Congratulations from Pastor Jeff!

There is hardly anything greater than a happy, life-long marriage! Even though we have seen a national marriage failure rate of 50%, did you know it is still possible to have a life-long marriage marked by happiness? Jesus said He came to give, not a life of mediocrity, but an abundant life. John 10:10. That special day that you say "yes" you can know you are on the side of the Bible and Well-Researched Studies. Those two things are exactly what you will need.

Here are six things to consider before saying yes to Bread of Life and to me as your pastor:

1. Are you both believers in Jesus Christ?

2 Corinthians 6:14 tells us we need to be "equally yoked".

2. Are you male and female?

Genesis 2 says about marriage, "the man will leave and cleave to his wife". Marriage is God's gift to everyone; His foundational design for a man and a woman.

3. Are you regularly worshipping?

Hebrews 10:25 reminds us of our need to worship regularly. If you are not already in the habit, may this be a beginning for your wonderful journey together. The marriage failure rate for couples that worship regularly is half of the national average. I ask couples to have at least six worship experiences before proceeding.

4. Are you willing to take the Premarital Inventory?

Statistically, much has been done to help couples look at critical areas of their relationship. You will need to take an inventory from Life Innovations called Prepare / Enrich. You will have the benefit of seeing where the critical areas are for you to give attention and greatly increase the success of your marriage. The cost is $35. We will have one session.

5. Are you living together?

Again, both the Bible and research indicate that couples who invest or re-invest purity and discipline into their pre-married relationship greatly enhance their success in marriage. Not only that, but it is God's plan for you. Please come prepared to discuss this at your first session with me.

6. Have either of you been married before? Do either of you have children?

This issue is different from the others in that it isn't necessarily conditional, however, please come prepared to talk openly about why your previous marriage failed and how you might interact with other parents if you have children from other relationships.

Please prayerfully consider all the above items. If they are agreeable with you, your next step is to call me and set up your first session. We will go over all of these things and make a plan for you to journey to the altar of marriage. It is a great priviledge for me and I thank you for your consideration.

God bless! I look forward to hearing from you. Pastor Jeff cell phone 701-833-5601.

The wedding day launches the beginning of a life-long commitment and deserves careful planning. After the wedding date and time have been set with the pastor and the church office, further guidelines will be given to use as a check list to assure that the wedding day is Christ-centered and enjoyable.

Associated with a wedding are fees and honorariums that show appreciation for facilities and participation in the wedding service. The fee schedule for Bread of Life is:

Members
Use of sanctuary	Donations Welcome
Use of fellowship hall	Donations welcome
Use of candelabra	Free
Honorarium...
Organist	$50
Pastor	Donations welcome
Reception	$100
Non-members...
Use of sanctuary	$200
Use of fellowship hall	$50
Use of candelabra	$15
Bread of Life coordinator	$50
Honorarium...
Organist	$75
Pastor	$125
Reception
100 guests	$75
Each additional 50 guests	$10

Clean up is the couple's responsibility, otherwise $75 fee added.

All reception food, cake, and non-alcoholic beverage is prepared and furnished by the family. This guideline is for a simple buffet-wedding reception. Bread of Life does not have space or facilities to serve a full, sit-down meal. Members of Bread of Life will help with set up and serve the reception.

Premarital inventory for all member and non-member couples is $35.

ALL fees and honorariums must be paid before the wedding. The bride, groom, or a parent must be an active member of Bread of Life for the member fees to apply.

For further information, contact the church office 701-838-3360 or email bollc@srt.com.