ANNETTA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Policy for Use of Church Properties for Weddings and Other Community Functions
The physical properties of the Annetta United Methodist Church, Aledo, Texas, Inc., hereafter referred to as the “Church” are under the direction and control of the Board of Trustees of the Church. Day to day activities are under the control of the Pastor or any member who is present and conducting programs of the Church. These Properties are made available to requesting groups outside the congregation on a first come-first served basis at the discretion of the Board of Trustees.
This Church is a fellowship of believers professing faith in God through Jesus Christ. All activities at the Church or in the name of the Church will be conducted with adherence to, and respect for, the beliefs and faith practices of this congregation. This document, outlining Church policies for use of the properties, has been established for the protection of all parties involved, including the Church and those requesting its use.
All weddings at the Church will be celebrations of the Christian Marriage Covenant. The Church respects the personality and individuality of each couple, but requests adherence to these policies to preserve the historic Sanctuary and other facilities. Prospective wedding dates should be confirmed through the Church office. The Church reserves the right to deny weddings on certain occasions in keeping with the liturgical practices of the congregation.
Reservations
All reservations are to be made through the Church office; to wit, the Pastor, the President of the Board of Trustees, or any other individual(s) so designated to maintain the calendar of the Church. If there is a conflict of dates, the approved event posted on the calendar takes priority. A deposit of one-half the total fee must be received before the event is added to the Church calendar. Balances of all fee may be paid at any time, but all fees will be due no later than 24 hours prior to the actual event.
Care of Church Property
All persons are expected to use the Church property respectfully; any damage in excess of what is normal wear and tear is the responsibility of the individual, family, or group using the property. The Board of Trustees shall determine what is in excess of normal wear and tear to the facility.
The Minister
The Minister oversees the wedding service. Professional wedding consultants may be used but his/her authority will not supersede that of the minister. The Minister has the right to cancel any wedding service/activity if Church policy is not followed and all fees paid will be forfeited. Professional fees for ministerial services are available upon request.
If the minister is to be someone other than the Pastor of the Annetta UMC, this should be cleared with the Annetta Pastor at the time reservations are made to use the Church facilities. The guest Minister shall recognize the United Methodist Church as a valid part of the holy catholic Church and respect United Methodist Church doctrines and policies. The guest Minister shall be an ordained (or equivalent) minister in good standing with his/her denomination. The guest Minister shall be willing to abide by the accepted code of ministerial ethics.
Music
The music used in a wedding service, or other Church event, should be suitable for a sacred occasion and/or a sacred space. Use of live musicians for all music is encouraged. Professional fees of the Annetta Church musicians are available upon request. If the use of the sound equipment is required, arrangements must be made in advance and all settings must be returned to their original configuration immediately after the event. Permission to use Church owned instruments, including the Baby Grand Piano and the electronic keyboard in the Sanctuary, must be obtained in advance.
Decorations
Decorations should be arranged to accentuate all religious symbols and the natural beauty of the sanctuary. A decorating philosophy of “less is more” is strongly encouraged. In no case will religious symbols on the walls, tables, or altar – including seasonal symbols – be moved, covered, or obstructed.
Flowers or bows affixed to any wood surface, including pews, must be attached with smooth, non-marring and non-sticking devices such as ribbons, covered wire (pipe cleaners), rubber bands or padded clamps. Nails, tacks, tape or similar materials will not be used.
All carpet and floors will be protected from dripping wax. Clear plastic sheeting will serve this purpose.
All decorations are to be removed immediately following the event.
Air conditioning will be turned on for the comfort of attendees but not to preserve floral arrangements. The Church will ensure that the proper liturgical vestments, appropriate to the event are present. Any questions regarding decorations should be referred to the Pastor or representative of the Board of Trustees.
Photography
No additional lighting will be allowed while the service is in progress. The use of video recording is allowed, but the equipment must be stationary during the service. Absolutely no cameras are allowed in the chancel area.
Reception
A reception can be held in the Church Fellowship Hall following the event; a separate reservation is required to use the Fellowship Hall. Any change to the usual table configuration in the Fellowship Hall is the responsibility of the parties using the facility. After the event, the table configuration must be returned to its original set-up. Under no circumstances will Church paper supplies (paper plates, paper napkins, plastic utensils) be used. All trash must be removed from the Fellowship Hall following the event, including trash in the restrooms. Only birdseed can be thrown following a wedding.
Child Care
Childcare is no provided, nor are childcare facilities available. Liability issues preclude the Church from providing childcare for anyone except children who are members of our Church family. Childcare facilities will not be available for use for any function other than activities of the Annetta United Methodist Church.
Smoking, Vaping, Tobacco Use, Drugs, Alcoholic Beverages
There will be no smoking or electronic vaping anywhere on Church property or in Church buildings. There will be no smokeless tobacco use anywhere on Church property or in Church buildings. Alcoholic beverages will not be used anywhere on Church property or in Church buildings. Persons discovered using any of these products will be asked to leave immediately. Persons who arrive at the Church intoxicated will be asked to leave immediately.
Members and Non-Members
There will be a fee differential between members and non-members. All other provisions of this policy apply to members and non-members.
Administration
The Church Pastor, President of the Board of Trustees, or member so designated to act for the Trustees shall be responsible for the administration of these rules. The Pastor shall have the authority to make adjustments in special situations in consultation with the President of the Trustees. Fees paid can be refunded if the event is cancelled at least two weeks prior to the reservation date and no other applicant has been denied use of the facility on the reserved date.
Liability
All persons using the facilities of the Church assume entire responsibility and liability for any claim or actions based on or arising out of injuries, including death, to persons or damages to or destruction of property, sustained or alleged to have been sustained in connection with or to have arisen out of or incidental to the use of the facilities of the Church, regardless of whether such claims or actions are founded in whole or in part upon alleged negligence of the Church, any representative of the Church or the employees, agents, invitees, or licensees thereof. All persons using the facilities of the Church further agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Church and its representatives, and the employees, agents, invitees, and licenses thereof in respect of any such matters to agree to defend any claim or suit or action brought against the Church, its representatives and the employees, agents, invitees and licensees thereof. Further all parties using the facilities assume full responsibility for the conduct of themselves, members of their families and/or guests.
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May, 2019
AGREEMENT TO THE BUILDING USE POLICY OF THE ANNETTA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Liability
All persons using the facilities of the Church assume entire responsibility and liability for any claim or actions based on or arising out of injuries, including death, to persons or damages to or destruction of property, sustained or alleged to have been sustained in connection with or to have arisen out of or incidental to the use of the facilities of the Church, regardless of whether such claims or actions are founded in whole or in part upon alleged negligence of the Church, any representative of the Church or the employees, agents, invitees, or licensees thereof. All persons using the facilities of the Church further agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Church and its representatives, and the employees, agents, invitees, and licenses thereof in respect of any such matters to agree to defend any claim or suit or action brought against the Church, its representatives and the employees, agents, invitees and licensees thereof. Further all parties using the facilities assume full responsibility for the conduct of themselves, members of their families and/or guests.
Complete this Section
Person(s) Responsible (please print) _________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
Address __________________________________________________________________________
Telephone Number ________________________________________________________________
Signature ______________________________________________________________
Description of Event _______________________________________________________________
Date ______________________ Facilities Reserved _________________________________
For Church Use Only
Representative of the Church _______________________________________________
Position __________________________________________________________________________
Signature ______________________________________________________________
Fees Received (including check dates, amounts & dates received) __________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
Return this page with your check for (at least) one-half the total fee to: Annetta UMC
2896 W FM 5
Aledo, Texas 76008
