ASHTON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
BUILDING USE POLICY
Effective January 1, 2007
GENERAL GUIDELINES
THE ASHTON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH IS A NO-SMOKING ZONE AND ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ARE NOT PERMITTED ON THE CHURCH PROPERTY.
The conduct of persons using the building shall be such as to coincide with Christian standards of behavior and United Methodist practices. Games of chance are not permitted when prizes turn them into a form of gambling, which is prohibited by The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Chruch 2004 (see Paragraph 163G).
It is the Pastor’s discretion to schedule weddings and funerals and other related functions. The use of the building shall be determined within the guidelines as outlined in paragraph 2532 of the 2004 The Book of Discipline.
For all weddings, a refundable $100 deposit is required of all persons or groups to reserve use of the building. The deposit shall be returned in full upon cancellation or completion of the event provided that no damage has been done to the church building and/or property.
Persons and groups will be held responsible and charged for any damage done to the church building and/or property.
The day of the event, contact Ron Dean with any questions or emergencies. He can be reached at 815-453-2247.
BUILDING USE COMMITTEE
The Building use Committee shall consist of the Pastor, Trustee Chair, and one other Trustee. This committee is charged with determining the suitability of functions of a non-religious nature for our building. Whoever grants permission must be certain the function is posted on the church calendar.
MEMBER/CONSTITUENT BUILDING USE
When members and active constituents make a request to schedule an event to take place on church property, the church office will put them in touch with one of the persons who form the Trustee Building Use Committee. There shall be no facility charger to members, active constituents or to organizations sponsored by our church, for the use of the building. (However, they will still be responsible for a $100 refundable deposit to reserve the date.)
Also, the custodian has responsibility beyond the ordinary duties when special events are scheduled. A custodial fee of $25 for cleaning the sanctuary and a fee of $25 for the fellowship hall shall be paid directly to the custodian. Since, however, these functions do use heat and lights beyond the normal budget, a donation to the church budget will be gratefully received, when offered.
NON-MEMBER BUILDING USE
When person or families who are not members or active constituents make a request to schedule an event to take place in our church building, the church office will put them in touch with one of the persons who form the Trustee Building Use Committee. This committee is charges with determining the suitability of functions of a non-religious nature for our building.
A fee of $100 may be paid by civic and non-church sponsored organizations for use of the building (not including use of the sanctuary) for special occasions of non-members (provided a church related function is not scheduled.) There is an additional $100 fee for use of the sanctuary. An additional custodial fee of $50 for cleaning the sanctuary and/or a fee of $25 for use of the use of the fellowship hall shall be paid directly to the custodian. The balance is due in full one week before the event.
This does not apply to community service or any of the denominational activities regularly scheduled and held in our building, such as the bloodmobile, driver’s license course, and fellowship luncheons.
USE OF CHAIRS, TABLES, and OTHER CHURCH PROPERTY
The use of designated chairs, tables, or other church property by members, constituents and non-members shall be handled by the Custodian, or Secretary, or Pastor. Borrowers are responsible for the return of these items as soon as the function is over; any damage or loss of the borrowed items shall be the responsibility of the borrower. It is expected that these items be returned in their original condition, i.e., free from any debris or damage. Borrowers must indicate by signing and dating the sheet posted in the kitchen, the items and quantity being used. Borrowers must also sign and date the form in the kitchen when items are returned. There is no fee for the use of the items. However, a donation will be gratefully received when offered.