OFFICIANT SERVICES
Welcome to our Officiant Services page, where we provide compassionate and professional officiants for all of life's significant moments. Let us help you create meaningful and memorable experiences, honor your loved ones and celebrate life's milestones.
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CHILD DEDICATION GUIDELINES
Purpose: To outline the requirements for child dedications at Grace Congregational Church, ensuring a clear process while emphasizing the spiritual importance and responsibility of raising children in accordance with the Word of God.
"Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, the fruit of the womb is a reward."
~ Psalm 127:3
Criteria for child dedication services held at Grace Congregational Church:
1. The child being dedicated must not exceed eleven (11) years of age.
2. At least one parent or legal guardian must be an active member of Grace Congregational Church, a faithful tither, attendee, and in good standing. The purpose of a child dedication is not only to dedicate a child to God, but also for parents and the church to dedicate themselves to raising up the child in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. The congregation is to be considered an active participant in the life of the child as they grow and learn about God.
3. Complete and submit the Child Dedication Request Form, available online or in hardcopy, to the Administrative Office via email at info@gcchtx.org.
4. The Administrative Office will schedule three (3) spiritual counseling sessions between the parent(s)/guardian(s) and a GCC Lay Counselor before scheduling the dedication service. These counseling sessions will focus on Biblical parenting responsibilities. If rescheduling is necessary, parents/guardians must contact the Administrative Office at (713) 733-4488 or info@gcchtx.org.
5. Having met all the above criteria, the child dedication must be approved by the GCC Senior Pastor.
CHILD DEDICATION
REQUEST FORM
To request a child dedication please complete the following online form. You may also download the printable information packet and call (713) 733-4488 to make an appointment.
We understand that the loss of a loved one can be emotional and sometimes devastating. It is our hope that by providing this information for memorial and funeral services at Grace Congregational Church (GCC), we will assist in providing some sense of comfort.
FUNERAL AND MEMORIAL
GUIDELINES
Eligibility for memorial and funeral services held at Grace Congregational Church:
Members: All Grace Congregational Church members and their immediate families (spouse, parents, and children) are welcome to be memorialized/funeralized by a GCC pastor or other ministerial staff at Grace Congregational Church.
Non-Members: Memorial/Funeral services for non-members, led by a GCC pastor or other ministerial staff and held at Grace Congregational Church, requires approval of the GCC Senior Pastor or GCC Executive Pastor and is subject to a facility rental agreement.
Other Clergy: If a non GCC staff clergy is requested by family members of the deceased to officiate the memorial/funeral service held at Grace Congregational Church, he/she must be approved by the GCC Senior Pastor or GCC Executive Pastor.
Officiant Requests for a GCC pastor or other ministerial staff to conduct memorial and funeral services at a location other than Grace Congregational Church is subject to availability, approval by the GCC Senior Pastor or GCC Executive Pastor and the following fee schedule:
Members: A GCC pastor or other ministerial staff is provided to officiate a memorial/funeral service held at Grace Congregational Church free of charge. Note: Travel fees may be incurred for member memorial/funeral services held at a venue beyond 20 miles roundtrip from Houston, TX 77047.
Non-Members: A GCC pastor or other ministerial staff is provided to officiate a memorial/funeral service for a fee of $150 plus travel fees, if applicable.
Travel Fees: Travel to the service venue beyond 20 miles roundtrip from Houston, TX 77047 incurs a travel fee. In some cases, a travel fee may apply based on time to travel/return from service venue. The following fee schedule applies:
21 to 34 miles roundtrip - $35
35 to 49 miles roundtrip - $50
50 to 74 miles roundtrip - $75
75 to 100 miles roundtrip - $125
Guidelines for Funeral/Memorial Services held at Grace Congregational Church:
1. Please complete the Funeral/Memorial Service Request Form, available online or as a printed copy.
2. Use of the facility is subject to availability.
a. No regularly scheduled services will be supplanted by a funeral.
b. Funerals are not held on the Sabbath, from 6pm Friday through 6pm Saturday.
3. Memorial services should be limited to a maximum duration of 90 minutes.
4. All decorations, photos, videos, music, and other service arrangements should be coordinated through the Administrative Office.
a. Easels for pictures and flowers are permitted in the sanctuary.
5. Caskets, urns, or deceased bodies are not allowed in the sanctuary.
a. These items should be placed in the foyer area prior to the service.
6. An administrative office staff member will be present on church grounds for all memorial services.
a. Staff will open the facilities to the public one (1) hour before the service starts.
7. Please be aware that there may be additional requirements for non-members renting the facility. Any additional guidelines will be clearly outlined in a separate facility use rental agreement.
Order of Service and Programs:
1. Order of Service:
a. The standard order of service for memorial services is as follows:
Sample Order of Service
Processional
Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ministry
Scripture Readings
Music Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Congregational
Obituary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Read Silently
Reflections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Family & Friends
(Max of 3 named individuals – 2-minute limit)
Music Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Congregational
Eulogy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GCC Pastor or Minister
Recessional
b. Any special changes, or additions to the order of service, must be approved by the Senior Pastor or Executive Pastor.
2. Programs:
a. Members: GCC will provide standard programs, one hundred (100) copies, for members free of charge.
i. Standard designs are available. (See Attachment “B”)
ii. Additional copies are available at a cost of $.25 per copy
b. Non-Members: GCC will provide standard programs, one hundred (100) copies, for non-members for a fee of $60.
i. Additional copies are available at a cost of $.25 per copy.
