Policies

Use of Church Bus:

• Because of insurance reasons, the Bus is intended for Church related activities only.
• Groups using the bus will pay for all fuel costs, excluding Care & Concern evangelism trip to various nursing homes, etc., & Sunday morning pickups.

Requesting the Bus:

• Request for the Bus should be made 30 days in advance, using the Bus information request form. This form includes information about the trip and drivers’ information to obtain proper approval from our insurance company.
• Use of the Church Bus will be approved by the Bus Coordinator.

Approved Drivers:

• Drivers must be approved through our Insurance Company. Potential drivers must submit information regarding their date of birth, driver’s license information, whether the driver would be a regular driver or a substitute and whether they had any violations in the last three years.
• Any Bethel Church Member over the age of 25 can drive the Bus on Church business.
• There are No age limits but drivers over 65 may be required to answer additional questions regarding their health.
• A CDL license is not required for this size vehicle (14 passenger).

Bus Operation:

• Prior to trip the driver must complete a pre-trip inspection of the Bus (attached).
• Release forms should be signed and completed for all under-age youth and children riding the bus (from Church Office).
• A cell phone for emergency use must be provided by the group utilizing the Bus.
• Smoking, drugs, or alcoholic beverages are not permitted on the Bus.
• Food and drink is acceptable providing the Bus is returned in the same condition.
• Seat belts use is required at all times during operation of the Bus.
• The Bus should be refueled before returning to the Church.
• The interior of the Bus should be cleaned by the group using the Bus. Any heavy road dirt should be rinsed off the Bus before it is returned to the church. The Bus should be returned in a condition ready for use by any subsequent use.

• Dates will be reserved on a first come basis.
• Contact the church secretary (712-722-3101) to make sure the dates are available and to reserve the date. Contact the church custodian to make arrangements for your meeting/activity.
• All events must be arranged with the church secretary (712-722-3101) and the church custodian at least one week prior to the event. (Exceptions: funerals and visitations)
• Arrangements for funerals are normally made by the Funeral Home Director and the family.
• The person requesting use of Bethel CRC must be present to ensure that the facility is used in accordance with policy. This person is also responsible for coordinating and implementing any needed set-up, take down, and clean up for the activity. Arrangements must be made with the church custodian.
• The council shall review programs in the sanctuary or fellowship hall by persons or groups outside the Christian Reformed Church.
• Any damage done to facilities and/or the furnishings by the person or group responsible shall make repairs to the satisfaction of the Council of Bethel CRC.

General Policy Rules:

• Any group using Bethel CRC will clean-up all areas used and replace all equipment used.
• All activities must be cleaned up and all personal belongings removed by 5:00 p.m. on Saturday.
• If children/students are present when the facilities are used, they must be under responsible adult supervision. Please do not allow play in the sanctuary or in areas of church that are not being used by your group.
• The use of tobacco or alcoholic beverages is prohibited in the church building.
• There is not to be any food or drink in the sanctuary. Please refrain from using punches that stain.
• Sound/video/PowerPoint equipment is to be run by Bethel CRC qualified personnel only. Contact Bruce Dooyema or Allan Bolkema if you will need someone to operate the sound/video equipment.
• Pulpit furniture, pianos, and decorations may not be moved without custodian present.
• No tables or chairs may be removed from the storage room or from other rooms without the custodian’s approval.
• No tables or chairs may be removed from the church building without permission from the custodian.
• No duct tape, tape, staples, tacks, nails, pins, screws, or any like objects are to be placed into or attached to walls, floors, chairs, or furnishings.

Church Societies/Rental Group Policies:

• All moved furniture must be properly placed back where it was first found.
• Make sure the room(s) looks the same way it did when you arrived.
• When used to serve or eat food, tables and chairs need to be wiped off when you are finished.
• Any spills on floors (carpet or tile) should be cleaned. If you are unable to clean up the spill, please let the custodian know ASAP.

