Weekly E-News Spring Edition | |  | | |
1) Message from the Conference
2) Latest News
3) Around the Conference
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4) Prayer Concerns
5) Save the Date & Cont. Ed Resources
6) VTCUCC Classifieds
| | DEADLINE for E-Kit News must be received by Tuesday of each week. Please send any and all information please email: admin@vermontucc.org | | Message from the Conference | | |
Dear Beloved Community in the Vermont Conference,
It is almost Holy Week and I have been thinking about mercy. God has a heart of mercy. We are shown mercy and to be created in the image of God is to be those who practice mercy. Throughout my life I have experienced God’s mercy, often at times I was powerfully and painfully aware that I did not deserve it. And yet, mercy I received in the form of of kindness, forgiveness, companionship, a second chance, love. Once mercy has been experienced, how can we not also be merciful?
When Bishop Mariann Budde humbly and boldly asked the most powerful person in our nation to have mercy on the vulnerable, she was simply stating a value that is core to the Christian faith. Jesus says in the Beatitudes, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” How do we live that out in our everyday lives, here, now?
I intend to spend time this week contemplating the mercy woven through the journey from Palm Sunday through betrayal, desertion and crucifixion to resurrection. I want to give thanks for the mercy I have been shown, both human and divine. My prayer is to grow more merciful, more compassionate and ready to aid those who are the most vulnerable and at risk in our world, in our communities. I pray I will not be afraid to raise my voice on their behalf.
What is your prayer for this Holy Week? What do you need?
O Lord, hear our prayer.
God bless you,
Lynn
Rev. Dr. Lynn Bujnak
Conference Minister
| | Have you registered for Annual Meeting yet? | | | | Be part of the movement shaping the future of the Vermont Conference UCC! Your voice, your church's presence, and the energy of our Youth Delegates are crucial as we gather for engaging discussions, make important decisions, and strengthen our collective ministry. This is where connections deepen and our shared path forward is forged. Don't miss this vital opportunity! Join us May 2nd and 3rd, 2025, at the beautiful Grace Congregational UCC in Rutland. We want YOU there – every church represented, every voice heard! Find all the details at vermontucc.org/am25 and
REGISTER TODAY! | | ONLINE PRE-MEETING ANNUAL MEETING WORKSHOPS VIA ZOOM | |
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Don't Miss Out: Limited Space Anti-Bias Workshop
Join Rev. Velda Love (UCC Racial Justice) for essential Anti-Bias Training. Learn to combat systemic racism & promote DEI. May 17th, 10-3pm, West Lebanon UCC, NH. $20. Limited to 60 (30 VT/30 NH) for intimate discussion.
| | | | Catch Up on Recent JWM Webinars & Get Involved! | |
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You may have missed the recent series of webinars sponsored by the Vermont Conference of the United Church of Christ's Justice and Witness Ministries (JWM) Committee. These sessions covered important topics, including “Response to Project 2025,” “Immigration,” and “Faith-based Community Organizing” (presented by Vermont Interfaith Action).
These webinars aimed to provide valuable information, inspiration, and practical tools for addressing the challenges our country faces today. If you couldn't attend but are interested in the content, you can watch the recordings and find links to resources for each webinar below.
Get Involved with Justice and Witness Ministries!
Even if you missed the webinars, you're invited to join our Justice and Witness Ministries Committee! Help us connect like-minded people throughout the conference around social justice issues. We meet via Zoom on the first Thursday of each month from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm. If you'd like to learn more or receive the link for an upcoming meeting, please contact Debbie at [jwm@vermontucc.org. We hope you'll find the recordings useful and consider joining our ongoing work!
| | | | Climate Scientist and Evangelical Christian to Keynote UCC Earth Summit | | The Jim Antal Keynote for this year’s UCC Earth Summit will be delivered by Katharine Hayhoe, one of the world’s leading climate scientists. Through television appearances on PBS and Showtime as well as her widely viewed TED Talks, Hayhoe has reached a broad audience with a compelling perspective on science, climate, and faith. The summit will additionally feature a panel of grassroots leaders in the struggle against environmental racism in North Texas. This two and a half hour online summit will begin at 2 pm ET on April 26th. Register now | | | | |
The grief we feel toward melting ice, heating cities, and dying species is woven throughout the activities of daily life.
This Maundy Thursday, join interfaith Rev. Lauren Van Ham as we learn about eco-grief and consider how our ministries can be strengthened through our honest acts of lament and care for the living system on which we all depend.
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If you are unable to join at the scheduled time, still register and a link to the recording will be sent to you following the event.
