Getting Started
If you are interested in scheduling an event at SUMC, please email the church
secretary at office@shueyvillechurch.org or call her at the church office: (319)-848-7213.
We normally schedule events at SUMC for those who are church members, children of
church members, or those who have made SUMC their church home through regular
attendance at worship or other ministry events. or those involved in the life of the
church. Non-members may be permitted to use SUMC facilities. They must abide by the
guidelines detailed in this policy..
secretary at office@shueyvillechurch.org or call her at the church office: (319)-848-7213.
We normally schedule events at SUMC for those who are church members, children of
church members, or those who have made SUMC their church home through regular
attendance at worship or other ministry events. or those involved in the life of the
church. Non-members may be permitted to use SUMC facilities. They must abide by the
guidelines detailed in this policy..
What is allowed in the building
Your event is being held in a house of worship. Alcohol is not permitted in any part of
the church or in the parking lot. SUMC is a smoke-free environment.
SUMC asks that you review the policy with your family and friends. To clarify, SUMC
requests that:
In the event that other activities are going on at the church the Wedding Director or
Church Secretary will work with the other ministries to make sure everyone is aware of
when your event is taking place.
Post Cleaning: It is expected that the facility be left in a clean condition that is as good
or better than initially found:
of scheduling for the event. The plan is to perform post event cleaning for a fee (see
fees section). Post event cleaning includes as a minimum:
expected that any extra cleaning should be necessary prior to any events.
The church is not responsible for lost or stolen articles.
Use of Family Life Center: Only acceptable for use by church members or if
arrangements have been made to have a church member present when used by a
non-member.
Use of SUMC kitchen: Only acceptable for use by church members or if arrangements
have been made to have a church member present when used by a non-member. If the
kitchen is going to be used, the persons present must be familiar with use of ovens. If
smoke detectors are triggered, the fire department is automatically contacted and will
arrive within a few minutes. If there is a false alarm, the persons present must be
familiar with how to call in a false alarm to stop the fire department from sending fire
trucks.
Lawn: SUMC normally does weekly lawn care and that may be done anytime during
the week. Trustees need to be notified of an event so that mowing can be avoided
during an event. Any extra mowing would have to be arranged in advance with the
Trustees.
Parking Lot: Snow removal from parking lots and sidewalks is normally done as early
as possible on the day of snowfall and would be repeated as soon as practical if more
than 2 inches falls after initial removal.
Heating & Cooling: Temperature settings are on fixed schedules but can be altered to
make sure the building temperature will be comfortable for the guests. Users must be
trained on setting the thermostats or have a church member present that is familiar with
use of thermostats.
the church or in the parking lot. SUMC is a smoke-free environment.
SUMC asks that you review the policy with your family and friends. To clarify, SUMC
requests that:
- You and your party refrain from alcohol use prior to arriving for the event.
- You and your party refrain from alcohol and tobacco use before or after the event
In the event that other activities are going on at the church the Wedding Director or
Church Secretary will work with the other ministries to make sure everyone is aware of
when your event is taking place.
Post Cleaning: It is expected that the facility be left in a clean condition that is as good
or better than initially found:
- Return all tables, chairs, & other church property items back in original locations.
- Remove all decorations
- It is acceptable to leave 2 or 3 bouquets of flowers if the event is just prior to a
- Sunday service and if accepted by the coordinator in advance.
- Close windows that may have been opened
- Lock doors
- Turn off lights & audio / video equipment
- Return thermostats to normal schedule
of scheduling for the event. The plan is to perform post event cleaning for a fee (see
fees section). Post event cleaning includes as a minimum:
- Vacuuming carpeted areas that were used
- cleaning bathrooms that were used.
- Any unexpected major messes needing to be cleaned may result in loss of deposit.
expected that any extra cleaning should be necessary prior to any events.
The church is not responsible for lost or stolen articles.
Use of Family Life Center: Only acceptable for use by church members or if
arrangements have been made to have a church member present when used by a
non-member.
Use of SUMC kitchen: Only acceptable for use by church members or if arrangements
have been made to have a church member present when used by a non-member. If the
kitchen is going to be used, the persons present must be familiar with use of ovens. If
smoke detectors are triggered, the fire department is automatically contacted and will
arrive within a few minutes. If there is a false alarm, the persons present must be
familiar with how to call in a false alarm to stop the fire department from sending fire
trucks.
Lawn: SUMC normally does weekly lawn care and that may be done anytime during
the week. Trustees need to be notified of an event so that mowing can be avoided
during an event. Any extra mowing would have to be arranged in advance with the
Trustees.
Parking Lot: Snow removal from parking lots and sidewalks is normally done as early
as possible on the day of snowfall and would be repeated as soon as practical if more
than 2 inches falls after initial removal.
Heating & Cooling: Temperature settings are on fixed schedules but can be altered to
make sure the building temperature will be comfortable for the guests. Users must be
trained on setting the thermostats or have a church member present that is familiar with
use of thermostats.
