Facility Use Policy & Agreement
Memorial United Methodist Church (MUMC) is dedicated to God’s mission in the world, and its facilities are available for the use of those providing programs relevant to God’s mission.
Preference will be given to non-profit Christian organizations, other non-profit organizations, local entrepreneurs, and for-profit enterprises, in that order. The facilities are available for use without charge by a MUMC member for family-related or church-related events.
One month in advance is the minimum lead time to request use of MUMC facilities. In all cases, sponsorship is required by a MUMC member in good standing, and approval by the Pastor and the Board of Trustees is a prerequisite. Use is based on availability.
Non-member groups must provide, at least two weeks prior to building use, a Certificate of Insurance from their insurance company showing that they have liability insurance and naming MUMC as an additional insured.
GUIDELINES
We require all individuals and groups to abide by the following safety and use guidelines, with no exceptions:
- No consumption of alcoholic beverages, use of non-prescription drugs, or use of tobacco in the building. A designated outside smoking area is located adjacent to the first-floor entrance.
- No animals, except service animals, are allowed in the building.
- Only the area reserved may be used, not other parts of the building complex.
- Individuals and groups are responsible for exercising care in the arrangement of furniture, use of kitchen facilities, and appropriate behavior of participants. Cleanup should be thorough, leaving the room or facility in the condition it was found.
- No food or drink is allowed in the sanctuary.
- All groups involving children and youth will have adequate supervision that complies with the MUMC Safe Sanctuary requirements or an equivalent policy. Copies of this policy are available upon request.
- Visitor safety and access to public areas must be maintained.
- In the event of damage or loss, MUMC reserves the right to request payment in full for repair and/or replacement of the damaged article(s).
Failure to follow the guidelines may result in immediate exclusion from use by the Board of Trustees.
APPLICATION AND FEE PROCESS
Upon signature of this Agreement, a 10% deposit is required to the church for reserving the facility. Reservations are not final until the MUMC church office receives a signed copy of this document and a retainer fee. After the office confirms your reservation, the remaining balance for your reservation must be paid within 5 working days. You may drop off or mail a check to the church (Memorial United Methodist Church, 867 West Avon Road, Avon, CT 06001). Also, online payment is available at avonmumc.org/give (select fund type “Other”, write event name in Memo, and “Cover the Fees” to offset processing/transaction fees.)
CANCELLATION POLICY
MUMC reserves the right to cancel any event due to unforeseen circumstances. If MUMC cancels your event, you will receive a full refund.
Cancellation requests from the renter must be submitted to MUMC in writing as soon as possible. If you cancel your event, we will return the full deposit up to 20 days before the reserved date. If you cancel the event within less than 7 days, the deposit will be forfeited.
If an event requires rescheduling, MUMC must be notified at least 30 days before the original start time of the event. There will be no penalty if an event is rescheduled within this required timeframe. All deposits and payments will be applied to the new event date. Please note that church functions take precedence over the use of the facility.
Rooms Available & Suggested Donations
*All area rentals include use of the restrooms and parking lot.
The following fee schedule covers the use of the areas designated below and is reflective of MUMC Member/Non-member status along with For-profit/Non-profit status. It is effective from January 1- December 31 of the calendar year and is approved by the Trustees at its December meeting prior to implementation.
The Half Day Rate equals a maximum of 4 hours, plus setup and cleanup time. The Full Day Rate equals a maximum of 8 hours, plus setup and cleanup time.
Year-round groups may negotiate reduced rates with Trustees and will be offered renewal in January of each calendar year.
*The Music Room is available for rental for music lessons. A piano is equipped in the room.
*Senior High Room/Lounge is equipped with a sofa set, a coffee table, side tables, a foosball game table, etc.
*The Churchery School Rooms are available during the summer months with the approval of the Board of Trustees.
*A comprehensive cleaning fee of $50 will be applied for all events at the discretion of the Board of Trustees.
