ANNUAL MEETING OF 2nd CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH January 12, 2020
CALL TO ORDER The annual meeting of the 2nd Congregational Church of Londonderry Vermont was called to order at 10:55 AM by Jeanne Zammataro acting moderator. A sign-in list was circulated to determine voting eligibility and the presence of a quorum. There were 34 members and 6 guests present. (20 members required). We also asked for updates on birthdays and circulated a sign-up sheet for providing flowers at Sunday morning worship. Jeanne thanked those who submitted their reports and Susie Cooley who organized the set up for the pot luck luncheon. Yum! Jeanne announced that we need a corresponding secretary (writes church’s thank you notes.) CONSTITUTING PRAYER Pastor Laurie led us in prayer for the meeting. MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 13, 2019 ANNUAL MEETING The minutes on pages 1-3 from last year’s meeting were summarized by Betsey Lenskold. A motion was made by Dick Dale to accept the minutes. Motion seconded and passed. Jeanne thanked Betsey for taking the minutes. ANNUAL REPORTS Church Council p.6 and 7. This report was also summarized by Betsey Lenskold. A motion was made by Dick Dale to accept the report. Motion seconded and passed. Treasurer’s Report- p.8-17 Liza reported that we had another great year ending with a budget surplus of $13,471.82. She spoke about getting Laurie’s annuity fund updated and the payments caught up. Jeanne thanked Liza and highlighted all the work she does. Dick Dale made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s report- seconded and passed.
BUSINESS 1. BUDGET The first order of business is the budget. Skip Raymond, chair of trustees, made a motion to accept the budget as prepared by trustees, accepted by the church council, and presented for approval this morning. Motion seconded. p. 18 has highlights of the budget. We received estimates of giving close to $118,000. TOTAL ANTICIPATED INCOME for 2020 is $201,988. Allowing for employment of a church secretary, possibly payroll services, and a bookkeeper the ANTICIPATED EXPENSES are $201,641 with a net income of $347. There was no discussion and the motion passed. 2. NOMINATING COMMITTEE Jeanne thanked the many folks who have served faithfully and are leaving their positions: Jim Mazza for 6 years as deacon, Ann Garrett on the garden committee, Dale Malekoff as rep at large, moderator Wilma Tremarco, and Martha Dale on the mission committee. We still need an assistant clerk and will need a treasurer. Liza Dee is taking on more responsibility at her employment but has agreed to stay on until we find a treasurer. Dick Dale made a motion to accept the nominating committee report. Motion seconded. There were no nominations from the floor. Motion to approve the nominating committee report passed. 3. To see if we should make a donation to a theological seminary of our choice. Laurie Krooss spoke to the issue, noting the recipients of past donations. Jeanne Zammataro suggested that we make our donation to Harvard divinity School in honor of our pastor, Laurie Krooss. Laurie Krooss made a motion that we sent $100 to Harvard Divinity School. Motion seconded and passed.
OTHER REPORTS Each chairperson was asked to give a brief overview of the report of their committee. Minister’s reports Statistical report on p. 26 and 27. Our membership now stands at 99. With a membership of 100 our church would be considered to be in a different size category. Other minister’s reports Laurie noted that all reports are available to anyone wishing them as well as that council meetings are open to anyone who wishes to attend. She thanked Jeanne for her work as assistant moderator. Laurie’s goals for 2020 are noted on p. 28. Laurie spoke about the joy of serving at this church. Christian Ed Birgit Sutter-Davis highlighted her report on p.30. She noted that a few new teachers are needed. Please volunteer!!! Average attendance increased this year and thanks especially to Steve Lyon with his motivational activities. Deacons Hal Nelson spoke about the deacons’ activities- good bye to Jim Mazza and welcome to Judi Brownell. Trustees Skip Raymond noted some of the great activities of this board and improvements that have been made to the church property. Bill Elio has faithfully served his 6-year term leaving the board. Skip welcomed new member Gil Healy. Emergency Preparedness Steve Lyon. They hope to get better smoke and fire alarm systems. We now have sufficient medical packs spread around the church. He asked that the name of the committee be changed to Safety Committee. Mission Jeanne Zammataro thanked the congregation for its generosity which allowed the committee to increase funding to already supported projects (i.e. Dismas House) and fund new organizations as listed in the report. Thanks to committee members. Music Helen Savio thanked Becky Graber, choir director and organist/pianist for her enthusiasm. She encouraged folks to join the choir. Val emphasized what fun we have in rehearsal and singing. Stewardship Committee Dick Dale offered thanks for the love and generosity shown by the congregation in supporting the work of the church financially. Hilda Davis Scholarship. David Davis noted that the point of the scholarship is to encourage youth to be involved with their church and to continue their education. The committee will be trying to spread the word about the scholarship to a wider geographical area. OTHER BUSINESS Skip asked us to acknowledge all the extra work Laurie has been doing in the past few weeks since we have been functioning without a secretary. ADJOURNMENT Dick Dale made a motion for adjournment which was seconded and passed. Laurie thanked Jeanne for stepping in as acting moderator and then offered a prayer of thanks for our church and grace for the upcoming meal.
Betsey Lenskold Clerk
FOLLOW UP NEEDS
1. Liza to write $100 check to Harvard Divinity School. (in honor of our pastor Laurie Krooss) 2. Vote on changing name of Emergency Preparedness Committee to Safety Committee? 3. Council needs to appoint a Corresponding secretary.