Worship services in our rec centers

[jeriteri]

I am wondering, now that Rohan will be a place of worship, if anyone knows if having worship services in our rec centers, that we are carded for to enter, is going to require ID cards to attend the services. I would hate to think that The Villages Owners are now going to allow our rec centers to be open to PUBLIC rental now for financial gain. It has been established in our community that the amenities are for people who live in The Villages and have registered ID cards that allow them to participate and use The Villages Amenities.

[billethkid]

Finding utilization of assets that sit idle many hours per week is not a bad thing.

One can argue principal or reality or practicality.

If the intended use does not infringe upon any resident activities and provides a service that will accommodate "mostly" residents.....wherein lies the problem?

Seems like a win-win for asset utilization and resident benefit.....IMHO!!!

[Marathon Man]

Finding utilization of assets that sit idle many hours per week is not a bad thing.

One can argue principal or reality or practicality.

If the intended use does not infringe upon any resident activities and provides a service that will accommodate "mostly" residents.....wherein lies the problem?

Seems like a win-win for asset utilization and resident benefit.....IMHO!!!

I agree with this. Considering the recent outcry about the amenity fee cap removal, why not indeed.

[champion6]

This is NOT A NEW situation.

jeriteri, why don't you call or email to have your questions answered? From the CDD website:
Facility Rental
The Villages offer a variety of recreation centers to be rented for that special occasion or event. Our dedicated staff is available to answer any questions regarding the use, scheduling, and room rates of our facilities. For information please call 352-674-1800 or email roomreservations@districtgov.org.

As an example, a club I belong to has a monthly meeting in a rec center ... just like all the others. Once a year, we have an additional special meeting for club members to which we also invite 12-18 non-Villagers as our guests. We must rent the room for the special meeting because of the many non-Villagers.

[Schaumburger]

According to today's Daily Sun, Hope Lutheran is planning on building a new church along the Turnpike. This congregation is probably not planning on using Rohan for Sunday worship forever...just until their new location is built.

More churches are building in the southern end of The Villages now. New Covenant UMC now has a church near Lake Deaton. Excellent outreach by these congregations to the residents of the southern Villages.

[Taltarzac725]

According to today's Daily Sun, Hope Lutheran is planning on building a new church along the Turnpike. This congregation is probably not planning on using Rohan for Sunday worship forever...just until their new location is built.

More churches are building in the southern end of The Villages now. New Covenant UMC now has a church near Lake Deaton. Excellent outreach by these congregations to the residents of the southern Villages.

The Recreation Centers have AA meetings and those of other support groups. And I do not think that a Village ID is required to go to these.

Do not see why churches should also not be allowed to have events at the Recreation Centers which would be open to anyone.

[eweissenbach]

We attended services in Eisenhower for New Covenant Methodist, Lake Deaton for a couple years before they finished their new building. Never were we ever asked for ID, nor did I ever see anyone else asked for an ID.

[Goldwingnut]

I am wondering, now that Rohan will be a place of worship, if anyone knows if having worship services in our rec centers, that we are carded for to enter, is going to require ID cards to attend the services. I would hate to think that The Villages Owners are now going to allow our rec centers to be open to PUBLIC rental now for financial gain. It has been established in our community that the amenities are for people who live in The Villages and have registered ID cards that allow them to participate and use The Villages Amenities.

The use of the rec centers for services is not at new situation and has additional merit not always recognized, the biggest of which is golf cart accessibility to the services. This is important to some.

As far as "The Villages Owners" and "financial gain" there is a demonstrated lack of knowledge with these remarks, the Rec Centers (north of 44) are owned by the district government and any monies received go back into the recreation department budget to offset operating costs. Let me translate - the "developer" doesn't own or operate the rec centers and receives no financial grain or profit from them, any money goes back in the budget for the rec centers , this is the same budget that our Amenity Fee funds each month.

The concern of use of the facility by non-residents also has merit and should be discussed directly with the Recreation Department for a clear answer.

Of course some will make an issue of this no matter how much good may come of it and will cry for the ACLU to come in and file a law suit over "separation of church and state" (a gross distortion of the first amendment "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.") and make the entire situation untenable. It may be best we let this topic go and allow something good to survive as long as possible.

[CWGUY]

I am wondering, now that Rohan will be a place of worship, if anyone knows if having worship services in our rec centers, that we are carded for to enter, is going to require ID cards to attend the services. I would hate to think that The Villages Owners are now going to allow our rec centers to be open to PUBLIC rental now for financial gain. It has been established in our community that the amenities are for people who live in The Villages and have registered ID cards that allow them to participate and use The Villages Amenities.

