Grace Lutheran Church, Prosperity, SC

FACILITIES USE POLICY

We, the members of Grace Lutheran Church, give thanks to God for the facilities that He has given us to carry on the ministry of Christ’s church. We rejoice in the donations and sacrifices that many have made out of love for their Lord to make possible this place. We are called to be faithful stewards of these facilities which belong to God.

As faithful stewards, we are called to not only care for these facilities, but also to ensure that they are used for the purposes God intends. As a community of Christ’s disciples, we conduct services of worship where people may offer praise to God, receive the sacraments of the Church, and hear the life-saving Word of God proclaimed. We sponsor programs of learning so that people of all ages may study God’s Word and grow in their family. We conduct events of fellowship so that God’s people may be strengthened by the support and mutual love we share with one another. We carry on ministries of service so that the love and compassion of God as expressed in Christ may be known by all people. For all such occasions, we encourage our members to invite guests, neighbors, friends, and members of the community. Following the example of our Lord and his disciples, we extend the hospitality of Christ to any who come seeking the grace and love of God.

Also, the pastor, council members, congregational officers, committee chairs, and WELCA/LMM/LCY officers of Grace Lutheran Church have standing permission to use Grace’s facilities to host meetings of ministerial and congregational associations in which the pastor and/or congregation and its organizations normally participate. In such cases, these leaders should check with the church office to make sure there is no conflict in schedule.

In addition to these regularly-scheduled events, programs, and ministries of our congregation, there are other special occasions when our facilities may be open to use for purposes not inconsistent or contradictory to the purposes of this Church (as expressed in our congregational constitution.) These special occasions include:

* Family events for members of the congregation;

* Meetings of an appropriate group to which a congregation member belongs;

* Special events requested by sister congregations and/or their members;

* Events sponsored by associations and groups to which Grace Lutheran Church belongs;

* Community groups whose purposes are consistent with the ministry of the church;

* Special ministries planned or sponsored by the congregation members or committees whose expressed purpose is to serve and/or minister to members of the community.

In all such cases, permission to use the facilities of Grace Lutheran Church shall be determined by vote of the Congregational Council of Grace Lutheran Church. Persons or groups seeking such use of the facilities should contact the pastor or council chair to include their request on the agenda of the council’s regular monthly meeting (or duly announced called meeting).

For each such specially authorized event, there shall be a designated sponsor who may be a Grace congregation member, Grace staff member, or other individual appointed by congregational council. The sponsor shall serve as contact person and liaison with the council. The sponsor shall be responsible for making sure that the following items are done (as well as any other items specifically stated by council at time permission is granted):

Duties of Designated Sponsor for Facilities’ Use:

1. Check with church custodian(s) to make arrangements for your opening of the building and to get information about how to turn on & off the heat and air (if needed).

2.         Make sure the facilities are properly cared for and not abused during the
            event. Report any accidental damage immediately to the property
            committee chairperson(s).

3.         Replace any supplies that are depleted during the use of the facilities
           (paper towels, toilet tissue, soap, etc.) Check with the custodian or
            property committee chair if you do not know where supplies are stored, or
            if more supplies need to be ordered.

4.         Clean trash and debris from floors, furniture, etc. Wipe tables as
            necessary.

5.         Empty all trash cans that contain food or drink items, crumbs, etc.

6.         If used, clean kitchen thoroughly. DO NOT leave any open food items in
            the kitchen. Make sure condiments and other items are re-sealed in
            airtight containers. Seal used trash bags and place in outside container.
            Replace with new trash bag.

7.         If the sanctuary is used, obtain explicit permission from the pastor or
            congregation council before moving, removing, or changing any furniture
            items or worship adornments. No items should be placed on the altar or in
            the chancel area without explicit permission from the pastor or congregation council.

8.         Re-arrange all furniture, chairs, tables, etc., to their positions prior to the
            event. Return any supplies to their proper storage location.

9.         Re-set thermostats to the temperature on which they were set before you
            arrived, and turn off heat or air (unless otherwise instructed.)

10.       Turn off all lights & electrical appliances following the event (be sure to
            check restrooms, coffee-makers, fans, etc.)

11.       Close and lock all outside and office doors.

We appreciate the cooperation of all who use the facilities of Grace Lutheran Church. It is important to care for these facilities, so that they may be available for the ministries of Christ’s Church in many years to come. To God alone be all glory and thanks and praise!

Adopted by the Congregational Council of Grace Lutheran Church
Date: 4 March 1997