Rockland Community Church

About Our Church
Rockland Community Church was organized in 1872. The first church building, located 1.7 miles east of the present site, was begun in 1878. The present sanctuary was completed in December 1991. 
Rockland is affiliated with the United Church of Christ, a nation-wide denomination which is Congregational in background (remember the Pilgrims who arrived at Plymouth Rock?). 

We are happy to have you use our sanctuary which looks out to the Continental Divide. It makes a beautiful setting for a wedding of almost any size. The new sanctuary seats 400+ people, but is very beautiful for smaller weddings. With over 150 weddings performed each year, there is a high demand for weddings at Rockland. We view our wedding program as a ministry of our church, and because of the income it generates, we are able to be involved in many local, national and worldwide missions.

We are first and foremost a church, and there are certain constraints within which we must live. For example: weddings are limited to weekends, seasonal sanctuary decorations are directed by our boards. If you find our guidelines too confining, you might be more comfortable having your wedding elsewhere. Of course we strive to meet the needs of all our wedding couples, and if our program appears businesslike, it is simply because there is no other way to accommodate so many weddings. 

Meeting with the Minister 
Our policy is that you use one of our ministers for your wedding ceremony unless special arrangements are made with the Wedding Coordinator. You will need to meet with the minister at least once in person. This is important for several reasons. 
First, it will give you an opportunity to get to know one another, and this will make for a much better wedding ceremony. 
Second, it will enable you to discuss issues that will play a central role in your marriage—common values, hopes and dreams; children; religious background and spiritual convictions. 
Third, it will enable you to talk about marriage in general and your wedding service in particular. 

Please call the office manager at 303-526-0668 about 6-10 weeks before your wedding to schedule an appointment.

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Marriage Classes –

PREP Marriage Class
Rockland Church is pleased to offer marriage classes called PREP (Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program) for all wedding couples getting married here. PREP is a research based approach to teaching couples how to communicate effectively, work as a team to solve problems, manage conflicts without damaging closeness, and preserve and enhance love, commitment, and friendship. PREP is based on 25 years of research at the University of Denver on what predicts divorce and distress and how to teach couples ways to prevent destructive conflict. 

This pre-marital course is taught by Kelly Evans, LPC. Kelly is a professional licensed counselor and trained PREP facilitator who uses lectures, manuals and videotapes to teach this course. A minimal amount of homework is given. Please note that PREP is not counseling, and couples taking part in PREP are not asked to reveal any information that is private or potentially embarrassing. PREP is designed to help couples start their relationships on the right track. 

Class sizes are limited to 8 couples so be sure to reserve your space early. PREP is offered several times throughout the year (see schedule below) and meets Friday evening from 6:30-9:00 p.m. AND Saturday from 8:30 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. A continental breakfast is provided on Saturday morning. Participants are encouraged to bring their lunches on Saturday.  
Please call the wedding line at 303-526-0155 to make a reservation for PREP.

It is your personal responsibility to call the wedding office (303-526-0155) to confirm if you will be attending PREP.

What does it take to have a really great marriage?

Keeping your marriage strong and healthy isn’t easy. Kids, work, in-laws, and money…they all take their toll! Rockland’s Marriage Enrichment Course will explain what you can do to build and maintain a great marriage that brings delight to both you and the Lord!

“A Lasting Promise: A Christian Guide to Fighting for Your Marriage” is the heart of the marriage enrichment course offered this fall at Rockland. It is based on the PREP program, developed at the University of Denver, but adds foundational Christian teaching on marriage, and builds around key biblical themes. Anyone who wants to learn how to solve problems in their marriage, or prevent them before they arise will benefit from this class, regardless of whether you’ve been married for one year or 50!
 

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Wedding Coordinator
Our Wedding Coordinator, Valerie Mesch, will assist you in the arrangements for your wedding. A Wedding Coordinator will conduct your rehearsal and will be in attendance at your wedding to assist with procedures and details.

Valerie Mesch
Wedding Coordinator
Direct Phone Line: (303) 526-0155
weddings@rocklandcc.org 

Invitations
When ordering invitations, the suggested form for the name address of the church is:

Rockland Community Church
17 S. Mt. Vernon Country Club Road
Golden, Colorado 80401
Directions: 
I-70 West to exit 254. Turn right (North) 1/4 mile on left (West).

