For a Church Wedding at the East Freetown Congregational-Christian Church
We at the East Freetown Congregational Christian Church are happy to help, plan, and to officiate at weddings of both members of the church and non-members. All weddings at the East Freetown Congregational Christian Church are conducted by the Pastor. Members of the clergy from other Christian denominations may participate with the Pastor, if invited by the Pastor to do so.
Pre-Marital Counselling
All persons who are to be married at the East Freetown Congregational Christian Church are expected to engage in a minimum of two sessions of pre-marital counseling. The sessions usually last 60-90 minutes and are scheduled at the mutual convenience of both the Pastor and the couple.
Reserve Your Date
As soon as you have decided on a wedding date, call the church (508) 763-3685 to confirm the availability of the Pastor and the church. The date is not official until it has been entered both on the Pastor's calendar and the church's calendar.
The Service of Christian Marriage
The service of Christian marriage is provided for a man and a woman who wish to solemnize their marriage in a service of Christian worship. The ceremony, therefore, includes proclamation of the Word, as well as prayer and praise. Christian marriage is proclaimed as a sacred covenant reflecting Christ's covenant with the church. Everything about the service is designed to witness that this is a Christian marriage. Both words and actions consistently reflect the belief that husband and wife are equal partners in Christian marriage and that they are entering into the marriage of their own volition. Those present at the wedding ceremony are understood to be an active congregation, not simply passive witnesses. They give their blessings to the couple and the marriage and they join in prayer and praise. The vows exchanged originate in the Scriptures, and are not subject to exclusion or revision. Couples seeking to join in a marriage covenant do so pledging to have, hold, love and cherish one another in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, and for better or for worse from the day of the ceremony until parted by death . Holy Communion may or may not be celebrated, according to the desires of the couple.
Rehearsal
The Pastor is responsible for conducting the rehearsal. Once all members of the wedding party have arrived, the rehearsal should take about an hour. All members of the wedding party are expected to be present at the rehearsal. Final payment for services is expected at the rehearsal. The marriage license must be presented at the rehearsal as well.
Music
Music is provided by our musician, who has the right of first refusal for services performed in the church.
Fees
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The minister's and musicians fees are negotiated at the time of preparation.
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For Weddings Outside of Church
Reverend Bliss has been performing weddings since 2001. His fee for wedding services is negotiable.