Kitchen Policies:

• The kitchen must be left clean, in the same condition as it was, when the user is finished.
• Please do not use juices that will stain.
• Used dish towels/clothes need to be left to be laundered by kitchen personnel.
• Do not use towels or dish cloths in the coffee pots. Use nylon scrubbers and paper towels.
• Dishwasher must be supervised by qualified operators only.
• Table cloths are available on request only. Kitchen personnel will launder.
•  Please do not "borrow" anything from the kitchen without approval from the kitchen committee.

Additional policies for non-members:

• Dishwasher may be used by pre-approved qualified operator.
• Use of dishwasher and dishes are an additional fee of $100.00
• Coffee needs to be provided by rental party.

Church Building Rental Request Form

The following are fees an policies for Bethel CRC members and non-members to consider when requesting renting the Lighthouse for non-church related activities.

Member Fees for renting of the Lighthouse

• Kitchen/Living room area - $100
• Kitchen Only - $25 (food prep only)
• Per Classroom - $25
• Junior High Youth Group room (Basement) - $25

Non-Member fees for renting of the Lighthouse

• Kitchen/Living room area - $200
• Kitchen Only - $50
• Per Classroom - $50
• Junior High Youth Group room (Basement) - $50

When using the Lighthouse, you are responsible for the following:

• Washing and putting away all dishes you use.
• Vacuuming if needed.
• Returning all furniture where you found it.
• Sweeping the kitchen and dining room area.
• Making sure all lights are shut off.
• Locking and shutting the door when you are the last one to leave.

Items not allowed in the Lighthouse:

• Pets
• Alcohol
• Tobacco

Any damage done to facilities and/or the furnishings by the person or group responsible shall make repairs to the satisfaction of the Council of Bethel CRC. Please report any damage to custodian.

*Sunday rentals need to be out of the Lighthouse by 4:00 p.m.

*We will not reserve the Lighthouse more than one year in advance. The exception would be weddings

**Non-members can rent the Lighthouse after Nov. 1 for Thanksgiving and after Dec. 1 for Christmas events.

Lighthouse Rental Form

Bethel Severe Weather Policy 

• In the event of severe weather on a Sunday or other day when church events are scheduled, cancellations will be announced on KSUO (1090 AM, 93.9 FM) as well as the Bethel Prayerline e-mail list. Notice of cancellation will also be posted on the Bethel website (www.bethelsc.org) and the Bethel Facebook page (bethelcrcsiouxcenter). We will try to announce cancellations at least two hours prior to the event (by 8:00am for Sunday morning services). 
• In the event of cancelation of in-person worship, the council president, in consultation with the senior pastor and worship coordinator, may substitute a Livestream-only service. Ordinarily this determination will be made 24-hours in advance to allow the pastor, worship leader(s), and limited sound and video crew to make the necessary adjustments to a Livestream-only format.
• In the event of inclement weather during office hours, the church office will be open at the discretion of church staff. Please call to verify if anyone is present.
• In the case of sudden severe weather use your best judgment. Church services and other events are always canceled in the case of a tornado warning issued by the National Weather Service for Sioux County, when the warning extends past the beginning time of the worship service or mid-week activity.
• In the event that school is cancelled or has an early out due to inclement weather, there will be no Youth Group, GEMS, or Cadets.  
• All other committees or Bible studies will use their own discretion in determining whether they will cancel their meeting due to inclement weather. They also will communicate to their members when a cancellation occurs.
• In all cases, please use your personal discretion to determine if it is safe for you to leave your home and travel to church.
• Cancellations shall be determined by the President of Council in consultation with Dave Van Holland, and the Senior Pastor. The President of Council will contact the local radio stations and the Bethel Administrative Assistant. The Administrative Assistant will send out a prayer line e-mail and update the webpage and social media. 
• In the event of sudden severe weather during church activities, please move from the sanctuary into the interior Sunday School rooms, office area, bathrooms, or interior hallway.

