ALLIANCE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

TRUSTEES

Policy for Possession of Keys to the Building or Office

Adopted by Administrative Board: June 5, 2005

It is the intent of the Trustees of the Alliance United Methodist Church to maintain a church environment which is conducive to personal spiritual growth, emotional sustenance, and Christian fellowship. Under ideal conditions, the church building would be open around the clock to any person or group needing a dignified place to pray, meditate, meet in Christian fellowship, receive the sacraments, or conduct church business. Unfortunately, the modern need for security and management of liability dictates that the church building have locks with rules for their use.

To balance the need for maximum access to the church buildings with the modern demand for security, the Trustees of the Alliance United Methodist Church adopt the following policy:

1. Prior to requesting a key, individuals are asked to reflect on their need and weigh it against the financial cost to the church to replace locks due to loss.

2. A key will be checked out only after the proper documentation form has been completed, signed by the recipient of the key, and filed by the church office.

3. Keys may be checked out on a semi-permanent basis to people with routine and recurring needs to access the building or church office including:

a. Paid church staff, excluding nursery staff, and the following related personnel:

i. Treasurer

ii. Financial Secretaries

iii. Pastor’s spouse

b. Duly elected chairpersons of committees listed in the charge conference booklet including:

i. Trustees

ii. Finance

iii. Staff Parish Relations

iv. Education

v. United Methodist Women

vi. United Methodist Men

vii. Lay delegate to the annual conference

viii. Lay Leader

c. One additional member of the committee to be determined by the committee.

d. Unpaid music staff.

e. Vendors with a legitimate need.

f. Contractors with a legitimate need.

g. The leaders of organizations approved by the Trustees such as Boy Scout Troop 216.

h. The leaders of organizations which rent the facility on a long term contractual basis.

4. Keys may be checked out on a temporary basis to people who have short term needs in support of a specific event, provided the keys are returned to the church office as soon as possible after the event, including:

a. Individuals or leaders of organizations leasing a part of the facility for a specific event.

b. Church members needing access to prepare for a specific church sponsored event.

5. The Trustees may approve additional individuals by a majority vote of those present at a meeting.

6. Keys shall not be reproduced.

7. Lost keys shall be reported to the church office immediately.