Rental Policies for the Village Church in Weston (VCW)
130 Newton Street, Weston MA 02493
office@wellesleyvillagechurch.org
(781) 899-5417
I. Introduction
These Rental Policies are for the Village Church in Weston (“VCW”), located at 130 Newton Street, Weston, MA, 02493. These policies outline the terms and conditions for the rental and use of VCW facilities.
II. Rental Space Details
VCW offers the following spaces for rent:
- Sanctuary
- Gathering Space
- Library
- Meditation Room
Maximum capacity for each space is as follows:
- Sanctuary 120
- Gathering Space 30
- Library 10
- Meditation Room 6 – 8
Available amenities include:
- Access to non-commercial kitchen (additional fee)
- Free Wi-Fi
- Free Parking
III. Rental Process
- All rental requests must be submitted at least 5 days prior to the event date.
- To reserve a space, Renter must complete the VCW Rental Request Form and receive approval from VCW.
- A security deposit of $100 is required to confirm the reservation.
- Full payment is due 1 day before the event. We require at least 48 hours notice for cancellations (see cancellation policy below)Accepted payment methods include:
- Check
- Online payment via credit card
IV. Event Details
Renter must provide a clear, detailed description of their organization and the event being held at the time of booking.
Permitted activities include but are not limited to:
- Religious services and ceremonies
- Interfaith dialogue sessions
- Educational workshops and seminars
- Cultural celebrations and festivals
- Community meetings and forums
- Meditation and mindfulness sessions
- Charitable and fundraising events (non-political)
- Art exhibitions
- Music and dance performances
- Book clubs and discussion groups
- Youth group activities and interfaith camps
- Counseling and support group meetings
- Yoga and other spiritual wellness practices
- Wedding ceremonies
- Memorial services and celebrations of life
Prohibited activities include but are not limited to:
- Political campaigning or political fundraising events
- Activities promoting hate speech or discrimination
- Commercial sales or profit-driven events unrelated to the Center’s mission
- Gambling or games of chance
- Activities involving illegal substances
- Violent or aggressive behavior
- Activities that pose a safety risk to participants or the facility
- Loud parties or disruptive events that disturb the peace
- Activities that violate local, state, or federal laws
- Proselytizing or attempts to convert individuals to a specific faith
- Activities that disrespect or mock other faith traditions
- Use of open flames (except for approved religious ceremonies with proper safety measures)
- Overnight stays or sleeping in the facility (unless explicitly approved for specific events)
- Activities that could damage the facility or its contents
- VCW retains the right to approve and deny space usage for any reason
V. Access and Security
- Regular hours of operation are 7 days per week from 9am-9pm.
- Access outside regular hours must be pre-approved by VCW leadership.
- The building will be unlocked one hour before the start of the event and locked one hour after the conclusion of the event.
- Keys will be issued to long-term renters only
VI. Renter Responsibilities
- Renter is responsible for set-up before and clean-up after the event, returning the space to its original condition.
- Renter must adhere to the stated capacity limits for each space.
- Noise levels must be kept to a reasonable level, especially after 8pm.
- Smoking is prohibited in all VCW facilities. Alcohol may only be used in accordance with the Village Church alcohol use policy, a copy of which can be received from the Center Director.
- Renter must follow VCW’s guidelines for trash disposal and recycling.
VII. Liability
- Renter is liable for any and all damages to VCW property incurred during their event. This includes all necessary repairs or cleaning needed to return the facilities to pre-event conditions.
- VCW is not liable for any loss, injury, or damage to persons or property occurring during the rental period.
VIII. Cancellation and Refund Policy
- Renter cancellations made more than 2 days before the event will receive a full refund minus a $50 processing fee. No refunds will be given for cancellations made less than 2 days before the event.
- VCW reserves the right to cancel any rental due to unforeseen circumstances (such as inclement weather) with a full refund
IX. Termination Clause
- VCW may revoke this Agreement if Renter violates any terms or if the event is deemed to pose a risk to the facility or its users or the event has been misrepresented.
- In the event of revocation, Renter forfeits all fees paid and will be liable for any damages.
X. Special Considerations
- Renter must inform VCW of any accessibility accommodations needed at least 5 days before the event.
- Parking is available in our private lot except for specially designated spaces.
- Wi-Fi is available for renter use. The network name and password will be provided on the day of the event.
XI. Conflict Resolution
- Any disputes or complaints should be addressed in writing to VCW management within 3 business days after the event.
- If a resolution cannot be reached, both parties agree to enter into mediation before pursuing legal action.