Appendix: Contact Info:

KSOU: (712) 722-1090
Dave Van Holland: (712) 441-2078
Ron Fedders: 712-441-7266
Wanda Vande Kieft: (712) 441-3914
Pastor John: (712) 441-5871
Renee Wielenga (Facebook): (712) 441-2591

BETHEL CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH SIOUX CENTER, IOWA SAFE CHURCH POLICY

1. Introduction: Finally, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. Phil. 4:8 NIVThrough the great commandment, Jesus instructs his followers to love God with all your heart, your soul, and mind, and to love your neighbor as yourself. Bethel Christian Reformed Church strives to be obedient to this command by valuing its family of believers as God’s beloved. Bethel recognizes that, because in an imperfect, sinful world, sexual abuse and other forms of abuse and neglect do occur in church families. The Christian Reformed Church Synod’s Committee on Sexual Abuse within the Church has verified this. It is Bethel’s responsibility to address the issue of abuse so as to ensure that all members can develop spiritually in an environment that is caring, supportive and loving. Because of these findings and our commitment to care for our members, Bethel Christian Reformed Church is continuing a policy on abuse prevention and protection to ensure that Bethel Christian Reformed Church is a safe church for church-related activity.
   1. Policy Goals. The goals of this policy are to:
      1. Make the church and its programs a safe place for everyone;
      2. Protect church workers from false allegations of abuse;
      3. Reduce the church’s legal risk by meeting the test of reasonable care;
      4. Reduce opportunities for temptation.
   2. General Policy Guidelines. The following general guidelines, as may be more fully supplemented in subsequent paragraphs, are intended to promote safety, well-being, security, discretion and appropriateness of interactions between church members:
      1. Commitment of leaders and volunteers. Leaders and volunteers high school-age and older are expected to commit to the “Individual Responsibility” statement attached to this policy, annually. (see Appendix #1). Volunteers high school age on up to 18 years should sign the “Individual Responsibility for Minors” (see Appendix #2).
      2. Visibility/transparency. Interactions between church leaders and participants should be conducted in view of others (i.e. open doors to offices or classrooms, in offices or classrooms with glass windows on doors, with doors ajar in restrooms when changing diapers or assisting children, etc. All classrooms and nurseries at Bethel Church should have unobstructed views into them.
      3. Opposite sex interactions. Interactions between two non-family church members of the opposite sex should generally be conducted in a public or visible setting, or accompanied by a third person.
      4. Family members. When members of the same family serve together, they should be accompanied by another church member (high school age or older) when interacting with children or youth in nursery, children and worship, and tot church.
      5. Prevention. In interactions that pose a risk (i.e. a home visit alone, a private conversation behind closed doors, driving someone, etc.) the leader or church member should notify a council member beforehand if possible or at least provide a monthly record of visits.
      6. Awareness. Bethel CRC will provide awareness on the indicators of abuse that together give reasonable cause to believe that abuse may be occurring, so that staff and volunteers will be alert to these indicators.
      7. Reporting. Any suspicions of abuse will be communicated in confidence to the Safe Church Coordinator.
2. Definitions
   1. Definitions of Abuse.
      Abusers can be:
      • parents, siblings, or other relatives
      • childcare professionals
      • clergy, teachers, or athletic coaches
      • neighbors or friends
      • other children
      • strangers
        See Appendix #6 for definitions, physical indicators, and behavioral indicators of the 4 types of abuse.
3. Awareness
   1. Training/Education
      1. All committees of the church will receive a copy of this policy, which must be reviewed periodically.
      2. This policy will be made available to all who accuse others of inappropriate conduct as well as to the accused of misconduct.
      3. Leaders of Church School, Cadets, GEMS, Nursery and Youth Groups are encouraged to review this policy with staff annually. Special concern should be given to acquainting new staff or volunteers with this policy.
      4. All church leaders should wisely avoid appearances of impropriety, especially in one-to-one situations.
4. Prevention
   1. At all church sponsored functions involving the supervision of children and youth, either Two Adult Rule or the Rule of Three will be practiced.
      1. Two-Adult Rule. An important dimension of abuse prevention for the children and teens to whom we minister, and an important deterrent to false accusation of abuse, is the presence of more than one approved adult at every function and in each classroom, vehicle, or other enclosed area during all children and youth activities. For these reasons, all ministries shall implement the two-adult rule to the extent practical for their ministry.Where it is not practical to have two approved adults present, the teacher/leader shall avoid being in the room with only one child present. If only one child is present (such as the first one in and the last one out), the door must be open wide enough for the teacher/leader and student to be observed by a passer-by.
