About Us

• How to Become a Member
• Meet Our Staff
• Location
• Christian Preschool
• Resource Center

Worship Information

• Service Times & Styles

Publications

• Weekly Announcements
• Monthly Announcements

Our Ministries

• Boards & Committees
• Music Ministry
• Prayer Ministry
• Family Life
• Youth Ministry
• Men's Ministry
• Women's Ministry
• JOY - Just Older Youth
• Other Groups

Rites

• Holy Baptism
• Marriage

Events

• 125^th Anniversary

Resources/Links

Contact Us

• 7925 Sashabaw Rd
  Clarkston, MI 48348
• (248)625-4644
  sttrinity@comcast.net

Marriage

Planning a Christian Wedding

Just as Christ is the center of the marriage itself, even so, the Christian wedding ceremony is Christ-centered. The fact that a Christian wedding is a worship service will govern every detail of service planning. This means that everything from the music to the decorations should reflect the character of the Christian faith as we proclaim Christ Crucified and Risen. Therefore patient and loving care should be taken in planning the wedding ceremony so as not to distract from this central focus.

It's easy to think that marriage is only about the man and the woman and their love for each other. However, marriage is one of God's abundant blessings for all people, and Christians in particular. Jesus placed His seal of approval on marriage when He said, "From the beginning of creation God made them male and female. Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. So they are no longer two but one flesh (Mark 10:6-8). " Therefore a Christian marriage is blessed not only with the love that husband and wife share with each other, but above all, with the promise of Christ's love.

The Marriage Ceremony at St. Trinity

We are excited to be able to share in the celebration of your wedding day here at St. Trinity Lutheran Church and rejoice in the blessings that God has in store for you. At St. Trinity the rite of marriage will be performed using one of the following books: The Lutheran Service Book, Lutheran Worship, or The Lutheran Hymnal. St. Trinity treasures the rich musical heritage of the Lutheran Church and we encourage you to include hymns and musical selections that point to Christ and His saving work. In planning, the couple should always ask themselves the question, "would this be appropriate in the Divine Service on Sunday morning?" If the answer is "no," then that item should probably not be included.

Your Wedding Plans

God bless each of you as you prepare for marriage. Marriage was instituted by God himself and is to be a blessing to all who chose to enter this Holy estate. Your wedding day is one of the most important events of your life. St. Trinity and their pastors are pleased to share this happy occasion with you. In order that you and your family remember and enjoy all of the events pertaining to your wedding, we want to do everything possible to make this joyous occasion, a most God pleasing and memorable experience.

You are now preparing to go through this event and as you do, we begin by focusing on the truth that we are a Christian congregation and the first question we ask you is, "Are you looking for a Christian marriage and wedding?" A Christian wedding and marriage begins by regular attendance of services and Bible study during courtship and engagement. It means that the couple may still be learning what God's will is before and after the wedding day.

The wedding ceremony and its accompanying elements also need to reflect the Christ-centered character of this solemn ceremony. You are blessed with a rich heritage of customs and traditions in the Lutheran Church, which supports the spiritual aspect of your marriage.

As soon as you and your fiancée have decided on a tentative date and time for your wedding, it is important that you call the church office and set up an initial appointment with the pastor to confirm the date. This contact should be made 5 to 6 months prior to your wedding. Please do not plan any part of your wedding ceremony until after you have confirmed the availability of the church and the pastor for the date you have selected. We do not want you to be disappointed in any way!

The initial meeting with the pastor will answer many of the questions you have about premarital counseling and the ceremony itself.

This congregation's wedding coordinator will be contacted by the pastor after your wedding date is finalized. The coordinator will then contact you and discuss the details of their services and responsibilities. The services of the church organist should be engaged at this time. Please note that all organ music and vocal selections must be in keeping with the Christian nature of the wedding ceremony and approved by the pastor.

The pastor, with the assistance of the wedding coordinator, directs and coordinates both the rehearsal and the wedding service. The pastor and wedding coordinator wish to be as helpful and supportive as possible. Please do not hesitate to contact either one of them with any question or concern that you may have.

All furnishings are dedicated items, and are not to be removed or concealed by your wedding decorations. All decorations should be in place at least two hours prior to the beginning of the wedding. Decorations may not be fastened to the woodwork or furnishings.

Flowers and Decorations

• Flower placement must be completed two hours prior to the service.
• The church decorating is to be done only on the day of the wedding. The decorations are NOT to be attached with tacks, nails, etc.
• Special arrangements for the altar flowers to coordinate with your color theme should be discussed with the Wedding Coordinator.
• The floral decorations, aisle runner and candles (other than altar candles) are an expense of the Bridal couple. The Wedding Order of Service folder, if printed by the church, is offered at a nominal fee. Otherwise you may order them with your invitations. However, before you purchase or have these printed, you will need the approval of the Pastor for the Order of Service, etc.

Photographs

• Flash photography during the ceremony disturbs the reverence and sanctity of this Holy Occasion. Therefore, the taking of flash pictures during the ceremony is prohibited.  Your professional photographer may take flash pictures as the wedding party enters and leaves the sanctuary.
• Video cameras should be discreetly placed and should be discussed with your Wedding Coordinator in advance or at the rehearsal.
• If you wish to have the Pastor included in your wedding pictures, please inform him ahead of time.

The Rehearsal

• The rehearsal is to begin promptly at the designated time. The length of the rehearsal should not exceed one hour.
• Attire should be in good taste.
• ALL expenses and fees are to be paid by this date.
• The marriage license is to be brought to the rehearsal.

The Music

• Your wedding is a service of worship, therefore the music used throughout the wedding should be sacred in nature.
• There is an abundance of appropriate organ and vocal music available. The organist will be happy to help you select music for your wedding.
• If you choose to use an outside organist for your wedding service, the music must be reviewed by the Coordinator & Pastor.
• If you need the services of a soloist, our organist can offer candidates for your consideration.

St. Trinity congratulates you on your decision to be married. The bond and covenant of marriage was established by God in creation, and faithful marriage continues to be one of life's great and gracious joys.

Wedding Coordinator:

Marsha Karstensen (248) 625-4866 marshalee@juno.com