OUR MISSION STATEMENT

We, the people of Richland Hills United Methodist Church, are a community of believers.  In response to God’s grace, we are accepting of all persons and strive to be the servants of Christ in the world by sharing the Word and ministering to all in need in the church, in the community and around the world.  Richland Hills United Methodist Church has an approved Safe Sanctuary Policy to provide a safe and loving environment for children, youth and adults.  

BUILDING AND EQUIPMENT USE

The officials of RHUMC desire that our building and equipment be used to the greatest extent and by as many people as possible while, at the same time, we serve as good stewards of our assets.  This policy should answer many questions you might have about reservations, set-up/clean-up fees, etc.  However, any unanswered questions or other issues not addressed should be taken up with the Administrative Assistant in the church office.

RESERVATIONS

 In order for the usage scheduling to be done in an efficient manner, we require reservations to be made ahead of time. 

• Reservations  to  use  any  part  of  the  building(s)  are  to  be made  through  the church office with the Administrative Assistant  so that  they  may  be  placed on the official church calendar .Anyone wishing to make a reservation must fill out the “Reservation Request” form and in some situations sign a “Building Use Covenant Agreement.”  No reservation is officially confirmed until the Reservation Request has been signed, the event is placed on the calendar by the church office, and confirmation is given to the contact person.The Administrative Assistant should be advised at least two business days in advance of any changes which are necessary in needs or arrangements, If it becomes necessary to cancel the reservation, the church office should be notified as soon as possible.  Preferably, notice should be given at least 48 hours in advance. If a nursery is required for the event, reservations for the nursery should be made at the same time; and the nursery workers employed by the church will be the scheduled childcare givers as we comply with our Safe Sanctuary Policy to always adhere to the 2 adult rule and to hire and use only child care givers who have been screened.  The Children’s Ministry Director requires at least a week’s notice to schedule nursery workers. Only RHUMC-sponsored groups may be granted recurring standing reservations or be assured of a specific date’s availability several months in advance.  Non-sponsored groups may not make reservations more than two months in advance.  (Definition:  A church-sponsored group is one that has been invited by an official body of the church; Trustees, Worship Committee, Music Director or Staff.)
• Scheduling of District and Conference events to use our facilities will be coordinated by church staff as requests are made.

SET-UP/CLEAN-UP PROCEDURES FOR REEVES HALL AND CLASSROOMS

• Each organization should provide a completed “Room Set Up” form (available in the church office) After the event, all tables and chairs should be taken down.  All dishes and cooking equipment should be washed and stored.  All decorations removed.  The church will ensure that adequate trash bags are available.  All trash items from the activity must be bagged and placed in the dumpster.  Such other provisions as may apply (e.g., paper goods, etc.) will be the responsibility of the    organization/contact person. A custodian fee is charged to cover room set up and all general cleaning beyond what is listed above.

BORROWING OF CHURCH EQUIPMENT

• No equipment or furnishings of the kitchen may be borrowed for use outside the church.Use of kitchen equipment by any non-sponsored organization or contact person must have approval of the Administrative Assistant.
• Any other equipment or property that is borrowed must be scheduled, reserved, signed out by and returned to the Administrative Assistant during normal business hours (8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday).  The borrower will be responsible for any damage or loss to the church equipment or property. A deposit of $50.00 will be required.

OTHER REGULATIONS

• Each group is asked to confine their activities to the room(s) designated for its use .It will be the responsibility of the contact person (Church member or other specifically identified contact) of each group to ensure that appliances are used properly and that the space (and any equipment used) is left in good condition for use by the next group. The contact person is responsible for (1) checking all outside doors upon departure to make sure they are locked securely and for (2) turning off all lights.  (Note: If another group is also using the building, DO NOT assume they will lock up.  Please coordinate with others in the building to make certain that the last group to leave takes responsibility for securing the building.)The air conditioning/heating temperature is set by the church office and is controlled by computer (except in downstairs Reeves Hall and in the Family Life Center).  If the air conditioner/heater is not working properly, please contact the church office ASAP.  Please return the thermostat to an economical setting of 80° in the summer months, or 65° in the winter months. The Sanctuary is a place of worship and should be respected as such.  No food or drink shall be taken into the Sanctuary except that which is a part of worship or teaching. The serving or consumption of ALCOHOL on the premises is NOT ALLOWED.SMOKING in the building is NOT ALLOWED. Carrying of FIREARMS of any kind is NOT ALLOWED: with the exception of Law Enforcement officers. All signs, posters, announcements, etc., must be approved by the Administrative Assistant or the Business Manger.  Please use mounting strips if at all possible that are located on all walls. RHUMC retains the right and authority to govern and supervise the use of buildings, equipment and property for all activities. RHUMC also reserves the  right to refuse usage to any group or individual. The contact person is responsible for making certain all activities are conducted in a safe manner and that all reasonable efforts are taken to prevent an injury to participants and/or damage to church property.  Groups using church buildings, property or equipment do so at their own risk.  The church is not responsible for personal loss or injury.  In the event of damage, the responsible organization or individual to whom usage was granted will be expected to pay for any and all necessary repairs.
• Failure to adhere to any of these regulations will subject any further reservations or requests for usage of church property to cancellation.

FEES FOR USE OF ROOMS/BUILDINGS

The cost of utilities and wear and tear of the facility make it imperative that a fee structure be established, therefore, the following schedule will apply for use of the buildings.

• Sunday school classes and other church groups or church-sponsored groups are not required to pay the fees. 
• The building use fee shall be payable in advance (along with the refundable deposit, if applicable) for all non-sponsored groups and members wishing to reserve one or more rooms for personal use.

REEVES HALL

The following fees do not apply to weddings and wedding receptions.

(See separate policy in the “Your Wedding” document.) 

Member Usage

$50 for three (3) hours plus $15 an hour for every hour over three hours.

$75 custodial fee

$50 deposit may be required at time of reservation and will be refundable if all conditions are met. 

Non-Member Usage

$100 for three (3) hours plus

$30 an hour for every hour over three hours.            

$75 custodial fee              

$200 deposit shall be required at time of reservation and will be refundable if all conditions are met.

 * If your group intends to use sound or video equipment in Reeves Hall, you must indicate this to the church at the time of reservation.  The sound and video equipment in Reeves Hall is not to be operated by someone who the church has not authorized.

CLASSROOMS AND NURSERY 

Member Usage

$30 for three (3) hours per room, plus $15 an hour for every hour over three hours

$30 for three (3) hours for Nursery plus $15 an hour for every hour over three hours

$10 an hour for each nursery worker 

Non-Member Usage$50 for three (3) hours per room, plus $30 an hour for every hour over three hours

$30 for three (3) hours for Nursery plus $15 an hour for every hour over three hours            

$10 an hour for each nursery worker 

* The Children’s Ministry Director requires at least a week’s notice to schedule nursery workers.