STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Funkstown, MD has been blessed by God with a fully functional and accessible Ministry
Center. We have been charged by God to be faithful stewards of this facility and strive to make it available for fellow disciples and the
broader community.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES:
1. Applications are required for all organizations and individuals who desire to use the church facilities for all non-church sponsored
activities.
2. Applications should be made by completing an application form and submitting it to the Church Office
3. Requests should be made at least 60 days prior to the activity date.
4. Use of church facilities will be granted only after it has been determined that the space is available, not required for a church activity, and approved by the appropriate sources.
SCHEDULING:
1. St. Paul’s may reschedule/cancel a scheduled activity rental due to emergencies, unexpected congregation functions (i.e. funerals)
or weather-related conditions. In the event of cancellation, St. Paul’s will give as much notification as is possible and will make a
reasonable attempt to reschedule the activity rental.
2. In the case of inclement weather renters will follow the WCPS School Closing schedule. If WCPS Schools dismiss or close, then
rental activities at St. Paul’s will also be canceled.
FACILITY USE GUIDELINES:
1. St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church fully believes that the facilities entrusted to us by God are a testimony to our faith in our
Savior Jesus Christ. Groups using God’s facilities here are expected to treat the facilities respectfully.
2. Decorations must be in good taste and temporary. All decorations/signage will be attached in a non-destructive manner. Pins,
staples, wire and tape are not acceptable. Painters tape or temporary removable hangers are suggested.
3. The consumption of alcoholic beverages (inside or outside the facilities) is prohibited. Smoking is prohibited inside the building.
Cigarette butts and any trash should be removed prior to leaving.
4. Any damage that may result though usage is the responsibility of the person(s) requesting the space. Those persons are also
responsible for crowd control and any abuse of the facilities that may occur. The facility will be returned to “as found” condition inside
and outside by the conclusion of use.
AVAILABLE RENTAL AREAS:
1. Fellowship Hall: has the capacity of accommodating 225 persons. Renters will have access to round tables and comfortable chairs
as needed but all seating must be returned to its original location before vacating the building.
2. Kitchen: has full service capability and is licensed by the Washington County Health Department. 2 gas stoves/ovens and a flat
griddle are available for use. A commercial refrigerator, freezer, dishwasher, ice maker, cooking utensils and dishware are available for
renter use. A person familiar with the kitchen appliances must be present for the duration of the activity. All persons using motorized or heat generating equipment including ovens, rang tops and dishwashers must be at least 18yrs of age. Because of open gas flame and other safety hazards children under 14 years of age should not be permitted in the kitchen area. Users must comply with Washington County Health Department Regulations/Requirements. Some food preparation/service may require appropriate permits/ approval. It is the applicant's responsibility to secure all required permits, adhere to WCHD policy and provide a copy of permits to St. Paul’s staff with this facility use application. All appliances must be turned off and cleaned before vacating the building. All utensils must be cleaned, dried and returned to their original location before vacating the building. No left over food/supplies/trash may be left in the refrigerator, counter tops, cupboards, or kitchen space.
3. Classrooms: there are 4 classrooms on the lower level of the church facility. All are handicap accessible. Each classroom can
accommodate 25 people. There is also a common area that can be set up for larger meetings/gatherings. Church leadership will assist in locating tables and chairs as needed. All tables and chairs must be returned to their original locations before vacating the building.
FEES:
St. Paul’s seeks to live into its mission as Faithful Disciples Serving in Christ’s name within the community where we live. Congregation members and their immediate families are provided no-cost use of the facilities. Fees collected from non-member renters will help maintain the quality and offset the supplies of the facility. Non-Profit organizations will not be charged for use of the building spaces. However, those using the space may feel compelled to make a donation for building usage.
I have read and understand the guidelines and expectations associated with facility usage at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church