Weekly E-News Winter Edition | |  |
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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
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Message from the Conference | |
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Dear Friends,
Recently, one of our churches reached out to me for information about what it would mean to be a Sanctuary Church. As we are all well aware, this has become an important issue at this time in our country. On Feb. 11 th , 27 religious groups in our country, including some UCC Conferences, sued the Department of Homeland Security in response to a policy change that offers greater leeway for immigration enforcement in “sensitive locations”, including houses of worship. According to the UCC news report, Christian and Jewish denominations and regional bodies “have come together to file this suit because their Scripture, teaching and tradition offer irrefutable unanimity on their religious obligation to embrace and serve the refugees, asylum seekers and immigrants in their midst without regard to documentation or legal status.”
This of course raises the basic question: What is our church going to do if an immigrant, asylum seeker or refugee is worshipping with us on a Sunday morning and ICE agents show up? To answer that question, you will find a wealth of
resources provided by the Southern New England Conference at www.sneucc.org/ice. I encourage every one of our churches to have a conversation about this topic, because as we all know it is better to be prepared beforehand rather than be surprised afterwards. Please also let us as your Conference staff know of your plans, so that we can support you and connect you with other churches who may be facing similar situations.
On another note, our Vitality Day on children’s and youth ministry is getting close! We will gather on Saturday, March 8 th in Charlotte from 10-3 for a fun filled day of encouragement and resourcing. Over 20 churches from across the state
have already signed up to be there, and we would love to have you! The deadline for registering is Sunday, March 2 nd , and you can register on Ekit or on the Conference website. The cost is $25 for one person from your church, or $40 for
a group of two or more, and we encourage you to bring a group! Hope to see you there!
Faithfully yours,
Paul
Rev. Paul Sangree
Associate Conference Minister
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SIGN UP NOW FOR VITALITY DAY AND ANNUAL MEETING! | |
UPCOMING JUSTICE & WITNESS WEBINARS | |
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Justice and Witness Ministries of the Vermont Conference UCC
is sponsoring a series of social justice webinars (register below) to address the challenges of the times we’re living in. Each webinar will be an hour-long examination of a different topic, with accurate information about how vulnerable people are being harmed and how we as people of faith can resist!
Thank you,
Justice & Witness
| For Church bulletin inserts- click here | | |
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Governor Scott’s proposed repeal of Vermont’s Universal School Meals Program would cost Vermont kids, families, schools, and farmers.
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Hope Fund Update from Springfield Church!
"A PLACE FOR EVERYONE – AT FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH IN
SPRINGFIELD, VT. A NEW GREEN GATHERING SPACE ON MAIN STREET
HAS BEEN DEVELOPED THROUGH THE HOPE GRANT AND BETTER
PLACES, A VERMONT MATCHING GRANT PROGRAM."
First Congregational Church in Springfield, VT, transformed an overgrown yard into a welcoming green space for all. Grants and community support funded the ADA-accessible patio, gardens, and seating, creating a peaceful downtown retreat. Completed in late 2024, the church now focuses on maintaining this community haven.
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Click here to Sign up to stay connected, be nourished and keep updated on racial justice work happening around the world. | | |
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What's it going to take to confront systemic challenges in our world? | |
In this six-week online class hosted by Tripp Fuller and Joerg Rieger, you will...
- Discover why liberation theologies are more relevant than ever in confronting systemic challenges and fostering global solidarity.
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Engage with some of the most influential liberation theologians from around the world.
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Delve deep into the transformative power of faith in action.
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Global Ministries Webinar
Did you know that on February 26, 1885, European powers reached an agreement to divide Africa in an event known as the “Scramble for Africa”? By 1900, these powers had claimed nearly 90 percent of the continent’s territory. This webinar will explore the conference itself, the impacts of colonialism and its mindset, and the ongoing consequences that persist today.
Read more here
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Standing with Partners in Palestine and Israel
Global Ministries releases briefing on the situation in Gaza following President Trump’s recent statements.