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Photographers
Pictures are important to families as years pass and memories are recalled. Pictures may be taken before and after the ceremony in the Bride’s room, in the halls, in the sanctuary and outside. During the ceremony pictures may be taken in the sanctuary as long as they are in good taste.

Please note these rules: 

• Flash pictures during prayers are prohibited and, please, no pictures from the altar during the ceremony.
• Pictures need to be completed within your 2 hour time frame. It would be appreciated if the bride and groom would inform their photographer that Rockland schedules weddings back-to-back every two hours. 
  IMPORTANT: All photographers must work within this 2 hour time frame.
• The shades on the altar must not be opened or closed by any one other than Rockland Community Church employees.
• No items of furniture, pews, candles or cross can be moved for pictures or any other reason.

Florist
Arrangements for floral decorations should be made with the florist of your choice. (Please be aware that decorations for the Christmas season are put up in the Sanctuary the day after Thanksgiving and taken down the Sunday after New Year’s Eve.)

Most local florists are acquainted with our church and will be able to suggest various decorations for your consideration. 
IMPORTANT: If your florist is not familiar with our church, he/she should be told that it is not permissible to put tape, nails or tacks into woodwork and hurricane lamps are not permitted on the pews.

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Alcohol, Rice, Confetti, etc. 
First and foremost, Rockland is a place of worship. Please do not bring alcoholic beverages onto the premises (church, the church grounds and the parking lot).

We must ask that you not scatter rice, confetti, birdseed, tissue flowers, bubbles or butterflies or other objects either inside or outside the church building. Please advise your family, wedding party, and guests of this requirement. 

The Wedding License
The State of Colorado requires that a license for marriage be obtained and that the couple fulfill the legal formality of pronouncement. A license may be obtained in any county of the State of Colorado and is good for 30 days following the date of issue. The license is mail by Rockland to the appropriate County for recording. The County usually returns it to you wit in two to three weeks. 

Some other things you might want to know... 

1. There are 14 pews on each side of the main level of the church.
2. The sanctuary seats 450 persons.
3. The pews, altar table and pulpit candles or cross may not be moved for any reason.
4. The church aisle is 62 feet long.
5. If you plan for a flower girl to throw petals, you must secure an aisle cloth from your florist or craft store.
6. Sweet-smelling petals stain the carpet. Red petals are not allowed.
7. Candles and Candelabra: If you wish to use our candelabra, please talk with the Wedding Coordinator. 
8. The rental fee is $20 for the pair. They are ivory oil candles on black antique bases. This fee will benefit our Russian refugee ministry.
9. The Bride's dressing room is located across from the Sanctuary and is available for use before the ceremony. After dressing, please lock your things in your car.
10. IMPORTANT: Rockland Community Church assumes no responsibility for your valuables. 

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Rehearsals
If the wedding party consists of no more than four adults, a rehearsal may not be necessary. However, if more than four persons are involved, and especially if children are included, a rehearsal is wise. Rehearsals are forty five (45) minutes long and all persons involved are urged to be prompt because of other scheduled activities, rehearsals must be on time! 

It is very important that you are not late for your rehearsal, as rehearsals are scheduled back-to-back. We invite you to arrive early and use the Fellowship Hall to gather your family and wedding party for early introductions. 

The rehearsal will be conducted by a wedding coordinator.  The minister and musician are not in attendance at rehearsals.   Please note that I-70 has heavy Friday traffic all year long.

 

Time Allotted for Ceremonies in 2008
A two and 1/2 hour time block is set aside for your wedding. 
Please note the times listed below are for SATURDAY weddings. 

Weddings have use of church from:
11:00am Wedding = (9:30am - 12:00pm)
1:00pm Wedding = (12:00 - 2:30pm)
4:00pm Wedding = (2:30 - 5:00pm)
6:00pm Wedding = (5:00 - 7:30pm)
 

The Wedding Service 
At Rockland, we offer a Christian service in which the wedding vows are made in a context of worship, prayer and thanksgiving. 

