Colbert United Methodist Church Facility Usage Policy February 2014 edition

Colbert United Methodist Church Facility Policies

All events and activities shall be governed by the Church Board of Stewards, The Board ofTrustees and Current Pastor, and also adhere to the current Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church. The use of our facilities are prioritized in the following manner:

1. Church Programs

2. Use by an active church member

. Active being understood as being “Loyal to Christ through The United Methodist Church, and upholding it by your prayers, presence, your gifts, your service, and your witness.”

3. Use by an inactive church member

. Inactive being understood as not supporting the local church with your “prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness” for the last six months or longer.

4. Local community

5. Outside use not affiliated with the Church or community

Church related events, activities, and programs should be listed on the yearly calendar as soon as possible. Monthly events, activities, and programs as well as seasonal and special events need to be listed as early as possible. Non-church related events cannot be placed on the calendar more than six months in advance. Reservations must be made through the church office (706-788-3372) or via email ([email protected]). If a non-church event involves church members, consideration will be made on an individual basis.

Reservations will be taken for all events that are not church related. This includes church members signing up for reunions, birthday parties, meals, etc. This does not include Colbert United Methodist Youth, Children, Women, Men, or adult programs. Boy, Cub, and Girl Scouts need to make reservations to make sure the space is available for their use.

User fees are due at the time of the reservation. Any group using the facility is responsible for clean up at the end of the event. If the condition of the facility is found to be unsatisfactory a cleaning fee of at least $50 will be deducted from the damage deposit. If the renter wishes to have someone else take care of clean up, the church will be responsible for making arrangements. A church member must be in attendance during non-church related events. They will be available to help answer any questions about the facilities. This member will make final inspection.

For non-church related events cancelations must be made at least 10 days before the event in order for the church to refund the rental fee. Cancelations for emergency situations will be considered on an individual basis. Colbert United Methodist Church Facility Usage Policy February 2014 edition

The church is not responsible for providing plates, cups, napkins, tablecloths, silverware, etc. for any non-church activity.

Only one designated calendar (Located on the bulletin board behind the sanctuary) will be used to reserve church facilities. The Pastor will be responsible for adding reservations to the official calendar. Reservations will be added to the calendar when the reservation request form and payment have been received by the church.

Cost to use church facilities

Non-Church Use or Inactive member Active member Non-Member Damage Deposit $200 $200 ----- Use of Facility 6 Hours or less $300 $80 $40 Each additional hour over 6 $40 $10 $5 hours. Use of sound system $40/ hour $20/ hour $20/ hour Paid church member to be $50 present

Church members can rent the building for their use only. Meaning, the event is one they are hosting and in charge of. Church members should not rent the building in their name for a non-member to use at the active member cost. Please do not abuse this policy. It is not fair to other members. Trustees reserve the right to decide if the policy is being abused.

The damage deposit is due 10 days prior to the event. It will be refunded within one week after the event if the final inspection is deemed satisfactory by the appropriate representative(s) of the church.

The use of the sound system requires the hiring of a qualified member of the church to operate it.

Active church members are able to use the facilities at a reduced rental rate because they are supporting the church with their “Prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness.” The amounts listed for church members are to offset the additional utilities costs. Questions about inactive membership will be handled by the Pastor and the Board of Trustees. Colbert United Methodist Church Facility Usage Policy February 2014 edition

Family Life Center Usage Guidelines

1. People wanting to rent the Church facilities must use the procedures set in place by the Trustees and the Board of Stewards. Contact the church office for details.

2. Individuals and groups using the facilities are expected and responsible for leaving the facilities in the condition that they found it or better. Furniture should be placed in its original location. Chairs and tables in the Family Life Center need to be placed in set up that they were found. Furniture in the sanctuary cannot be moved without permission from the Pastor.

3. No furniture, supplies, or equipment is to be removed from the church premises. All equipment is to be used with care, cleaned, and stored in its appropriate place at the conclusion of the event.

4. Please do not use church paper and plastic products (cups, plates, napkins, utensils, tablecloths, paper towels, etc.) for your event. Groups using the church facilities are expected to provide their own paper and plastic products.

5. Individuals and groups using the facilities are responsible for cleaning the facilities at the conclusion of their event. Please do not wait until Sunday morning to clean up an event that takes place on Saturday night.

6. If the use of the facilities does not leave the facilities and premises clean and orderly, then they will be responsible for the charges incurred by the church for cleanup.

7. All garbage must be bagged in plastic garbage bags and placed in the trashcans outside the Family Life Center. Trash pickup is on Monday.

8. Property damage caused during the rental usage of the facilities shall be the responsibility of the user. Costs associated with repair of the damage will be the responsibility of the user. The damage deposit will be applied to the cost of the damage.

9. The renter is responsible for turning off all lights (check restrooms), turning off heating and air, making sure the faucets and toilets are in good order, the oven is turned off, and making sure the doors are locked (be sure to check the hall way doors).

10. Alcohol, tobacco, firearms, and controlled substances are not permitted on church property.

11. Pets are not allowed inside church facilities. Approved assistant animals are welcomed.

12. Please remember this is a church facility. Your behavior, conversation, general appearance, and activities of events in these facilities should reflect that this is a church facility.

13. Children must be supervised by an appropriate responsible adult during events.

14. Church events have precedent over any other scheduled event. Colbert United Methodist Church Facility Usage Policy February 2014 edition

15. Colbert United Methodist Church accepts no responsibility for loss or theft of personal property. The use of church facilities is at the risk of the participant. Colbert United Methodist Church does not assume liability or responsibility for any participant. The church does not make any express or implied warranty about the premises, the equipment, machinery, fixtures, or furniture. Notice of this fact will be provided to guests and visitors.