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'Cries for Peace in Palestine'
Palestinian Christian voices are center of new book, webinar series.
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The Disciples and UCC address the crisis in the Middle East
As we continue to witness the tragic crisis in the Middle East that escalated on Oct. 7, but has roots that are decades long, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and United Church of Christ have been active in a variety of ways, including through public witness statements issued together with ecumenical bodies of which our churches are members, advocacy action alerts, and appeals to support our partners in the region. The following is an index of those efforts.
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Immigrant Welcoming Congregations
We live in a world of people on the move. According to the United Nations, there are over 100 million forcibly displaced people in the world – an unfortunate record in world history. The Bible is full of stories about God’s people being forced to leave their countries: Adam and Eve, Noah, Sarah and Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Naomi, Esther, Jeremiah, Jesus, Mary and Joseph to name some. We in the United Church of Christ find our grounding in God’s Word about how we are to treat the stranger in our midst. We believe we are called to offer an “extravagant welcome.”
Read more here
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Things you need to know about UCC stance on Immigration:
Read more here
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PLEASE UPDATE YOUR CHURCH'S INFORMATION CLINK ON START NOW BELOW | |
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Erasing Trans History: The Government’s Quiet Attack on Stonewall’s Legacy
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Thriving Through Moments of Unrest
On Feb. 25, a webinar from Gender & Sexuality Justice Ministries will explore thriving through unrest and building communities of care.
Register here:
Click Here to Register!
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Partnering with Albany Pro Musica: A Journey of Understanding Through Music
We are honored to partner with Albany Pro Musica on their upcoming Considering Matthew Shepard concert and community engagement series. This initiative reflects our shared belief in the transformative power of the arts to inspire change, foster dialogue, and build connections within our community.
Craig Hella Johnson’s Considering Matthew Shepard is a deeply moving work that explores Matthew Shepard’s life, tragic death, and enduring legacy. Through music, it challenges us to reflect on themes of inclusion, resilience, and hope while envisioning a more compassionate world.
The accompanying community events—including a documentary screening & panel discussion, art workshop, and special post-concert reception and discussion—create spaces for dialogue and creative expression, amplifying the concert’s impact. These programs demonstrate the power of collaboration in addressing societal challenges and honoring Matthew’s legacy.
Join us in supporting this transformative project and experience how music truly captures the human spirit. Together, we can inspire greater understanding and connection within our community.
https://albanypromusica.org/concert/considering-matthew-shepard/
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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!)
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Stowe Community Church Ski Days
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FOR MORE INFORMATION ON WHAT'S HAPPENING AROUND THE CONFERENCE GO TO OUR FACEBOOK PAGE HERE: | |
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From: Centre Congregational Church, UCC:
As a faith community, we deeply mourn the loss of our member, Judith Myrick (1931-2025), died peacefully on February 8 in Pennsylvania. Her health had been declining in the last few months due to heart failure. And then her body began to give out. Her son and daughter were able to be at her bedside the last few days, time for which they are grateful. A service in Judy’s memory will be held at the gravesite at the cemetery where her husband, Allen, is also buried. Her obituary will be published in the March Centre Bells. I have reached out to the daughter, Helen Davis, to express to her the church’s condolences.
See obituary: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/wfmz/name/judith-myrick-obituary?id=57503074
Judy and Allen were champions of the Wider Church and were long time UCBWM and GM missionaries.
Members of Centre Congregational Church, UCC
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Reverend Ben Thurber , age 92, died peacefully in his home after a long illness of vascular dementia. He received a certificate this past year for 65 years of ordained ministry. He was also a masterful artist (https://www.benthurberart.com/). Bev Thurber's wife, Beverly is one of United Church of Craftsbury's accompanists. Our prayers are with the family.
A celebration of Ben’s life and legacy is planned for Memorial Day weekend (details to be announced later). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Craftsbury Church on the Common’s Deacons’ Crisis Fund, PO Box 46, Craftsbury Common, VT 05827, or Orleans/Essex VNA Hospice, 46 Lakemont Rd., Newport, VT 05855.
