Guidelines for the use of our facilities. St. Andrew's has a long history of co-operating with community groups who wish to use our facilities provided that use reflects acceptable Christian standards.
- Approved by Session March 1, 2005- Property Facilities Usage 050301
Rationale
The facilities of St. Andrew's have come to us as a gift from God through the generosity of His people. All persons must be good stewards of these facilities. These guidelines outline standards of behaviour and other directions
for all persons using the property and facilities including guidelines and rules regarding various safety issues.
General Rules
- All behaviour and interactions must reflect accepted Christian standards.
- Proper, respectful language and behaviour are expected.
- Graffiti or other defacement of property is unacceptable.
- Fighting and all forms of abusive behaviour are banned.
- Smoking is not allowed.
- Use of illicit drugs or alcohol is banned.
- The Sexual Harassment Policy of the Presbyterian Church in Canada (found on their web site) sets specific standards for expected behaviour. In general, it is the policy that sexual abuse or harassment of any kind by church leaders, staff, volunteers or users of these facilities will not be tolerated. All allegations of harassment will be taken seriously, and handled according to the terms of this policy. The commitment for all users of the facilities should be to model the example of Christ in all social relationships and interactions.
- The Session has the authority to allow use or rental of the facilities. A donation fee is appropriate for cleaning and maintenance.
- Congregational events and programs shall take precedence over all other activities. Any authorized group should check with the minister/secretary when scheduling or making long range plans.
- The leader or designate of a user-group must be identified and must accept responsibility for the behaviour of the group in attendance and for the condition of the facilities at the conclusion of the activity.
- A devotional or prayer should be included as appropriate in meetings or other activities.
- Upon leaving the premises all lights shall be turned off, and a check made to ensure that all doors and windows are closed and locked.
- All food and beverages shall be handled in a manner reflecting respect for the facilities which are the house of God.
- All equipment (e. g. tables, chairs, etc. ) should be treated with care and returned to the appropriate place following an activity.
- Coats should be on coat racks, and shoes and boots left in appropriate places, not piled in the lobby where they create an unsafe and messy milieu.
- Activities must be confined to appropriate areas and appropriate precautions taken (e. g. paint, glue, sparkles, etc. should not be used in carpeted areas - use plastic sheeting).
Issues of Safety
Purposes
- To outline certain safety issues for persons who are on the property or premises for any purpose.
- To provide some safety guidelines.
- To remind all persons of the collective responsibility for the effective implementation of safety procedures.
Responsibility for Safety
The oversight for safety at St. Andrew's is vested in the Property Committee of Session. This committee will conduct ongoing reviews of the safety issues, and will educate and encourage all persons to follow established safety practices.
Specific Safety Issues Regarding Use of the Gallery
Two general safety issues exist regarding the use of the gallery in the sanctuary: the first involves people leaning over the gallery railing, and the second involves materials being placed on or under the gallery railing. Any person, but especially a child, who is leaning over the gallery railing establishes the potential for a fall, causes stress among observers below the gallery, and creates a distraction from any activity which may be in progress. Similarly, any materials sitting on or under the gallery railing (including Bibles, hymnals and any personal items) raise safety concerns and create unnecessary distractions. The gallery railing has been crafted at an approximate height of two feet in keeping with the architecture of the church rather than as safety barrier; thus, all persons sitting near the front of the gallery must exercise appropriate caution. The flat surface of the gallery railing does not have any retention guard to prevent objects from sliding over the edge and falling to the seats below.
Consequently, persons with small children using the gallery are encouraged to seat their families at least one row back of the gallery railing as a safety measure, and no objects, including Bibles and hymnals, should be placed on or under the gallery railing.
Responsibilities of the Ushers and Other People in the Gallery
The usher responsible for seating people in the gallery should offer families with small children seats beginning with the second row back of the gallery railing.
If children are participating in unsafe practices such as climbing over pews, running or hanging over the gallery railing, the usher should intervene with the parent or guardian and ask for their cooperation in dealing with the situation.
All persons, including the ushers, are encouraged to assess any situation that has the potential for leading to injury or harm and to take appropriate preventative measures.
Safety in the Gymnasium
- Generally accepted safety rules govern all activities in the gym.
- The schedule of use of the gyms hall be as designated. The gym shall not be used while church services, weddings, funerals, or similar activities are being held in the sanctuary.
- Sports participation shall be inappropriate clothing and foot ware and confined to the gym. Activities will not be undertaken in stocking feet for safety reasons; bare feet are acceptable if appropriate shoes are not available.
- Sports equipment shall be used only under the direction of a responsible leader, shall be used carefully, and returned properly to storage.
- Sports equipment shall not be used on Sunday during the coffee time following the service.
Use of the Kitchens
- Food preparation shall follow accepted safety and health practices (e. g. washing hands prior to handling food).
- Food items known to contain high allergy items (e. g. , peanut butter, nuts, shell fish, eggs) should be kept separate from other food items and clearly marked for the safety of those with allergies.
- All dirty dishes, glasses, etc. . used should be washed, dried and returned to the appropriate storage area.
- All counters should be washed and dried.
- Only trained and responsible people should use the stoves and dishwasher.
- Garbage should be properly disposed of.
St. Andrew's has a subcommittee of the Property Committee which oversees kitchen facilities and usage. Any questions or concerns about the kitchens or the guidelines for using them should be referred to the Chair of the Property Committee through the Church Secretary.
Leader's Commitment
If you are the leader taking responsibility for any activity with St. Andrew's Church, please sign this agreement saying that you have read the guidelines and take ownership and responsibility for the actions of your group.
Leader's Name (Print)_________________________________________
Leader's Phone # ______________________________________
I/we have________AA keys_____________ AA1 keys to St. Andrew's Church
Signature of agreement -_______________________________
