A Statement on the Gift of Marriage
Marriage
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At First Presbyterian Church of Glendale, we celebrate marriage as a gift of God and a covenant made before God and the community of faith. A wedding here is a service of Christian worship.
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Our understanding of marriage is shaped by Scripture and by the historic worship of the church. The 1993 Book of Common Worship's service for Christian Marriage describes the gift of marriage this way:
"God created us male and female and gave us marriage so that husband and wife may help and comfort each other, living faithfully together in plenty and in want, in joy and in sorrow, in sickness and in health, throughout all their days.
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God gave us marriage for the full expression of the love between a man and a woman. In marriage, a woman and a man belong to each other, and with affection and tenderness freely give themselves to each other.
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God gave us marriage for the well-being of human society, for the ordering of family life, and for the birth and nurture of children.
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God gave us marriage as a holy mystery in which a man and a woman are joined together, and become one, just as Christ is one with the church.
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In marriage, husband and wife are called to a new way of life, created, ordered, and blessed by God. This way of life must not be entered into carelessly, or from selfish motives, but responsibly, and prayerfully.
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We rejoice that marriage is given by God, blessed by our Lord Jesus Christ, and sustained by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, let marriage be held in honor by all."
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Book of Common Worship (1993), Christian Marriage
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Weddings at First Presbyterian
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As a ministry of Christian hospitality, First Presbyterian welcomes both members and non-members who wish to be married at the church in a service of Christian worship.
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Every wedding at First Presbyterian requires the approval of both the pastor and the Session, the church's governing board of elected elders. In keeping with the Book of Order (W-4.0605) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the pastor decides whether to officiate any marriage, and the Session decides on the use of the church building and grounds. Each request is considered individually.
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How to begin
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Contact the church office or submit the inquiry form below, ideally at least six-months before your hoped-for date for members, and at least twelve months in advance for non-members. We encourage couples to speak with the pastor early, before making other wedding arrangements.
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Meet with the pastor. Once a request is approved, the pastor will meet with you to prepare for marriage and plan the service. A member of our Altar Guild, the volunteers who care for the sanctuary, will help you with practical details.
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Review the guidelines and fees in the documents below.
We are glad to celebrate and affirm God's gift of marriage, and we pray God's blessing on each couple as they begin their life together in covenant with one another and with God.
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