WHY MARRIAGE?
~ Mari Nichols-Haining ~

Because to the depths of me, I long to love one person,
With all my heart, my soul, my mind, my body...

Because I need a forever friend to trust with the intimacies of me,
Who won't hold them against me,
Who loves me when I'm unlikable,
Who sees the small child in me, and
Who looks for the divine potential of me...

Because I need to cuddle in the warmth of the night
With someone who thanks God for me,
With someone I feel blessed to hold...

Because marriage means opportunity
To grow in love in friendship...

Because marriage is a discipline
To be added to a list of achievements...

Because marriages do not fail, people fail
When they enter into marriage
Expecting another to make them whole...

Because, knowing this,
I promise myself to take full responsibility
For my spiritual, mental and physical wholeness
I create me,
I take half of the responsibility for my marriage
Together we create our marriage...

Because with this understanding
The possibilities are limitless.

Ralston United Church of Christ offers various types of weddings including contemporary, for members, for non-members (possible fee), civil, on or off site, renewal of vows, commitment ceremonies, and renewal of vows. Premarital counseling is available, but not required.

The following is a list of Bride and Groom’s Responsibilities:

1. Check calendar for availability of date/time for rehearsal and wedding with Pastor Church office – 402-331-6067; Cell – 402-618-5525
2. Church staff will explain church facilities and policies, available equipment (unity candle and candelabra are available and guest book table and cloth will be provided) ), signing the wedding information/fee sheet – paid at the rehearsal
3. Arrange with pastor an appointment for consultation, wedding plans and ceremony details
4. Pastor will inform organist, if needed
5. Pastor will provide instruction at the rehearsal
6. Church staff member will insure a smooth procession of scheduled events on wedding day
   • Open doors
   • Set climate control
   • Assist couple at rehearsal and day of wedding
7. A guest pastor can be used, but the RUCC pastor must be included in the wedding service.
8. Alcohol will not be allowed on the premises.
9. The furnishings of the church will remain where they are and nothing may be removed without consulting the Pastor.

The Fellowship Hall is available for renting

• caterers and servers must be provided,
• place setting must be provided,
• no alcoholic beverages will be allowed
• general clean-up of the hall ad kitchen is requested