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CHURCH POLICIES

STUDENT & CHILDREN’S MINISTRY TRIP GUIDE

SULLIVAN BAPTIST CHURCH BENEVOLENCE FUND POLICY AND GUIDELINES

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BIBLICAL BASIS
The policies and guidelines set forth in this Benevolence Fund Policy shall be guided and directed by the following biblical principles: 1 John 3:17 But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either. For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies. Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread.
SOURCE OF FUNDING
The Benevolence program is funded through the church’s annual budgeting process, and through the receipt of special contributions so noted by individuals and/or families (members of SBC are not encouraged to contribute to the Benevolence Fund in lieu of regular giving to the general fund). Contributions to the Benevolence Fund may not be earmarked or otherwise designated for particular purposes or recipients. The leadership of SBC may choose, at its discretion, to decline certain contributions that are designated or earmarked.
CONFIDENTIALITY
All committee members are to be apprised of the need for extreme confidentiality regarding personal issues of requestors, and all matters should remain within the confines of the committee members. The chairperson may divulge personal information to appropriate individuals outside of the committee such as the pastor, or minister to students.
RECIPIENTS OF ASSISTANCE
In order of priority, as funding allows, recipients of assistance from the Benevolence Fund shall be:
• Members of Sullivan Baptist Church
• Regular attendees of Sullivan Baptist Church
• Members of the community
(2)
INTENDED PURPOSE AND LIMITS OF ASSISTANCE
The stated purpose of the Benevolence Fund is to minister to individuals or families during a time of hardship or crisis by assisting them with their basic needs, such as shelter (including water and electric), food, and depending on the circumstance, transportation. A Benevolence Request Form should be completed and submitted by the requestor.
If financial assistance is requested, copies of bills must be submitted and must be in the individual’s name requesting the assistance. Monies are payable to the vendor, never the requestor. Needs that may NOT be met by the Benevolence Fund include:
• Funeral or cremation expenses.
• Telephone or internet.
• Paying off credit cards.
• Needs of individuals wanted by the law or for paying fines as a result of breaking the law.
• Legal fees arising from criminal behavior.
• Housing for unmarried couples.
• Child care.
• Gambling debts.
• Penalties relating to late payments or irresponsible actions.
• School assistance or business investments.
Benevolence assistance is intended to be a temporary help during a time of crisis, a source of last resort when the requestor has explored all other possibilities of help from family, friends, savings or investments. Benevolence gifts are intended to assist in the short term while the recipient works through the difficulty. As such, the recipient must make a good-faith effort to rectify the situation. Gifts from the benevolence fund are intended to be a one-time assistance. In unusual circumstances, the Benevolence Committee may decide to help more than once, but as a general rule the requestor should expect that any additional request will not be considered for at least 6 months. Under no circumstance is a gift from the benevolence fund to be considered a loan. No gift may be repaid, either in part or in full, in money, or in labor. If the recipient desires to give to the church at a later time, this individual is to be encouraged to give directly to the general fund of the church.
(3)
INTENDED PURPOSE AND LIMITS OF ASSISTANCE (Cont’d)
It is possible that budget training, financial or other biblical counseling may be advised prior to any assistance. Assistance will not be provided to anyone who, in the committee’s estimation, will have negative or irresponsible behavior reinforced by receiving financial assistance. Those requesting assistance must be willing to give the committee permission to follow up on any of the information provided.
*The above policy and guidelines are set forth by the Benevolence Committee this day, Wednesday, May 28, 2014.