Find his obituary by clicking here
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Rev. Dr. William Ellis Cobb “Bill”, age 87, passed away in the early morning hours of April 12, 2024, at his home in Lexington, TN with his family by his side
Find his obituary by clicking here
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Prayers for those caught in the L.A. Fires and the losses and sufferings.
Prayers for those mourning and affected by gun violence and mass shootings.
https://www.gunviolencearchive.org/reports/mass-shooting)
Prayers for those dealing with wars and violence.
We pray for all affected by the ongoing work and recovery from natural disasters, including the So. California Wildfires, especially the congregation of the UCC in Altadena which burned to the ground.
Prayers for the families and friends of our authorized ministers who have died, Rev. William Wintersteen, Rev. J. Yorke Peeler, Pastor Sherry Baer, and commissioned minister of liturgical floral design, Ned Davis.
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Save the Date & Cont. Ed Resources
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Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for (audience)? Why should they care (benefit)? What do I want them to do (call-to-action)?
Create a great offer by adding words like "free," "personalized," "complimentary," or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take action, so consider inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining!"
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2025 Racial Justice Trainings
This 6-hour training for authorized ministers, uses videos, articles and small-group conversations based on a unique tool that lifts up the need for work in the area of respect and affirmation when looking at the four realms of racism.
- March 18 and 20
- May 12 and 14
- September 9 and 10
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FAITH FORMATION CERTIFICATE
The Advanced Faith Formation Certificate Program provides participants with the knowledge and skills to lead local congregation-based Faith Formation programs for all ages in the post-COVID world. Read more about it on our website.
Courses offered this Spring include:
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Faith Formation (Children, Youth,Adults) Level 1 2/19/2025 - 4/1/2025
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Applied: Faith Formation and Spiritual Practices for Children, Youth, and Adults Level 2 5/7/2025 - 6/17/2025
Other Courses and Certificates this Spring include:
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The Supervised Ministry Certificate (Six 9-week courses) The required 3-week introduction to the Supervised Ministry certificate begins February 19, 2025
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THE BIBLE AS GUIDE: Biomes and Landforms in Scripture (a Level 1 Environmental Justice Certificate course) begins March 19, 2025
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Prophetic Preaching on Christian Nationalism (part of Project Proclaim) begins March 5, 2025.
Go to the PATHWAYS website (pathwaystheological.org) to learn more and to apply for these and other courses.
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Teeny Tiny Church Services: Supporting Smaller Congregations
Looking for ways to enhance your worship services this summer and beyond?
Teeny Tiny Church Services offers a range of resources to meet your congregation's needs, whether you have a full-time pastor, rely on supply preachers, or have lay leaders presiding over worship.
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Welcome, Farewell, and Blessings
Pastoral Transitions since the 2024 Vermont Conference Annual Meeting
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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. | |
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Rev. Marjorie McNeil
rings the bell on the end of her cancer treatments!
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Please note and change your information:
that Rev. Matthew Deen is now:
Rev. Thew Deen(they/them/theirs)
"Blessings, Thew! Thank you for your honesty, courage and clear naming of who you know yourself to be. We continue to welcome, love and accept you and the many gifts you share with your church, Association, Conference and this world." -Lynn
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Rev. Ken White concludes his ministry at College Street Congregational UCC | | |
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Ken White and his wife Lucia receiving prayer shawls, Ken playing in the band. | |
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Rev. Katherine Buechner Arthaurd retires from United Church in Fairfax | | |
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Congratulations to Josh Sharp
from First Congregational Church of Essex Junction was
approved for ordination pending call
by the Champlain Association
on January 12, 2025
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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
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FOR MORE CONFERENCE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES | | |
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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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DEADLINE for E-Kit News must be received by Tuesday of each week.
Please send any and all information please email: gainsworth@vermontucc.org
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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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