:what: And who are "The Villages Owners" you talk about? Do you mean the Developer? Do you know who owns Rohan Rec.? It is the SLCDD. They offer a lot of FREE Classes in The Villages to educate residents about how things operate. You might want to consider it. :ohdear:


This is NOT A NEW situation.

jeriteri, why don't you call or email to have your questions answered? From the CDD website:
Facility Rental
The Villages offer a variety of recreation centers to be rented for that special occasion or event. Our dedicated staff is available to answer any questions regarding the use, scheduling, and room rates of our facilities. For information please call 352-674-1800 or email roomreservations@districtgov.org.

As an example, a club I belong to has a monthly meeting in a rec center ... just like all the others. Once a year, we have an additional special meeting for club members to which we also invite 12-18 non-Villagers as our guests. We must rent the room for the special meeting because of the many non-Villagers.

:ho: Thank you!

[Martian]

Of course some will make an issue of this no matter how much good may come of it and will cry for the ACLU to come in and file a law suit over "separation of church and state" (a gross distortion of the first amendment "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.") and make the entire situation untenable. It may be best we let this topic go and allow something good to survive as long as possible.

I certainly do not see any "separation of church and state" issue, however I am sure someone will try. It makes good headlines - SIGH.

However, as an atheist I would be interested in knowing if this is an exception being granted only to Churches or if this is something that any organization in need of renting facilities can make use of. (I assume the Church is renting the facilities?!).

I personally have no issue with renting out facilities to non-resident organizations as long as it does not impact resident use of the facilities, and that Churches are not the only organizations given the exception (assuming it is an assumption.)

[njbchbum]

So the fact that rec centers have been used on a rental basis in the past means nothing when it comes to hoping for a stabilization on amenity fees. And the ease of outsiders using more than just their rented space remains the possibility and probability that it always has been. So no change in anything!

[justjim]

New Covenant Methodist church Campus @ Lake Denton used The Eisenhower Recreation center for worship until they bought land from The Villages and built a new worship facility that is golf cart accessible and they now use. Several churches of different faiths I understand have done something similar. Perhaps the Lutheran Church will have a similar arrangement.

[Martian]

New Covenant Methodist church Campus @ Lake Denton used The Eisenhower Recreation center for worship until they bought land from The Villages and built a new worship facility that is golf cart accessible and they now use. Several churches of different faiths I understand have done something similar. Perhaps the Lutheran Church will have a similar arrangement.

Sounds like a win-win to me, as long as residents get priority (preferential) access.

[Marathon Man]

Sounds like a win-win to me, as long as residents get priority (preferential) access.

Have you spoken to anyone at the Rec Dept about your concerns?

[kittygilchrist]

The original post has three aspects. A dispute over having Christian services at rec centers, dislike of financial gain from rentals, and desire for exclusivity of rec center space for villagers. I’m trying to figure out which of those really put the bee in the bonnet of the original poster.

[Martian]

Have you spoken to anyone at the Rec Dept about your concerns?

I wouldn't consider any of my questions, "concerns". They are simply things I would be interested in knowing. I will drop by a Rec center and ask about them though. Thanks for the suggestion.

[Martian]

The original post has three aspects. A dispute over having Christian services at rec centers, dislike of financial gain from rentals, and desire for exclusivity of rec center space for villagers. I’m trying to figure out which of those really put the bee in the bonnet of the original poster.

Interesting. My FIRST impression when I read the original post was that there was concern about worshipers being carded, and the implication was that someone would be monitoring who was worshiping. Then on second reading of the original post, I see that the focus is really mostly on the idea of non-residents having access to amenities of TV that residents paid for.

From my perspective I don't mind "outsiders" using TV amenities as long as it does not impact residents access and enjoyment of those facilities. I would expect that there would be some form of fee to help with maintenance etc.

But, I should say it is not a BIG deal to me - YET. I am a newbie here and so far I am overwhelmed by the amount of amenities, and I expect people that have lived here longer have a better feeling for if outsider usage can be a problem.

[graciegirl]

Interesting. My FIRST impression when I read the original post was that there was concern about worshipers being carded, and the implication was that someone would be monitoring who was worshiping. Then on second reading of the original post, I see that the focus is really mostly on the idea of non-residents having access to amenities of TV that residents paid for.

From my perspective I don't mind "outsiders" using TV amenities as long as it does not impact residents access and enjoyment of those facilities. I would expect that there would be some form of fee to help with maintenance etc.

But, I should say it is not a BIG deal to me - YET. I am a newbie here and so far I am overwhelmed by the amount of amenities, and I expect people that have lived here longer have a better feeling for if outsider usage can be a problem.