Register here:
| | 2025 Climate Hope Art Contest Ceremony | |
| | Join us as we celebrate the art of our 2025 finalists of this year's contest, which invites children to draw, paint, or color pieces that bring the theme of the contest to life. | | | |
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Faith communities are invited to the second annual Green Teams Gathering on Saturday, June 21, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Wolfe’s Neck Center for Agriculture and the Environment in Freeport, Maine. This event is designed for members and friends of congregational Green Teams, Earth Care Teams, and Climate Action Teams from Southern Maine and beyond.
https://thebtscenter.org/green-teams-gathering-2025/
| | | | LAST CHANCE! Yearbook: Church Data Due by April 11, 2025 | | |
UCC Yearbook and Directory
National has extended the deadline to report/input Church data to April 11, 2025. We realize that there have been some issues with the new UCC Database and Directories (Data Hub) that have prevented some churches from entering data.
In addition to extending the deadline, we are also offering another option. Churches can enter all the data that we ask for via a survey format. To utilize this option, please click here:
DATA ENTRY SURVEY
Entering your Church data directly into the new UCC Database and Directories (DAD) is still an option.
READ MORE HERE
| | | Into the Deep – Accessibility, Safety, and Welcoming Spaces -General Synod | |
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4/14 @ 3:30 PM ET
Part 3 – During this webinar, we’ll hear from leaders on how we plan an accessible, safe, and welcoming Synod. We’ll learn more about how we create brave space through networking and communal opportunities for the LGBTQ+ community and moments of intentional intimate connections for women within the wider church and those seeking ways to be in community through a justice action lens... READ MORE
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Send a prayer shawl along for Synod
A few faithful people of the UCC have begun making prayer shawls for the church’s biennial gathering in July.
Read More
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Learn about the resolutions for General Synod 35.
Proposed Resolutions of the Thirty-Fifth General Synod
The United Church of Christ Board, sitting as the General Synod Committee on Disposition, received the items of business submitted to the Thirty-Fifth General Synod and recommends disposition as follows:
Read More
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Constitution and Bylaws Changes to be Considered by Synod
In addition to the election of a new officers to the National Church, changes to the UCC’s Constitution and Bylaws will be considered by General Synod 35.
READ MORE
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‘We are not all the same, but one body'
UCC GMP to bring a ‘prophetic and pastoral’ message to General Synod this summer.
READ MORE
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Leadership Transition at the Open and Affirming Coalition of the United Church of Christ
We write today to share an important leadership transition within the Open and Affirming Coalition.
Rev. Dr. Katrina Roseboro-Marsh has concluded her time as Executive Director, and we thank her for her service over the past two years. We wish her well in her future endeavors and are grateful for the work she has contributed to this movement.
Effective immediately, Rev. Derek Terry will step in as Acting Executive Director. Rev. Terry is a dedicated pastor, artist, and advocate for justice who brings deep commitment and leadership to this role. In addition to his work as a faith leader, he has extensive executive and leadership experience and has served as the Coalition’s capable Program Director for the past two years. His passion for Open and Affirming ministry and his strategic leadership will help guide the Coalition through this transition.
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‘We Will Continue to Show Up and Speak Out’
Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson, UCC GMP reaffirms the denomination’s support in this Trans Day of Visibility message.
READ MORE
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AROUND THE CONFERENCE
(Please let us know what your Congregation is up to by sending an email to VermontConference@gmail.com .
You may just see yourself or someone you love in the eKit or our Facebook page!)
| | THANK YOU LAURIE CHIPMAN! FOR YOUR WONDERFUL YEARS OF MINISTRY! | | After 15 wonderful and fruitful years dedicated to our children's ministry, Laurie Chipman retired from her position as Christian Education Director of First Congregational Church of Essex Junction. During the two regularly scheduled services on March 23rd, the church honored her years of devoted service. Several of the youth actively participated in leading the service, and a reception was held afterwards in her honor. Conference Minister Lynn Bujnak also attended to recognize Laurie's significant contributions to the Conference in Outdoor Ministries. | | | | |
Franz Joseph Haydn, The Seven Last Words of Christ
Sunday, April 13, 4:00 • First Congregational Church, Lebanon NH
Friday, April 18, 7:00 • Williston Federated Church, Williston VT
A Holy Week musical tradition for over three decades! First organized in 1991 by the late violinist Bert Francke (1940-2025), an octet has performed this sublime piece in two different Vermont towns every Holy Week since then except during the pandemic. This year it makes one of its rare forays into New Hampshire, and you're warmly invited to attend. And one need not be Christian to appreciate the narrative power of Haydn's poignant, bracingly dramatic portrayal of Christ's final hours on the cross.
