Maintaining Church Property is good stewardship of the inheritance from previous generations.  Regular planned maintenance is essential.  Particular attention should be given to keeping premises dry.  Good roofing, clear gutters and drains will avoid many other potential problems.

Condensation can be avoided by ensuring adequate ventilation.

Planned maintenance should include and look beyond spring and autumnal cleaning and plan for longer term maintenance and replacements.

Download: View Synod Guidance on Planned Maintenance

Download: Property Health and Safety - Operating Manual

Further guidance can be obtained from the PLATO handbook

Website: Plato Handbook

The PLATO Group comprises finance, property and trust  officers from each Synod. Their combined experience is shared and results in good advice being made available to chruches through the Plato Website, which is part of the URC national website.

Good stewardship of the resources God has given us must be dear to all our hearts.

How can we manage this in our churches?

• Start by raising awareness within the congregation. Within the property and without any expenditure; consider switching off some lights and the correct level of heating; reuse, reduce and recycle whenever possible; reduce waste and consumption.
• With minimal expenditure; carry out regular maintenance; install low energy lights;
• When planning building improvements; improve the insulation; change the type of heating; look for greener energy suppliers; consider solar power (already planned for two churches in the Synod.
• Ask the congregation to consider their personal life styles. Walking to Church saves fuel and is better for you.  Switch off  when not in use (includes your car engine).  Sharing lifts, driving more fuel efficient cars and flying less will make a very positive impact.  Use the phone and consider conference calls rather than having meetings. Consider food miles.

Download: Cut Your Carbon - 50 Ways To Take Action

Website : Eco Congregation

Website: Operation Noah

When a church has an empty manse, cottage or other church house consideration should be given to letting it. This has the advantages of keeping the property in use and achieving the rental income.

Please take advice from the Resources Officer before putting the property in the hands of a letting agent. 

Download: Further advice is available from Manse Letting Step by Step guide

You should pass a Church Meeting resolution and obtain the agreement of the Area Advocate before contacting the Synod Resources Officer.

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