Gray United Methodist Church

Facility Use Policy

 

 

The membership of Gray United Methodist Church desires to make available the church facilities and property to our members and non-profit community organizations as freely as possible, so long as church sponsored activities are not interfered with. The intent of this policy is to see that the facilities are fully utilized by the membership and the community in a controlled and reasonable manner. Reasonably for interpretation and application of this policy rests with the Facilities Team which consists of the Pastor, the Church Council Leader, the Trustee Team Leader, and the Church Secretary.

 

Scheduling

 

1.        All events must be scheduled through the Church office. The Church Secretary will post a weekly schedule of activities in the Family Life Center each week.

2.        Non-church events will not be scheduled during any church program.

3.        Church activities, including funeral services and weddings will be given preference over all other activities, and the church reserves the right to cancel any organization’s reservations with an appropriate 24-hour notice.

4.        When conflicts arise, church members will be given scheduling priority over nonmembers.

5.        Nonmember individuals and organizations that want to use the facilities must submit a completed Facility Use Agreement to the Church office and sign a waiver of liability form prior to use.

6.        Nonmember individuals or organizations that regularly use the facilities must have their own liability insurance unless the Facilities Team waives this requirement. Certificate of Proof of Liability Insurance shall be provided to the Church office.

 

Use Fees

 

1.        Church members, church member sponsored activities, and non-profit community organizations will not be charged fees for use of the facilities under the guidelines of this policy. However, if the group using the facility desires to make a donation to help the church cover expenses, such as utilities, they may do so through the Church office. If additional custodial services are required due to the use of the facilities, the responsible party is expected to make arrangements with the Church office to cover this.

2.        Political and profitable organizations will not be allowed to use the facilities unless specifically approved by the Church Council. If approved, a reasonable fee will be charged as determined by the church council.

 

Key Policy

 

1.        All facility keys issued will be numbered and will be recorded in the key registry maintained in the Church office.

2.        All key recipients will be required to sign an agreement not to duplicate or loan keys to other persons. All key agreements will be reviewed annually.

3.        Nonmembers who obtain a key will be required to pay a refundable key deposit of $25 when the key is received, and it will be refunded when the key is returned.

 

General Facility Rules

 

1.        The Pastor must approve all religious services held in the facilities.

2.        The Pastor must approve any wedding using a minister other than a United Methodist minister.

3.        All individuals or groups using the kitchen facilities are expected to observe the rules established and posted there.

4.        Church members are allowed to borrow church-owned equipment, such as chairs and tables, so long as it does not interfere with some church activity. Arrangements to borrow equipment should be made through the Church office. Prompt return of borrowed equipment is expected. Requests from nonmembers to borrow equipment must be approved by the Facilities Team.

5.        Use of all tobacco products, alcoholic beverages or any illegal substances is prohibited.

6.        After use, facilities must be left in good order with all lights turned out, heaters turned off, and doors locked.

7.        All groups of children and/or youth must be under the responsible supervision of the adults scheduling the facility during all times of use.

8.        No tacks, screws, nails, or similar fasteners may be used on walls, floors, or furnishings.

9.        Should anyone fail to abide by these rules or damage any church property, they will be expected to pay damages and future use may be prohibited as determined by the Facilities Team.

 

Family Life Center Specific Rules

 

1.  No chairs or tables without protective rubber-tipped feet may be used.

2.        A responsible adult must closely supervise all sports activities in the gymnasium, both church and non-church. Abuse of or damage to the building or its contents will not be tolerated.

3.        The stage area is only to be used for church activities or when specifically scheduled with the Church office.

4.        Nursery and pre-school rooms are not to be used unless scheduled through the Church office.

5.        The sound system must not be used unless it is arranged through the Church office.

 

Wedding and Shower Rules

 

1.  Flowers, ferns, etc., when used, must have protective pads under them to prevent moisture damage to the floors.

2.        Birdseed should be used rather than rice in wedding ceremonies.

3.        If candles are used, plastic runners or sufficient squares must be placed under them to catch dripping wax. Candles should not be left burning while unattended.

4.        No food or drink shall be served or carried into the sanctuary.

5.        All foods, including sugar, cream, napkins, and candles for the reception are to be furnished by the wedding or shower party.

6.        If a rehearsal dinner is served at the church, the wedding party must furnish all foods and non-alcoholic drinks. If the kitchen facility is used, the wedding party must clean it.

7.        Music rehearsals, such as piano, organ, and soloists, must be arranged through the Church office. Any organist, other than the church organist, must receive instructions from the church organist prior to rehearsing on the organ.

8.        The sound system must not be used unless it is arranged through the Church office.

9.        Decorations may be placed in the church only on the day of the wedding or shower. Since other activities may be scheduled up to 4 hours before the service, decorations should not be put out any earlier. If more time is needed for decoration, it must be scheduled through the church office. All decorations should be removed the day of the wedding or shower.

10.     If custodial services are required to clean up after the wedding or shower, the party is expected to pay $50 for this service. Payment should be made at the church office.