Facility Use Overview

Union Congregational Church welcomes community use of our facilities, though church services and events take priority. Reservations are first-come, first-served and finalized only when fees and required paperwork, including liability insurance, are complete. Renters are responsible for care of the building, leaving spaces clean, and following all rules regarding food, safety, supervision of children, and parking. The church may amend policies or cancel events in cases such as funerals or severe weather. Additional fees may apply if guidelines are not followed.

Fellowship Hall: $100 (4 hours or less)

Chapel: $50 (4 hours or less)

Sanctuary: $150 (4 hours or less)

Kitchen: $75 (4 hours or less)

Parlor: $50 (4 hours or less)

Set-up / Break-down by custodian: +$50

Additional:

• Key deposit: $20 (refunded when returned)
• Extra custodial cleaning fee: applied if renter does not leave space as required

Members’ weddings, funerals, and receptions = no fee (donations encouraged).
Non-member weddings/funerals = fees determined by the Diaconate.

We are pleased to offer our facilities for community activities. Please note that church functions take precedence, even on short notice, such as a funeral or memorial service. In such cases, the church reserves the right to cancel your event or move it to another space in the building. If a change is necessary, the Administrative Assistant will notify your contact person as soon as possible. In the event of a cancellation, your fee will be refunded in full.

All scheduling must be arranged through the church’s Administrative Assistant by phone, email, or in person, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Reservations are made on a first-come, first-served basis and are finalized only when all fees are paid and all paperwork is completed. Because demand for space is high, we recommend completing paperwork—including a certificate of liability insurance—at least one month in advance. Please also share a copy of these guidelines with your onsite contact person before the event.

1. Renters must provide proof of liability insurance (especially for ongoing programs) and must list Union Congregational Church as “additional insured.” Reservations are not finalized without this certificate.
2. All groups are responsible for reasonable care of the premises, including the parking lot. You must designate one contact person who will ensure these guidelines are followed and that the building is secure after your event. This person will receive a checklist to assist with this responsibility.
3. If you need access outside regular office hours, you may pick up a key in advance. A $20 key deposit is required and will be refunded when the key is returned.
4. Reservations are specific to the time and space requested. Additional fees may be charged if your group exceeds the time or space reserved.
5. Upon arrival, locate the church’s emergency defibrillator, in the hallway across from the telephone. Directions are on the device. Opening the cabinet will set off an alarm, but it will not automatically call emergency services. In an emergency, dial 911.
6. If the church closes due to severe winter weather, all events are canceled. Please check the WMUR Closings and Delays page (www.wmur.com/weather/closings). If either “ConVal School District” (weekdays) or “Union Congregational Church, Peterborough” (weekends) is listed, the building is closed and your event must be canceled or rescheduled.
7. We recycle. Please use marked receptacles in the kitchen. If you generate large amounts of recyclables, plan to take them with you.
8. No food or beverages are allowed in the Sanctuary. All promotional materials, decorations, etc. must be removed at the end of your event.
9. All interior and exterior doors must remain accessible. Do not block any doors.
10. Please refrain from using perfumes, aftershaves, or heavily scented products to help protect those with allergies or asthma.
11. Alcohol and tobacco products are not permitted on the premises (including porches and entryways) at any time.
12. If your group has reserved the kitchen:
     a. Soap and paper towels are provided. You must bring your own food, beverages, condiments, dish towels, and disposable service items.
     b. Take all rubbish with you, including open or prepared food and beverages. Bring your own containers and trash bags.
     c. Keep dish strainers in place to prevent items from entering drains.
     d. Only commercially sealed juice, water, or snacks may be donated, and only with prior approval. Do not leave items without notifying the church.
     e. Leave the kitchen clean: wash and put away dishes, pots, and pans; turn off appliances; and unplug coffee pots.
     f. Dishwasher instructions are posted on the refrigerator. Please follow them carefully.
13. Hall and kitchen phones are for local calls only.
14. In accordance with our Safe Church policy, all children not under direct supervision of their parents/guardians must be supervised by two adults at all times. If children are in more than one space, two adults must be present in each space.
15. Thermostats should not be set higher than 68°F. Please advise participants to dress for cool or transitional weather. The building is not air-conditioned in summer.
16. Observe parking restrictions in fire lanes and tenant-reserved spaces. Cars parked in these areas will be towed. For large events, arrange overflow parking at the Methodist Church (603-924-3555) or the Peterborough Town Library (603-924-8040). Advise participants not to park in neighbors’ driveways.
17. Special considerations may be made on a case-by-case basis.

To ensure comfort and safety for all visitors, the church reserves the right to amend these guidelines without prior notice.

Please note: Additional fees may be charged if cleanup is required after your event.

Union Congregational Church groups and church-sponsored groups incur no fee for building use.
There is no fee for members’ weddings, funerals, or receptions following those events. Contributions to help offset costs of heat, electricity, and other expenses are appreciated.

Building use fees for weddings and funerals for non-members are determined by the church’s Diaconate. Please contact the church office to request a brochure for details.