Guidelines for Decorating
Furnishings
Aisle Runners:
OK to use but any disposable runners must be removed from the building following the event.
Altar:
Capacities:
Guest Book Table
● SUMC has a table available for your guest book (?). It measures ?? ● SUMC has table coverings for you to use or you may bring your own.(?)
Candles/Candle Holders
● SUMC provides (?)
● You may bring your own candle holders. Make sure they are substantial enough to contain the melting wax to protect the altar
● Fire code requires that aisle candles have glass covers
● Special care should be taken to ensure that candleholders in the aisle are very stable and do not block the aisles
Rice/Birdseed/Balloons
● The throwing of birdseed or rice is NOT allowed.
● Balloons released outside are discouraged to respect the environment. They are allowed as inside decorations per decoration guidelines.
● Bubbles, bells, flower petals and streamers are options
Glitter
Glitter from decorations or clothing presents a difficult cleaning problem for the church staff. Therefore, SUMC asks that you refrain from using body glitter, glitter on your decorations or glitter on clothing.
- Plants in the building can be moved for your event
- The altar will be moved back to accommodate a wedding party
- Any equipment, furniture or decorations on stage can be moved only with the approval of Trustees.
Aisle Runners:
OK to use but any disposable runners must be removed from the building following the event.
Altar:
- The measurements of the Sanctuary (?) Altar (?)
- Personal altar coverings are welcome, but you will be responsible for getting any additional measurements
- No staples or nails may be used to hang decorations
Capacities:
- Sanctuary: Approximately 200 total Adults and children; slightly less if all adults ● Family Life Center: Approximately 180 in rows of chairs; 100 seated at tables
- Flowers may be placed on the altar or on flower stands
- Glitter on flowers is NOT allowed
- Pins may be used to secure floral arrangements or bows to the end of chair rows
- No staples or nails may be used to hang decorations
- Pedestals or stands brought from the florist should have floor protectors
- Flower arrangements and bouquets should arrive at the church already assembled before your event.
- Decorations cannot be hung from the walls or ceilings. Do not tape anything to painted surfaces.
- You are responsible for informing the florist of the policies and time constraints.
Guest Book Table
● SUMC has a table available for your guest book (?). It measures ?? ● SUMC has table coverings for you to use or you may bring your own.(?)
Candles/Candle Holders
● SUMC provides (?)
● You may bring your own candle holders. Make sure they are substantial enough to contain the melting wax to protect the altar
● Fire code requires that aisle candles have glass covers
● Special care should be taken to ensure that candleholders in the aisle are very stable and do not block the aisles
Rice/Birdseed/Balloons
● The throwing of birdseed or rice is NOT allowed.
● Balloons released outside are discouraged to respect the environment. They are allowed as inside decorations per decoration guidelines.
● Bubbles, bells, flower petals and streamers are options
Glitter
Glitter from decorations or clothing presents a difficult cleaning problem for the church staff. Therefore, SUMC asks that you refrain from using body glitter, glitter on your decorations or glitter on clothing.
Guidelines for photographers or videographers
Photographers and videographers must know the time constraints. It is not possible to change these times. A letter for you to give to the photographer will be included in the wedding packet you receive once your date has been confirmed. Please give it to your photographer and videographer as soon as possible. (Please inform your photographer of the times you can be in the building. If the church has multiple events that day, timing will be important and need to be respected.)
- SUMC requests that wedding photographers (and guests) not use flash photography once the ceremony begins. The ceremony begins with the processional and ends as the recessional begins. (I don’t think this is a big deal. I haven’t been blinded yet!)
- The photographer and videographer must be aware of the policies and time constraints
Video or Recordings in a ceremony
A member of SUMC’s staff will be provided to assist on the day of your event with:
- Setting up and managing the microphones for the officiant, vocalists, musicians and readers
- Playing a flash drive during the ceremony, if desired
- Playing one video presentation, if desired
Event Fees
- The Wedding Coordinator or Church Secretary will work with you on the exact fees you will owe.
- The fees you owe will be due two weeks prior to your event. Payment should be sent to the church payable to SUMC.
Pastor fees: $175
Sanctuary $150
Family Life Center: $150
Wedding Coord: $150
Audio Video $50
Custodial fees:
Sanctuary $75
FLC: $75
Sanctuary & FLC: $125
Refundable Deposit: $125
For church members: (includes persons who regularly attend SUMC): No charge, voluntary donation
The basic fee includes:
● Facility use (up to 5 hours ) (?)
Trustee edits in this color (Rick)
Optional Fees:
Pianist for your event and rehearsal (?)
Sound technician (?)
A non-refundable deposit is due when event date is set and balance is due 2 weeks before event
Weddings
Weddings at SUMC religious ceremonies - a joyous celebration of God’s love – a time to worship our Lord as he joins together a couple in a life-long marriage.
Please read carefully all guidelines for all events at Shueyville United Methodist Church.
Please read carefully all guidelines for all events at Shueyville United Methodist Church.
