The Mountain | February 15, 2023 |
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Welcome! We want to hear from you about stories for future issues and other communications requests and questions. Send emails to [email protected].
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Looking for the Spirit at Work: Constellation Ministry Begins in Vermont |
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Bishop Shannon MacVean-Brown arrived in Vermont just a few months before COVID lockdowns began and on the cusp of a churchwide clergy shortage. In 2021, as the diocese’s congregations began to emerge from pandemic lockdowns, she realized that they would need to adapt to the changed world they found by collaborating and innovating.
“We cannot keep doing what we’re doing. That is simply no longer an option for the Diocese of Vermont. But we are not stuck here. This is good news!” Bishop Shannon says. “The Holy Spirit is calling us to a time of courage and risk-taking, and she is calling us to a time of collaboration – to unlearn some of our ‘reliance on self-reliance.’”
Today, several congregations, including All Saints, South Burlington and St. Paul’s, Vergennes and St. Peter’s, Bennington and St. James’, Arlington, have formed “constellations,” which is the diocese’s new term for partnerships that involve clergy sharing and mission collaboration. Other congregations are in various stages of discernment about entering a constellation.
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Bishop Shannon Preaches at Diocese of Pennsylvania Absalom Jones Service |
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On February 11, Bishop Shannon preached at the Diocese of Pennsylvania's service honoring Absalom Jones, the first Black priest in the Episcopal Church, who is remembered on the church's calendar of saints on February 13.
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CBS Sunday Morning Dog Mountain Story with Ohlidal |
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The Rev. Susan Ohlidal, canon for missional vitality, was recently interviewed by CBS Sunday Morning about Dog Mountain, a sacred space for dogs and their owners. Ohlidal visits Dog Mountain regularly and ministers to visitors.
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Donate to Earthquake Recovery in Turkey and Syria;
Good Shepherd, Barre Fundraising Dinner on February 25
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On Saturday, February 25 from 5 to 7:30 p.m., Good Shepherd, Barre will hold a fundraising dinner for those affected by the devastating earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria. Dinner is $20 a meal for a platter of Middle Eastern foods with baklava for dessert. Takeout will be available until 6:30 p.m. During dinner, there will be a silent auction and musical entertainment. Reserve a spot.
photo courtesy of the ACT Alliance
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Application Open for Nominations to Churchwide Bodies |
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The Joint Standing Committee on Nominations is inviting members from the Episcopal Church to apply for churchwide roles on the Executive Council, Church Pension Fund Trustees, General Board of Examining Chaplains, Court of Review, Disciplinary Board for Bishops, and Joint Committee on the Nomination of a Presiding Bishop. Detailed job descriptions and application forms are available online. The deadline to apply is April 15.
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Celebrate World Mission Sunday on February 19 |
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Other upcoming GEMN events:
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February 16 at 1 p.m., online: Companionship with Sudanese Christians: Sponsored by GEMN and hosted by the American Friends of the Episcopal Churches of the Sudans (AFRECS). Register.
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May 2 to 3: Mission Formation Program, Tampa, Florida: In tandem with the Global Mission Conference. More information and registration details to come.
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May 4 to 5: Global Mission Conference, Tampa, Florida: Mission: Journey into Healing. More information and registration details to come.
Email or call (802.326.3157) the Rev. Titus Presler, diocesan global mission advocate, for more information.
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Anglican Communion Online Discussion on March 1
Hosted by the Cathedral Church of St. Paul
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On March 1 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Archdeacon Stannard Baker of the Cathedral Church of St. Paul will lead a conversation about the relationship of the Episcopal Church to the Anglican Communion.
The program will begin with a screening of the documentary Voices of Witness Africa, followed by a discussion with Katie Sherrod, director of communications for the Episcopal Church in North Texas, who conducted interviews for the film.
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Diocesan Lent Series: A Season for the Spirit
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Each gathering will begin at 7 p.m. and be followed by compline at 8 p.m.:
- Thursdays March 2
- Thursday, March 16
- Thursday, March 30
Join the conversations by using this link or by dialing (646) 876-9923 with code 531110497#. If you are asked for a password, use RockPoint.
Follow the diocesan Facebook page during Lent to see and respond to daily reflections and questions from Bishop Shannon and the Rev. adowa Wilson.
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Celtic Lent Daily Meditation
Monday through Friday at 8:30 a.m.
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Anam Cara Sojourners, a group that explores Celtic spirituality and is directed by the Rev. Kim Hardy of St. James, Essex Junction, is hosting Celtic-themed weekday meditation and prayer at 8:30 a.m. on Zoom during Lent.
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Ashes, Tombs and Wombs: Mission Farm Lent Retreat
March 24-26
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Mission Farm will hold a Lent retreat, "Ashes, Tombs and Wombs: Dark Spaces that Bring Forth New Life" from March 24 to 26. The retreat will be led by the Rev. Sherry Osborne and will include music, silence, meditation, and hands-on nature activities.
The retreat costs $120 for those staying overnight and $50 for only the Saturday session.
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LEADERSHIP NEWS & UPDATES |
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2023 TENS Password Now Available |
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This year's TENS pledge campaign materials are now available on the TENS website. This year's theme is Rooted in Abundance. When prompted, enter this password: Jeremiah17:8
Please note, this is a case sensitive password, and there are no spaces.
