THE SANCTUARY The Sanctuary is very impressive. It consists of a lower level that has 42 padded pews that will comfortably seat approximately 350 people. The upper balcony level has 10 padded pews that will seat an additional 75 people. There are two pulpits at the front near the altar, and five pews behind the pulpits for the choir. There is a piano and organ available for services held in the Sanctuary, and there are ten stained-glass windows that display plant life found in the Holy Bible. In addition, if desired, taped music can be played through the public address system.

THE NARTHEX The La Plata United Methodist Church features a Narthex that extends across the entire west side of the church. This vestibule serves as an entry to the Sanctuary, and is accentuated by two smaller stained-glass windows. The Narthex can serve as an overflow seating area when necessary. There are two large plate glass windows that face the Sanctuary, allowing those seated in the Narthex to view activities within the Sanctuary.

MAIN BUILDING ENTRANCE The Main Building Entrance is a new addition to the church. The main entrance has three sets of doors to allow guests to easily access the Sanctuary and Narthex. The church is handicapped-accessible, with exterior wheelchair ramps and an interior elevator that provides access to all four levels of the church complex. The center pieces for the entrance is a large brass chandelier mounted from the 20-foot ceiling, and two beautiful stained-glass windows facing west. The foyer is an ideal location for fellowship and to greet visitors and socialize, and it would be an exceptional place for a receiving line.

FELLOWSHIP HALL The La Plata United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall is the ideal place for a wedding reception. There is a limit to the number of people who can use the Fellowship Hall (200), and there are ample tables and maroon-padded seats available. There is no smoking or alcoholic beverages permitted. The church kitchen is immediately next to the Fellowship Hall, with a large window access to the food/steam tables used for serving food from the kitchen.

FELLOWSHIP HALL KITCHEN The Fellowship Hall Kitchen is equipped to handle the largest meal requirements. There are two large gas stoves with ample oven space, three large industrial-size refrigerators, two large food preparation tables, a large steam table for prepared foods, and a serving window that faces the Fellowship Hall. There is also a smaller beverage room adjacent to the kitchen that faces the Fellowship Hall. This beverage room has a counter that is accessible to Fellowship Hall and it makes the ideal place to serve soft drinks, coffee, water and tea.

MARRIAGE PLANNING DETAILS Everyone wants your wedding to go smoothly! We've put together a list of details that you will need to know about before you get married at La Plata United Methodist Church. If we don't cover a topic that you need additional information on, please don't hesitate to ask! I. Marriage License. The Marriage License for Charles County is required. It may be obtained from the county courthouse and is good for a period of 6 months. You may receive it on the same day that you apply at the courthouse. However, there is a brief waiting period before it can be used. You must bring your Marriage License to the church office five working days before your wedding date. II. The Rehearsal. The date and time for the rehearsal should be arranged through the church office to make sure that the date/time does not conflict with any other church event. Wedding rehearsals are scheduled for one hour. Therefore, please be on time! III. Counseling. In addition to the wedding rehearsal and the actual ceremony, the couple is expected to meet with the minister at least twice. You should contact the pastor at least eight weeks prior to the ceremony to schedule your first appointment. IV. The Ceremony. The wedding ceremony normally lasts about 30 minutes - this may change according to the music selection. There will be a variety of issues that you will be required to work out with the pastor before the wedding ceremony, specifically: The Order of Worship is available to review and discuss at your counseling session. Music - You are responsible for scheduling the church organist. All music especially regarding any soloist should be discussed (If you use a soloist or extra rehearsals are necessary, an extra fee will be negotiated). Decor - You cannot move any church property without permission. We ask that you remember that this church is a place of worship and we ask that all church property be respected. Runners - i.e. the white fabric the bride sometimes walks on, is completely optional and is seldom used these days. Length if used, should be 100 feet. However, dropping of real rose petals is not permitted unless a runner is used. The use of artificial petals are permitted. Flowers - may be silk or live. Be sure to arrange for their delivery with the church. Please let us know if you are leaving them at the church for worship on Sunday. Candles - Two candelabra are available. They use 7 candles each. There is an extra charge to use these, as the church provides them. For information of charges, please see Fees below. You must supply your own unity candle if you wish to use one. Photography is a major expense and time consumer. Whether you use an amateur or a professional please provide them with a list of shots that you desire (without it, the photo session often runs a full hour). During the ceremony photos are permitted by the designated photographer only. Another person may take a video of the ceremony. If you are planning to video the service, the choir loft is usually used. Programs are also optional. They offer a greater opportunity for congregational participation, a memento of the day, a place to thank participants and to provide directions to the receptions. The pastor will provide you with the order of worship. No changes can be made without his permission. NO RICE OR BIRDSEED. Dressing - A parlor is available for the bridal party to use to dress and for pictures if desired. Please schedule for the room to be open if needed. V. The Wedding Reception. If you desire to use Fellowship Hall and the church kitchen for the wedding reception, they need to be reserved in advance. If you wish the pastor to attend the wedding reception, please let him know. Unfortunately his schedule does not always permit participation. Wedding receptions may be arranged here at the church (see Fees). There is a limit to the number of people (200), and a reminder that smoking or consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited. VI. Fees. There are two scales used for weddings that take place at La Plata United Methodist Church. One set is for "Active Members" and a second set is for "Non-Members". An "Active Member" is defined as a person who has attended worship and contributed financially toward the ministry of La Plata United Methodist Church within the last six months. Sanctuary Active Members: Free Non-Members: $350.00 NOTE: Make a check payable to "La Plata United Methodist Church. A non-refundable deposit fee of $175.00 must be sent to the church to reserve your wedding date. Chapel Active Members: Free Non-Members: $100.00 NOTE: Make a check payable to "La Plata United Methodist Church. A non-refundable deposit fee of $50.00 must be sent to the church to reserve your wedding date. Pastor Active Members: Free Non-Members: $300.00 NOTE: Make a check payable to "Rev. Dr. Bruce Jones". A non-refundable deposit fee of $150.00 must be sent to Rev. Jones at the church office prior to the wedding date. Pastor's Wedding Assistant Active Members: $125.00 Non-Members: $125.00 NOTE: The Pastor's Wedding Assistant conducts the wedding rehersal and guides the bridal party at the wedding. Make a check payable to "Kathie Evans" Church Sexton Active Members: $75.00 Non-Members: $75.00 NOTE: Make a check payable to "Mr. Ed McKenzie". Please call Mr. McKenzie at (301)934-9517 to apprise him of the time you will be arriving. IMPORTANT NOTICE: At the time of rehearsal please give the pastor the appropriate fees that are listed above. You may place them in an envelope with the person's name. Organist Active members: $150.00 Non-Members: $200.00 NOTE: If you use a soloist or extra rehearsals are necessary, an extra fee will be negotiated. The amount and method of payment for the organist must be arranged in consultation with her. You may contact the organist, Linda Dent Mitchell, through the church office at (301) 934-2288. Fellowship Hall/Kitchen. The Fellowship Hall is available for $325.00 (non-members), and free for members. There is also a refundable $200.00 security deposit (regardless of membership status) which will be returned to you after the wedding is over, if the fellowship hall and kitchen are left in goood shape. Additional charge for candelabra: A fee of $25.00 will be charged to non-members. This is for both candelabras. Members ofthe church will not be charged a fee for these candleabras. The Fellowship Hall is available to use for rehersal dinners and wedding receptions. Contact the Church Secretary for information about fees, guidelines, and to schedule the Fellowship Hall.