Pre-Marriage Classes
Because we want to foster healthy marriages, all couples married at SUMC, or by SUMC pastors, are required to take 4 pre/post-marriage classes.
SUMC offers these classes four times each year. Depending when your wedding is, some of these classes may be after your wedding. That is just fine, as we are sure you will come to value the classes and the relationships with the other couples beginning in marriage. We will spend this time building relationships, learning about God’s love, and addressing some of the ways your marriage can bring glory to God. Please contact ??? to register for the next class.
SUMC offers these classes four times each year. Depending when your wedding is, some of these classes may be after your wedding. That is just fine, as we are sure you will come to value the classes and the relationships with the other couples beginning in marriage. We will spend this time building relationships, learning about God’s love, and addressing some of the ways your marriage can bring glory to God. Please contact ??? to register for the next class.
SUMC’s Wedding Coordinator
The Wedding Coordinator will be available to answer your questions as they arise in your planning process. The coordinator will meet with you (?) months before the wedding to discuss your plans and talk through the steps to planning your wedding.
Scheduling a Pastor
The pastor at SUMC will be assigned to officiate your wedding. If another pastor is desired, that must be okayed by the current pastor.
Please note the following:
Please note the following:
- Typically, the officiant will not be able to attend your rehearsal dinner or wedding reception due to their weekend commitments at worship.
- If you’d like a guest pastor, he/she must be a Christian pastor and is licensed to perform weddings in Iowa. Please talk to the SUMC pastor to make this arrangement.
Rehearsal
The rehearsal is important and the entire wedding party should attend. Your wedding assistant(s) will coordinate this event. Rehearsals, scheduled for the day before the wedding, take approximately 45 minutes and must begin and end on time. A rehearsal time will be assigned by the Wedding Coordinator when you have your first meeting.
Music Guidelines
Music will make your wedding even more meaningful. We ask that the songs be appropriate for a church setting. Please discuss music choices with the pastor and wedding coordinator as you make your choices. We can help you find a pianist if that is what you’d like.
The Marriage License
The marriage license must be purchased at least three days before the wedding. You must bring one copy of the license, the certificate and the return envelope to the rehearsal. Your wedding coordinator will make sure it is correctly filled out and signed, and will mail the certificate to the county clerk after the ceremony.
Wedding Fees & Honoraria
Basic Fee (See above)
Wedding personnel fees
?$ for those associated with SUMC, ?$ for guests of SUMC
The personnel fee includes:
• Building Care Staff fee for preparation and clean-up of the facilities • Wedding Coordinator fee
• Sound Technician fee for preparation of microphones and operating the sound board so guests can hear the service and music
The personnel fee includes:
• Building Care Staff fee for preparation and clean-up of the facilities • Wedding Coordinator fee
• Sound Technician fee for preparation of microphones and operating the sound board so guests can hear the service and music
Clergyperson Honorarium
Honorarium for the clergyperson performing the wedding service. Weddings are an addition to the Pastor’s normal work schedule and require their time for marital counseling, the rehearsal, service preparation, and the wedding service. An honorarium of $200 is suggested.
Musicians
Organist or Pianist (Covers planning meeting, rehearsal and wedding) $100 + $25/solo If you would like another musician, you can invite them in and payment is your responsibility.
leaving personal items at the church
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages may be brought to the church while the participants are dressing and during the pre-wedding activities.
- It is the responsibility of the wedding party to arrange for the care of their property before, during and after the ceremony. Leave all valuable personal belongings and gifts in the care of parents or friends during the service. The church is not responsible for lost or stolen articles.
- If gifts are brought to the church, the church assumes no responsibility for them. You should select someone to be in charge of gifts at all times and ask them to be responsible for removing them from the church at the end of the wedding.
responsibilities of the Wedding Coordinator
- Call the couple approximately one week before the wedding to review all the details of the ceremony
- Open the church for rehearsal and ceremony
- Lead the rehearsal (pastors and directors do not typically attend rehearsals)
- Help with decorating
- Work as a liaison between all involved parties on the wedding day to keep it as stress-free as possible
- Work with the photographer and wedding party to keep everyone on schedule
- Help the wedding party line up for the processional
- Complete the marriage certificate and make sure it is properly signed
- Help to clean the church following the service and return everything to its proper place
- Make sure Heating & Cooling is set to acceptable comfort levels and returned to standard schedules after the event is completed.
Checklist for Bride and Groom
- Read through this manual.
- Contact the church secretary (319-848-7213) with date requests.
- Once the date is set a wedding packet will be sent to you.
- Return the covenant that will be sent to you after the date is set and the $100 deposit for your date to be confirmed. Your date will be held for 2 weeks.(?)
- Register for the Marriage classes at SUMC
- Set an appointment with Wedding Coordinator as soon as possible.
- Bring the completed planning guide to the meeting with the Wedding Coordinator
- Set an appointment with your officiant one month before wedding to finalize details.
- Two weeks before the wedding, bring in your final payment and any recorded music.
- Enjoy your beautiful and meaningful wedding!
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