Assembly Resolution No. 430

BY: M. of A. Galef

COMMENDING Pastor Bonnie Ann Rosborough upon the
occasion of her retirement after 13 years of
distinguished service to The Briarcliff
Congregational Church

WHEREAS, The character and richness of religious and community life
in this noble Empire State are nourished and fulfilled through the
faithful concern and selfless devotion of those who commit their
energies and purpose to the ministry of others; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to bring full
recognition and just tribute to individuals who distinguish themselves
and the ministry through their unremitting commitment and preeminence of
service; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Pastor Bonnie Ann Rosborough upon the occasion of her retirement
after 13 years of distinguished service to The Briarcliff Congregational
Church to be celebrated at a reception on Sunday, June 18, 2017, at the
Parish Hall of the Church, in Briarcliff, New York; and

WHEREAS, Pastor Bonnie Ann Rosborough has brought to her ministry an
overwhelming spirit of charity and compassion, acting from vision and
enlightenment in conducting her administrative and spiritual duties,
while always displaying the highest standards of personal and
professional integrity and dedication; and

WHEREAS, Ordained on October 31, 1976, Pastor Bonnie Ann Rosborough
has worked in numerous facets of religion, including the position of
Associate Minister at the First Church of Christ in Middletown,
Connecticut, from 1976-1980; Director of Admissions and Student
Counseling, Union Theological Seminary from 1976-1984; Pastor of the
Broadway United Church of Christ, New York from 1984-2004 and Pastor of
The Briarcliff Congregational Church from 2004-2017, the position from
which she will officially retire; and

WHEREAS, In this esteemed position, Pastor Bonnie Ann Rosborough
constructed thoughtful, inspiring worship services every Sunday that
were both intellectually and spiritually satisfying, giving parishioners
an entertaining creative message every week; and

WHEREAS, Under Pastor Bonnie Ann Rosborough's luminous leadership,
The Briarcliff Congregational Church has achieved open and affirming
status within the United Church of Christ by adopting an inclusion
statement confirming that people of all races, ethnicities, ages, sexual
orientation, gender identities and expressions, family structures,
physical and mental abilities, faith backgrounds and economic
circumstances are welcome into the full life of the Church; and

WHEREAS, In addition, Pastor Bonnie Ann Rosborough has partnered
with organizations such as the Ossining Emergency Shelter program, which
helps the local homeless population by giving them a warm place to spend

the night and a hot meal in their Church facilities, and the Sing Sing
graduate program which plays a role in the Hudson Link for Higher
Education in Prison program; and

WHEREAS, With her throughout has been her husband, John Batchelor,
her loving children, Sam and Anna, and family dog, Sadie, all of whom
feel privileged to be a part of her life and rejoice in her
achievements; and

WHEREAS, This distinguished woman of God has always given
enlightenment, guidance and wisdom to the many entrusted to her care and
has administered abundantly and unstintingly to the spiritual and
corporal needs of all; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when a person
of such noble aims and accomplishments is brought to our attention it is
appropriate to publicly and jubilantly proclaim and commend that
individual for the edification of others; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Pastor Bonnie Ann Rosborough upon the occasion of her retirement
after 13 years of distinguished service to The Briarcliff Congregational
Church, noting her unremitting and compassionate faith and her exemplary
service to God, man, and her community, and extending to her heartfelt
best wishes for a future of continued purposeful success and well-being;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Pastor Bonnie Ann Rosborough, The Briarcliff
Congregational Church.