      2. The Rule of Three. At least three individuals (at least one must be a screened adult and the remaining two no younger than 5 years of age) must be present at every function and in each classroom, vehicle, or other enclosed area during all children and youth activities.
   2. Permitted Conduct. It is quite natural, appropriate and desirable for Christians to express and share their love and affection for each other and Christ. This sharing is essential for healthy emotional and spiritual well-being of individuals, and for the growth and development of a loving and caring Christian community such as Bethel Christian Reformed Church. This sharing of love is especially important to children for their normal, healthy and happy growth and development.The expressing and sharing of one’s Christian love to a child or adult member shall not be considered abuse or be in any way prohibited, restricted or limited by this policy. The following conduct by church leaders (paid staff, office-bearer or appointed volunteer) shall be considered an expression of this Christian love and not abuse or even creating the appearance of abuse:
      1. Verbally expressing one’s Christian love and affection to another;
      2. Appropriately holding and comforting another person;
      3. Occasionally and appropriately hugging or embracing another person, when initiated by the other;
      4. Sharing emotional and spiritual concerns with another person;
      5. Providing necessary medical care attention to another person;
      6. Encouraging another member to appropriately express and share their Christian love.
   3. Discipline/Behavior Policy
      1. Corporal punishment (slapping, hitting and pushing) is not permitted.
      2. Abusive verbal discipline (yelling, hurling insults, threatening) is not permitted.
      3. Gentle restraint may be used if two adults are present.
      4. The restraint should only be adequate to gently deter the child and provide safety for the child and others.
      5. The parent[s] should be informed of the child’s actions and strongly encouraged to ensure that the child is in a positive frame of mind when attending the activity.
      6. The parent[s] should be informed that continued negative behavior by the child may result in the parent[s] being required to participate in the activity with the child, or that without parental presence the child may not be allowed to participate in the activity.
      7. Concerns about a child’s behavior or the appropriate response to a child’s behavior should be reported to the program supervisor.
      8. An aide or a parent should be involved weekly in classrooms where misbehavior is an ongoing problem.
      9. Expectations of children’s/youth’s behavior must reflect their age and level of comprehension. Similarly, discipline must reflect their age and level of comprehension.
      10. Children are to be reminded of the kind of behavior that is acceptable for the setting. Older children and youth may benefit from having these expectations in written form. Whenever possible, leaders should try to avoid having to discipline a child/youth by choosing one or more of the following options:
          1. Distract the child/youth with another activity
          2. Help the child/youth focus on another more acceptable behavior
          3. Isolate the child/youth from others if another volunteer staff is available to assist
          4. For young children, time-outs should not last longer (in minutes) than the age of the child. For example, a three-year-old should not have to sit for a time-out any longer than three minutes.
          5. When nothing seems to be working, leaders should get help before “losing their cool.”
   4. Pastoral Care Givers (Pastors, Elders, Deacons)
      1. Pastoral care givers will report all one-on-one pastoral visits to their respective reporting groups (deacons to deacons, elders to elders) by submitting a list of all visits whenever they meet.
      2. The use of a public place (such as a restaurant) or meeting with a third person is preferable to meeting alone with a parishioner of the opposite gender.
      3. Counseling should be arranged to take place in a formal setting such as a church office or pastor’s study whenever possible.
      4. A display of affection is often an expression of encouragement and support. However, a display of affection can be misinterpreted or misused. A person’s right to refuse affection will be respected.
      5. No inappropriate gifts, phone calls, electronic communication, or letters will be exchanged between a pastoral caregiver and a person who is receiving pastoral care.
   5. Policies for Nursery, Preschool, Elementary and Junior/Senior High School Ages
      1. Nursery Policy. The nursery is available for children ages 0 - 3 years old. Parents using the nursery are asked not to bring children with obvious or questionable illnesses in order to limit exposure. For the safety of children in nursery, the following guidelines shall be followed:
         1. There should ordinarily be at least two volunteers, at least high school age, from different families present in each nursery room who should not leave until all children have been claimed by a parent or guardian.
         2. All parents utilizing the nursery should sign each child in and out. Children should wear name tags at all times
      2. Children & Worship Children
         1. Volunteers should be in their assigned classrooms before the arrival of the students in order to provide adequate supervision. Name tags should be provided to assist in identifying regular students, visitors and new members.
         2. Parents are encouraged to have their children visit the bathroom prior to class sessions.
      3. Elementary School Children
