MINUTES OF THE 239th ANNUAL MEETING – JANUARY 26, 2025
The 239th Annual Meeting of the Brandon Congregational Church, Inc., United
Church of Christ was held Sunday, January 26, 2025, in the Fellowship Hall following
Worship Service.
Moderator & Council Chair Jeff Stewart called the meeting to order at 11:15 a.m.
Reverend Sara Rossigg led us in prayer.
- ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS
Jeff stated that a roll call of active members present was not needed as Phyllis Torrey
had tallied 22 members present. Quorum of 16 members was met. - RECEIVE THE REPORTS OF ALL OFFICERS, THE PASTOR, ALL BOARDS,
COMMITTEES AND ORGANIZATIONS OF THE CHURCH
Hillary Knapp reviewed the Financial Secretary’s Report (page 25 of 2024 Annual
Report). She noted $18,253.30 is total of Steeple Repair Fund, received through
check or cash donations. She said there has also been an anonymous donation of
$25,827.55, transferred directly to the UBS investment funds held by the Church,
resulting in current Steeple Repair Fund total of $44,080.85.
Phyllis stated the addition of Elaine Averill to the Helping Hands & Sunshine
Committee and thanked her for joining the committee (page 58).
Barbara White commented she found the Permanent Fund Report (page 32) very
clear and helpful. She thanked Larry Rowe for writing it. - HEAR AND VOTE ON THE PROPOSED UNIFIED OPERATING AND MISSIONS
BUDGET FOR 2025. (pages 34 – 36)
Ken Torrey and Sue Wetmore moved the approval of the proposed budget for 2025.
Discussion—Sue Gage reviewed & answered questions. Barbara White questioned
the Special Envelopes (not done anymore as no printer available), Hillary explained
that the 5th Sunday plate collection of loose change and/or undesignated checks
goes to the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund, plus others give food and gas gift cards
directly to Rev Sara for those in need. Barbara asked whether Rev Sara has enough
money to help people? Rev Sara referred to the Missions and Outreach Committee
Report (page 24). This past year local needs were more, and partially funded by the
Roy Jackson Local Missions Fund earnings. She expects similar needs in 2025. She
suggests increased check ins with missions and outreach committee in handling
these needs in future. For the most part, $3,080 covered 2024’s expenses.
Mary Lou Webster asked what is most convenient denomination of gift cards. Rev
Sara stated smaller amounts of $25 or $30 work best.
The budget motion passed unanimously.
4.BRING TO VOTE THE PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE BY-LAWS.
Ellen Knapp presented this report found on page 50. These modifications wer
approved by the Council with their recommendation of approval by the
congregation. She explained one correction—
By-Laws Article IV Committees–page 45-
Where the Missions Committee line (l) is, need to also insert “The Memorial
Committee” (T) (C) The Memorial Committee was not listed previously.
Also, the addition of (T) after each listing of Memorial Committee in Annual Report.
Article VI Missions and Service, Section 2 b, page 47
2nd sentence—The Memorial Committee shall administer said fund for the
purchase of appropriate memorials, with Council approval. Add 3rd sentence– See
the Memorial Committee description.
Church Committees – page 54, The Memorial Committee will:
Meet with Trustees to discuss potential money transfers during budgeting
process.
Motion to vote on these proposed changes and additions was made by Ken Torrey
with second by John Astone. There was no discussion.
Jeff explained modifying the By-Laws requires a 2/3 affirmative vote with voting b
secret ballot. Paper slips had been handed out earlier. He appointed Sue Gage and
Hillary Knapp to tally ballots. Members voted. Jeff stated the motion passed with 20
votes in the affirmative, no negative votes. Two members, the Moderator and Re
Sara, did not vote.
- HEAR AND VOTE ON THE REPORT OF THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE TO FILL
VACANCIES OF OFFICERS, BOARD MEMBERS, MEMBER-AT-LARGE OF COUNCIL AND
COMMITTEE POSITIONS FOR THE YEAR 2025
Jeff reviewed the description of the Church Council at top of the 2025 Nominating
Committee report, (page 6 of Annual Report): “The Council shall be a Board of (7)
seven voting members consisting of the four (4) Officers (Moderator, Clerk
Treasurer and Director of Christian Education), (1) one representative of the
Deacons, (1) one representative of the Trustees, and (1) one At-Large-Member
nominated by the Nominating Committee and elected by the Annual Meeting.
