Policies and Procedures

For an application to use the facilities please click here

At FPC, we long to use all of our resources to give praise and glory to God. We believe that our facilities should help enhance worship, ministry, fellowship, and unity within our congregation by providing a Christ-honoring and safe environment for all people. To these ends, we urge everyone to treat this facility with care and consideration.

While this policy is intended to be general guidelines for usage of the church facility, this policy does not supersede any federal, state or local law or ordinance.

Reservations:

All members of First Presbyterian Church and FPC ministries are authorized to use the facilities for church-sponsored events. Non-church members are eligible to use the facilities with proper approval.

All regularly scheduled functions of First Presbyterian Church and the denomination have scheduling priority over non-church functions.

Groups and organizations that represent First Presbyterian Church have priority in scheduling.

All reservations must be made through the church office, on the appropriate form and are subject to approval by the Church Administrator. Exceptions will need session approval.

Non-church reservations will not be accepted more than 90 days prior to an event, except for weddings.

All non-church groups requesting reservations must have adequate supervision. All children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Youth groups must have one chaperone/supervisor for each 15 people.
 
In case of conflicts, the church administrator of FPC will review applications, make a decision, and notify parties.

No political groups or private for-profit organizations can use the facilities

No weapons or firearms will be permitted in the building.

All outside groups requesting use of the facility for children and/or youth activities must
provide a copy of their policy for protecting children/youth (background checks, etc.).

Participants

All participants in non-church sponsored events are required to register and provide emergency contact information.  (Example: Youth, children, or sporting events)

Members can bring a guest/guests. A member must be present at all times when their guest(s) are present.

The member will be responsible for the conduct of his/her guest(s).

Regulations, Dress & Discipline

The Diaconate and the Church Administrator will manage access to church facilities.

In the interest of reaching others for Christ, the speech, dress, and conduct of members and guests will be in accordance with the highest Christian standards.

Shirts and shoes, along with appropriate apparel must be worn at all times.

Food and drinks are allowed only in designated areas, except for scheduled church functions.

Dinners or events involving food are only allowed in the foyer or gym.

No alcohol, drugs, or tobacco products are permitted.

No profanity is permitted.

No firearms, open flames, smoke, or combustible devices are permitted.

No pets/live animals/birds are allowed. (With the exception of service animals)

No skating will be allowed inside the building.

All music, movies, and videos must be in harmony with FPC values. These must be identified on the  application for use of the facility for approval by church staff.

No tape or staples can be used on the walls.

Users shall not injure, mar, or deface the facility or furnishings. No jumping or putting feet on the furniture.

User is responsible for setting up for their event to include chairs and tables.  Users will return chairs and tables to their original location.

Sound equipment, musical, electronic, and visual aid equipment can only be operated by a person trained in the use of the equipment.

Instructions/guidelines for use of the kitchen will be supplied to users.

Only official church activities may be scheduled on Sundays.

The user will have no right to sell or distribute merchandise of any kind except by prior authorization.

Groups or individuals not adhering to church policies and procedures may be asked to leave the premises.

Fees:

Fees must be paid before an event can be scheduled and the facilities reserved.

The organization or individual submitting the application shall be accountable for any damage to the property or its contents.

Fees will off set utility cost and building wear.

Pricing Structure for Parties, Banquets, Dinners or Special Events (other than weddings) will be:
Members $20/hr
    
Non-Members $100/hr

Church Sponsored Events Free

Use of the gym for basketball practice only: $25 per hour.

Exceptions authorized by the Church Administrator

Kitchen & Bathroom Guidelines and Instructions

Cleanliness, sanitation, and order are important!

Prior to each event, FPC janitorial staff will ensure that the kitchen is mopped, cleaned,
and in order.

Proper instructions on use of equipment will be given to the user before each event.

The user is responsible for all paper products, cups, & utensils.

After each event the user must be responsible for the following:

All dishes should be washed, dried, and put up.

All counters and sinks should be sanitized.

If tea machines/coffee pots are used, they should be washed, dried, and returned to their proper place.

All tables and chairs should be wiped off and sanitized.

Sinks including the hand sink should be scrubbed and sanitized after each use.

The floors should be swept.

The garbage should be removed from the building and placed in the dumpster.

The church will provide for the user:

Refrigerator and freezer space (if available) and ice if desired.

Cooking utensils, pots, and pans (if requested on application).

After each use, the bathrooms will be cleaned and mopped by the user.

Before and after each use of the facility, the user should check the facility with a FPC
representative.

Equipment Loaning

All individuals requesting to use any church equipment off of FPC property such as chairs, tables, etc.. must fill out the Equipment Loan Request form.