A typical wedding service includes:

• A welcome
• Invocation or opening
• Words from the minister about marriage
• The Wedding Charge
• Scripture readings or other readings
• Song if desired
• The exchange of wedding vows
• The exchange of rings
• The lighting of the wedding candle
• Song if desired
• Prayer of dedication and benediction
• Pronouncement of marriage
• Introduction

Wedding Contract with Rockland
IMPORTANT:
Your Wedding will not be confirmed until you contact the Wedding Coordinator and receive a contract from her and return it by mail in with your Initial Payment.

Wedding Fees for 2008

Up to 400 guests = $950, Initial Payment $600

Included in this fee will be use of the church and grounds for up to 2 and 1/2 hours (depending on your time of day), 45 minute rehearsal, pastor, wedding coordinator, sound technician at your wedding, 10 hour marriage class, brand new brides room with same level access to the sanctuary.
 

Optional Services

• Rockland’s Organist/Pianist $125 
  Susan Hutchinson-Banning 303-431-0434
   
• Candelabra $20
   
• Streaming video (live) on the internet, includes a non-edited DVD $350 (this is available through September 2008, but may be extended)

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Payment Schedule
The Initial Payment 
A Initial Payment to "Rockland Church" is to be made at the time that you schedule your wedding. If this arrangement is made by telephone, your Initial Payment must be at the church office within 10 days. If it is not received, we will assume that you have changed your plans and the time scheduled for your wedding will be canceled. If you must cancel your wedding plans, we would appreciate a call to the Wedding Coordinator.

Please sign the "Contract" and mail it in with your Initial Payment.

Final Payment
The balance is due 30 days prior to your wedding date. 
Payment for streaming video must be made at least 30 days prior to your wedding date.
Fees payable to church musician must be presented to Wedding Coordinator the night of rehearsal. 
Checks must be made payable to that individual, NOT to Rockland Community Church.

Refunds
If your wedding at Rockland is canceled and more than 180 days notice is given, 1/2 of the Initial Payment will be refunded, upon request. No refund will be given if less than 180 days notice is given. 
Important: 
Please remember that only the Wedding Coordinator can schedule weddings or answer questions regarding weddings at Rockland.
MAILING ADDRESS:

Rockland Community Church
17 So. Mt. Vernon Country Club Road
Golden, CO 80401 

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The Wedding Day
Before we talk about the events of your wedding day, a word about your feelings on this day could be of help. The proper attitude makes a big difference as you approach the wedding ceremony!

The wedding is primarily a sacred time of worship. 
During this time you and your groom offer joint praise to God for bringing the two of you together. It is a time for you to commit your lives to one another and to God's glory, so it is a solemn day. But solemn does not mean joyless, and sacred does not mean no smiles.

A wedding is a time of great joy. 
Both you and your groom should attempt to approach the rehearsal and wedding ceremony in a relaxed manner. An overly perfectionist couple will surely find something to be disappointed about. Anything could go wrong at your wedding—the soloist could forget a line, Dad may not be able to say "I do," the flower girl could freeze up and refuse to go down the aisle, a bridesmaid may pass out. Just remember that if one of these things happens, most likely in the years to come it will become one of your cherished memories. Do your best to plan a beautiful ceremony that is glorifying to God and then relax. Attempt to be in a state of mind in which you can enjoy yourself. Enjoy the bridesmaids walking down the aisle, the music you have specially chosen for the day, the flickering of the candles, how your mother looks—and especially the face of your beloved."

Hughes, Kent and Muzzy, Ruth. 
The Christian Wedding Planner/Wheaton, ILL: 
Tyndale Press, 1991

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Things to remember on your Wedding Day

1. Arrive at the church no earlier than 10 minutes prior to your stated arrival time. For example: if your wedding is at 4:00 you may arrive at 2:20 and you have use of the church from 2:30 - 5:00 p.m.

2. Enter through the glass doors in the middle of the church.

3. Give your marriage license, candles, etc. to the wedding coordinator. She will then show the women to their dressing area. The men come dressed for pictures.

4. Have someone pick up and pack your belongings after changing and lock these items in your car.

5. After the ceremony, you will return to the sanctuary or outside for pictures. Your guests will either wait outside or go on to the reception. Your license will be mailed to the county by the church. 

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