Phyllis Torrey reported for the Nominating Committee that the Director of Christian
Education position is currently vacant. Rev Sara spoke to this vacancy stating that
Ferne Faivre has faithfully served in this position for many years. Ferne wishes to
step down now and we are looking for a volunteer to fill this position. Many thank
were extended to Ferne for all the leadership she has provided for the Christian
Education Scholarship program. She wants to remain on this committee and will
serve in an advisory capacity.
Elaine Averill agreed to serve a 2-year position on the Deacons. Bill Moore agreed to
serve another 3-year term on the Trustees without the required one-year break in
service, Sue Wetmore and John Astone will serve another 3-year term on Deacons
also without the required one-year break in service, provided the membership
suspends the rules at this Annual Meeting.
Jeff asked for a motion to suspend the rules to allow the uninterrupted terms of Bill
Moore as a Trustee, Sue Wetmore and John Astone as Deacons. Sue Gage moved and
Ken Torrey seconded the motion to approve a suspension of the rules.
Motion passed unanimously.
Jeff then asked for a motion to approve the Nominating Committee’s slate as
presented.
George Wetmore moved and Sue Wetmore seconded approval of the slate of Officers
Board members, Historian, Financial Secretary/Assistant Treasurer and
Parliamentarian as printed in the Annual Report. No discussion. Motion passed.
Phyllis expressed gratitude of Nominating Committee to everyone serving in their
various capacities for their dedicated and faithful service.
- TO HEAR ANY OTHER BUSINESS THAT MAY BE PROPER TO COME BEFORE THE
MEETING.
Rev Sara pointed out the shared ministry goals identified by her and the Pastor-
Parish Relations Committee listed in her letter, page 2 of Annual Report. The lis
includes Continuing Brandon Essential Care Network participation and
establishment of the Church as a physical resource for the Network. Encourages the
BCC and others in town to pool resources, identify where might be a gap in meeting
neighbor needs. Julie Demaree was instrumental in facilitating this group until she
moved. Our church now serves as a hub, physical resource and use of BCC phone
number as centralized calling, all approved by Council.
Mary Lou questioned what services are provided? Answer is assistance with
connecting people with possible help. For example, if someone needs a ride to
Rutland, a contact driver name and number would be provided. The idea for this
network came originally from Tia Poalino of Rutland County Free Clinic. They have
held free health clinics at the Fellowship Hall. Rev Sara, Barbara White and Stacey
Doucette of Brandon Motor Lodge are currently active, helping people with
connections.
Sue Wetmore announced that she and Kristen Varian plan to meet with Brandon
Creatives next month.
Rev Sara and Jenei have decided to move to Orwell to their friend Charlie Callahan’s
house, which was left to them in his will after his passing in late 2023 from Covid.
Rev. Sara and Jenei will be moving in February. They will need to keep the Leicester
home so that family members continue to have a place to live. The Leicester house
will remain in their name, continue to be their responsibility, and mortgage
payments will be made as usual. Rev. Sara has been in conversation with council and
trustees regarding any potential considerations related to the mortgage as we go
along.
Jeff brought attention to our new Church website and thanked Barbara White,
Kristen Varian and Barbara White’s daughter, Becky, for all their work in setting it
up. They received a round of applause for their efforts. A visitor, Susan,
complimented them on the site as it is what brought her and her husband to visit the
church. She stated it really reflects the church. She found it neat and easy to navigate
plus said being among us was as presented on the site. More applause in
appreciation for her comments.
Kristen will send website address to Mary Cliver, who had previously identified th
need for a website.
- ADJOURNMENT
The Moderator asked for motion to adjourn. Sue Wetmore and Larry Rowe moved
the meeting be adjourned. The meeting was adjourned at 12:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Phyllis Torrey, Clerk