FUNERAL AND MEMORIAL OFFICIANT
REQUEST FORM
To request a GCC Officiant for your funeral or memorial service please complete the following online form. You may also download the printable information packet and call (713) 733-4488 to make an appointment.
These guidelines are provided to ensure a smooth and respectful wedding experience for all parties utilizing Grace Congregational Church facilities.
Sanctuary Use (Ceremony & Rehearsal)
The church sanctuary can be reserved for a wedding ceremony and rehearsal by completing the online Wedding and Officiant Request form below. All usage includes designated time slots for decoration and clean-up. Please see the Fee Schedule below.
Wedding Ceremony - Duration included is up to 3 hours. This includes ceremony time, pre-ceremony setup, and post-ceremony teardown.
Rehearsal - Duration included is up to 1 hour. Typically scheduled the day before the ceremony.
Decoration/Teardown - Included in the 3-hour ceremony slot above. All decorations must be placed and removed within the reserved time.
Availability
Use of the facility is subject to availability.
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No regularly scheduled services will be supplanted by a wedding.
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Weddings are not held on the Sabbath, from 6pm Friday through 6pm Saturday.
Staffing Included
The standard facility use fee includes the following required church personnel:
Audio Technician: Responsible for managing the sound system, microphones, and any pre-approved audio playback. They must be consulted on all audio needs.
Facility manager: Responsible for opening/closing the building, temperature control, and addressing immediate facility issues.
Door Attendant: Responsible for greeting guests and managing entry/exit points before, during, and after the ceremony.
Sanctuary Decorating Policies
Aisles and Seating: Decoration must not block aisles or impede emergency exits.
Affixing Decorations:
Permitted: Use of non-marking tape (e.g., painter's tape) on pews or approved stands/fixtures.
Prohibited: Nails, screws, tacks, or damaging adhesives (e.g., duct tape, strong glues) on walls, woodwork, pews, or floors.
Candles: Open flames are strictly prohibited. Battery-operated candles are permitted.
Aisle Runners: If using an aisle runner, it must be secured in a way that does not pose a tripping hazard.
Confetti/Scatter: Rice, birdseed, glitter, confetti, flower petals (real or artificial), or similar materials are not permitted inside the Sanctuary.
Musician Policy
Additional Cost: The Church's resident musician is available for an additional charge. Please inquire about rates and availability.
External Musicians: If the couple chooses to use an external musician (e.g., vocalist, instrumentalist), they must be formally approved by the Church at least one week prior to the ceremony.
Coordination: External musicians must coordinate all technical needs (audio inputs, power, space) directly with the Church Audio Technician prior to the rehearsal.
Fellowship Hall and Kitchenette Use (Reception)
The Fellowship Hall and adjoining Kitchenette may be used for reception activities.
Fellowship Hall Policies
Capacity: The maximum occupancy of the Fellowship Hall must be observed.
Decorations: Decoration policies are similar to the Sanctuary (no damaging materials). All decorations must be completely removed immediately following the event.
Alcohol: The consumption of alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited anywhere on Church property.
Smoking: Smoking is prohibited inside all Church buildings.
Kitchenette Policies
The Kitchenette is provided for warming, staging, and serving pre-prepared food and non-alcoholic beverages only.
Cooking: Full-scale cooking is not permitted. Only the warming ovens, microwave, and serving counters may be used.
Equipment: All Church dishes, silverware, and cooking implements are to remain in the Kitchenette. Renters must provide all necessary disposable items (plates, napkins, cups, etc.).
Clean-Up:
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All rented or brought-in items must be removed.
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Counters must be wiped clean.
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All trash must be placed in designated receptacles.
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Any spills must be cleaned immediately.
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The refrigerator (if used) must be emptied.
General Clean-Up and Departure
The bridal party is responsible for ensuring the prompt and complete clean-up of all areas utilized (Sanctuary, Fellowship Hall, Kitchenette, and restrooms). All trash must be gathered and placed in designated dumpster areas before the final departure time coordinated with the Facility Manager.
WEDDING AND OFFICIANT
GUIDELINES
WEDDING AND RECEPTION
FEE SCHEDULE
Base Rental Packages
Ceremony Only ($800)
Description: use of sanctuary for the wedding ceremony.
Includes: Sanctuary, Dressing Room (1-hour before), 1-hour rehearsal (day before)
Duration: up to 4 hours
Ceremony & Standard Reception ($1,500)
Description: Use of sanctuary for ceremony, Fellowship Hall and Kitchenette for reception.
Includes: Sanctuary, Dressing Room, 1-hour rehearsal
Duration: up to 8 hours
Required and Optional Add-On Fees
Mandatory Fees
Security/Damage Deposit ($250)
Description: Refundable deposit required to cover potential damages or excessive cleaning.
Fully refundable within 14 days post-event, pending satisfactory inspection.
Optional and Add-on Services
Additional Hour(s) ($100 per hour)
Description: Extending the total rental duration beyond the package limit.
GCC Wedding Officiant ($150)
Description: Services of the assigned GCC Officiant for the ceremony
GCC Organist/Pianist ($200)
Description: Use of the church musician for the ceremony. Includes consultation and 30 minutes of music.
Important Notes:
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Booking: A signed rental agreement, security deposit, and the non-refundable portion of the facility fee (50% of the Base Rental Package) are required to secure the date.
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Final Payment: All remaining fees, including the Security/Damage Deposit, are due 30 days prior to the wedding date.
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Outside Vendors: All outside vendors (caterers, florists, etc.) must be pre-approved by the Church Coordinator.