         1. Volunteers are encouraged to be in their assigned classrooms before the arrival of the students in order to provide adequate supervision.
         2. Bullying or harmful behavior between students will not be permitted.
         3. One-on-one contact between a student and staff or volunteer should take place in an open area
      4. Junior/Senior High Youth
         1. Bullying or harmful behavior between students will not be permitted.
         2. Transportation for all individuals shall require awareness of the parents or guardians.
         3. One-on-one contact between a student and staff or volunteer should take place in an open area.
         4. Regardless of relative ages, it is never appropriate for a youth leader staff or volunteer and youth group member to date.
         5. No frequent and lengthy personal correspondence (writing, telephone calls, e-mail, texting or social media) or gift giving will occur between staff or volunteer leaders and members.
         6. In case of reported abuse, staff will not engage in counseling but should immediately contact the “Safe Church” person for appropriate action or direction.
         7. Every year staff or volunteer leaders are encouraged to provide training to the youth on appropriate behavior regarding emotional, verbal and physical abuse.
         8. Junior/Senior Youth Leaders who are volunteering will have a background check completed at the start of their 4 year term.
      5. Communication with youth:
         1. Any one-on-one contact between a student and staff or volunteer should take place in an open area.
         2. No adult should engage in frequent and/or lengthy personal correspondence [writing, telephone calls, e-mail, texting, or social media] or gift giving between staff or volunteer leaders and minors. In the case of text messaging, a third party should be added to a message between an adult and a minor; e.g. a youth elder or parent.
         3. Texting precautions:
            1. Don’t shorten words as they can be misconstrued in their meanings.
            2. Be judicious in the use of emojis—only enough to convey the tone of the message.
            3. Use common words, short sentences, action verbs.
            4. Be specific—get to the point quickly.
            5. For normal communication, specify times of day that are appropriate to text or email. For special events, such as trips, night outings, etc. specify the times for communication and communicate to everyone in advance.
            6. Refrain from use of ALL CAPS and excessive punctuation.
            7. The number of texts to be limited. Extensive conversations should take place in person with a third party present.
            8. Check for spelling and grammatical errors. Predictive text can sometimes lead to inappropriate messages.
            9. Electronic messaging should protect the rights of all parties involved—students, adult leaders, church staff, and others.
   6. Transportation Policy. When it is necessary for Bethel youth to be transported by teachers, staff and/or adult sponsors, then:
      1. All drivers who plan to drive the church van or personal vehicle for the regular church ministry of Cadets, Gems, Junior/Senior Youth Program, or VBS, must read and sign the Personal Certification of Driver Eligibility form (see Appendix #4). Certification will be updated on a regular basis.
      2. The following procedures must be in place:
         1. The number of persons per vehicle should include at least three people.
         2. Permission (normally a signed permission slip) for transporting has been received from the parent or guardian.
      3. Drivers need to abide by state requirements for seat belt use, air bag safety, and car seat use.
         1. Passengers are to wear seat belts whenever the vehicle is in service. Drivers may not transport more passengers than available seat belts.
         2. For safety, children under the age of 12 may not sit in the front seat if there are passenger airbags.
         3. As required by law, car seats will be used for younger children.Note: This policy does not cover adults or minors who transport family-related children or youth to/from church-sponsored events. This policy does not cover parents (guardians) who request or give permission for an adult or minor to transport non-family related children or youth to/from church-sponsored events.
   7. Overnight Activities Guidelines
      1. The appropriate Permission Waiver Form (see Appendix #3), specific to the event, will be signed by a parent or guardian on all overnight stays. All such release forms will accompany the volunteers.
      2. The parents or guardians will be given the travel agenda, emergency guidelines and telephone numbers prior to departure.
      3. Separate sleeping areas for each gender, with appropriate adult supervision, will be established.
      4. If there is an accident or injury requiring medical attention, a written report will be completed and given to the safe church coordinator. Bethel Christian Reformed Church accepts no responsibility for non-sponsored church events.
   8. Reference Forms (Appendix #7) -
      Forms will be obtained for all those volunteering to work with our children and youth who are new members up to a year and those who are non-members. Forms will be kept with our safe church file. At least one safe church member/staff member and corresponding leader with where that volunteer will be under supervision will review and determine if the reference is acceptable. If recommendation is not approved, a 3rd person should review, confirm, and bring a recommendation to council. Recommendations can be completed by Pastors, Youth Directors, elder, deacon, co-worker, boss, or family friend. This will exclude our shorter VBS program. Reference form requirements may be waived by a vote of the church council based upon reports from church members in good standing who have personal knowledge of the prospective volunteer
