BUILDING USAGE POLICY AND PROCEDURES

The Amity United Methodist Church offers facility space to the community and church members as part of our ministry of hospitality.  We request that individuals and group using our facilities honor the religious nature of our facility.  The building and grounds are to be used for activities that are spiritual, educational, and extend the hospitality ministry of the Amity United Methodist Church.

If you need any additional information, please contact:

Amity UMC at 362-2168.

Or

AmityUMC@mindspring.com
Lisa Payton, Pastor – 602-7696 (cell)

PROCEDURE:

1.  An application for using the facility and/or athletic grounds can be obtained from the Administrative Assistant in the church office.  The application form must be filled out completely at least one week prior to the event date.  A separate damage deposit of $100 is required for usage of the facilities for a wedding and must be paid one week prior to the wedding rehearsal.  The athletic grounds can only be used if prior liability coverage has been provided by the athletic team or league using the grounds.

2.  Rates are on a tiered schedule related to level of use.  The following are the usage fees for the church facility and athletic grounds:

Fees for one time or infrequent use:

$250 for usage of the church facility for any large event requiring the entire building.  (This rate applies to weddings which also require a separate $100 damage deposit.)
$50 per day for usage of the athletic grounds
$75 per day for usage of the sanctuary for meetings
$40 per day for usage of an individual room
$60 per day for usage of the kitchen
Building use by church members or active constituents for such events as birthday parties, anniversary celebrations and family reunions do not require payment of a fee.  However, donations earmarked for building use will be applied to church giving statements and are appreciated.

Fees for monthly use:

$150 Entire church including nursery  (Separate $100 damage deposit required.)
$125 Kitchen and 2 or more rooms (no nursery)
$40 for use of athletic grounds
$40 for sanctuary
$25 for individual room
$30 for full use of kitchen
$15 for light use of kitchen
Fees for weekly use:
$170 Entire church including nursery  (Separate $100 damage deposit required.)
$145 Kitchen and 2 or more rooms (no nursery)
$65 for use of athletic grounds
$60 for sanctuary
$35 for individual room
$40 for full use of kitchen
$20 for light use of kitchen

Fees may be adjusted for usage levels that vary from these rates.  Fees are set at the sole discretion of Amity United Methodist Church and are subject to review and change.  Notice of changes will be given 30 days in advance for any group using the facilities on an on-going basis.

3.  The church facility and athletic grounds are available from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm Monday through Saturday, and 1:00 pm to 10:00 pm Sundays.

4.  Conditions for usage:
     A.  Each scheduled event is restricted to the rooms agreed upon.
     B.  Time of use includes the group’s work in the set-up and clean-up of the areas used.
     C.  The altar, cross, candlesticks, and banners are to be moved only by church personnel.  The piano and organ are not to be used or moved without prior permission and signed separate policy statement. 
     D.  It is the responsibility of the group leader to ensure that the following tasks are
completed: advance room set-up, post event clean up, and that furnishings are
returned to their original places.      (Please see separate policies as they apply to
particular room use.)
     E.  Adult supervision of children is required at all times.
     F.  An additional charge beyond the deposit and usage fee may be assessed if there
    is damage to the property or if the cost of cleaning exceeds the damage deposit.
     G.  Athletic groups or teams using the athletic grounds on a reoccurring basis must
    provide a certificate of liability insurance to the church office before using the
    athletic grounds.
     H.The following prohibitions will be strictly enforced:
No smoking, drinking alcohol, or usage of illegal drugs in the church facility.
    No drinking alcohol or usage of illegal drugs on the church grounds.
No dogs in the church facility or athletic grounds during any group events.
      I.  Usage fees must be paid one week prior to the scheduled event.

5.   Signatures are required by the representative requesting building use.  In some cases a separate release form may be required by all participants.  All agreements are to be reviewed and renewed annually.

Church contacts for questions or concerns related to building use:

Messages may be left at 362-2168.

AmityUMC@mindspring.com
Lisa Payton, Pastor – 602-7696 (cell)

ADDITIONAL POLICY REQUIREMENTS FOR USE

For all users:

A general check of restrooms for tidiness and paper supplies.
All lights out and heat/air conditioning set as directed upon departure.
Immediate notification given to the Administrator or Pastor Lisa if you encounter any damage to the facility or anything in need of repair or attention.
Make sure all doors are closed and locked as you exit the building.

