Facility Use Request
Bethlehem Community Church’s (BCC) facilities and property are consecrated to our religious ministry and mission as they are a provision from God and are provided by the sacrificial generosity of the congregation; therefore, the facilities shall be used for the fellowship of the Body of Christ and always to God’s glory. Use of church facilities and property shall be for the propagation of the Christian faith, for fellowship, for witnessing, for religious teaching, and for charity. All activities on church property must align with our religious purpose and the furtherance of our Christian mission, whether the activity has an overt liturgical religious purpose or not. Church facility use shall be exclusively conditioned on whether the use aligns with the churches faith, mission, message and viewpoint, as all facility usage is an opportunity to glorify God. While the facilities are generally not open to the public (apart from Worship Services and designated church functions), BCC may allow outside activities that are in accord with the mission of the church. Facility use will not be permitted in any case for any person, group or activity holding, advancing, or advocating beliefs, or advancing, advocating, or engaging in practices that conflict with the church’s faith or moral teachings, which are summarized in, among other places, the church’s bylaws and Statement of Faith. Nor may facilities be used for activities that contradict, or are deemed by the Elders as inconsistent with, or contrary to the church’s faith or moral teachings; by any individual or for any activity that conflict with the Gospel of Jesus Christ; for any partisan political campaigns; for any commercial activities, including product sales, services, or promotional activities; or for any fundraisers unless approved by the Elders. The Elders are the final authority on whether a person or group can use church facilities. Bethlehem Community Church does not charge a facility use fee, however a donation for the upkeep and maintenance of the facilities is appreciated.
Facility Use Guidelines
1. Bethlehem Community Church of Delmar, NY shall be indemnified from all liability for harm to any person(s) or property caused or claimed to be caused for any reason while BCC’s premises are used. The responsibility and liability for injury to persons or damage to property must be assumed by the individual who signed the Facility Use form. BCC is not responsible for any personal property left on the premises before, during or after the use of our facilities.
2. Use of the facility is restricted to those areas as requested and approved through the Facility Use request.
3. Adequate supervision must be provided for the activity. Children may not be left unsupervised while on the premises.
4. Rooms are expected to be left in the same condition as found. Items may not be affixed to or removed from the walls, floors, ceilings or doors without prior approval. The individual approved on the Facility Use Form is responsible for reasonable clean-up (take garbage to the dumpster, clean tables, remove any decorations, etc.). Floors must be swept and mopped if needed.
6. Equipment may be brought in for use in the building only after being approved in advance. Equipment owned by BCC is not to be removed from the premises without permission. Use of A/V equipment is strictly prohibited without prior authorization.
7. Kitchen Usage: Events wishing to use the kitchen must be pre-approved.
8. The individual approved on the Facility Use form must be present from the time of entry into the facility until the time of departure and is responsible for making sure all the lights are shut off, windows are closed, and all doors are locked. The building must not be left unoccupied and unlocked.
9. No alcohol, tobacco or gambling is allowed in church facilities or on church grounds. Abusive or foul language or violent behavior is strictly prohibited.
10. All parking must use designated spots in the back parking lot. The upper (Elm Ave) parking area is for handicapped access to the church office, Fellowship Hall, Fireside Room or Glass Room only. There is NO PARKING on either side of the driveway.
11. The use of bathrooms designated as gender specific are for use by individuals of that gender as determined by their physical sex at the time of their birth. A parent or guardian may have a child of the opposite gender (under the age of five) accompany them into the bathroom designated for the parent/guardian for the purpose of assisting them with using the facilities.
By signing this form, you hereby agree to abide by the Facility Use Policy and in accordance with the stated use as per this request, including taking responsibility for the facilities and equipment used and agree to abide with all church policies, as well as with any additional instructions by church staff. You further acknowledge that you have read the BCC Statement of Faith and hereby attest that the requested activity does not in any manner violate the church’s strongly held faith convictions, nor will user engage in any activity, or allow such activity as will violate BCC’s Statement of Faith while engaged in requested activity. You further understand that the facility is in an AS IS condition and may not be adequate for the planned use. While every attempt will be made to have the facility available for scheduled uses, the building may be closed to any/all groups on short notice or no notice. Scheduling facility use may be made by submitting this completed and signed building usage request form. The event will be reserved and placed on the church calendar only after you have been notified of approval by BCC staff.
