Reverend Sara has visited several folks in the hospital recently and done follow-up pastoral care. Led discussion with Deacons of ways to improve the Service of Remembrance.
Rev Sara and Larry Rowe edited the letter regarding the history of Church Steeple and its connection to the Brandon community. It is to be sent to the Reporter, plus Rutland Herald and Addison Independent soon. The title: “Shared Brandon Landmark Anticipates Necessary Repairs.” This letter to papers is meant to kick off the fundraising efforts for the Steeple Repairs.
Trustees met recently and opened discussions of 2025 budget.
Deacons presented recap of the Service of Remembrance held recently. They want to invite other Brandon clergy to be involved with the planning process to make more inclusive and community -wide. A suggestion was made to change venue and possibly hold in the Town Hall. Assistance from other BCC members to get addresses of surviving family or friends. Ask funeral directors to notify families while doing funeral arrangements.
Food Shelf donations could be managed according to specific food items each month.
Safe Church Committee—Rev Sara will contact the Police Chief David Kachajian and Seth Hopkins to sit down with the committee to be sure BCC plans will be coordinated with the town’s in case of emergency.
The BCC website is up and running. Rev Sara has added the link to front of bulletins. Kristen and Barbara plan to meet Thursday to add Food Shelf donations, Choir and Brandon Festival Singers to the site.
A second Steeple Repair Project grant application was submitted by Jeff. He appreciates help from his kids in completing it. He beat the deadline and it was accepted. Jeff met with Seth Hopkins and shared the steeple repair information and estimate from Michael Duke. It was suggested that we set up an ad hoc committee to manage the project fund raising efforts. Larry is to be asked to lead the committee; Hillary will serve on it to maintain donors’ list.
Nominating Committee and By-Laws Committee are meeting Monday, October 14. There was discussion of possibly changing the Christian Education position on the Council. By-Laws Committee will review this at their meeting. There could be a rotation of Missions Committee, Steeple Fund representative and others.
The Champlain Valley Fuels Contract was accepted, signed and returned. The cost for September 1, 2024 – April 30, 2025 is $2.82 per gallon.
It is possible to receive an itemized listing of monthly expenses for Council meetings. This will help with matching income and actual costs of Church expenses.
Hillary knows of an individual who would be willing to help with a church dinner, proposed for winter or spring 2025.
Respectfully submitted,
Phyllis Torrey