Table of Contents 

1) Message from the Conference

2) Latest News

3) Around the Conference

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 Friends,

    Convocation is coming! It may be hard to believe in the midst of summer, but our annual Vermont Conference Convocation for clergy and Members in Discernment is less than two months away! We will be gathering this year from Monday afternoon, Oct. 6^th through Wed. lunch, Oct. 8^th at the Craftsbury Outdoor Center in Craftsbury. This will be our fifth year going there, and we keep returning because they have such amazing grounds, serve such tasty food, and have so many amenities for us to enjoy, like kayaks on their lake, paths to bike or walk on, and beautiful fall colors! We will also have childcare for kids five and under during the programs.

    The Convocation team (Martha Peck, Caryne Eskridge, James Merriam, Tom Harty, Elizabeth Gleich, Ava Bilton, Lynn Pilcher, Kurt Shaffert, and myself) decided this year to invite a speaker to come be with us, and we look forward to welcoming Rev. Chris Davies! Chris is the Executive Minister for Programs and Initiatives for the Southern New England Conference of the UCC. In her own words, she is a “queer femme, an urban beekeeper, and a creative networker of communities! She is passionate about justice and Jesus.”  The Convocation team is so excited about her coming and sharing with us about what it means to be in ministry in these challenging times.

   In our evaluations from last year’s Convocation, one person wrote “Primarily, I look forward to Convocation for the collegiality. To be with other Vt. Conference Ministers to learn, have fun, and share in worship. It is where we, who provide church for others, can be a part of church for us.  Another wrote, “This was my first Convocation experience and it was lovely. I see Convocation as an opportunity for clergy to have fun together, to relax and unwind, and be inspired and fed. It was wonderful to have time to get to know clergy from around the state.” 

    Whether this will be your 10^th Convocation or your first, I hope you will put the dates of Oct. 6-8th in your fall calendar! If you are a lay person, encourage your pastor or Member in discernment (MID) to go! Registration will begin at the end of the month.

              Joyfully yours,

          Paul

_{Latest News}

We are saddened to share the news of the unexpected passing of Rev. John Weatherhogg. Please hold John's wife The Rev. Tracy Weatherhogg and his family and friends in your prayers during this difficult time. A celebration of his life is being planned on Saturday, Aug. 23rd at 2 pm at Grace Church, Rutland. We will provide more details as they become available.

NOW REGISTERING FOR FALL 2025

UCC Faith and Theology in the Public Square: Where Jesus the Healer Meets Jesus the Revolutionary

Whether we are lay leaders or one with denominational standing, when we show up in public places representing the church, what we say conveys a lot about who we are and the faith community we are a part of. This course is designed to invite you into your own theological "deep dive" and to explore how you present yourself and your church in the ministry of presence and the fight for justice. In the program of study being developed by Ministry21 for all church leaders—lay, licensed, ordained—this course is considered a foundational course, as the call to action and ministry in the public square is central to pastoral and denominational identity in the UCC. For this reason, the course begins with reflection on the Marks for Faithful and Effective Ministers and those for our churches—how this central call affects your understanding of them and your personal ministry.

This fall course is being instructed by the Rev. Dr. Gail Kinney and will be held in West Lebanon on Sept 6, Oct 4, Nov 1, Dec 6 from 9am—4pm. Cost $350 — register by August 15: https://www.nhcucc.org/ministry-21/ucc-faith-and-theology (There may be some scholarship support available if needed — connect with Rev. Susie Webster-Toleno, the VT Dean for Ministry21 for more information: https://vtdean@min21.org) 

Ministry21 is so grateful for the support of the Vermont and New Hampshire Conferences in offering up both staffing and resources, as well as for the generosity of the Brown Endowment of United Church Funds.

From UN NEWS: “According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) platform, 2 out of 3 famine thresholds have been reached in Gaza: plummeting food consumption and acute malnutrition…there is mounting evidence that “widespread starvation, malnutrition and disease” are driving a rise in hunger-related deaths - the 3rd famine indicator.

‘It's clearly a disaster unfolding in front of our eyes, in front of our television screens,’ said Ross Smith, UN World Food Programme (WFP) director of emergencies. ‘This is not a warning, this is a call to action. This is unlike anything we have seen in this century.’”

~

There aren’t a lot of organizations or agencies that are known to be operating effectively in Gaza at this time. The situation is simply too chaotic and too much relies on the political will of the Israeli government and military to allow the delivery of food aid. Below are some suggestions of places to start looking. 

UCC Opportunities:

·      UCC Palestine Israel Network (now known as the UCC Movement for Palestinian Solidarity)

·      UCC Urgent Appeal for Gaza 

·      UCC Global Ministries and Churches for Middle East Peace

NON-UCC ORGANIZATIONS:

·      American Near East Refuge Aid (ANERA)

·      Heal Palestine

·      Palestine Children's Relief Fund

·      UNRWA USA National Committee

OTHER FOOD RELIEF AGENCIES:

·      World Central Kitchen

·      Doctors without borders (MSF)

WEB SITES FOR RESEARCHING NON-GOV’T ORGS.

