St. John’s Episcopal Church
365 Lafayette Ave, Palmerton PA 18071
610-826-2611
office@stjohnspalmerton.com
www.StJohnsPalmerton.com
RENTAL & BUILDING USE POLICIES
RULES AND REGULATIONS
In general, priority for use of the building is given to the congregation and its programs. The Office Secretary is responsible for scheduling. Decisions on the use of the building will be at the discretion of the Vestry. Those groups using the building must be in agreement with our principles and mission statement.
Per requirement of the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Bethlehem, those individuals who are members of community organizations who use church facilities on a regular basis, and have keys or codes to give them access to the facilities,
Criminal records check in any state where the applicant has resided during the past seven (7) years, and other states, if any, as determined by the church. Pennsylvania form. $10.00. An FBI check may be used instead of a Criminal records check.
Child Abuse History Clearance in any state where the applicant has resided during the past seven (7) years. Pennsylvania form. $10.00.
Sexual offender registry check in any state where the applicant has resided during the past seven (7) years. Use www.sexualoffenders.com. No cost.
Nothing in this policy shall be construed to deny St. John’s Church of Palmerton, the right to refuse use of any space to any group or individual because of staff limitations, maintenance, administrative, or other considerations that may from time to time prevent adequate protection, maintenance, or administration of the building. In addition, the proposed use may pose no threat to the safety of the building as determined by the Vestry.
All arrangements for access to the building must be made through the office (610-826-2611).
Members of St. John’s in good standing[1] may use the church facilities free of charge for personal events[2] or any ceremonial event with a minister performing ritual. All other use of church facilities by members will be at the reduced rate offered to other entities. In case of such rental, all normal rental rules and regulations apply. Exceptions to the rate policy may be made by the Vestry, at their discretion.
The Church reserves the right to remove from the premises any person or group who is deemed by its representatives to present him or herself in a disorderly fashion.
[1] A member in good standing is someone who has participated in Holy Communion at least three (3) times and a contribution of record in the current or previous calendar year.
[2] A personal event includes, Baby or Bridal Showers, Retirement, Graduation or Birthday Parties.
RESTRICTIONS & POLICIES:
V Parking is on Lafayette Avenue with the exception to unload / load
V Smoking is NOT permitted in any space inside the building.
V Smoking is permitted outside only and must use the Cigarette Unit for disposal.
V The main Church entrances, outside Altar and the Memorial Garden Areas are a no smoking areas with no sitting on the garden walls or Altar.
V No alcohol permitted on premises.
V Doors, stairways, and exits may not be blocked.
V Use of Glider Seat in stairwell restricted to use only with member of Vestry / Sexton on site
V Children are to be accounted for at all times
V No tape, tacks, nails, staples, or screws may be used on floor or walls.
V Candles may be used only with permission
V It is the responsibility of your organization to restore the room or rooms to their original state. This includes cleaning up of trash, arrangement of furniture to its original position and so forth.
V When kitchen is rented: stoves, sink, refrigerator, microwave, and coffee pots may be used; renters must supply their own consumables
V Use of Stove / Oven restricted to use only with member of Vestry / Sexton on site
V The supplies in the kitchen are for parish use only please do not use or remove any supplies from the cabinets or the drawers
V No deep-frying or propane cylinders permitted on premises.
V Please do not place paper towels and any sanitary items in the toilets
V All affairs must end by 10:00 pm unless additional permission has been granted
V When leaving, all lights must be turned off, heat turned down, doors locked.
V If the lights / heat are left on overnight an additional fee will be charged.
___________Initials
RENTAL FEE SCHEDULE:
4 hours or less $_____
Additional hour(s) $_____
Additional Fees
Lost Key $_____
Kitchen $_____
Custodial services $_____
Utility charge left on $_____
Returned check Fee $_____
Winter Heating Fees $_____ (November 1– March 31)
St. John’s Episcopal Church
365 Lafayette Ave, Palmerton PA 18071
610-826-2611
office@stjohnspalmerton.com
www.StJohnsPalmerton.com
RENTAL AGREEMENT
Organization Name: __________________________Background Check Done: Yes / No / NA
Representative’s Name: __________________________ Telephone: __________________
Date(s) & Time of Function: _____________________________________________________
Special Requests: ______________________________________________________________
Rental Fee: __________________ Include Kitchen: Yes / No Key Given: Yes / No
Key Returned Yes/No
Indemnification Statement
In consideration for the use of St. John’s Church of Palmerton facility, the person/organization signing below agrees that it has received the St. John’s Rental and Building Use Policies, will abide by them, and that:
a) It will pay for all damages to any property at the St. John’s Church
building or grounds resulting directly or indirectly from the conduct of any
member, officer, employee, agent or guest of the renter or its invitees.
b) It will hold harmless and indemnify St. John’s Church from and against
any and all liability which may be imposed upon it, for any injury to
persons or property caused by the named person or organization or any other
person in connection with the meeting/event.
c) St. John’s is not responsible for the loss or theft of any personal or rented items belonging to or used by the caterer, lessee, and/or guests of the lessee.
Signature date