We believe that the space we maintain and occupy as the United Church of Christ Congregational is sacred space.  Our Church building, furnishings, and grounds have long been a part of the growth and development of Vermillion and its surrounding area.  We strive to honor and care for our facilities in order that we might provide a spiritual home not only to our own faith community, but also for any who seek God or promote the common good. It is the mission of the United Church of Christ, Congregational to offer the use of our facilities to any group or individual that will foster the spiritual, educational, cultural, or recreational well being of our area.

It is our goal that, together with all of our usage partners, we will maintain a clean, safe and beautiful environment that can be available for many generations to come.

Requests for use of our church facilities, whether for one time or short-term usage, must be made through our Parish Steward.  Our calendar of events is maintained in the church office and must be consulted prior to any scheduling.  Application for use by any non-member group must be accompanied by a signed Request to Use Church Properties form.  Keys to our building are available to authorized parties on a short-term basis through our church office.

Basic Rules:

1. The church is smoke and alcohol free.

2. We expect the utmost care to be given to our sacred space.  All damages must be reported to the church office immediately, or as soon as the office is open, and compensation made once the cost of repair or replacement has been determined.

3. If the organ is to be used, a consultation must be held with the Organist.

4. Custodial fees will be charged for all events.  All set-up and decoration issues must be settled with the Parish Steward at least two weeks in advance of an event.

5. All fees and donations are to be paid in advance.  (See the Fees and Suggested Donations Guidelines below.)

6. In the event of a wedding, the throwing of either rice or confetti on church property is prohibited.  It is permissible to throw bird seed out of doors.  If candles are used, they must be dripless and supplied by the party using the church.

Fees and Suggested Donation Guidelines
(Board of Trustees - approved June 2003)

Donations for Church Use

For non-members, we suggest a donation to the church of $200.  We consider the suggested donation to be a contribution to the overall program of the United Church of Christ, Congregational.  Generally, these contributions are requested to cover staffing of the event, the cost of heat, light, water, maintenance and care of the church building and furnishings.  We hope that any group unable to pay the suggested donation will consider offering time, energy and talent to the care of these facilities.

There is no suggested usage donation for church members, though donations will be gratefully accepted.

If usage donations are paid by check, the check should be payable to the United Church of Christ, Congregational.

Fees for Services Provided

• Custodial fee -- $50 for each event (A wedding rehearsal, ceremony and reception would be considered three events, with fees totaling $150.)

• Pastor -- $250-$500

• Organist -- $100-$250 (Add $25 for each extra rehearsal with soloists, whether vocal or instrumental)

Fees for service provided should be paid directly to the individuals who perform the services, and checks should be payable to those individuals.  For convenience, fee payments may be left at the church office, with appropriate recipient(s) identified.

The suggested donations and fees are for one-time use.  A short-term contract for a period not to exceed six months may be negotiated with the church office, subject to approval of the Trustees.