Annual Meeting Summary

Conway Village Congregational Church                  January 25, 2026

The Annual Meeting of the Church Membership was held on Sunday, January 25, 2026, with a quorum of 23 members participating (17 in person and 6 via Zoom). The meeting reflected both the challenges and the hopeful forward momentum of the church as we continue recovery from the flood and plan for the future.

Leadership, Officers, and Governance

Members approved the slate of officers and committee members as presented in the Annual Report. Following Tom Workman’s resignation, Carl Vitters will serve as Acting Treasurer. The current financial process continues to provide appropriate checks and balances, with bills processed by Admin Asst., reviewed by the Trustees, and checks signed by the Moderator.

Melody will continue as Church Clerk, handling membership records, meeting notices, and official communications. Duddie will continue as Financial Secretary and is seeking an assistant to begin training with the goal of a future transition.

The Church Council structure continues to work well. There is one open At-Large Council seat. Both the Diaconate and the Trustees Boards currently have four members each

Minutes, Reports, and Historical Record

The minutes from the 2025 Annual Meeting and the Special July Meeting, along with committee reports, were approved as printed in the Annual Report. Members were also informed that the Historical Report, printed separately due to timing, was included in the approved reports.

Financial Overview and 2026 Budget

The 2026 Budget was presented and approved. Church leadership was candid about the financial realities facing the church. While expenses have been reduced wherever possible, ongoing deficit spending is not sustainable over the long term. The past several years—marked by COVID closures, the December 2023 flood, extended building shutdowns, and major system replacements—have made budgeting particularly challenging.

Moving forward, the church must focus on increasing income, including membership growth and new revenue opportunities, while continuing careful stewardship of expenses.

Fundraising: Looking Back and Ahead

Fundraising remains a significant part of the church’s financial picture. In 2025, fundraising efforts generated $37,029 in gross income and $25,405 in net income, accounting for a meaningful portion of overall church income.

Plans for 2026 include the February 20 Italian Dinner, continued participation in the Fryeburg Fair, and a Christmas Fair, with timing still under discussion. Leaders emphasized the need to balance fundraising with the capacity of our volunteer base and welcomed thoughtful, sustainable ideas.

Building Projects and Flood Recovery

Important progress continues on flood recovery and building improvements. Recent work includes new carpeting and heating upgrades. Exterior siding replacement is scheduled for the spring and is required to maintain insurance coverage and an occupancy permit. While this project will greatly improve the church’s appearance, it requires the use of funds originally designated for sanctuary work.

To date, the church has received 75% reimbursement for completed flood-related work. Several additional sanctuary projects remain ahead, including wall replacement, insulation, windows, electrical work, and accessibility improvements, and will be addressed as funding allows.

Capital Campaign Planning

Recognizing the scope of remaining work, the church is preparing for a capital campaign focused specifically on replacing sanctuary funds used for the siding project. Plans were shared for an Integrated Sanctuary Space designed to support worship, community gatherings, meetings, and fellowship meals.

The campaign goal is $250,000, with leadership gifts currently being sought. A broader public campaign will follow once sufficient commitments are in place.

Community Engagement and Visibility

Members discussed opportunities to increase the church’s visibility and engagement in the wider community, particularly around Conway’s July 4th celebrations in 2026. Ideas included opening the church to visitors, sharing the story of flood recovery, and highlighting plans for the future.

The possibility of receiving charitable funds from Revo Casino, as permitted under state law, was discussed. Any future participation would proceed only after further discussion and with approval by a vote of the membership.

Worship Life and Music

Members expressed a strong desire to return to live music in worship, a long-standing tradition of the church. Efforts to find an accompanist or pianist continue, and members are encouraged to share any leads with the Diaconate.

Gratitude and Closing

The Moderator expressed sincere thanks to Anne Getchell, Nancy Divine, Melody, Judy, the Diaconate, and the many volunteers whose dedication continues to sustain the church through recovery and renewal.

The meeting concluded at 12:45 p.m., with appreciation for the thoughtful participation of all who attended.