FACILITIES POLICY

POLICY FOR USING THE CHURCH PROPERTY SULLIVAN BAPTIST CHURCH 4152 Maplewood Street Kingsport, TN 37660 423-349-6288
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1. REQUEST FOR USE OF FACILITIES
A. Any activity planned anywhere on the church campus must be approved and scheduled through the church office prior to the event. To check the church calendar, call the church receptionist during office hours at 423-349-6288 on Monday thru Friday.
B. The programs and activities of those requesting use of the facilities and equipment must not be contrary to the beliefs and teachings of Sullivan Baptist Church.
C. Approved non-church related activities are subject to cancellation when church related activities need the building. The group contact person will be notified as soon as possible of any emergency changes.
D. Facilities are not available to outside groups for fundraising, for profit making activities, nor for programs related to partisan political campaigns.
E. All groups must provide their own insurance for the purpose of covering liability and property damage or accidents that might occur on church property. The user will be held responsible for any damage done to the church property during the scheduled event.
2. GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR USE OF FACILITIES
This is God’s Church, so we ask that you please observe the following directives:
A. Smoking is not permitted in any church owned building. Tobacco products should not be used at the entrances and exits of buildings. All waste materials must be disposed of properly.
B. Alcoholic beverages or illegal substances are not permitted at any time or anywhere on the church grounds. There will not be any exceptions.
C. Telephone usage should be limited and restricted to local calls only.
D. Groups are expected to stay in the location where their activity is scheduled. Other areas of the church are “off limits.” Please use restrooms nearest the general location of your meeting.
E. If rooms are rearranged or furniture and other items are moved from one room to another, make sure that such items are placed back and the rooms are left in the same condition that you found them.
F. Playground equipment located behind the fellowship hall can be used but only when accompanied by a parent. (Please note: The playground located in front of the church is NOT church property.)
G. If your group engages in crafts or hand work, please see that the floor and tables are properly cleaned and all materials are put away in assigned storerooms and cabinets.
H. Office machines are not to be used by anyone without staff supervision or unless prior arrangements are
made through the church office.
I. If you adjust a thermostat to warm or cool a room, please set it to its original setting when you leave.
J. Turn off all lights when leaving the building. Make sure the water is off in all restrooms. Check all appliances, such as the coffee machine, and others that may have been used.
K. Close and lock all windows before leaving. Check all outside doors to be sure that they are locked. Make sure that the church is locked and secure before the last member of your group leaves.
L. Food and drink are not to be brought into the sanctuary. Light snacks and drinks are permitted in meeting rooms and the preschool area. A full range of food and drinks are permitted in the Fellowship Hall.
M. The use of some of the church campus out buildings may be used for training and teaching purposes by outside groups, but must be approved through the church office or staff. This does not include discipleship classes or any other church activity.
3. KITCHEN GUIDELINES
A. Do not use church paper products (napkins, plates, cups, etc.) for your group event. These items are provided for ministry activities only. Feel free to safely use other kitchen equipment.
B. Do not leave food in the refrigerator. Remove all food when your group leaves.
C. Empty coffee grounds and thoroughly wash and dry coffee urns and pots. Dishes should be dried and returned to cabinets.
Church Approved 02/08/09
D. Remove trash and place in dumpster located beside Fellowship Hall. Replace trash bags in the trash cans. Extra trash bags are in the kitchen cabinets.
E. Do not overload electrical circuits. The circuit breaker box is located in the kitchen.
F. Church dishcloths, towels, and tablecloths will be laundered by the Hostess Committee. Sullivan Baptist Church does not provide tablecloths for non-ministry related functions or outside groups.
G. Please leave the kitchen in as good (or better) condition than you found it.
4. WEDDING GUIDELINES
A. All Wedding Parties must have a Wedding Director. If you do not know of a director you wish to use, the church will recommend a Wedding Director. The honorarium for the Wedding Director will be the responsibility of the Wedding Party.
B. Arrangements for custodial service will be scheduled through the church office. Clean-up of the kitchen and kitchen utensils are the responsibility of the reception party. (Refer to Section 3.)
C. Use bird seed rather than rice to throw at the bride and groom. Do not distribute or throw seed inside.
D. Observe all other directives for using church facilities.
E. The candelabra and accessories are available for use at Sullivan Baptist Church only and are not to be loaned outside the church. Use of candelabras is on a first-come, first-serve basis, and reservation must be made by through the church office. Candles will be purchased by Sullivan Baptist Church. Cost must be reimbursed by user party no later than the day of the event.
