Covenant Lutheran Church

Facilities Use Policy

Covenant Lutheran Church is thankful that it can serve the community and various organizations through the use of its facilities. We believe this is an important part of our ministry. Since many groups use the buildings, it is necessary to establish and agree to guidelines and requirements.

The following rules shall apply to all buildings and rooms on the church property. Use of these areas is made available by special permission of the Church Council.

FACILITIES WILL GENERALLY BE AVAILABLE TO THE COMMUINITY AND TO ORGANIZATIONS IN THE FOLLOWING ORDER:

  1. Meetings of Covenant Lutheran Church
  2. Meetings of church sponsored groups.
  3. Meetings of charitable, civic, or community service groups
  4. Meetings of cultural or recreational groups
  5. Weddings or Funerals
  6. Family Events

THIS ORDER OF PRIORITY APPLIES AT ALL TIMES: If the Church needs the facility for its purpose, the organization or group will be asked to MOVE.

I QUALIFICATIONS OF OUTSIDE GROUPS

  1. All groups must agree that the purpose of their meeting will not conflict with the Christian purpose of Covenant Lutheran Church.
  2. All groups must follow the Use and Care rules of the church (see II & III).
  3. Applications are considered on a “first-come, first-served” basis.
  4. The Church Council requires that:
  1. The Facilities Use Agreement must be filed with the Church prior to use. Regular, ongoing usage requires Council approval.
  2. A key/security deposit must be provided.

II RULES FOR USE OF FACILITIES BY MEMBERS AND NON-MEMBERS

  1. Each group using the facilities must designate one person as the responsible party to ensure these rules are observed and to supervise the safety of attendees and of the facilities
  1. Smoking is prohibited throughout each building.

Covenant Lutheran Church 3785 Barker Cypress Road, Houston TX 77084, 281-578-8799

  1. All exits must be kept clear at all times. Locations of fire extinguishers should be noted.
  1. Users shall provide proper care and security for personal property. The church assumes no responsibility for items that have been lost of stolen during or after the use of the facility.
  1. Each group using the facilities is responsible for the actions of attendees during use of facilities.
  1. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in the church facilities or on the entire church grounds (except in the case of champagne for a bridal toast during a wedding reception).
  1. If the kitchen will be used, the posted guidelines are to be followed.
  1. The use of space or equipment other than identified in original agreement may incur additional fees and/or revocation of facility usage.
  1. Church Council reserves the right to monitor any activity without prior notice.

III RULES FOR CARE OF FACILITIES BY MEMBERS AND NON-MEMBERS

a. Facilities and equipment must be left in their ORIGINAL CONDITION AND LOCATION.. If rearrangement of furniture or equipment occurs during use, all MUST be restored to ORIGINAL LOCATIONS after use.

b.All exterior doors must be secure and locked when leaving.

c.All persons and groups using the facilities are responsible for any damage during their use.

d.There shall be no nailing, no use of screws and no permanent marks on facilities

e.Thermostat settings shall be maintained within suggested ranges and returned to unoccupied or off when leaving. The designated responsible person shall enture all settings are property.

f.Trash must be bagged and placed in the outside covered bin.

g.No open flames or candles are to be used without prior inspection and approval of candles and holders by the Church Representative.

h.Children and young adults must be supervised at all times.

i. Children are not to be left in the nursery without supervision.

ii. Groups of children or youth under the age of 18 are not permitted to meet in the facilities without adult supervision.

i.Groups wishing to display advertising or signs on the church property must have permission from the Church Council.

IV FEES

  1. Suggested fees are available from the Church office. As a general rule, organizations other than Church related will be expected to pay a Key/Security deposit fee and may be expected to pay a facilities usage fee.
  2. Appropriate fees will be charged for cleaning or repair when the facilities have not been properly maintained during use or secured after use.

Covenant Lutheran Church, 3785 Barker Cypress Road, Houston TX 77084, 281-578-8799

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