5. Reporting
   1. Abuse Response and Reporting
      1. Mandated reporters (anyone who has received child-abuse training) shall immediately report any reasonable suspicion of child abuse to the proper civil authorities. The reporter shall also notify the Safe Church Coordinator as soon as possible.
      2. Permissive reporters (those who are not defined as mandated reporters) may immediately report a reasonable suspicion of child abuse to the proper civil authorities. The reporter shall also notify the Safe Church Coordinator as soon as possible.
      3. Permissive reporters who are uncertain about reporting a suspicion of child abuse may consult with the Safe Church Coordinator. The Safe Church Coordinator may report if the permissive reporter refuses to do so.
      4. It is the responsibility of the police officials or proper civil authorities to notify the alleged offender of the allegations against him/her. Neither the first-hand reporter nor the Safe Church Coordinator should communicate with the alleged offender until police officials or the proper civil authorities have interviewed him/her.
      5. The proper civil authorities are:
         Sioux County Protective Services (712-255-2699) or the
         State Department of Human Services www.dhs.state.ia.us/reportingchildabuse.asp or 1-800-362-2178 If unsure if it is a criminal act as listed, contact the County Attorney:
         email: attorney@siouxcounty.org phone: 712-737-2457
      6. State law protects persons from liability when they report actual or suspected abuse, as long as they do not act maliciously.
      7. Incident Forms must be filled out with any questionable or suspicious activity. The Safe Church team will contact the head leader who corresponds with where the alleged event happened and form a plan of action and decide if the event is true. If it is determined that our policy was in fact violated and no gross abuse was committed, the church council will be notified and a “Probationary Letter” will be filled out indicating the violation, expectations, and consequences. Once under probation, if a violation was found, the volunteer will be removed from that position. (See Appendix 5).
   2. Response to the Alleged Offender
      1. If the alleged offender is in a position of trust or authority, or serves in ministry to youth, the person will be removed from that role or function until the investigation is complete.
      2. Upon completion of the investigation, if the person is arrested or charged with a criminal or civil infraction, the person should be suspended (if paid staff) or should be denied re-entry to that role or function until the criminal or civil matter is concluded.
      3. If the person confesses or is found guilty of a criminal or civil infraction, the person will be discharged (if previously suspended) or will be barred from future service in ministry to youth.
      4. If the person is acquitted of a criminal or civil infraction, the person may be restored to role or function. It is advisable that the council seek legal counsel regarding reinstatements.
   3. Responding to a Child’s Report of Abuse
      1. If a child confides in you, listen carefully, in a supportive, non-judgmental manner. Do not appear frightened or disgusted by the child’s story.
      2. Avoid asking questions or trying to assess the truthfulness of the disclosure. Reassure the child that he/she did the right thing by telling you.
      3. Tell the child that you need to find help so the incident can be prevented from happening again.
      4. Do not frighten the child by talking about police involvement or medical examinations. Instead, share with the child that other people need to know what happened and they will talk to the child later.
      5. Do not ask the child to show you any bruises; only observe accessible bruises or markings.
      6. Do not investigate the child’s story; rather listen to the story, and take notes immediately afterwards while fresh in your memory.
      7. Report a reasonable suspicion of child abuse to the proper civil authorities immediately; then contact the Safe Church Coordinator.
   4. Safe Church Coordinator/Team. The Safe Church Coordinator is a role designed for either an individual or team that would involve the following responsibilities:
      1. Educating the members of Bethel CRC regarding the issues surrounding a safe church policy and its required effects on the church’s ministries, its leaders and participants.
      2. Educating newcomers as to the nature of the policy and its requirements.
      3. Providing for, and collecting “Statement of Individual Responsibility” from all leaders and volunteers participating in ministry, and keeping the files up to date.
      4. Review Policy for changes as needed.
      5. Be available to church members to receive and report allegations of abuse or misbehavior.
      6. All screening material, incident forms, and probationary letters will be filed away in a locked cabinet in the church office. No breach of confidentiality will occur as the key will remain with Safe Church team members. Recommendation forms and Statement of Individual Responsibility forms will be filed away on a secure google document per church secretary.
      7. Safe Church team members will be on a 3 year term, with the option to be renewable. Team members should make recommendations to Council for possible replacements.

