom.

c. Financial Hardship. If the imposition of a fee is judged by the Trustee Board to be a financial hardship upon the Bride and Groom, they may be waived.

7. Weddings, unless a reception in the church is scheduled, are expected to use the building no more than three hours in length – this includes opening one hour prior to the start time.

Adopted by the Trustee Board May 2004

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