Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors.
History
Contact
Westlake United Methodist Church
|
27650 Center Ridge Road Office hours: Monday - Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. |
 |
Weddings
The people of Westlake United Methodist Church join in expressing congratulations and best wishes to you as you plan to marry! It is our prayer that your wedding ceremony will be a happy, memorable and God-centered experience for you and your family and friends.
Marriage is meant to be joyous as it finds its fullest expression in the awareness of God's love. It seems fitting, then, that your wedding ceremony should be within the church. If you are not already a member of this congregation, consider this church as a place where you can grow in your faith as your love for one another grows.
At Westlake United Methodist Church we welcome couples who are not members of this church. The following information is meant to be a helpful tool if you are considering getting married at Westlake United Methodist Church.
FAQs about WEDDINGS at WUMC
Will you marry couples who are non-members of WUMC?
Yes, at the discretion of and after consultation with one of the pastors.
Can I use my own pastor?
At the discretion of the WUMC Pastor, your pastor may be invited to co-officiate a wedding at WUMC.
What about the music?
Music is an important part of the marriage ceremony. New forms of music, such as recorded or electronic music, are being used on occasion, but the organ still remains the more traditional and chosen instrument.
Can I bring in my own Organist?
The WUMC church organist must be consulted and give approval for any other organist. Couples are encouraged to have a conference with the organist. The actual selection of music can be arranged over the telephone or face-to-face. WUMC's organist is experienced and well qualified to give you guidance in the selection of music.
Does the church have an aisle runner?
NO, the church does not own an aisle runner. If an aisle runner is desired, it is the responsibility of the couple to order one, most likely through their florist. The aisle requires a 100-foot runner.
Can I attach bows to the pews and how many are there?
Yes. There are 44 pews (22 per side) in the sanctuary. You must use alternate methods of attaching bows. Please do NOT use tape on painted walls or woodwork. A florist can help you in these matters.
Can I have rice or birdseed?
NO, Westlake UMC does not allow the throwing of birdseed, rice, or any product that requires special clean-up. Bubbles, etc. are great alternate choices.
What about alcoholic beverages?
THE USE OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES OR SMOKING IS NOT PERMITTED ON CHURCH PROPERTY. This is the case whether or not the reception is at the church.
What is a Wedding Liaison?
A Wedding Liaison will be assigned after your wedding date is confirmed. He or she will be your contact person for all logistical and financial matters in dealing with your wedding. This person will be at your wedding rehearsal and also at the wedding about 1 ½ hours before the wedding start time.
What are the fees of a non-member wedding?
| Facility usage including rental & clean-up | $ 650.00 |
| Church Wedding Liaison (required) | $ 150.00 |
| Organist | $ 150.00 |
| (extra rehearsal with soloist, $15/rehearsal) | |
| Pastoral Services | $ 250.00 |
| (including pre-marital conferences) | |
| Custodial Fee | $ 75.00 |
| Total: | $ 1275.00 |
A $200 non-refundable deposit must be made to reserve a date on the church calendar for your wedding. Final payment of all fees must be made two weeks prior to the ceremony. Checks should be payable to "Westlake United Methodist Church" and given to the Wedding Liaison.
If you would like to check on a date for your wedding and/or have other questions, please do not hesitate to call the church office at (440) 871-3088 and talk to the Office Manager.
History
Westlake United Methodist Church was founded in 1825 as Dover Methodist Episcopal Church in what was then the township of Dover, Ohio. After meeting in homes and barns for about 28 years, the congregation raised enough money to erect a building in 1853. This small frame structure served as our sanctuary for over 100 years and still stands on Center Ridge Road, just a few hundred feet from our present church site. Until about 1878, the church bell (dated 1854) rang daily at noon and 6 p.m. It was also used as a fire alarm and was tolled for the deceased.
Early pastors were of the famed "circuit rider" variety, serving several churches in an area. In the first 125 years, there were over 60 different preachers assigned to our church.
The first remodeling included new benches and took place in 1905. Around 1930, an addition for Sunday school was added. Later, a full basement addition with a kitchen and dining hall was added on the west side of the property and the church building was moved atop this basement. Meanwhile, Dover Township had been divided into Bay Village, Dover Village, and North Olmsted. Dover Village was renamed Westlake in 1940, after which the church's name changed to Westlake Methodist Church.
Beginning in 1951, we were assigned our first full-time pastor, Dr. Edwin Brown. WUMC since has had five full-time pastors: Rev. Warren Tropf, Rev. Jon Freshwater, Dr. Ken Ehrman, Rev. Judy Wismar Claycomb, and Rev. John Butchko, our current pastor.
The cornerstone for our current church was laid in 1955 when membership reached 450. We worshipped in our new building for the first time on November 4, 1956. In 1969, an education wing and steeple were added. Several renovations have taken place over the years.
Direction Statement
{pdf=/images/stories/WUMC%20-%203-5%20Year%20Plan.pdf|700|500}Vision Statement
The vision statement of Westlake United Methodist Church is:
Come to hope. Grow in faith. Share God's blessings.
We follow this vision through
Worship: celebrating God’s grace throughout life;
We value Prayer as a means of connecting the community and supporting God’s grace.
People of all ages, races, social and economic backgrounds, and sexual orientations as a welcome part of this congregation.
Meaningful and diverse worship experiences.
Understanding: learning and teaching Christian principles;
We value The Bible as central to the Christian faith, studied and taught for transformation.
Jesus as the model for Christian living.
Involving children and youth in all church activities.
Nurturing the Christian faith in all generations.
The history and tradition of the Christian faith and United Methodism while welcoming new insights and experience.
Mission: responding to the needs of others; and
We value Faith demonstrated through tangible acts of mission.
Using our God-given time, talents, and resources on behalf of others in response to God’s love for us.
Partnerships with those who have different backgrounds and experiences from our own.
Compassion: relating to others with love and justice.
We value Christian maturity which helps us to love and care for one another with justice.
Relationships that develop through small groups within the church community.
Dealing with real-life issues and helping people to face them.
Those who seek to understand the role that faith has in their lives and each person’s spiritual gifts. Accepting of others as we ourselves want to be accepted.
Westlake United Methodist Church is an exciting arena where all people can Come to hope, Grow in faith, and Share God's blessings.