F. Church sanctuary furniture or equipment should be moved only by a representative of the Properties Committee or staff. Arrangements for moving furniture or equipment should be made prior to the event by contacting the church office during normal business hours. Do not take it upon yourself to move any furniture or equipment. (NOTE: This does not include Fellowship Hall or classroom tables and chairs.)
G. For NON-MEMBERS, a Sullivan Baptist member must be present during the rehearsal, wedding and reception to serve as a church representative for Sullivan Baptist and to provide necessary information about our facilities.
H. Weddings must be performed by a Protestant minister in good standing with his denomination and must be approved by the Pastor and/or Chairman of the Deacons of Sullivan Baptist Church
I. Sullivan Baptist Church, its custodians, pastor, trustees and members are not responsible for accidents, thefts or destruction of the property of anyone using these facilities.
J. You expressly waive and release any right, claim, and remedy against Sullivan Baptist Church, its pastor, trustees, deacons, employees and members, which may arise from your use of the church property and/or facilities including, but not limited to, incidental consequential damages arising from or in connection with your use of the same.
K. Facility Fees to be paid at the time of booking (applies to non-members only). The following facility fees apply for a wedding. These facility fees are used to offset such expenses as electricity, water, cleaning supplies, paper products, etc.
SANCTUARY……………………………………………………………………………………$50.00
FELLOWSHIP HALL………………………………………………………………………….$25.00
CLASSROOM……………………………………………………………….$10.00/per classroom
L. Custodian Fees to be paid no later than three (3) days prior to the event applies to members and non- members. The following custodian fees apply for a wedding. Arrangements for these services must be made through the church office. Custodian fees may not be waived by the potential user volunteering to clean or agreeing to provide their own custodial services.
SANCTUARY……………………………………………………………………………………$75.00
FELLOWSHIP HALL………………………………………………………………………….$25.00
M. Audio Visual Fee to be paid no later than three (3) days prior to the event (applies to non-members only):
AUDIO/SOUND EQUIPMENT ATTENDANT………………………………………$50.00
VISUAL/PROJECTOR EQUIPMENT ATTENDANT……………………………..$50.00
Only a member of the church Audio Visual Ministry may operate the sound and projection equipment. This person must be present for the Rehearsal and Wedding . It is the responsibility of the Wedding Party to make this arrangement by contacting the church office at 423-349-6288.
N. Payments must be either by exact cash amount or check made payable to Sullivan Baptist Church. Credit cards are not accepted.
Church Approved 02/08/09 2
EVENT RESERVATION CONTRACT SULLIVAN BAPTIST CHURCH
EVENT_______________________________________________________ DATE of EVENT ____________________ TIME of EVENT ____________________ PERSON RESPONSIBLE ________________________________________ STREET ADDRESS _______________________________________________________________________________ CITY _______________________________ STATE _______ ZIP CODE __________________
PHONE: Day __________________________________ Evening ______________________________________
I have read the attached “Policy for Using the Church Property” and understand my responsibility to the church. In consideration of the use of the facilities of Sullivan Baptist Church, I, expressly waive and release any right, claim, and remedy against Sullivan Baptist Church, its pastor, trustees, deacons, employees, and members, which may arise from use of the church property and/or facilities including but not limited to incidental consequential damages arising from or in connection with use of the same. I will abide by the “Policy for Using the Church Property” and assume full responsibility if these guidelines are not followed and for any misuse of the church property. I agree that the attached guidelines are and hereby become a part of this contract.
SIGNATURE___________________________________________ DATE____________ MEMBER? yes no
circle one
FEES CHARGED (To be completed by office):
Facility Use: Sanctuary_______________ Fellowship Hall_______________ Classrooms ____________ Custodian: Sanctuary_______________ Fellowship Hall_______________ Other____________
Audio: _______________________ Visual: ___________________
Name of Audio Assistant: ________________________ Name of Visual Assistant: ___________________________
Date Fees paid_____________________ Received by__________________________________________________ ———————————————————————————————————————————————–
WEDDING INFORMATION
REHEARSAL DATE & TIME__________________________________________________________________
BRIDE________________________________________ GROOM____________________________________
Address_______________________________________ Address_____________________________________
______________________________________________ ___________________________________________
Bride Phone________________________________ Groom Phone______________________________________
DIRECTOR _____________________________________ MINISTER __________________________________
———————————————————————————————————————————–
** CHURCH HOST/HOSTESS ** (Refer to Section 4G of Policy)
(Person must be an active member of Sullivan Baptist Church and must be present at all times with the wedding party.)
I agree to serve as host/hostess for the ________________________________________________ wedding on (date)______________________. I will be present at the wedding rehearsal, the wedding and the reception. I have read and understand the Policy for Using the Church Property, and will assist the wedding party in abiding by this policy.
Signature _______________________________________________________ Date ______________________ Church Approved 02/08/09