United Church of Craftsbury Building Use Policy and Agreement
Our Welcome & Mission
The United Church of Craftsbury is an Open and Affirming congregation. We welcome and affirm all people, including every sexual orientation (gay, lesbian, transgender, bisexual), age, gender, race, national origin, faith background, marital status, mental and physical ability, economic and social status, and educational background.
This policy ensures that the use of our facility aligns with our Church's mission and covenant. By making this building available, we strive to "walk together in His holy ways... to be doers of the Word... firm in faith, quickened in hope, and constant in charity."
Section 1: General Building Use Guidelines
All use of the church facility is subject to the following rules and is at the Church’s discretion.
Request and Approval
Request Process: All individuals and groups must complete the Building Request Form (attached or online).
Compliance: Approved activities must be in keeping with the Church’s covenant, not be disruptive to the church or the neighboring community, and not pose an undue risk or incur additional liability for the Church.
No Guarantee: Requests are subject to approval by the Pastor and Church Secretary/Treasurer, who may defer to the Trustees or Church Council. The Church reserves the right to monitor all activities.
Fees and Donations
Community Use (General): There is generally no fee for use, though donations are gratefully accepted to help cover utility and maintenance costs.
Outside Weddings: Weddings for individuals not directly connected to the congregation or living outside the community may be subject to a fee and require a signed Building Use Agreement.
Prohibited Uses
The Church facility may not be used for:
Activities or events by individuals, groups, or businesses operating in a for-profit capacity.
Partisan political activities, meetings, or events.
Section 2: Permitted Activities by Location
Dining Room, Kitchen, and Classrooms
These areas are available for:
Recurring/Nonrecurring No-Fee Activities: Activities promoting spiritual, physical, or intellectual well-being (e.g., study groups, community meetings, AlAnon, AA, Mahjong, low-impact exercise).
Non-Recurring Private Events: Funerals, memorial services, weddings, family gatherings (e.g., birthday parties, baby showers).
Nonrecurring Fundraising Events: Events for worthy causes by community groups.
Local Schools & Nonprofits: Activities and events providing community benefits. (A certificate of liability insurance may be required.)
Sanctuary
The use of the sanctuary must respect its sanctity and purpose.
Approved Uses: Worship services, funerals, memorial services, weddings, and musical performances (concerts/recitals) that have an emphasis in keeping with the Church’s covenant.
Sanctuary Integrity: Furniture, accessories, and instruments may not be moved, removed, or altered without the express approval of the Church or its authorized representative.
Officiants & Musicians: The Church's Pastor and Organist/Pianist will ordinarily officiate or play for weddings and funerals. Other officiants or musicians may be used only with the Pastor's prior consultation and approval. The church organ requires the Pastor's explicit approval for any use.
Special Circumstances
Emergency Shelter: The facility may be used as an emergency shelter during natural or man-made disasters.
Children/Vulnerable Populations: Events involving supervision and care of children or vulnerable populations are assessed on a case-by-case basis depending on the perceived risk to the Church.
Section 3: Conduct & Scheduling
Conflict Resolution & Preemption: In the event of a scheduling conflict, funerals, weddings, church meetings, and unforeseen circumstances may require other activities to yield.
Alcohol & Smoking:
Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in the church and on church grounds at all times, except for a champagne toast during a wedding reception.
Smoking is not permitted in the building or on the church grounds.
Open Flames: Open flames, including lit candles, are not permitted in the building or on church grounds.
Food & Drink: No food or drink may be brought into the church sanctuary during activities and events.
Section 4: User Responsibilities (Building Use Agreement Summary)
The approved user (signer) is responsible for the following:
Before and During Your Event
Contact the Church Office (802-586-8028) after approval to confirm arrangements.
Arrangement: Arrange tables and chairs as needed, but return all furniture to its original position at the end of the function. Chairs and tables may not be taken outside.
Supplies: Bring all paper products and supplies for serving food and beverages.
Sound/AV: Building users must rent or provide their own sound or audiovisual equipment.
Decorations: Decorations are welcome, but must be completely removed without leaving marks. NO nails may be hammered into the walls.
Cleanup and Close-Up
Clean Up: Clean all areas used and leave the space in a “broom clean” condition.
Wash tables, counters, dishes, etc., and follow the attached Kitchen Rules.
Remove all leftover food, beverages, and perishable items.
Put chairs and tables back in storage.
Put recyclables (bottles, cans, plastic, paper, cardboard) in appropriate kitchen containers.
If your trash fills a bin, you must dispose of it by taking it with you.
Ensure the bathroom is not significantly dirtied; clean it appropriately if necessary.
Secure the Building: Check all windows and outside doors, turn off all lights, and return the thermostat to 60°F.
Damage: Contact the Church in case of damage to facilities or equipment. Do not attempt repair or replacement.
Advertising and Liability
Advertising: Clear all advertisements with the Church office. Public ads must state the organization's sponsorship, mentioning the United Church of Craftsbury only as a location.
Liability: The Church is not responsible for any loss of property or for any injuries that occur on church property. Users are advised the Church is not responsible for shoveling steps or entryways.
Section 5: Disclaimer and Preemption
In the unlikely event that the facilities are needed for a funeral or memorial service that coincides with another planned use, the funeral or memorial service will preempt the other activity. The Church's sole obligation will be the refund of any fee paid for the use of the facilities. The Church is not responsible for incidental or consequential losses connected with the loss of use of its facilities.