Wedding dates will be reserved on a first come basis.

Weddings are considered worship services and must reflect the Biblical teaching of marriage as a sacred covenantal union between a man and a woman united by God.

The pastor or officiant must be approved by the Bethel CRC council.

The lyrics of the music used in the wedding ceremony must reflect the Biblical teaching for marriage and life.

Any person or group using the Wayside Chapel is responsible for any needed set-up and take-down.

This person or group will clean up all areas used and replace all equipment used.

Any damage done to facilities and/or the furnishings by the person or group responsible shall make repairs to the satisfaction of the council of Bethel CRC.

The use of tobacco or alcoholic beverages is prohibited.

The person requesting use of the Wayside Chapel must be present to ensure the facility is used in accordance with policy.

Bethel  CRC staff will not be present during all activities. Bethel is not responsible for damage to the party's personal belongings or injuries that occur.

Wayside Chapel Rental Request Form

In the life of the Church, marriage is a sacred covenant between a man and a woman. In a Christian wedding, we give praise to God as the source of our love for one another. We ask for God’s blessing and for God’s help as we seek to be faithful in our commitments. While there is room for variety and the inclusion of things that help make the service personal, we keep in mind that a Christian wedding is a service of worship. The congregation of Bethel CRC is pleased to support the planning of weddings based upon this understanding.

While church buildings provide a beautiful setting for weddings, so much more is involved in a Christian wedding than a beautiful environment. The pastor will want to talk with all couples about the meaning of Christian marriage as well as the logistics of the wedding service itself. It is important to contact the pastor as soon as possible for an initial counseling session. Only after the pastor has been contacted and has met with the couple can the wedding be scheduled.

