Holy Unions

at

The First and Franklin St. Presbyterian Church

The First and Franklin St. Presbyterian Church

210 West Madison St.

Baltimore, MD 21201-4693

Phone: 410-728-5545 Fax: 410-728-0722

E-mail: information@firstfranklin.org

Website www.firstfranklin.org

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Your Christian Holy Union Service

This booklet is dedicated to explaining the basic elements of and procedures for a Holy Union ceremony at The First and Franklin St. Presbyterian Church. It has been prepared by the Worship Committee and approved by the Session of the congregation.

To avoid misunderstandings at a later date, we call your attention to the responsibilities and fees, which we will expect you to assume, and to the few restrictions which we believe to be important. Our greatest concern is that your Holy Union ceremony in its beauty and sincerity will reflect your deepest conviction, and ours, of the nature of Christian committed relationships.

A Christian Holy Union

When you ask the minister of this church to conduct a Holy Union, you are not asking him/her to legitimize your status in society, but rather that God may bless your relationship. In requesting that the ceremony be performed in the church you are asking for a worship service at the same time. Participating in such a service demonstrates that you have a vital faith in God and a sincere desire to understand and live up to the meaning of a committed relationship as described below.

One of the happiest privileges a minister has is that of assisting a couple to enter upon the joy of living in a committed relationship. It is also her/his duty to be sure that the responsibilities of a Holy Union are understood and undertaken in Christian faith.

The law of the Presbyterian Church (USA) as it currently stands forbids pastors to perform or sessions to approve commitment ceremonies between two persons of the same sex if those ceremonies are represented as being equivalent to marriages. The First and Franklin St. Presbyterian Church is a “More Light” congregation, meaning that it is actively engaged in efforts within the Presbyterian denomination to allow for the full inclusion of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons in the life of the church. At the same time, we abide by the law of the denomination, and we believe that the commitment celebrated in a Holy Union service is different in some ways from a marriage. Neither marriage nor Holy Union is considered a sacrament within the reformed tradition.

Scripture, tradition, and experience all teach us that God is always striving to be in relationship with humanity. God is complete and perfect even without this connection to God’s own creation, yet freely and adventurously God continues to choose to care about us individually and collectively. This is a relationship into which God enters voluntarily and not out of personal need or lack of any kind. The ultimate expression of God’s reaching out to humanity comes in the selfless life and risky ministry of Jesus, God-with-us. Jesus demonstrates God’s generous, compassionate willingness to be open to the joys and disappointments which come with caring for others. This is the love which provides the model for all human commitments. The Christian home in its unity and hospitality, gives thanks for and reflects God’s hospitality in a world too often marred by selfishness and exclusion.

In conformity with our understanding of Christian relationships, the following requirements have been established:

· One of the persons must be a professing Christian

· A conference with the couple will be held with the pastor before the minister agrees to conduct the service or schedule it on the church’s calendar.

· The minister will offer to the couple some options for wording of the service. The couple are welcome to add other readings but the minister has the final say over the ceremony.

It is a joy and privilege to share with you in the planning of this important day in your life. May the miracle of Christ’s love transform your love as you commit yourselves to one another.

Personnel

It is expected that the Minister and the Director of Music of The First and Franklin St. Church will officiate at your ceremony. Permission may be granted by the above staff of the church for other people to be involved. The minister is solely in charge of the ceremony and will work with you in creating a service that is both reverent and meaningful to you. In case the minister is not available, the Session must approve the officiating minister.

Counseling

All couples who wish to be united at First and Franklin St. Church must complete the application three months prior to their Holy Union service. Couples will be expected to attend three preunion counseling sessions with the minister before the date of their ceremony. These will be scheduled at the convenience of the parties involved. Please note: If the minister is convinced that a true commitment is lacking on the part of either of the partners and the union has little chance of survival the minister has the right not to perform the ceremony. In the event this is the case this will be discussed with the couple with ample time given prior to the date set.

Church Membership

When neither couple is a member of the church, the couple will be invited to attend worship services. While you will not have to join the church, we ask that you consider membership, because we believe that unions are stronger and healthier when they benefit from the support of a church family.

The Service

The Holy Union ceremony is a worship service of joy and reverence. The minister will recommend possible orders of worship and will plan with the couple how to design the service to express your particular relationship to one another and to God. Couples will work with the minister to make sure that the music and vows reflect the importance of this event.

Music

Recognizing that the Holy Union is a service of worship, the only criterion for music is that it be suitable for worship. Musical selections must be discussed and chosen in consultation with the Director of Music. Congregational singing helps involve everyone in your ceremony and is encouraged. Please note: Under normal circumstances the choir of the church does not sing at either weddings or Holy Unions.

Promptness

It is imperative that all parties be present at least 30 minutes prior to the ceremony and that the service begin at the designated time. Unless there is a major problem, we will not delay the ceremony more than 15 minutes.

Changes or Cancellations

Please notify the church office as soon as possible if there are any changes in the date or time of your service.

Rehearsal

The minister will be in charge of all the details. Promptness in arriving for the 45 minute rehearsal is important, as well. Everyone involved in the ceremony, including parents, should attend.

Other Concerns

Flowers and Decorations

We request that there be no more than two floral arrangements in the sanctuary. These may be taken or left for the Sunday morning’s worship. The couple may also decorate the ends of the pews as long as no tacks or nails are used. We request they do not use an aisle runner since the heating ducts are placed beneath the center aisle. The aisle is 60 feet long.

Candles

Couples may use the church candelabra but must supply their own candles. There are seven candles in each candelabra for a total of 14 needed to supply both.

Bulletins

If the parties wish to create a bulletin, the minister will work on the content of it with them. They are responsible for having it produced and making sure it is delivered to the church prior to the rehearsal.

Seating Capacity

The church can comfortably seat 500 people in the sanctuary. Depending on the size of the service two to four ushers are needed.

Photographer

The photographer may take photographs during the processional and may take one non flash photograph from the balcony right before the recessional. For the benefit of all, from the time the minister begins to speak through the benediction, photography of any kind is prohibited. The service may also be video taped as long as natural light is used and the camera is placed on a tripod and is not moved during the service. Please have the photographer speak with the pastor prior to the ceremony.

Rice

Since the church doors empty out on a busy city sidewalk, no rice or birdseed may be thrown. Rose petals or blown bubbles are allowed.

Church Receptions

If the couple are members of the church they may hold their reception in the Reid Chapel or in the Backus House. We are able to accommodate 60 people seated or 100 for a stand up buffet. The reception must be catered and silver and plates must be supplied by the caterer.