Property Use Policy

POLICY FOR USE OF PROPERTY AND FACILITIES

PROVIDENCE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

GUIDELINES FOR CHURCH USE:

	A church member, or regular attending non-member, should first seek permission from the Diaconate by written request in order to schedule the use of the church’s buildings or facilities.
	The Diaconate will coordinate the scheduling of facilities usage with the church office.
	Upon obtaining permission, the member or members making the request, will be responsible for coordinating the use, clean up and security of the church facilities with the Board of Deacons.
	If permission is granted for use of the church facilities, the person or persons making that request will be responsible for maintaining the facility in good condition during the function. Although a Deacon will be responsible for securing the church after the function, it will be the responsibility of the requesting member to make sure that the facility has been left in a clean and orderly condition.
	The requesting church member shall be present at all times during the scheduled event and will be responsible for the behavior of all church guests.
	Use of the church’s facilities may not be used by members for fund raisers or programs that are outside the auspices of Providence Presbyterian Church.
	Church facilities may not be used by members for programs that do not promote the beliefs or mission focus of Providence Presbyterian Church and the Presbyterian Church in America.
	Groups may be subject to a usage charge. This charge will be decided on a ‘case by case’ basis depending upon the scope and nature of the function. The costs will be based on the cost of clean up, utility usage, the space required and the extent of time required for the function to take place.
	Smoking and alcoholic beverages policy. (See attachment)
	Unruly or unseemly behavior shall not be permitted or tolerated in or on church property.
	Proper and appropriate attire will be expected at all times for anyone using the church facilities or grounds.
	Outside groups requesting use of the church facilities will only be considered if the request comes from an active church member or members, which are also a part of the outside group making the request. Any exception must first be approved by the Diaconate and the Session.
	Outside groups may be subject to a usage charge. This charge will be decided on a case by case basis depending upon the scope and nature of the function. The cost’s will be based on the cost of clean up, utility usage, the space required and the extent of time required for the function to take place.
	Classrooms shall be placed back to their original Sunday School configuration.

WEDDINGS

	Uses of the church facilities for weddings of those outside the membership of the Providence church family shall only be permitted with the approval of the pastor and the Session.
	Weddings of those people who have relatives that are active members of Providence Presbyterian Church may be accommodated after first obtaining permission from the Pastor and/or Elders. The Board of Deacons should be informed as to facility usage.
	Use of church facilities must follow the policy and guidelines as previously listed.

FACILITY USE CHARGES

	MEMBERS AND REGULAR ATTENDING NON-MEMBERS	NON-MEMBERS
USE OF THE CHURCH BUILDING	$100.00	$200.00
WEDDING COORDINATOR	$100.00	$200.00
CLEANING FEE	$100.00	$100.00
+ USE OF KITCHEN & MULTIPURPOSE ROOM	Included – Incidental Use Only	Included – Incidental Use Only
* PIANIST	TBD by Wedding Coordinator	TBD by Wedding Coordinator
* MINISTER	TBD by Wedding Coordinator	TBD by Wedding Coordinator
DONATION (Optional)
TOTAL COST	$300.00	$500.00

It is mandatory that the Wedding Coordinator be provided by Providence Presbyterian Church.

The costs listed above are mandatory costs for the use of the main church building. Use of the church building includes open-up, lock-up and cleaning of the church.

+ Use of the kitchen and multi-purpose room is reflected as incidental use only. The preparation and/or serving of food in these areas are not permitted unless previously approved by the Wedding Coordinator.

* These services may be provided either by Providence Presbyterian Church or directly by the requesting church member.

1. If the requesting church member chooses to provide these services, they must first seek the approval of the Wedding Coordinator.

2. If these items are provided by Providence Presbyterian Church an appropriate fee will be assessed by the Wedding Coordinator.

Providence Presbyterian Church maintains the right to amend or modify this policy without prior notification.

Policy with regard to smoking

As followers of the Lord Jesus Christ we understand that it is not what a man puts into his mouth that defiles him. Rather, it is what proceeds from the heart of man that corrupts.

We recognize that one of many liberties granted to Christians is the freedom to smoke tobacco. We also trust that those who choose to exercise this liberty do so in moderation in recognition of the fact that the body is the Temple of the Holy Spirit. Due to the proven ill effects of second hand smoke as well as out of concern for safety, we ask that no members or guests smoke inside any church building.

Policy with regard to ALCOHOL

The Lord Jesus Christ performed his first miracle at a wedding in Cana of Galilee where He turned water into wine. We note that the request by His mother to help when the wine ran out was not met with condemnation. Our Savior not only granted the request, but also did so generously when He provided six large containers for the celebration.

A Christian has the freedom to drink alcohol in moderation without God’s disapproval. We note however, that man often abuses the good things of God with devastating consequences. As a church family, we are thankful the Lord God Almighty comforts those who have experienced those often tragic consequences and that He delivers many a soul from enslavement to alcohol.

We are fully cognizant as a church that the Kingdom Of God is not simply eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. In order to be perceived of as above reproach by a watching world as well as out of concern for safety, and our struggling brethren, we ask that no alcoholic beverages be served on church premises except in the administration of the sacrament of communion.

church use policy APProved:

Date: September 2006

Providence Presbyterian Church

Church Use Application

Application Date: ______/______/_______

Requested Date: ________________________

Person or Group Making Request: __________________________________________________

Church Member? _____Yes _____No

Function Sponsor (if requester is not a member): ________________________________________

Purpose of Function: _____________________________________________________________

Times and Duration of Church Use: _________________________________________________

Church Areas Requested for Use: ___________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Any Special Considerations: _______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

The applicant has read, understands and agrees to abide by the Providence Presbyterian Church use Guidelines. Once reviewed by the appropriate Church officers, the applicant will be contacted and notified as to the status of the application and any assessed fees.

_____________________________ ______/_____/_______

Applicant Signature

Approvals:

_____________________________ ______/_____/_______

Scheduling Secretary

____________________________ ______/_____/________

Clerk of Session

____________________________ ______/_____/________

Responsible Deacon

Comments: ____________________________________________________________________

Assessed Church Use Fee: $_____________