No Weapons

Holy Comforter is a place of peace. Therefore, weapons of any kind are not permitted on church property or in our buildings. The Vestry of the Church of the Holy Comforter, on behalf of the congregation, resolves:

This church is a place of peace. It has a well-established commitment, grounded in the Scriptures, to peacemaking and non-violent conflict resolution. This church is a holy place of sanctuary and safety from the harms of the world. The presence of weapons on the church's property is inconsistent with the church's traditional role as a place of peace and safety.

Alcohol Use Policy

The Church of the Holy Comforter is committed to being a welcoming and safe environment for all of God’s people, including those in recovery from alcohol addiction. We therefore regulate alcohol use at all our functions.

During and after worship, clergy shall

• Consecrate an appropriate amount of wine and perform ablutions in a way that does not foster or model misuse;

• Teach the congregation about the efficacy of receiving the sacrament in one kind and provide a non-alcoholic alternative.

• Not require anyone to consume left-over consecrated wine.

During receptions or other parish events, whether held on church property or elsewhere, alcohol may be served only when all the following conditions are met.

• The Rector and Vestry approve the serving of alcohol prior to the event.

• Those planning the event ensure that non-alcoholic beverages are offered in a way that is as attractive and accessible as alcoholic beverages.

• Hard liquor, meaning anything other than beer or wine, may be served only by a certified bartender.

• The Rector and Vestry ensure that responsible adults oversee the serving of alcoholic beverages in full compliance with this policy.

• The responsible adults overseeing the serving of alcohol must not drink alcoholic beverages during the time of the execution of their responsibilities.

• The responsible adults overseeing the serving of alcohol assume responsibility for persons who become visibly intoxicated, ensuring that they do not drive and provide alternative transportation.

• The responsible adults overseeing the serving of alcohol ensure that alcohol is not serve to anyone under the age of 21. Our best practice for events at which persons under the age of 21 are present is not to serve alcohol at all.

• Alcohol may not be sold for consumption at any church event.

• Food must be served whenever alcohol is present.