Key Use:

Keys to the Amity facility may be provided to your group.  They are to be accessible for return at all times.  The signer on this form will be held as the person accountable in all matters related to key usage.  It is expected that you will give notification if entering the building other than on your scheduled time for use.  A key deposit of $10.00 per key is required.  Additional fees will be charged for key loss, and may include the cost of purchasing new locks for the building.

Kitchen Use:

Light Kitchen Use definition:  The area is used primarily for washing out dishes, trash can use, and temporary use of storage space.
1.Use of your own dish and utensil supplies (as in paper cups, glasses, silverware, etc.) is expected.
2.All trash is to be collected in rooms utilized and taken out and placed in locked dumpster.

Full Kitchen Use definition:  Access to dishware, utensils and cookware; use of stove, oven, dishwasher and microwave.
1.If your group will be serving meals on an on-going basis, it is expected that your group meet all necessary criteria with the Health Department related to food service.
2.All dishes utilized are to be cleaned and stored.  Your group will provide all paper/plastic goods should those be utilized.  You are to provide your own beverages, this is to include coffee, juice mix, coffee filters, and any other related items.
3.Set up and clean up of Fellowship Hall and Kitchen and any other space used for a meal:
Floors to be swept and mopped
Stove and refrigerator returned to original condition
Tables and chairs wiped down
Vacuuming where needed on carpeted areas
Tables returned to appropriate places of storage
Cups and glasses cleaned in dishwasher
Any other utensils or supplies used to be cleaned and returned to cabinets
Trash taken out and placed in locked dumpster

Nursery Use:

The nursery shall not be utilized unless booked by your group.  This is to include any children attending your event.  They are not to be in the nursery at any time, even for informal play time.

If you have reserved the nursery, the following applies:
1.Adult supervision of children is required at all times.
2.Unless otherwise approved, regular utilization of the nursery will require that a properly trained, screened and licensed child care provider must be present at all times along with one other non-related adult.
3.The following clean up is required:
Vacuum of both rooms.
Empty garbage cans.
Cleaning of all tables, chairs, doorknobs and counters with provided antibacterial wipes.
Clean up of toys, to include wash of large toys with provided antibacterial wipes.  **For on-going groups:  clean up of toys should include wash of all toys with provided antibacterial wipes once a month.  This should be scheduled and posted in nursery.
4.Related to any food items you wish to have for the children:  you bring it in, and are responsible to take it out with you.  Do not leave extras/leftovers of your food in the nursery.  Our Sunday program will have food items properly stored and in marked containers.

Sanctuary Use:

When utilizing the main sanctuary space, please note the following as your responsibility:
The altar, cross, candlesticks, and banners are to be moved only by church personnel.
Each of the wooden pews is to be moved by two people.  We are not responsible for any injury related to moving the pews.
The piano and organ are not to be used or moved without prior permission and signed separate policy statement. 
Set up and take down of all chairs in the worship space.  Room must be back in order for use by Jazzercise (no chairs) by 5:15 pm Monday through Thursday and by 8:00 am on Saturdays.
The Jazzercise stage and sound equipment are not to be moved.  If you need to utilize the space without their equipment in the room, you must schedule that with the Administrator.  Additional charges may apply.
All trash collected and put into the large garbage can in the kitchen.  If that can is full, it is to be placed in locked dumpster.

Piano and Organ Use:

The piano and organ can be used by groups provided there is notification, a signed release, and use by someone qualified to utilize the machine.  They must be familiar with an electronic piano, or schedule an orientation before use.  The organ requires a console key for access.  Make arrangements for that key with the Administrator.  We are pleased to have these items appropriately used.

Audio/Visual System Use:

The acoustics in our space are generally very good.  If you have a special event requiring the sound system it needs to be scheduled by the Administrator.  Either a volunteer of the church will come to run it, or an orientation will be required with a qualified person in your group.  There may be some additional charges for sound system use.

Church contacts for questions or concerns related to building use:

Messages may be left at 362-2168.

AmityUMC@mindspring.com
Lisa Payton, Pastor – 602-7696 (cell)