Building Use Policy
Title: Building Use Policy
Oversight Board: Board of Elders, Board of Trustees
Effective Date: 10-21-24
Version Number: 1
Policy Statement: It is our policy that the facilities of Mayflower Church be used in accordance with our beliefs, values, and by-laws, ensuring at all times that we are good stewards of the place of worship God has provided.
Purpose: The Mayflower Church Building Use Policy is established to ensure that the use of Church facilities honors the mission and values of Mayflower Church, as outlined in our Constitution and By-laws, while providing a safe, respectful, and orderly environment for church activities and community events.
Description
Alcohol Prohibition
Consistent with our commitment to promote a healthy and safe environment that aligns with our Christian values, the use, possession, or distribution of alcoholic beverages on Church premises is strictly prohibited at all times.
Liability Insurance Requirement
All external groups or organizations using the Church facilities must provide proof of liability insurance. This insurance must name Mayflower Church as an additional insured party and cover any potential damages or injuries that may occur during the use of the facilities.
Parking Regulations
To minimize disruption to our neighborhood, parking on the streets within the immediate residential vicinity of the Church is prohibited.
Users of the Church facilities are required to use designated parking areas, which may include agreements with neighboring churches and businesses. Detailed parking arrangements and locations will be provided upon approval of facility use.
Event Timing and Noise Consideration
All events hosted at the Church must conclude by 9:00 PM. This is to ensure minimal disturbance to our neighbors and to maintain a peaceful environment in the community.
Users of the Church facilities are expected to maintain a respectful noise level at all times, particularly in the evenings.
Facility Use Approval and Scheduling
Requests for the use of Church facilities must be submitted to the Church Office for approval. Priority is given to Church functions and member-related events.
The Board of Trustees, in consultation with the Pastor and Elders if necessary, will review and approve requests based on the alignment with Church values and availability of facilities.
The Church reserves the right to deny the use of facilities for activities that are inconsistent with its mission and values as outlined in the Church Constitution and By-laws.
Responsibility for Damages and Cleanup
Groups or individuals using the Church facilities are responsible for any damages incurred during their use and are expected to leave the premises in a clean and orderly condition.
A facility use fee and/or damage deposit may be required, depending on the nature and extent of the facility use.
Compliance with Church Policies and Laws
All facility use must be in compliance with the Church's policies and applicable local, state, and federal laws.
Violation of this policy may result in immediate termination of facility use privileges and potential legal action if applicable.
Conclusion: Mayflower Church is committed to being a responsible and engaged member of our community. We welcome the use of our facilities in a manner that respects our neighbors, adheres to our Christian principles, and ensures the safety and well-being of all participants.