Thursday 18 August 2011

Off the boil

I haven't ventured into public print with my rant. Instead what is needed is clearer written directions for those wanting to celebrate their marriages in our Benefice churches as to what they may and may not do in regard to moving furniture, hassocks, seat cushions, lecterns, bibles, small wall pictures, bookcases, carpets, tables and large calor gas heaters and accompanying bottles, to make the place "look nice".

8 comments:

  1. Well, I think you should write it while the heat is still under the pot! I feel the same way about folks who want to get married in our church because it is so lovely, and then start wanting to move things. I think it is spelled out in the 'contract' what can be moved and what can't(for instance, no the altar will not be moved, and neither will the font.).

    ReplyDelete
  2. The answer is zero tolerance, SR. We do not move things in the Church of England, full stop!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I wouldn't have minded so much had they asked beforehand, but I arrived at the Friday evening rehearsal to find all these things shifted (I forgot to mention the 3 chairs). Leaving the couple with the visiting minister who was performing the nuptuals I headed down to the bridegroom's parents to ask who was putting it all back, and when. The father's face registered slight shock, then hurriedly said he would deal with it on the Sunday, maybe the Monday. I then mentioned I should have been asked. Another blank look and a mumbled apology.

    He did put most of the things back on the Sunday, but not attending that church (or any other) had no idea where they went. I spent 40 minutes that night after taking an Evensong in another church, shifting things round and replacing them.

    I want to be flexible and make couples welcome, but they need to understand that a church is not a blank canvas on which they can construct their dream wedding setting. If they want that sort of freedom of expression they can bugger off to a secular venue.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Could THIS be the reason the C of E is unwilling to countenance gay weddings?

    ReplyDelete
  5. Amen brother!
    Am equally vexed by those who want me to bend the rules (just for them) so that they can be married in our church because they've booked reception in nearby grand home on a certain date. turning up to worship a few times is just too difficult.

    ReplyDelete
  6. No idea, Lapin, but this cleric would be quite happy to officiate at such a ceremony. After all, I have never married anybody - it's the couple who perform their marriage - I just check they do it according to the law and append it with a few prayers for God's blessing on their union. I cannot see what all the fuss is about.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I know SR. I was just making a joke in poor taste.

    ReplyDelete