Because there is an occasional reason to have animals on the church property it is necessary to have some guidelines for health and safety considerations about when and where their presence is appropriate.

Examples of when animals might be on the property include pets of teachers in the ECC, pets possibly brought to church to augment a Sunday School or adult education presentation, animals brought to the Blessing of Animals on St. Francis Day, and personal pets of Clergy and Staff.

1. Animals in the ECC. It is the responsibility of the Executive Director of the ECC to determine that there is a curriculum justification for having animals in classrooms on a regular or occasional basis. Where there presence is deemed a help to the curriculum, it is the Executive Director’s responsibility to have on file copies of vaccination records where appropriate, and that the arrangements for the animal’s stay accord with professional standard hygiene and grooming practices, and that there is a plan for safely allowing children and adults to touch the animal, when that is appropriate. In all cases of children having access to touch the animal there must be a Staff member closely monitoring the process.  The safety, care and well being of the animal is also to be provided for adequately. If the animal’s owner is other than an ECC Staff member, the guideline for discussing safety procedures for both children and the animal will be discussed with the owner by the Staff member in advance.
2. Pets brought to church educational or other events. It is the responsibility of the Staff or Clergy overseeing a particular event where animals might be present to be sure there is a curriculum justification for having the animal present. If the animal’s owner is not a Clergy or Staff member, the supervisor of the event needs to go over with the animal’s owner safety and health considerations while the animal is on church property, or at church events off campus. In cases where the animal’s presence is justified, the same care for safety of both those who might be in contact with the animal and the animal itself, as outlined in paragraph 1 above, is to be assured and provided for.
3. Pets of Staff and Clergy. Pets are allowed on church property only on occasions of necessity, and on those rare occasions must be on a leash and accompanied by its adult owner.

Reviewed: August 30, 2006
Revised:
Approved: Gary K. Sturni, August 30, 2006

GUIDELINES FOR THE USE OF ALCOHOL AT CHURCH FUNCTIONS
IN THE DIOCESE OF WEST TENNESSEE

The decision to offer alcohol at any church function in the Diocese of West Tennessee will depend upon these considerations:

1. When used, it should be to appropriately enhance the event at which it is being served and, should never be the primary purpose of the event.
2. There should be a commitment to clear and distinct labeling and monitoring of all beverages and foods containing alcohol.
3. Food and attractive, non-alcoholic alternative beverages should be available for those who choose to abstain.
4. Food and beverages containing alcohol should be presented in such a way that does not seem to promote or require their use for full participation.
5. The sponsoring organization or individual should be aware of its (their) responsibility to adhere to all federal, state and local laws and ordinances regarding the sale, dispensing and control of alcohol and the incurred liability for the actions of intoxicated persons. This includes providing safe transportation for intoxicated persons.
6. The improper or criminal use of any controlled substance is strictly forbidden. This includes serving alcoholic beverages to minors as well as the abuse of prescription or non-prescription drugs at any Church function.
7. The proper implementation of these guidelines is the responsibility of the clergy and lay leadership of each congregation in this Diocese.

For further information or to share your concerns,
please contact the commission at the following address:

The Addiction and Recovery Commission
692 Poplar Avenue
Memphis, Tennessee 38105

AN INTRODUCTION TO THE ADDICTION AND RECOVERY COMMISSION
OF THE DIOCESE OF WEST TENNESSEE

(formerly known as The Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Commission)

OUR HISTORY:
The 1979 General Convention Resolution on alcoholism committed the Church to a position anticipating the problems and needs of the victims of chemical dependency and to raising consciousness about alcohol and drug use and misuse.

The 1985 General Convention Resolution on Alcohol and Drug Abuse reaffirmed the earlier position and defined a policy for the use of alcoholic beverages in parishes, calling for education and employee assistance programs.

The Fifth Annual Convention of the Diocese of West Tennessee (1987) called for the appointment of an Alcohol and Drug Abuse Committee to develop comprehensive resources in West Tennessee in response to the policies of the General Convention.

OUR PURPOSE:
The purpose of the Addiction and Recovery Commission is to offer the Church as a resource for the education, care and support of people affected by the spiritual despair and disease of addiction.

“The Church must be seen as the community of compassion to all those whose health and freedom have been lost through addiction. In the Diocese of West Tennessee, The Addiction and Recovery Commission seeks to help the Church in its ministry to alcoholics and the addicted as well as those whose lives are affected by their disease. I commend the work of the Commission to every member of this Diocese. Their goals of information, intervention and support are essential if we are to be responsible stewards of creation in the use of alcohol and compassionate in our efforts to strengthen our addicted brothers and sisters in recovery.”

1. All decorations and/or setups should be completed during the hours that the church is open – normally Monday through Friday from 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM. Other days and times must be coordinated with the Operations and Finance Administrator.
2. No pins, tacks or nails may be used to attach decorations to tables, carpets, or other surfaces. In addition, no items maybe taped to walls. Existing bulletin boards may be used (covered if necessary) to display items associated with the event. Event organizers must remove all display items and coverings after the event concludes.
3. No decorations may be attached to any permanent fixtures (light fixtures, speakers or speaker wires, etc.) in any parts of the building.
4. No wet or damp decorations are permitted. Examples: potted plants, flower arrangements or anything with liquid in it must have a plate or tray under the arrangement.
5. After the event, the space used must be restored for normal use. Decorations or setup for a reception, meeting, program or other event must be cleaned up immediately after the event. The clean-up will be supervised and approved by the church Sexton or designee before the event organizers vacate the church. Failure to satisfactorily clean the used church space will result in forfeiture of the security deposit.