Most weddings at Bethel CRC will involve the pastors of our congregation. However, it is certainly permissible for clergy from other congregations to officiate. In such circumstances, please state on the reservation form the name of the pastor and church affiliation for approval by the elders of Bethel CRC.

Reservations

The church secretary handles all wedding, rehearsal, and reception reservations, with approval of the pastor. Please complete a Facilities Use Request Form, which is submitted to the church secretary. All reservations are tentative. Call the church secretary at 712-722-3101 if you have questions.

Generally, no weddings may be held on Sundays; and during the Advent and Christmas seasons, no decorations can be removed.

Expectations

1. Waiting period: normally a minimum of 6 months from the initial marital appointment until the wedding date.
2. Pre-marital counseling: normally we require a minimum of 5-6 sessions with a representative from Bethel CRC before the marriage and one follow-up session six months after the ceremony.
3. Faith commitment: Both the husband-to-be and the wife-to-be must have a faith commitment to Christ as their Savior and Lord (Pastors are not allowed to marry a believer and unbeliever)
4. Living arrangements: During the engagement we expect the couple to live at separate residences and commit themselves to sexual purity prior to marriage.
5. Support couple: We strongly encourage you to identify and arrange to meet regularly with an established married couple who will be a source of on-going encouragement and support during your first year of marriage.
6. Exceptions: all exceptions to the above requirements must be discussed by the couple with their pastor.

SANCTUARY

• The sanctuary when used for weddings shall be used for the marriage ceremony only. Please make arrangements with the custodians at least four weeks prior.
• No tacks, nails, pins, screws, or any like objects are to be driven into or attached to walls, floors, pews, or furnishings.
• No candles or flowers shall be placed on the organ console or piano. Flowers shall be on stands to protect against moisture damage. Place wax paper under burning candles unless using General Wax Fluted Candles.
• The use of tobacco or alcoholic beverages is prohibited in the building.
• Food or drink for your wedding may be brought into any classroom or the Fellowship Hall and kitchen; do not bring these into the sanctuary, narthex, nursery or council room. Please refrain from using punches that stain.
• If preschool and grade school students are present when the facilities are used, they must be under responsible adult supervision. Please do not allow play in the sanctuary.
• Pulpit furniture, pianos, tables and chairs should only be moved with the custodians present. Please do not move chairs/tables in or out of the storage room.
• The Communion Table may only display the Bible or elements of the Lord’s Supper.
• All activities should be finished and cleaned up by 5:00 p.m. on a Saturday. Any exceptions should be pre-arranged with the custodian.

VIDEO AND SOUND

• Bethel CRC qualified sound personnel are the only persons allowed to use the sound equipment.
• The bridal couple is responsible for obtaining a qualified sound person. If assistance is needed, please contact the church secretary at 712-722-3101.
• Cost is $75.00 per event. This will also include time for the rehearsal if you want the Sound System used for the rehearsal.
• If a recording is requested, please notify the sound personnel. A USB drive will be provided by the church if you do not provide one. Original one is free, additional USB drives are $5/drive.
• ·If livestreaming is requested, please let the sound personal know in advance.

KITCHEN AND FELLOWSHIP ROOM USE

• All clean-up must be done before you leave. This includes washing all dishes and silverware.
• Please do not “borrow” any items from the kitchen or building.

CUSTODIAN

• · The church secretary will notify the custodians of all coming weddings.

CHURCH COUNCIL

• Any damage done to facilities and/or the furnishings by the person or group responsible shall make repairs to the satisfaction of the Council of Bethel CRC.

FEES

See the Church Building Rental Request Form.

PASTORS AND ORGANISTS

• The bridal couple is responsible to obtain their own organist. Only those who are regular or accredited organists shall be permitted to play the organ. All others must check with Bethel’s head organist. If you need assistance, call the church secretary at 712-722-3101.
• Music sung and/or played must not be irreverent in nature.
• Gratuities are usually given to pastors, organist, soloist, and other musicians. Please confirm this with your pastor and organist, soloist, and with any other musicians.