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New on Vermontucc.org: Annual Meeting Details & Conference Calendar
Oue website vermontucc.org has updated! Find Annual Meeting details (draft schedule & resolution) and a new Conference Calendar with lectionary readings (courtesy Vanderbilt Divinity Library) and conference and UCC events. Visit vermontucc.org for all event info.
New Calendar link: https://vermontucc.org/calendar/
Annual Meeting Link: https://vermontucc.org/am25/
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Camp Highlight: Wilderness First Aid (June 7-8, ages 14+, WFA course: $220)
Wilderness First Aid Information
Accidents happen. People get hurt, sick, or lost. Would you know what to do? Many backcountry emergencies are preventable. By learning a few basic skills, you can make the difference between a good outcome and a bad one-and maybe even save a life. Attend this two-day (16 hours) SOLO-run certification course that gives outdoor enthusiasts the skills needed to assist in a backcountry emergency situation at Horton Center. Meals and lodging available.
Heatin' Up for Summer - Camp Fundraiser
The more money we raise, the hotter the chicken wings Rev. Gordon Ranking will have to eat! The higher the funds, the higher up the Scoville heat scale we go. Donate today at hortoncenter.org/donate. All proceeds go to the ministry of Horton Center!
Save the Date: Opening Work Weekend (5/16-18)
We would greatly appreciate any help you can give at Horton Center's Opening Work Weekend. Invite a friend for a couple hours, a whole day, or for the weekend! Whether you are a carpenter, a cleaner, a gardener, or an organizer - we need you! We'll have fun and great meals as we prepare the site for another awesome camping and retreat season. Email Tivvi if you're able to make it!
Contact: Tivvi Pare (she/her/hers) 603-545-9660 TPare@nhcucc.org
| | FOR MORE INFORMATION ON WHAT'S HAPPENING AROUND THE CONFERENCE GO TO OUR FACEBOOK PAGE HERE: | | |
Vulnerable adult missing from Shelburne
According to police, Ronald Van Mynen was last seen at his Shelburne home Tuesday afternoon. He had gone to run errands in South Burlington, but he never returned home. Police say Van Mynen didn't bring a cell phone with him when he left the house.
Prayers for Ukraine, Gaza, Congo and other places in the world with ongoing wars.
Prayers for those caught in natural disasters.
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Save the Date & Cont. Ed Resources
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Where did your theological stance come from?
How did you come to hold such beliefs?
“Making Sense of Theology” addresses these questions and much more. Participating in this course encourages conversation about a plethora of theological questions. Journeying and studying alongside other learners, while listening to and respecting one another’s Christian journeys, brings new questions and new possibilities. “Making Sense of Theology” begins on May 7, 2025.
Go to the PATHWAYS website (pathwaystheological.org) to learn more and to apply for this and other courses.
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Welcome, Farewell, and Blessings
Pastoral Transitions since the 2024 Vermont Conference Annual Meeting
| | | | A Memorial Service for The Reverend Roger Brown will take place on Saturday, April 12 at 11:00 am at Centre Congregational Church, UCC. A graveside service will take place on Sunday, April 13 at 1:00pm. | | |
Mission and faith identity support:
Applicants should demonstrate full support of the mission, values, and faith orientation of the First Congregational Church of Essex Junction, UCC and the United Church of Christ as a welcoming, historic, and progressive Christian faith community. The applicant will unreservedly support the church’s identity as an Open and Affirming (i.e. LGBTQ+ affirming) congregation.
For more details regarding the position, please visit our website: https://www.fccej.org/v5/who-we-are/work-with-us/
FCCEJ is an open and affirming church, serving all in the spirit of Christ.
Please send resume and cover letter to: welcome@fccej.org
| | FOR MORE CONFERENCE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES | | | | |
Join the Movement toward Racial Justice
The United Church of Christ invites you to participate in the Join the Movement Campaign, a three-year initiative that recognizes local churches’ works towards racial justice. Together, we can advocate for all people to live without acts of violence or structures and systems that harm God’s human creation.
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Global Ministries is a joint witness in mission between the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ. Join us in our mission to receive and share the Good News of Jesus Christ by joining with global and local partners to work for justice, reconciliation and peace
Become a Global Mission Church!
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Thank You for Your Support!
Our Churches Wider Mission Basic Support, Association Dues, and
Friends of the Vermont Conference make this communication possible.
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