Narthex

1. No items may be hung from the chandelier.
2. Furniture in the Narthex can not be moved without the approval of the Rector or Operations and Finance Administrator.

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Nave, Altar and Kitchen Areas

1. Furniture and furnishings (Altar and Altar rails, choir chairs, Nave chairs, etc.) may not be moved without the approval of the Rector or Operations and Finance Administrator. Due to the extreme care that is required for furniture movement, the event organizers must pay for and use church approved movers.
2. Nothing may be attached or hung from walls, ceilings, trusses, or any other component of the Nave.
3. A security deposit of $250 (normal $150 space use deposit plus $100) is required for use of the kitchen. If the kitchen is not cleaned to the satisfaction of the Sexton or designee, the security deposit will be forfeited.

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Parish Hall

1. Arrangement of furniture, piano and furnishings in the fireplace nook area must be left in its original configuration.
2. Due to safety issues (curious young children), fireplace use must be approved by the Rector or Operations and Finance Administrator. If young children are present during fireplace use, a responsible adult must provide supervision.

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Activity Center

Activity Center use is governed by a separate policy.

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Library

Arrangement of furniture and furnishings must be left in its original configuration after use. Library use is intended for adult activities only.

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Classrooms

Arrangement of furniture and furnishings must be left in its original configuration after use.

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Church Grounds

1. Advertising materials (signs, banners, etc.) may only be used with approval of the Rector or Operations and Finance Administrator.
2. Requests for any exceptions to this policy must be made in writing to the Operations and Finance Administrator.
3. St. George's Episcopal Church requires that guests honor our request to refrain from smoking while using the facility. No smoking is allowed within the facility, and individuals smoking outside must use cigarette butt receptacles that are provided. All event organizers are required to notify participants that smoking anywhere on church grounds is undesirable.

1. Users are responsible for all setup and cleanup of the kitchen before and after a scheduled event.
2. Excess food on plates and trays must be scraped into trash
   cans provided. Used plastic and paper products should also be dumped in the provided trash cans.
3. In order to prevent clogging, no food or food residue may be scraped into any kitchen sink. Any remaining food residue must then be rinsed into the garbage disposal prior to placement into the adjoining dishwasher.
4. The dishwasher may be used to clean cups, plates, silverware and food trays after the event. Instructions for proper use of the dishwasher are posted on the dishwasher.
5. Cleaned cups, plates, silverware, food trays must be put away. Nothing is to be left on the drying racks.
6. Coffee pots must be emptied and rinsed out. Coffee machines must be turned off.
7. Counters must be wiped down and cleaned as well as sinks.
8. The refrigerator/freezer may not be used to store leftovers. Leftovers must either be thrown out or removed by the users.
9. Food that is in the refrigerator/freezer for a specific use should be so designated to prevent accidental use bit another scheduled event or church function.
10. Trash cans must be emptied in the dumpster located in the back parking lot. Trash cans must be be relined after use.

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Kitchen Clean Up Check List

In order to keep our kitchen beautiful, clean and in order for all, we are providing you with this check list as a guideline for clean up.

Click Here to Download Form.  Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our kitchen area clean for all.

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Vestry Resolution in Regards to Kitchen Use Dated April 28, 2009

Any church member requesting the use of the kitchen for activity must complete a Kitchen Use Form which will include the name(s) of the individual or individuals who will be designated to clean up the kitchen after its use. Kitchen clean up means that, on the same day following the activity’s event, all counters must be lean and that all utensils, dishes, pots and pans, etc. must be clean and neatly stored where they were found. The activity or group failing to follow the clean up requirement will be subject to a $100 charge against the budget of that group or committee.

A member of the Kitchen Committee will check the kitchen after the event. If it is not properly cleaned up, the event chair will be notified. If sufficient time has passed and the kitchen is still not cleaned up, then a fine will be assessed against that committee.

Download Kitchen Cleanup Checklist

1. Users are responsible for all setup and cleanup of the kitchen before and after a scheduled event. Church staff is responsible only for normal maintenance. The church Sexton or designee must approve any “final” clean-up or the kitchen deposit ($250) will be forfeited.
2. Excess food on plates and trays must be scraped into trash cans provided. Used plastic and paper products should also be dumped in the provided trash cans.
3. In order to prevent clogging, no food or food residue may be scraped into any kitchen sink. Any remaining food residue must then be rinsed into the garbage disposal prior to placement into the adjoining dishwasher.
4. The dishwasher may be used to clean cups, plates, silverware and food trays after the event. The church Sexton or designee has the authority to supervise takedown and cleanup to ensure that any church owned property is restored to pre-event condition.
5. The Sexton must be consulted as to the proper use and cleaning of kitchen equipment (dishwasher, stoves, etc). Directions for proper use of the dishwasher are posted on the dishwasher.
6. The refrigerator/freezer may not be used to store leftovers. Leftovers must either be thrown out or removed by the users.
7. Food that is in the refrigerator/freezer for a specific use should be so designated to prevent accidental use by another scheduled event or church function.
8. Trash cans must be emptied in the dumpster located in the back parking lot. Trash cans must be relined after use.
9. The kitchen supply closet is for church use only.
10. No items may be stored in the kitchen electrical room.