WEDDING INFORMATION   Information for use of the building of the church of Christ at Grand Blanc is briefly outlined   in the below. The weddings conducted at the building are beautiful and memorable. If you are interested in using the building for your wedding contact us at  (810)   694-1122. Wedding Ceremonies Policy for Use of Church Building for Wedding Ceremonies The following conditions must be agreed upon by the prospective bride and bride-groom (and their families) before use of the building will be authorized for weddings. 1. Permission must be granted. 2. No instrumental music of any kind will be permitted. This includes records and/or taped recordings of instrumental music. Arrangements of weddings songs are available in "a cappella style," without instrumental accompaniment. 3. A Christian atmosphere is expected by all of the wedding participants, families and guests. 4. No alcoholic beverages at any time in the church building or on church property. 5. No tobacco (of any kind) to be used in the church building. 6. A modest donation of $100 is requested for cleaning fees or utilities.  A donation is requested to cover the counseling sessions and wedding ceremony. 7. Wedding parties will make every effort to pick up excessive debris that is caused by the ceremony. Any damage done to the building, equipment, or furniture will be repaired or replaced by the bride, groom, or their families. 8. Use bird seed (no rice or confetti). No bird seed is to be thrown inside the church building. Wedding Rehearsal/Unity Candle/Decorations The Wedding Rehearsal is Required Record all necessary information on Wedding Information Sheet. Minister has the information sheets. Duties of ushers will be explained. Walk through the positioning of groom, best man and minister. Assist assembling in foyer and walk through positions. Rehearse with music for processional. A talk through the ceremony without actually performing will be done. Practice recessional march out. Once bride and groom are satisfied and everyone knows the sequence of events a prayer will be offered for the family. Decorations Common sense should prevail when decorating the church building. Arrangements will be made with the minister to avoid any schedule conflicts. Unity Candle Ceremony (Optional) Unity Candle Ceremony (Optional) Before lighting the candle. The lighting and extinguishing of the candles are full of meaning. The two candles now burning are symbolic of two lives apart. The one you light together is symbolic of the life you will live together. As you extinguish your own candle, it is symbolic of your intentions to put away all selfish acts and thoughts and think of the welfare of each other. After lighting the candle. Through a simple act of cooperation, you have set aflame this one candle, which reminds us of God’s words in the beginning that two shall become one. The light, warmth, and beauty of the one candle signifies the beauty of your love for each other. As the wick and wax of the candle keep the light burning so shall the love of God’s Word in your life keep your love glowing for all to see; for God is love and God is light. Renewing Wedding Vows and Counseling Renewing Wedding Vows Renewing of Marriage Vows From time to time a renewing of Marriage Vows is requested. All the procedures are the same except for counseling requirement. Renewing one’s pledge of love, each to the other, and exchanging their wedding vows again kindles your joy and devotion to each other. Wedding Ceremonies and United Hearts “Friends and loved ones, we have assembled in the presence of almighty God to unite (groom) and (bride) in the holy bond of wedlock.” “This marriage will unite the hearts and lives of (groom) and (bride), blending their interests, sympathies, hopes; enacting one goal” The above words express the solemn linking of destinies which is a holy contract between a man and woman to the establishment of a home. “Therefore shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24) When time shall usher in adversity, bride and groom will apply the love that unites their hearts; sorrow will become joy; adversity will become prosperity; and shadow will become sunshine. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 “Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love desires not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Love never faileth:..” Premarital Counseling Five sessions of premarital counseling is required. This counseling is designed to acquaint the preacher with the marrying couple and the couple with the preacher. These sessions will not guarantee success of a marriage but will help. The final agreement to perform the wedding will take place after or during counseling sessions. Most questions will be answered concerning the use of the church building and policies for your wedding.