Building Request and Use Guidelines

Building Request Form

The building and grounds at 1500 Lancaster Road are effectively owned by all of the members of the Richmond Church of Christ. Using it for activities other than worship or congregational fellowship is a privilege generally afforded to individual members and community groups upon request. Requests for using the building are required to comply with procedures as set out hereinafter.

The Elders of the Richmond Church of Christ desire that everyone feels that the building is a safe and comfortable place to gather, invite friends, and enjoy fellowship that promotes the Mission and Vision of the congregation and does not bring embarrassment or reproach upon the Church. The Elders invite the use of the facilities for purposes both public and private that benefit the community or the congregation as a whole. To that end, the following guidelines are designed to help members share in the benefits of these facilities.

Use of the building for purposes other than regularly scheduled worship, Bible study, or fellowship events should be requested in advance. The Facilities Use Request Form is available in the church office. This form must be completed and submitted to the church secretary as early as possible. As requests for use of Richmond Church of Christ facilities continue to grow, this process will allow the Elders the opportunity to review requests for building use to ensure that any requested event does not conflict with the beliefs of the Elders acting as shepherds of the congregation, and does not hinder the advancement of the Mission and Vision of the congregation. At the sole discretion of the elders, no activity or function will be scheduled that may bring reproach or unwanted publicity upon the Church. Requests will be reviewed in the order they are received.

Requested activities must defer to all normally scheduled activities associated with worship times, Bible classes, and events planned to benefit the majority of the congregation.

Requests for using the building that are approved will be posted in the church office on a calendar, permitting those interested to know who has scheduled an event and its purpose. Some latitude will be given for ‘surprise’ birthday, anniversary, or family celebrations, but generally any scheduled use of the building will be published.

The person requesting use of the building will be responsible for any damage to the property or equipment associated with the building.

Members not involved in a requested activity are asked to respect the scheduling of an event by avoiding interference with a scheduled event. If you arrive unaware of a requested event, please defer and return to the building at another time if possible.

To avoid unnecessary conflict, those hosting events that are particularly sensitive, or who fear that an event may be ruined by the presence elsewhere in the facility of non-participants, are encouraged to use other facilities that will ensure greater privacy for their event.

In all matters, those hosting events are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that is tolerant and respectful of others.

Alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs are prohibited in the building and on church property. Persons under the influence of such products are also excluded and will be asked to leave.

Tobacco products of any kind are prohibited in and within proximity to the building.

The food preparation area, if used, must be cleaned and left uncluttered. Leftover food and open beverages must be removed at the end of any requested activity.

Cleaning of the building before and after any event is the responsibility of the requestor. This includes restrooms, floors, windows, tables, and emptying of trashcans. Tables, chairs, and any equipment moved from common areas or classrooms must be returned to their original location unless a variance is noted at the time of the event.

Animals (including but not limited to mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, etc.) considered as pets are not permitted in the building or within proximity to the building.

It is the intention of the Elders to provide the building as a safe, comfortable, and friendly place for both regularly scheduled and specially requested activities. If there is doubt about an activity, ask for clarification. Always be considerate of the sensitivities of others and the image of the Church.

Finally, the building and grounds are an asset of the Church. Care should always be exercised to ensure that no one is offended or repelled by an activity conducted at the facilities. Use common sense and be courteous. Clean up after yourselves.

Weddings

Requests for wedding ceremonies must be submitted using the Facilities Use Request Form in the same manner as set out herein above. Only those requests made by members of the Richmond Church of Christ will be entertained, however wedding requests may be made by members on behalf of others. All requests will be reviewed by the Elders after a form has been submitted in advance. This process will allow the Elders the opportunity to review the request. As with any request, it will be approved or denied at the discretion of the Elders after considering whether the activity is consistent with the beliefs of the Elders acting as shepherds of the congregation, and does not hinder the advancement of the Mission and Vision of the congregation.