·      Charity Navigator

·      GuideStar

·      GiveWell

WORLD COMMUNION RESOURCES FOR LOVING OUR NEIGHBORS!

The United Church of Christ's Office of General Counsel has issued an important notice for all local churches considering applying for federal grants, including the Nonprofit Security Grant Program. Recent changes to grant terms and conditions may include requirements that could impact a church's ministry and theological positions.

These new terms may require recipients to cooperate with immigration officials, avoid promoting certain diversity and equity programs, and refrain from participating in boycotts related to Israel.

It is crucial for local churches to review all grant terms carefully to ensure that accepting federal funds does not compromise their mission or the principles of the separation of church and state.

For more information and to read the full article, please follow the link below.

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!)

Good News! We have been accepted for this year's pride parade! Will will be participating in the Pride Parade as the churches of the Vermont Conference and we are inviting all our ONA churches to bring their banners and celebrate together. We need a project coordinator or such to be there physically for the parade itself and be a point of contact for our churches! We have 10 churches signed up with us! Line up begins at 10 am. Please let us know if you are able to be that person by contacting Jackie Lingelbach at jlingelbach@vermontucc.org. If you haven't already added your church now is your opportunity to do so!

The Parade will again end at the Burlington Waterfront Park where we we will have a tent and table to share with folks glitter blessings and other things. Rev. Laura Engelken our new ONA Coordinator is in charge of that and you can reach her at revlaurambucc@gmail.com to help support that event.

Members and friends of the Bristol Federated Church gathered on Sunday, Aug. 10^th to dedicate their newly renovated steeple with deep gratitude to Joe Devall for his loving generosity. Renovations include new seamless metal roofing and vinyl siding. The work was completed by Devine Carpentry of N. Ferrisburg. A delicious lunch followed. All to the Glory of God!

Invitation to good ole' fashion Church Hymn Sing

The Stowe Community Church invites you and your congregation to an Old Fashioned Hymn Sing on Sunday, August 31^st at 7:00 pm.

This will be held in our newly air-conditioned sanctuary and led by Pastor Dan, our Musical Director Karen Miller, and song-leader Greg Morrill. 

Attendees will get to select which hymns we sing in an evening of music, fellowship, and praising God! These events are always better when more people participate, so we’re hoping you’ll come and join the singing! Please spread the word about this event, and we look forward to seeing everyone on August 31^st.

If you have questions, contact info@stowechurch.org."

PRAYER CONCERNS

Our hearts are with The Rev. Tracy Weatherhogg and her family following the unexpected death of her husband, Rev. John Weatherhogg, this week. We ask that you keep them in your prayers. We will share additional information as we receive it.

Please hold Rev. James Semmelroth Darnell, newly called pastor of the Barre Congregational Church, UCC, and his family in your prayers. James' father died July 24th.

Please keep family, friends and the larger community in your prayers at the sudden loss of the Ven. J. Stannard Baker. Stan was a Cathedral Deacon at St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral in Burlington and an Arch Deacon of the Episcopal Diocese of Vermont. He was a gifted psychotherapist. Stan and his husband, Peter Harrigan, were part of the original six plaintiffs in Vermont’s historic civil unions law in 2000. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.

Our dear friend and colleague Carrie Bail's husband, Darius Jonathan, is in urgent need of a kidney transplant. You can make an incredible difference by considering becoming a living donor or by simply sharing his story. Please visit nkr.org/XAX634 to learn more about Darius and how you can help save a life. Let's spread the word and help him find his match! #KidneyTransplant #LivingDonor #HelpDarius #MedicalFundraiser #ShareToSave

Save the Date & Cont. Ed Resources

A Partnership of the Vermont and New Hampshire Conferences of the United Church of Christ

Ministries and Mission Groups Weekend: Friday, August 22nd-Sunday, August 24th

Ministries and Mission Groups Info Packet 

It's not too late to sign up for Ministries and Mission Groups Weekend at Horton Center! All members of NH UCC Ministries and Mission Groups are invited to the mountaintop for a weekend of relaxation, connection, renewal, and community building!

Apple Crisp Day - Fall Open House on the Mountain (September 27th)

RSVP HERE: https://forms.gle/v8zvWCrX9MKwGHrr7

The site and trails will open for your enjoyment starting at 9am and ending at 5pm. 

You are welcome to come on your own, bring a friend, or bring your family! Come enjoy the foliage from a rocking chair on Madison Porch or take a hike up to one of the ledges and take in the view from up there. Bring everything you need for a picnic lunch, a book, a craft, your hiking boots, a musical instrument, or whatever else you need to make your day enjoyable. Horton Center will provide restrooms, coffee/tea/water, and delicious homemade apple crisp, of course! 

