Facility Rentals

Receptions & Banquets

Receptions & Banquets are Held in our Franklin Stark Room: Adjacent to the Worship Center (sanctuary), the Stark Room features high ceilings and abundant windows. This spacious multi-purpose room can be arranged in a variety of ways. Round or rectangular tables with chairs make a comfortable setting for banquets for a total of up to 200 people. The room can accommodate up to 250 guests in a less formal setting, with tables set up only for food, beverages, etc. The attractive parquet floors are suitable for all kinds of dancing and a DJ can easily set up equipment for a lively party. Huge glass doors open onto a fully enclosed outdoor courtyard and playground. The courtyard can be used as an extension of the Stark Room, or by itself. The sound system from the Worship Center extends to the Stark Room and microphones and a podium can be set up if desired.

Combining the Worship Center and the Stark Room: A moveable wall separating the Worship Center and Stark Room can be opened up to provide additional space and beauty for banquets or receptions in the Stark Room. While this does not create additional seating, it does provide for more space and a small dance floor. With the wall open, the view of Lake Merritt adds to the atmosphere of your event, and at night, the “Necklace of Lights” around the lake is visible, offering additional magnificence.

Kitchen: A full commercial kitchen adjoins the Stark Room, and limited kitchen use as a staging area (no cooking) is included with rental of the Stark Room. Full kitchen use for the purposes of cooking and serving food is available for an additional fee. We do not furnish tablecloths, napkins, dishes, flatware, cups/glasses, serving platters and utensils, warming trays, etc. You, or your caterer, shall provide these types of items necessary for your event. Caterers must have their own liability insurance. Use of the dishwasher requires employment of our clean-up staff.

Playground: The playground, right outside the Stark Room, is available for your use at no additional charge. A climbing structure with 2 slides is designed for children ages 5 and older. This is a nice feature when you are expecting children at your event. We require that at least one adult is present on the playground and actively supervising any children on our playground. Consider hiring someone to supervise the playground so that your guests may enjoy themselves without worrying about their children.

Food & Catering: We do not have in-house catering or a preferred catering list; you may select your own caterer. Caterers should have their own liability insurance. Limited use of our kitchen as a staging area, including use of our refrigerators/freezer, is included with rental of the Stark Room. For an additional fee, you may rent our kitchen to cook and serve your food

What is Included: Rental of the Stark Room includes your set-up/decorating time, as well as your clean up time. Rates are dependant on the total size of your group, including guests and/or the bridal party. We provide and set up tables and chairs for your event, though you are welcome to rent your own. Additionally, an Event Host(ess) will be on site during your event to provide you with building assistance (lights, sound system, doors, etc.).

Music: You are welcome to hire a D.J., live band or other musical ensemble for your event. All amplified music is to end by 10:00pm in consideration of our neighbors.

Parking: On-site parking at the church is limited and must be shared with other building users. Our experience is that plenty of street parking is available for your guests.

Making your Reservation: A refundable security deposit of $250 plus 50% of the rental fees is required in order to reserve the date and time on the calendar. The balance is due at least 30 days prior to your event.

All renters must submit a 501(c)(3) non-profit determination letter and copy certificate of liability insurance.  Please contact our Church Administrator at office@lakemerrittumc.org for more information.