You will find that Villagers are always the top priority for use. In fact, you will find, after awhile, that how things are run, are really the best way to do things. I don't drink anymore, but new Villagers who think they can figure out how to do things in The Villages better, may drive me back to it. ;)

[BobnBev]

But will the church have a little white cross on the lawn?:ohdear:

[Bogie Shooter]

I certainly do not see any "separation of church and state" issue, however I am sure someone will try. It makes good headlines - SIGH.

However, as an atheist I would be interested in knowing if this is an exception being granted only to Churches or if this is something that any organization in need of renting facilities can make use of. (I assume the Church is renting the facilities?!).

I personally have no issue with renting out facilities to non-resident organizations as long as it does not impact resident use of the facilities, and that Churches are not the only organizations given the exception (assuming it is an assumption.)

Sounds like a win-win to me, as long as residents get priority (preferential) access.

Interesting. My FIRST impression when I read the original post was that there was concern about worshipers being carded, and the implication was that someone would be monitoring who was worshiping. Then on second reading of the original post, I see that the focus is really mostly on the idea of non-residents having access to amenities of TV that residents paid for.

From my perspective I don't mind "outsiders" using TV amenities as long as it does not impact residents access and enjoyment of those facilities. I would expect that there would be some form of fee to help with maintenance etc.

But, I should say it is not a BIG deal to me - YET. I am a newbie here and so far I am overwhelmed by the amount of amenities, and I expect people that have lived here longer have a better feeling for if outsider usage can be a problem.

You really do need to make that call to the Recreation Department.
"regarding the use, scheduling, and room rates of our facilities. For information please call 352-674-1800"

[Bogie Shooter]

:ho: Thank you![/QUOTE]

Traditional Thank you. :coolsmiley:

[Martian]

You will find that Villagers are always the top priority for use. In fact, you will find, after awhile, that how things are run, are really the best way to do things. I don't drink anymore, but new Villagers who think they can figure out how to do things in The Villages better, may drive me back to it. ;)

:1rotfl:

My wife and I are constantly saying how amazed we are at people complaining about things being done how they are done in TV. It seems to us that there is a LONG track record of success with the way things are, and to me that is proof things are being done right.

In fact, I was wondering why no one has duplicated the way TV does things and do it someplace else.

I mean, Tony Robins charges an arm and a knee cap for a course that boils down to "find someone that is successful doing something and do what they do!"

Seems like TV is doing it right to me.

[LuvtheVillages]

However, as an atheist I would be interested in knowing if this is an exception being granted only to Churches or if this is something that any organization in need of renting facilities can make use of. (I assume the Church is renting the facilities?!).

I personally have no issue with renting out facilities to non-resident organizations as long as it does not impact resident use of the facilities, and that Churches are not the only organizations given the exception (assuming it is an assumption.)

Any organization in need of renting facilities can make use of available space, for a fee. My financial guy has an occasional event with food and entertainment and a short update on the markets for his clients. He rents a room at one of the rec centers. Some of his customers are non-Villagers.

As was said before, nothing wrong with using available space to generate some income.

[Polar Bear]

...However, as an atheist I would be interested in knowing...
Ahh. So you have a firm belief regarding the existence of god. Sorry, that’s just always been very interesting to me.

[Martian]

Ahh. So you have a firm belief regarding the existence of god. Sorry, that’s just always been very interesting to me.

Well, would not argue that I could be technically classified as an agnostic. But, I lean to atheist. I come from a strict Southern Baptist background with a Brother with a Doctorate in Theology, and sisters with Masters in Divinity.

Christmas tends to be a time of interesting conversations :)

[jeriteri]

Thank you for all your comments. I realize that the public is allowed to enter The Villages anytime. But, I feel that if our, The Villagers facilities, are subjected to outside public access there is no good to come of it. Why do you think your carded when you go to our facilities? It's a privilege that we as "Villagers" have and pay for to have that we can feel proud of. Why do people move to the villages? It's one of the main reasons. Once the foot is in the door anything can happen. Would you like to share you rec centers and kitchens, pools, pickle ball courts and softball areas with the public. This is truly what could happen if someone sees a monetary gain by renting out The Villages facilities when they are not in use. This is really what I was getting at when I wrote this post.

[Arctic Fox]

I would hate to think that The Villages Owners are now going to allow our rec centers to be open to PUBLIC rental now for financial gain. It has been established in our community that the amenities are for people who live in The Villages and have registered ID cards that allow them to participate and use The Villages Amenities.

The Scottish Country Dancing club of which Mrs Fox and I are members invited a number of similar clubs from outside to join us for an annual get-together. We rented a room in a Rec Center and had a great time. Short of dancing in the streets, we would not have been able to do this had we not been able to rent a room.

So next time you see a bunch of people doing the Highland Fling down your street, please come out with a wee dram of whisky.