Building Use
United Church of Chapel Hill
Building Use Policy
General Philosophy
The United Church of Chapel Hill built its new facility to house the activities which constitutes being a Church. During times when the spaces are not used for Church activities, we welcome their use by non-profit groups and by persons needing space for their non-profit activity.
Because of the high cost of maintenance and utilities, it is necessary for building users to help defray such costs. Service organizations which feel they cannot pay the fees set forth may apply for partial exemption from the Church.
These facilities are available to groups that are open to the public-at-large and whose goals are consistent with those of the Church and its mission. UCCH welcomes all people regard-less of race, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation.
Guidelines for Building Use
RESERVING SPACE:
All activities by Church and non-Church groups alike must be reserved and scheduled through the church Office & Communications Manager. Groups may only use the space reserved for them and only at the times scheduled and reserved. Groups should take care to request the actual space they would like to use.
KITCHEN & REFRESHMENTS:
Groups using the Fellowship Hall may use the kitchen at no extra cost for serving refreshments. An extra donation will be included for use of the kitchen to prepare food and cook on our stove. Provisions must be made in advance for serving meals and use of the kitchen for cooking of food. Each group should provide all of its own supplies. Church supplies may not be used. If the kitchen is used, it must be cleaned thoroughly, and all trash must be placed in plastic bags provided by the user and taken to the dumpster at the end of our parking lot.
If refreshments are served in classrooms, food and drink may not be left in the building. Spills should be cleaned up and tables and chairs wiped off.
DEPOSIT:
A $50 key/security/cleaning deposit is required.
KEY:
A key will be issued to the person responsible for or in charge of the activity. The key must be returned to the church office within 48 hours following the event. Failure to return the key as requested might result in forfeiture of the deposit. Keys may not be duplicated.
COURTESY:
As a courtesy to other groups/individuals using the church building within the same period as this event, please communication with office manager and/or pastoral staff about use of rooms outside of the rooms listed below in the contract.
PROHIBITED:
No drugs, alcohol, tobacco and firearms are allowed in the church building and on the church grounds. Smoking is prohibited anywhere on the church property.
CHILDREN & YOUTH/SAFE CHURCH POLICY:
Children & youth are welcome at the Church, however, all children must be supervised by responsible adults. All groups with children & youth must be informed, understand, and abide by our Safe Church Policy. The playground may be used only by children under the age of eight.
It is the policy of United Church of Chapel Hill to have more than one adult working with children and youth at all times. All children & youth must be supervised at all times. All children, youth, and volunteers must stay within the church space agreed to in the contract below. Alternate space needs to be arranged with and agreed upon by office manager and pastoral staff. For more information on our Safe Church Policy, click here.
STORAGE/CLEANING/DAMAGES:
Groups should provide storage for their equipment or materials offsite due to limited storage facilities at the Church. The Church cannot be responsible for locating and holding items or materials which are left behind.
Normal cleaning is included in the building use fee. If janitorial services are needed beyond routine cleaning, each group will be billed accordingly. An advance cleaning charge may be required for larger group events.
Any damages which occur during a group’s use of the building must be reported as soon as possible to the Church Office and must be paid for promptly. Groups using the facilities will be liable for damage to church property.
Wedding Guidelines and Application
Recommended Contributions/Donations for Use of Building
Please note:
- Building use contributions/donations are contingent on the type of event, how many people will be attending, space used, and other special considersations.
- We do not rent sight unseen. If you and/or your organization are checking us out for the first time, please contact the office manager at United Church to make an appointment to see the facility before turning in an application. Thank you!
- UCCH now has Saturday evening worship in the Sanctuary. We will no longer schedule Saturday evening events in the Sanctuary.
For questions on building use at United Church, please contact our office and communications manager at office@unitedchurch.org.
