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Governance

“Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.”  
1 Peter 5:2-3

The Church Cabinet, chaired by the Moderator, serves as the central informational body of the church, and is composed of representatives from every standing committee. The Diaconate consults with the Cabinet about worship and the Trustees about financial matters. The Cabinet considers ideas submitted by the representatives, reviews Church administrative policy and votes on a final decision. The Cabinet also acts as a sounding board for said committees. The Cabinet meets monthly or as required under special circumstances. The Moderator conducts the Annual Meeting and any other all-church meetings.

The Board of Trustees works closely with the Church Treasurer to oversee Church finances, including budget development and adherence. Additionally, it tracks and disburses our endowment funds as appropriate. Members of this committee serve on multiple boards in order to facilitate awareness and communication. Their most recent work includes a remodeling of our budget preparation and timeline, the development of an Employee Handbook, and extensive maintenance of our manse building. Trustees also have the pleasure of receiving gifts to the Church, which happens regularly in a variety of ways.

Deacons at the Dorset Church serve three-year terms to support the Pastor in a number of ways. Their duties include preparing and serving monthly Communion, ushering, receiving offerings, reading scripture, leading prayers, and assisting with baptisms, weddings or memorial services/funerals. They are present during worship to provide guidance during emergencies and offer assistance where needed. Deacons may also provide pastoral care to those in the wider community, thereby extending the Church’s reach. Managing these practical matters allows the pastor to focus his/her efforts on prayer, teaching, and governance of the Church, allowing God’s Word to flourish.

The Hospitality Committee is responsible for hosting a weekly coffee hour after worship service. Delicious goodies and beverages (including hot coffee) are provided by members of the committee, and are always a big hit. The committee also hosts special event receptions when required, offering everything from a catered lunch to lighter fare.

The Personnel Committee serves as the principal liaison between the Church’s boards and staff members. Under the auspices of the Trustees, it reviews Church personnel needs and addresses concerns raised by the staff and/or congregation members regarding church policy or other matters. It also develops and maintains staff job descriptions; negotiates contracts; and hires, evaluates and dismisses employees with the exception of the Pastor. The Personnel Committee consists of four people, one of whom must be a Trustee, and one of whom is designated by Church staff. 

The Mission Committee meets once a month. Its primary function is to discuss and distribute funds that the church has allocated to go towards worthy causes. The criteria for discussion making is guided by local, national, and international need, emergency situations, exigencies triggered by natural or unexpected events, and those that require ongoing support. The Green Team, SERRV International, and Truth & Justice Vermont serve under the Mission Committee.

The Investment Committee (IC) serves under the aegis of the Trustees to manage the church's endowment fund. In its capacity as steward for the fund, the IC oversees an investment policy specifically tailored to the United Church of Dorset and East Rupert that guides the church's investments; partners with a professional investment manager to prudently invest the fund as directed by the investment policy; and regularly reviews fund and manager performance to ensure investment policy goals are met over the longer term.

The Buildings and Grounds Committee is responsible for maintaining the integrity of the beautiful marble church as well as the minister’s residence, or manse. Both the exterior and interior of the buildings must be managed, including heating/cooling and electrical systems and built-in furnishings. During 2024 and 2025 extensive work was performed on the manse, including interior and exterior painting, replacement windows, energy-efficiency improvements, roof repairs, and a new hot water heater. A group of interested church members works during the warmer months on the landscaping around both buildings, planting and maintaining gardens and paths. Dorset’s marble church is an iconic structure in Dorset Village, and the committee works hard to ensure that it will be sound and beautiful for decades to come.  

The Scholarship Committee reviews scholarship applications of prospective students, interviews candidates, and awards financial support to recipients.  We are blessed to learn about the awardees' many accomplishments—whether it be academics, athletics, the arts, service or community-related—and also their involvement in our church. 

The Stewardship Committee fosters an understanding with the church community of the importance of providing the human and financial resources necessary to support the mission of the Church.  An annual campaign generates 2/3 of the funds necessary to support the budget. The committee informs and encourages our members to consider legacy giving to insure the long term financial health of the Church. If a capital campaign is necessary for a particular project to improve the Church, the committee oversees the campaign. The Stewardship Committee is responsible for the financial health of the Church and it works to cultivate an ongoing relationship with the membership and the community at-large, assuring that financial resources are available to the Church as needed currently and into the future.