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Update the Episcopal Asset Map |
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More people visit the Episcopal Asset Map during Holy Week than any other time of the year, according to a recent update from asset map staff. Congregational leaders are encouraged to review the information on their congregation's Asset Map page so they can be ready to welcome people searching for a new church home:
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Navigate to the Episcopal Asset Map
- Click on your congregation and click on "More Details."
- If anything needs to be changed or added, click "Update this Place."
- After you click "Save and Submit" changes will go to the diocesan Asset Map administrator for approval, and changes will be published.
Episcopal Relief & Development has released a video walk-through of this process. The asset map staff will also hold office hours for those with questions on February 16 and February 17, 12 to 1 p.m. Eastern, on Zoom.
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Congregational Leadership Form Due February 28 |
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- Date of congregation's annual meeting
- Basic contact information for congregation
- Clergy name(s) and contact information
- Names and contact information for vestry members, including wardens, treasurer and clerk
- Diocesan convention delegates and alternate delegates names and email addresses
- Paid and unpaid staff member(s) names and email address
Questions? Contact Karen Robinson at the diocesan office by emailing
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Parochial Reports Due March 1 |
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A few notes about the report:
- This year's report form includes significant changes to the membership and attendance sections.
- The report form includes a demographic question regarding the cultural make-up of congregations. The diocese sent a survey link to all clergy and wardens-in-charge to assist in collecting this information. The results of the survey have been forwarded to rectors, priests-in-charge and wardens-in-charge of participating congregations.
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After the report has been submitted online, please send a copy of your congregation's full report to [email protected], along with your 2022 year-end financials (to include an income and expense report, a balance sheet and, if necessary, the Reconciliation Form).
If you have questions regarding the completion of the Parochial Report, please contact the chair of the Commission on Finance, the Very Rev. Greta Getlein.
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Non-Parochial and Licensed Clergy Reports Due March 1 |
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Non-parochial clergy canonically resident in the Diocese of Vermont must fill out an annual report as required by canon.
Clergy licensed to officiate in the Diocese of Vermont must fill out an annual report as required by canon.
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Bookkeeping Survey Due March 24 |
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The Commission on Finance is collecting information on the accounting, payroll, and bookkeeping systems currently in use in parishes in the Diocese of Vermont.
Rectors and treasurers are asked to complete this survey to help the commission construct a database of users and systems with the goal of providing assistance to parishes wishing to switch services/processes, begin with a service, or find out more about a service or process through peer to peer contact.
Note, a list of upcoming due dates for congregational forms and reports can be found on the diocesan website.
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Province 1 Formation Network Online Conversations Continue February 16 |
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The second session, "Supporting your College Students and Becoming a Supportive Congregation for College Students" will be led by the Rev. Nancy Vogele on February 16.
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Province 1 Formation Network Conference March 2-4
Conversations with the Honorable Byron Rushing
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Two conversations with the Hon. Byron Rushing will frame the conference, which will include time for conversations and rejuvenation. Learn more and register.
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Rock Point Intentional Community Eucharist February 17 |
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The next Rock Point Intentional Community Eucharist will take place on Friday, February 17 at noon in the Van Dyck Lounge, weather permitting. The theme for the last Friday of the Epiphany season: The Transfiguration. Celtic-style prayers and the practice of Lectio Divina will be used during the readings and sermon.
Email the Rev. Lisette Baxter, a member of the Rock Point Intentional Community planning team, with questions, to receive directions, or to be added to the community's mailing list.
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Daily Online Prayer With the Green Mountain Online Abbey
Monday through Saturday at 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.; Sundays at 8 p.m.
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The 8 p.m. Sunday services of evening prayer with the Green Mountain Online Abbey are dedicated to racial healing.
The Green Mountain Online Abbey meets on Zoom Monday through Saturday at 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 8 p.m.
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Music Director
St. John's in the Mountain's, Stowe
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St. John's in the Mountain's Episcopal Church in Stowe seeks a music director to lead hymns, perform preludes and postludes at the 10 am Sunday service, as well as Christmas and Holy Week services. Download the full job description.
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Part-Time Musician
Holy Trinity, Swanton
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Holy Trinity, Swanton, is looking for a part-time musician. Resumes, with three references attached, are currently being accepted, with employment beginning as negotiated.
Please contact the Rev. John Spainhour at 843-343-6871 or at [email protected] if interested.
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February 19: St. Thomas & Grace Church, Brandon; Frances Farnsworth, Senior Warden
February 26: St. Michael's Church, Brattleboro; the Rev. Mary Lindquist, the Rev. adwoa Wilson, Assisting Priest
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EVENTS CALENDAR AT A GLANCE |
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February 17 at 12 p.m.: Rock Point Intentional Community Eucharist
February 28: Congregational Leadership Form Due
March 1: Parochial Report Due
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The Mountain is published every other Wednesday. Please send submission to [email protected] by 5 p.m. the Monday before publication.
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5 Rock Point Road | Burlington, VT 05408
Tel: (802) 863-3431 | In Vermont (800) 286-3437
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