WEDDINGS
For a relevant ceremony in a magnificent church, Morningside United has been the church of choice for many weddings since 1924.
Morningside United is a beautiful building located at Holy Corner complete with welcoming warmth and ambience unsurpassed.
It is accepting of all couples regardless of religious beliefs and previous marital experience. Though we ask that you respect the fact that this is a place of worship and that aspect will be drawn upon in the service.
A detailed wedding sheet is available from the minister Please telephone 07808476733 in the mornings or leave a message or contact us by email.
The wedding ceremony includes all you need for an occasion that is dignified, meaningful and, above all, joyful.
- Use of the church
- The minister
- The organist to play our pipe organ or key board
- Rehearsal
- Administration
When can we get married?
The church is available for weddings throughout the year except for Sundays before 2.00 pm, Holy Week (the week immediately preceding Easter), Easter Saturday, or Easter Sunday.
It is important to reserve the church as early as possible to ensure the date and time you require.
The advised booking period is at least eight weeks before the wedding. This allows time to meet with the Minister and organise the necessary paperwork with the Registrar for your wedding.
Who gets married at MUC?
People of all religions, backgrounds and cultures. MUCstands as a church inclusive and accepting of the world's faiths. Though we ask that you respect the fact that this is a place of worship and that aspect will be drawn upon in the service.
How do I book a wedding at MUC?
To reserve the church or minister, contact us on 07808476733 to check the availability of a specific date and time.
Are there any fees?
Yes if you marry in the church then you would need to pay the organist and for the Church Officer. All will be explained when you meet the minister.
I am divorced and from a different religious background to my fiancée. Can we still get married at MUC
Of course! MUC’s policy is to marry anyone, from various religious backgrounds or past marital experience.
Do I need to be baptised in order to be married at MUC?
No. Though if you wish to be baptised, this can also be arranged on a separate occasion.
When can I come and see the church?
Please make an arrangement with the minister. You may also want to come to our Sunday Service at 11 am. This provides a great opportunity to hear the organ.
How many people can the church seat?
The church can seat up to 400 people. Our minister conducts marriage services in a way that draws your family and guests into the intimate circle of the wedding party. This intimate atmosphere ensures that it does not matter if you have 5, 50 or 400 people attending your wedding service - whatever the number, it's special.
Do I have to attend a relationship counselling course to be married at MUC?
No, however the Minister is happy to discuss any issues that you are concerned about when you meet together.
Can we have a rehearsal?
We recommend a rehearsal in the church the day before or a couple of days before the wedding. The Minister will run through the service with you and answer any last minute questions you might have.
Can we bring in flowers and decorations?
Yes.
Can we photograph and/or record a video of the service?
Yes. We encourage the use of photographers and video cameras. We ask that your photographer or video producer speak with the Minister before the wedding service.
Wedding Music
We are happy to try an accommodate anything that is reasonably memorable and helpful for you
Can we have a person (or people) sing at the wedding?
A singer or singers can add a special feature to the service.
What do we have to do about the music, hymns etc?
Speak to the minister who will put you in touch with the organist
Renewal of Marriage Vows ceremony
This for any married couple who wish to reaffirm the love that has matured and deepened over the years or, perhaps, celebrate a special wedding anniversary. By renewing your marriage vows in a unique and personal ceremony is a public declaration of life-long commitment, love and dedication. It is sometimes particularly relevant to those who have been through a difficult period and now wish to celebrate their renewed commitment to each other.Significant anniversaries are especially appropriate times for renewing your marriage vows whether it is after 5 years or 50 years - there is no set time: if it feels right the time is right.
Although many Vow Renewals take place at milestone anniversaries the ceremony is just as appropriate at any stage of marriage. It is also ideal for a couple who have married abroad and now wish to celebrate with those family and friends who were unable to attend the wedding. Some couples who were previously married in a Civil Ceremony may after care consideration choose to add a Christian dimension to their marriage promises and we are happy to assist. Whilst the Renewal of Vows ceremony will have no legal status it is a public statement of your continuing love affection and commitment to each other.
Any married couple can arrange a Renewal of Marriage Vows ceremony. It does not matter if you have been married before, as long as you are now legally married to the partner with whom you are having the ceremony. You do not have to be a member of Morningside United Church, but it would be nice if you joined us in our worship services and gave serious consideration to joining particularly if you live in the area.
A Church based Renewal of Vows Ceremony will have a Christian content and will be an enjoyable event in any circumstances.
Your Unique Ceremony
The minister will help to provide the framework for you to design your own ceremony. You will have the opportunity to discuss the content of your ceremony so you can create something that is unique for you, and your family and friends, to remember and cherish. No two ceremonies are exactly the same, and you are creating a unique event that you both will treasure and your guests will remember. Special people in your lives can take part in the ceremony – your children, guests from your wedding, or special friends and relatives. You can have music of your choice played on CD, or by live musicians if you wish, and you can have someone recite a poem or reading to enhance the ceremony. We can provide you with a choice of poems and readings.A special commemorative certificate is available and can be presented at the end of the ceremony.
Your ceremony will normally contain some, or all, of the following:-
- Special music
- Introduction and welcome
- Acknowledgement of children of the marriage
- Readings/poetry
- Renewal of vows
- Giving and receiving, or re-dedication, of rings.
- Message from minister & you may invite guests from your wedding to say something.
- Signing of Commemorative Certificate
- Closing words
BAPTISMS/ CHRISTENINGS OR BLESSINGS
"We would love to welcome your family into our church family by baptising / christening your child. We believe that God welcomes all children and baptism is an important step"
Baptisms occur by arrangement with the minister usually at the 11 am morning service.
We conduct baptisms for both children and adults. Family and friends are invited to be a part of this significant church occasion.
We ask that you remain for the whole service as both an act of appreciation and affirmation that the congregation on this day pauses to make special recognition of your child. Photographs in the church are permitted at the time of the baptism. Thereafter we observe a formality until the end of the service.
Can we have godparents?
Yes you can. It is your choice whether or not you have godparents.
How long does the service take?
The service lasts approximately an hour. The baptism is at the end of the service and is seen as its highlight.
Do you have child care facilities?
Yes we do!. Parents can be assured that every care is taken with the children.
Do we receive a certificate?
Yes, your baptised child will receive a certificate to signify this special day.
How do I book a baptism?
Please contact the minister on 07808476733 to arrange a date to discuss this important event.
Funeral Services
"Let God gather to Himself whatever He has planted in His garden, for He takes nothing out of season."
St. Francis de Sales
The parish community at Morningside United extends our prayers and sympathy to you at the passing of your loved one. Since the earliest days of the church, bereaved families, close friends and parts of the larger community have gathered together to support each other, share grief and express hope in the resurrection, based on our hope in Christ through rituals and pastoral care. We simply want to support you at such a difficult time.
Please contact the minister on 07808476733 or ask your family funeral director to make contact. We are here to help and to support you. It doesn't matter if you or your loved one weren't members of the church or if you or they struggled with faith. What is important is that by using the traditions and rituals of our Christian faith we can extend our pastoral support to you and your family in a way that honours those whom we have loved and lost.
Please be assured of our prayers during this difficult time.
COMMUNION SERVICES
We have an open Table at Communion services which happen on the last Sunday of every month. Everyone is welcome to share in the Sacrament and this includes children.
