Facilities Rental Information

Knob Noster United Methodist Church Facility Use Policy

The Knob Noster United Methodist Church (KNUMC) wishes to make its facilities available to individuals or organizations for meetings or other events whenever possible. For those meetings or events that are not part of the KNUMC ministries, certain fees have been established for the use of the facilities. KNUMC reserves the right to deny use of its facilities to any individual or group who conflicts with the Christian beliefs and/or the United Methodist Church Book of Discipline.

Section One, Priorities:

• Meeting or events involving KNUMC ministries or programming will always have priority
• Not-for-Profit organizations that have an ongoing agreement with the KNUMC will have second priority
• KNUMC member* requests for use of the facilities will have third priority
• Other requests by non-member individuals or organizations will be scheduled as the facilities are available after the above requests have been honored.

Section Two, General Guidelines and Restrictions:
Any use of the facilities for weddings, funerals, or any other religious service must have the approval of the currently appointed pastor of the KNUMC in accordance with the United Methodist Church Book of Discipline. At no time, however, may the church facilities be rented for use during Sunday morning church services. Refer to the current Wedding Guide for additional guidelines for weddings.

Every individual or organization, including KNUMC ministries, is required to abide by all guidelines, requirements, and other restrictions regarding use of the church facilities.

Each individual or organization (other than KNUMC ministries) is required to complete, sign, and deliver to the office a Use Agreement, a Hold Harmless Form, and a deposit. The office will then process the request and compute the applicable fees in accordance with section five of this policy.

Section Three, General User Responsibilities:

• Users agree to exercise utmost care in the use of the facilities and agree to leave them in good, clean condition
• Trash inside and outside must be gathered up by users, placed in trash bags, and taken to the trash receptacle area on the east side of the church
• Users are responsible for removing any user-objects associated with the meeting or event
• If the sound system is used, ensure it is turned off before leaving the facility
• Lights should be turned off and all doors shut and locked (ensure that they latch closed)
• When leaving the building, thermostats will be turned down to 55 degrees during the heating season and turned up to 80 degrees during the cooling season
• All commodes should be flushed, being sure the water shuts off, before leaving the building
• If the dishwasher (Jubilation Center) is used, be sure the wash/rinse cycles have completed before leaving the building
• No smoking or tobacco use is permitted inside or on the grounds
• No alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs are permitted at any United Methodist facility
• Meetings must be kept entirely within the area agreed upon
• Groups using the KNUMC facilities are responsible for any damage that occurs during use
• No pop or food is permitted in the sanctuary. Food and drinks for fellowship times should remain in the fellowship hall
• All groups shall provide their own materials unless otherwise agreed upon
• Adult supervisors must be the last to leave the facilities and premises

Users of church facilities agree to hold harmless KNUMC and its trustees, officers, employees, members, and other representatives from and against all claims, losses, reasonable attorneys' fees, and other legal costs directly or indirectly arising out of their use of the church-owned facilities.

For events involving children and/or youth, the group must provide proof of adequate and appropriate adult supervision following the KNUMC Safe Sanctuaries guidelines provided by the church office. 

For safety, the primary exit from the Jubilation Center is out the front entry door. In an extreme emergency, a second door at the northeast end of the building may be used. Fire extinguishers are available in the kitchen areas of both the church and the Jubilation Center and throughout the church.

Section Four, Specific Requirements and Restrictions:

• No equipment, furnishings, supplies, or any item may be taken from the KNUMC facilities without prior approval of the trustees
• No signs, posters, banners, flags, streamers, or other items are to be attached or hung within or outside the facilities without prior approval of the trustees of the KNUMC
• No paints, tapes, glue, nails, screws, stage hooks, or other substances may be used on the facilities, including tables
• No carpentry, electrical, or other construction work may be done on the premises without prior approval by the trustees of the KNUMC
• No oil-based paint, flammable liquids, fire-producing chemicals, and/or open flames in any form may be used except for candles used as table decorations or candles used as part of the KNUMC services
• All scenery and props must be free-standing. No nails, screws, or stage hooks may be used. All materials used must either be non-flammable or have been treated so as to have been made fire-retardant.
• If a kitchen is used, all items used must be washed and put away. If sinks are used, they must be cleaned according to the instructions posted on the wall above the sinks
• Spills on the floor must be wiped up immediately, using a slightly damp cloth. Standing water or large spills can damage floors. No cleaners or substances other than plain water should be used on the floors by anyone other than the church custodian or trustees
• Music shall be in good taste and not contain lyrics promoting violence, substance abuse, sexual immorality, or discrimination, nor may it contain profanity
• All proposed activities must be listed on the Use Agreement and have prior approval of the trustees of the KNUMC

Section Five, Fees:

All fees are for 4-hour blocks, with each additional hour @ $10 for members and not-for-profit organizations and $20 for non-member individuals or other organizations.

Guideline:  Not-for-Profit Organization - on-going with a one-year agreement should be set at a minimum of $25 a session and is negotiable based on recommendations to the Trustees.

A refundable deposit equal to the 4-hour fee and fee is required to confirm the reservation of the facility and must accompany the signed Use Agreement and Hold Harmless Form. The reservation is not guaranteed until fees are paid.  If no damage occurs to the building or its contents, the deposit will be returned within 30 days. In the event of damage to the building or its contents, the cost of repairs will be deducted from the deposit before return. If the deposit is not sufficient to cover the costs of repairs, those using the building shall be responsible for paying the additional costs.

In case of cancellation, if notice is received four weeks or more before the reservation date, a full refund will be made. Cancellations occurring within two weeks of the event may result in the forfeiture of the deposit as applicable. The trustees of KNUMC reserve the right to refund the entire deposit in unique circumstances.

* "Member" is not limited to persons whose name is listed on the official roll of the KNUMC but may be applied to those who regularly attend KNUMC.

Active members will not be required to make a deposit.

** For current and new yearly contract originations, this form must be renewed yearly on or about June 1.