Weddings! Weddings!!

We Love Weddings!!!

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At Trinitarian Church we take great joy and pride in our wedding ministry! We love to work with couples to plan and personalize the ceremony. Dr. Rich Knight’s experience allows him to help couples prepare for their special day by giving practical advice on many aspects of the service, from readings to special music. The goal is to provide a unique ceremony that reflects your love, commitment, faith and joy.

Our weddings can best be described as “traditional, with a warm, inviting style.” We’re also open to trying new experiences, from a Navajo Sand Ceremony to bag pipes!

If you’re interested in having your wedding at Trinitarian Church please contact Mary at our church office, 978-686-4445, or offices@natrinitarian.org. We look forward to hosting one of the most memorable and significant days of your life!

Frequently Asked Questions

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These are a few of the most commonly asked questions and answers regarding church weddings.

1. Do we marry non-members? Yes.

2. Do we marry non-Congregationalists? Of course! It is expected that at least one member of the couple be a Christian, since what we offer is a Christian wedding ceremony that includes prayers, scripture readings, a brief message, and sometimes a hymn. The marriage ceremony is a sacred service filled with joy and faith.

3. Do we offer inter-faith ceremonies? Yes.
We work with the couple to incorporate traditions from both faiths.

4. Do we offer a traditional or a contemporary wedding ceremony?
We utilize the best of both. Most importantly, each couple gets to personalize their ceremony through the selection of readings, music, and the readers.

5. How many times must the couple meet with the pastor? Usually three.
These sessions include pre-marital counseling and ceremony planning.

6. How do I schedule my wedding?
Please call the church office at 978-686-4445 and ask to speak with Mary, our Office Administrator. The Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 12:30 pm.

7. Are there fees?
Yes. Mary or Pastor Rich Knight can discuss this with you. There are modest fees for the use of the building, the minister, the organist, and a soloist, if you choose to have one.

8. Can you perform outdoor/off-site weddings? Yes.
Rev. Knight is also available for off-site and/or outdoor weddings. To discuss this with him, please call the church office or email Rich directly at minister@natrinitarian.org.

Planning Your Ceremony

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It's easier than you think!

1. The Organist.
You'll need to sit down with our organist, John Schnelle, to plan the music for your wedding. He'll play his favorites for you and let you decide. You can also come with your suggestions and requests.

2. A Soloist?
Special music adds a lot to the service. We can set that up for you, or you may wish to contact someone yourself. We have a number of fine soloists associated with our church. You can meet with one and hear their favorite love songs. We do suggest choosing a soloist who is used to singing in weddings.

3. A Hymn?
Do you want to sing a hymn at the start of the service? Some people choose a hymn(s) about love. Others just sing their favorite hymn(s).
Here are some suggestions from our hymnal:
#8: "Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee"
#228: "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling"
#38: "Morning Has Broken"
#465: "O Perfect Love"

4. A Poem?
Would you like a poetry reading for your service? You can google "wedding poems" for suggestions.

5. Bible Readings.
We recommend two to three Scripture passages for your service. Here are some suggestions: (go to bible.oremus.org for the NRSV translation)
Genesis 2:18-24
Ruth 1:16-17
Song of Solomon 2:8-10, 14, 16, or 8:6-7
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Matthew 7:21, 24-29
Matthew 19:3-6
Matthew 22:35-40
John 2:1-11
John 15:9-12, 12-16
Romans 8:35-39
Romans 12:1-2, 9-18
I Corinthians 13
Ephesians 5:21-33 or 25-33
Colossians 3:12-17
l John 3:18-24
I John 4:7-12

So as you can see, your basic task for planning the ceremony is selecting readings & music. We'll do the rest!

Your Wedding Vows

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Here are the traditional wedding vows:

I, ____________, take you, ____________, to be my wedded wife/husband,
to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse,
for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health,
to love and to cherish, as long as we both shall live.

Here are the usual words for the ring exchange:

_______, I give you this ring, as a symbol of my love and faithfulness,
and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you, in the Name of
the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

You may write your own wedding vows and ring exchange. You may amend what's printed above. You can also say something to each other in your own words, and then use the traditional vows.

Sample Wedding Program

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The Celebration of Marriage for

Elaine Benes
and
Jerry Seinfeld

Trinitarian Congregational Church
North Andover, Massachusetts
Saturday, November 19, 2011
3:00 p.m.

Processional:
“Canon in D” by Pachelbel
“Bridal Chorus” by Wagner

Hymn: “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee”

Opening Statement and Prayer

Questions of Intent and Support
(“will you have this woman to be your wife?”)
(“will you have this man to be your husband?”)
(questions to parents & congregation)

Solo: “That’s All I Ask of You”

A Reading: “Hello, Jerry” - an original poem by Newmann

Holy Scriptures:
Ruth 1:16-17
I Corinthians 13

Homily (a short message)

Exchange of Vows

Exchange of Rings

Pronouncement of Marriage

The Lighting of the Unity Candle

Solo: “Your Love” by Jim Brickman

Prayer and The Lord’s Prayer

Benediction

Recessional: “Wedding March” by Mendelssohn

* * * *

The Wedding Party

Maid of Honor Sue Ellen Mishski
Bridesmaid Susan Ross
Best Man George Costanza
Groomsmen
Cosmo Kramer
Kenny Banion
J. Peterman
Receiving Guests Newmann

* * * *

Minister: Rev. Dr. Richard B. Knight
Organist John H. Schnelle
Soloist: Lady Gaga

Wedding Pictures: Brett Alison Photography, Brettalison.com, 781-913-3847
Sanctuary Picture below by Roy Haddock, Merrimack Valley Camera Club