United Church of Ludlow Executive Board Meeting - Wednesday, May 14, 2025

United Church of Ludlow Executive Board Meeting - Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at 5:00 PM

Minutes
Present on Zoom: Dean Alexander, Laura Creaser, Lisa Hamm-Greenawalt, Bill Kneebone, Bob Malecki, Nancy Martel, Andy Ohotnicky, Loren Stolp, Pastor Michelle Fountain
Absent:  None

1. Call Meeting to Order – Welcome/Introductions/Announcements - Laura Creaser called the meeting to order at 5:05 PM.
2. Opening Prayer – Michelle led an Opening Prayer.
3. Minutes Approval – We reviewed minutes from the April 2, 2025, board meeting. With the change from “Joan’s” to “Joann’s” Fabrics, the Minutes were approved unanimously. 
4. Deacon’s Report – Laura Creaser said Pulpit Supply was set through August. 
5. Pastor’s Report – This was previously sent by email by Michelle. Highlights:
   1. Michelle will send her info for her credentialing to Lisa and Laura. This is done once every three years.
   2. Conference Annual Meeting - United Church of Ludlow was recognized as an ONA, for giving to special collections, and for becoming a disaster hub. Michelle presented a resolution from the Justice Ministry Group about giving donations to black ministry groups when we sing negro spirituals, as a form of reparations. A new gospel choir is starting in Vermont. Michelle has been sending $50-$100 a year for this. Dean suggested that the funds could come out of the music budget. The Board agreed.
   3. Thirteen people attended the Maudy Thursday Service with Stone Soup. 
   4. There will be a memorial service this summer in Vermont, possibly “Wild Church style,” for Ginny Kottcamp.
   5. The Building Inclusivity Team is working on signage for the church. The Signage Subcommittee has come up with two main ideas - either an attachment under the current sign with images for the UCC and Methodist reconciling affiliations, and the other to create a new sign. We are working on finding out costs for new and adjusted signs. Loren said his daughter-in-law’s family has a sign-making business and could help with this.
   6. Michelle and volunteers cleaned up the Sunday School Room to organize for the disaster hub. She is putting the books on the table into those bookshelves. Andy offered to help. Karen and Tim have also offered.
   7. Wild Church will be held at the Devines’ property this summer, with the date to be determined.
6. Trustees Report – Dean

1. Dean got 3 proposals for furnace replacement, from Irving ($19K complete, including removal), Master Plumbing and Heating ($22K doesn’t include removal), and Paquette Plumbing in Rutland (even more expensive). Sent by email. Dean recommended Irving based on personal experience. However, tariff issues may increase the price. 
2. Dean also recommended that we take care of painting issues. The bid was $18K. Bob said we have $130K in building fund, so we can afford it. 
3. MOTION: Laura made a motion that the church engage Irving Energy to repair the furnace at a cost of $19,004. Bob suggested an amount not to exceed $20,000; Laura agreed to this amendment. Nancy seconded. The motion passed unanimously. 
4.  MOTION: Dean made a motion to engage McKim and Company to undertake painting and repairs of the exterior trim of the church, for an amount not to exceed $20,000, with the expectation that additional costs would require additional Board approval. Loren seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 
5. Andy mentioned future needs, including windows that need repairs, floors in the Fellowship Hall, and the FH ceiling, which could be replaced with sound-deadening material. No action was taken.

1. Communications Report – Lisa 
   1. Lisa said she was doing the usual social media maintenance and website maintenance.
   2. Michelle said Vermont Journal rotates church services, and wondered if we were covered. Michelle asked Lisa to check.
2. Treasurer’s Report - Bob - Bob said he had nothing to add beyond what was sent to the Board.
   1. Ring Out Love Campaign - Dean asked if money is coming in. Suggested sending a letter later in the year to remind people of their pledges.
3. Old Business – Laura will meet with Wayne Hammond about getting the Church Parking sign installed permanently. 
4. New Business 

1. This Sunday, Michelle is going to the Windham Union Association meeting. 
2. The Board decided to wait to decide on the Ring Out Love Celebration date until after we have new signs. This should be on the agenda for the next meeting.

1. Confirm Next Meeting Date - Laura Creaser set the next meeting for Wednesday, June 25, at 5 PM on Zoom.
2. Adjournment - Laura adjourned the meeting at 6:07 PM 

Minutes respectfully submitted by 
Lisa Hamm-Greenawalt