Pieceful Quilting and

Yoga and Meditation on the Mountain: September 5th-7th

Pieceful Quilting Info Packet 

Yoga and Meditation on the Mountain Info Packet

There will be two retreats going on simultaneously during "Work in Progress Weekend" at Horton Center: Pieceful Quilting and Yoga and Meditation on the Mountain. Regardless of which retreat you register for you are welcome to pick and choose activities from both program offerings to take part in. All retreat attendees will enjoy meals all together as well as some activities such as morning watch and evening campfires. We will practice welcoming and inclusive community building among all who attend the weekend! 

UPCOMING AUGUST WEBINARS

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Preaching for Special Occasions

Church leaders who are responsible for worship leadership and preaching at scheduled worship services are often called upon to provide worship and preaching leadership for funerals, weddings, and other special occasion events in a community. This course offers participants the opportunity to prepare liturgies and sermons for such occasions using contemporary resources.

PATHWAYS Early Fall Course Schedule

Preaching for Special Occasions                               8/20/2025

Understanding the Bible as a Progressive Christian  8/20/2025

What is the Bible? (Dickinson/MBS)                        9/17/2025

Professional Boundaries and Ministerial Self-Care  9/17/2025

Go to the PATHWAYS website (pathwaystheological.org) to learn more and to apply for this and other courses.

UCC MESA Trainings – Boundary Training for Ministers in Specialized Settings with Rev. Tara Barber and Rev. Anissa Glaser-Bacon

Sept 4, 2025, 6:00pm-9:00pm 

This training is open to ministers serving in specialized settings throughout the United Church of Christ. Serving in specialized settings requires particular attention to boundaries within the ministry setting and home church that are challenging and different from those serving as local church pastors. This training will focus on matters that relate specifically to issues that these ministers face, providing opportunities for clergy to reflect on best practices and growth in their practice of ministry.

REGISTER HERE

UCC MESA Trainings – Boundary Training for Retired Ministers with Rev. Tara Barber and Rev. Melanie Oommen

Sept 24, 2025, 1:30pm-4:30 PM 

Maintaining healthy boundaries is challenging at any stage in ministry and it is particularly tender and difficult attending to boundaries as we transition out of our last call, and while in retirement. "A Sure Foundation", "The Ministerial Code" and Rev. Dr. Bruce Epperly's new book, "The Jubilee Years" along with case studies, will provide the content of this training. Rev. Tara Barber will offer this focused Boundary Awareness Training for those entering and living in retirement. Note - This training completes individual requirements for boundary training ONLY WHEN authorized by a local Committee on Ministry. Participants must be able to use zoom chat and breakout room functions.

REGISTER HERE

 Welcome, Farewell, and Blessings

Pastoral Transitions

VERMONT UCC CLASSIFIEDS

The Vermont Conference Seeks Disaster Response Coordinator

The Vermont Conference is seeking a dedicated individual to serve as our new Conference Disaster Response Coordinator. This vital role is central to our mission, ensuring that our churches and communities are prepared to respond effectively in times of crisis and natural disasters.

The Disaster Response Coordinator plays a key role in coordinating efforts with local churches, providing resources and training, and liaising with the national United Church of Christ (UCC) Wider Church Ministries. This position is essential for mobilizing our collective efforts to offer support, hope, and resilience to those affected by disasters.



Although this is a volunteer position, there are funds for supplies and for reimbursement for travel expenses, including getting to national training and support events for Conference Disaster Ministry Coordinators. There is also a commitment by Conference staff to recruit a small Task Force to work with the Coordinator.

This is an opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of many and to embody our commitment to care for our neighbors in their greatest time of need. If you are passionate about community service and disaster preparedness and response, we encourage you to consider this important role.

For more information on the role and to apply, please contact Rev. Dr. Lynn Bujnak (lbujnak@vermontucc.org, 802-505-3980).

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

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The Online Learning Platform of the United Church of Christ

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.

How to Contact Vermont Conference Staff

Conference Minister: Rev. Dr. Lynn Bujnak at: lbujnak@vermontucc.org

Associate Conference Minister: Rev. Paul Sangree at: psangree@vermontucc.org

Ministries Coordinator ackie Lingelbach at: jlingelbach@vermontucc.org (search & call, ministerial standing, pulpit supply list, etc.)

Office Administrator: Jenni Grout at admin@vermontucc.org

(event registration, financial, governance other business)

Disaster Ministries: disasterministries@vermontucc.org

Dean of Ministry21: Rev. Susie Webster-Toleno at: VTDean@min21.org

Connect with us on:

visit our website at http://www.vermontucc.org/