MARION UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
GENERAL BUILDING USE POLICY
Approved by the Church Council ______
The facilities of Marion United Methodist Church are an extension of the mission of the United Methodist Church, which is “to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” Our goal is that the facilities of the church will be used in a way which is consistent with the mission of the church and with the responsibilities of the church to maintain and account for the facilities. It is with these responsibilities in mind that the following policies, guidelines, and schedules have been adopted. Where a literal and strict interpretation of this policy would result in hardship or injustice, the Pastor or his/her designee has discretion to use his/her best judgment to accomplish the goals of this policy.
Any use of the facilities of the Marion United Methodist Church is subject to this policy. In addition to this General Building Use Policy, the Marion United Methodist Church has adopted a Wedding Policy and a Gym Use Policy. The Wedding Policy and the Gym Use Policy are considered more specific than this policy and in the event of a conflict in policies the Wedding Policy or Gym Use Policy will govern over the terms and conditions of this policy.
II. ACTIVITIES
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1. While first consideration for facility use will be given to Marion church activities, use of the church's facilities by members and the public at large is welcomed and encouraged.
2. In keeping with guidelines set forth in the United Methodist Discipline, all meetings and general use of the church facilities come under the direction of the Pastor.
3. Any individual or group must abide by the regulations set up by the Board of Trustees and approved by the Church Council.
4. All requests or situations not covered by this statement of policy which involves facilities, property, or equipment of the church shall be subject to approval by the Pastor or his/her designee.
5. No alcoholic beverages of any kind are permitted on the premises.
6. The Board of Trustees has adopted a “NO SMOKING” policy throughout the building and on the grounds.
7. The Board of Trustees shall review the statement of policy annually.
8. Any amendments to this policy must be approved prior to implementation by the Church Council.
III. EQUIPMENT
1. Marion United Methodist Church members are permitted to borrow church owned personal property. This property may be borrowed only under the conditions set forth herein. Church personal property that is regularly kept in the Sanctuary may not be borrowed for off premises use under any circumstances.
2. Prior to removing any church owned property from the grounds of the church a “Borrowed Property Form” must be completed and approved by the Pastor or his/her designee.
3. Upon return of the property, the property must be checked in with the church office.
IV. GENERAL RULES
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1. Furniture, piano, organ, railings, and other furnishings may not be moved by anyone without prior arrangements and approval of the church office or the Director of Music.
2. Tape or tacks may not be used on the walls, doors or windows.
3. No rice, bird seed or confetti may be used inside any part of the facilities.
4. The brides room will not be used other than for weddings and regular church activities.
5. When candles are used, sufficient protection must be provided for the carpet and furniture.
6. Any decorations must be displayed in a way that has the approval of the Pastor or his/her designee and does not cause damage to the Narthex or Sanctuary or adjoining areas.
7. In church related activities, persons or groups must return room or larger area to normal orderly condition within twelve (12) hours. In the event of rummage sales or similar functions, items not sold must be removed from the church property within twelve (12) hours.
8. All non-activities are to be concluded and the building(s) vacated by 10:00 p.m. If the sponsor of any activity should leave before that time, then all participants will leave when the sponsor leaves. Any activity scheduled to last later than 10:00pm must be approved in advance by the Pastor or his/her designee.
9. Activities held on Saturday should not conflict with preparations for Sunday services. All rooms or larger areas should be clean and in orderly condition by 5:00 p.m. Saturday unless permission is granted prior to the scheduled event. Weddings are the exception to this policy, as addressed in the wedding policy. Weddings may not be scheduled after 7:00 p.m. on Saturday.
10. Any damages to the premises should be reported to the church office and must be fully paid for by the party using the facilities.
11. Marion United Methodist Church will not be responsible for any damages or personal injury resulting from the use of facilities designated as property of MUMC.
12. In extraordinary circumstances (including fire, flood, and any other civil or natural calamity), the facilities of the church will be available for the ministry of compassion to all persons in need.
V. COST AND RENTAL FEES
1. The use of church facilities must not result in expense to the church and a Schedule of usage fees will be maintained in the church office. The schedule of usage fees is attached as Exhibit A to this policy statement. While the church will strive to keep such fees to a minimum, it will be necessary to recover costs associated with use of church facilities. The schedule of usage fees will be amended from time to time as needed to insure adequate cost coverage.
2. There is no charge for the use of church facilities by members of Marion United Methodist Church provided the use directly involves that member (e.g., weddings, etc.), nor is there a charge for events sponsored by the church. A “Member” is defined as someone who is listed as a “member” on the rolls of the Marion United Methodist Church for at least six (6) months prior to making the request to use the property or buildings of the MUMC. Janitorial fees may apply per Exhibit A. Marion members who are members of another group may use the church facilities for their group meetings, however, the schedule of usage fees will apply where the use is “frequent.” “Frequent” is defined as use more than three (3) times in any one year period. This entire provision does not apply to use of the gym.
3. Use of church facilities by members of MUMC and the public must be scheduled and the facilities reserved at least two weeks in advance. 100% of the cost must be paid at the time reservation is made. Money is nonrefundable unless the reservations are cancelled at least one week prior to the date reserved.
4. The separate Wedding Policy applies to all weddings, receptions and rehearsal dinners and takes precedence over this policy.
VI. CUSTODIAL
1. Any set-up or tear down that is required will add an extra charge based on $20.00 per hour with one (1) hour minimum.
2. Custodial charges will be $20.00 per hour for clean up following all activities that are beyond normal church ministry with one (1) hour minimum.
VII. KITCHEN
1. Arrangements for any use of the kitchen and its equipment must be made with the church office. A person in the group should be designated for contact by the church office.
2. Use of the kitchen is discouraged outside the normal church activity.
3. The kitchen is not available for use by profit-oriented organizations.
4. ALL groups using the kitchen must furnish their own paper plates, cups, silverware, and napkins. Non-member groups will provide their own dish towels. The church staff is not responsible for washing dishes or other kitchen clean up.
5. Under special circumstances with prior arrangements having been made, dishwashing and other kitchen clean up may be provided. A minimum fee of $50.00 will he charged. Clean up time over two (2) hours will be $25.00 per hour. This does not include carrying dishes to the kitchen.
6. Clean up is the responsibility of the individual or group using the kitchen.
A. Everything used goes back to the proper location.
B. Wipe off all counter tops.
C. Wipe range top.
D. Dish towels should be taken home, washed, dried and returned to the appropriate location.
E. Do not leave food in the refrigerator when event is over.
F. Dishes, pots, pans, or other equipment will not be loaned.
7. If the kitchen is found not in orderly fashion, report this finding to the church office.
8. If you or your group uses the kitchen facilities at MUMC, please remember this facility is utilized by many groups. Therefore, below is a list of kitchen use policies to be followed while using the facilities.
a. Wash all utensils, pots, pans, drink containers, etc. that are used and return them to their proper place.
b. Take home or dispose of left over food. If you must put items in the refrigerator, label your items. If you put items in the freezer, label them as well. All items without a label will be thrown away.
c. If you use any appliances (dishwasher, coffee pot, vent hood) make sure they are turned off when you leave.
d. Wipe all counter surfaces.
e. Take all dishcloths home, launder and return to MUMC.
EXHIBIT A
BUILDING USE FEES
Full day Half day
I. Sanctuary $500 $500 (must pay full day)
2. Classrooms $100 (per room) $50
3. Kitchen $80 $50
ADDITIONAL FEES IF APPLICABILE
1