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

“The first week of August hangs at the very top of summer, the top of the live-long year, like the highest seat of a Ferris wheel when it pauses in its turning. The weeks that come before are only a climb from balmy spring, and those that follow a drop to the chill of autumn, but the first week of August is motionless, and hot. It is curiously silent, too, with blank white dawns and glaring noons, and sunsets smeared with too much color.”

So begins Natalie Babbitt’s poignant and wise young adult novel Tuck Everlasting, which was one of those books that seared itself on my soul when I read it for the first time as a child. That opening paragraph perfectly described my experience of summer vacations, which seemed both formless and endless. I loved the lassitude of those days, but there’s another truth, too: I have always been a child of autumn (I was literally born on the autumnal equinox, as it happens), and as much as I love that high-summer feeling of suspension, I crave the crispness of Fall and the thrill of a new school year.

Of course, in the church we’re not technically on that same school-year schedule, and to a certain degree the calendar to which we attach ourselves is liturgical as much as it is chronological. Still, at least in my experience, summer is a slower, more spacious season in most Vermont churches. Committees take a breather, ministers take vacation time, church school hits pause, and we get to worship for the joy of it, not because major programming and events require an all-hands-on-deck pressure.

That moment of pause reminds me of what happens in the breath-work some of us may know from yoga or other mind/body practices. We inhale … pause … and then exhale … pause again … and then inhale. And though it might seem like breathing is a steady flow of constant inhale/exhale, those pauses are super important. In prayer life, too, those pauses are sometimes where the clarity comes, I find!

And what comes after the pause of summer’s lassitude? Renewed vigor! For Ministry21, that means three new classes. We start with UCC Faith and Theology in the Public Square: Where Jesus the Healer Meets Jesus the Revolutionary, taught by the Rev. Gail Kinney. Classes will be held in person at West Lebanon NH UCC church, and will meet September 6, October 4, November 1, and December 6.

Come Spring semester, there will be two more 4-session classes: Pastoral Care and Pastoral Ethics, taught by the Rev. Jonathan Hauze (convening at the Norwich Congregational UCC), and Meeting People Where They Are: Theology, Context, and Ministry Beyond the Church, taught by the Rev. Dr.

Gayle Murphy. (see below for the weblink for more information and to

register!)

If you or people in your worshiping communities are leaning into new understandings of your call to serve within the Vermont Conference, and if you’re feeling a gentle or persistent call to consider deepening your involvement in ministry in the local church, consider signing up for one or

all of our classes! Our churches all deserve well prepared, joyful, and committed leaders (whether lay or clergy), and Ministry21 is an exciting way to nourish potential leaders!

This reflection is meandering like a summer’s late-evening ramble, so I’ll close with this hope: May the heat of these days slow your roll just enough, and may you rise from that rest with new vigor and continued joy.

love,

Susie

(If you have Ministry21 questions, Rev. Susie Webster-Toleno can be reached at susiewt@gmail.com or vtdean@min21.org)

Details and registration are available on the Ministry21 webpage: https://www.nhcucc.org/ministry21

_{Latest News}

The 35th General Synod 2025: Catch Up on All the Inspiring Moments by clicking here: GS35 SPECIAL EDITION

Resolution of Compensating Black Musicians/Lyricists by way of Support of Black Music

In case you hadn’t heard, at this year’s Annual Meeting of the Vermont Conference, we passed a Resolution to encourage congregations to donate funds to organizations that promote or benefit the previously unrecognized Black composers of spirituals and other music. This resolution passed unanimously and its implementation is being facilitated by the Justice & Witness Ministries Committee.

The Jeff Church, UCC, will be setting aside $10 every time we sing or play the music of a Negro spiritual, or music/lyrics created by Black musicians and lyricists. As a small church, it will be a while before we have an amount worthy of sending to a cause or organization that fits the resolution passed at our Annual Meeting in May. As a member of Justice & Witness Ministries of the VTCUCC, I am reaching out to learn if there are congregations who would like to pool their monies collected based upon the mission of the Resolution to donate to a particular group, organization, or cause recommended by the JWM team on an annual basis? Pooling our money will result in an amount that can truly benefit the chosen recipient for that year. Please email me at revsallyjeffucc@gmail.com with your interest and ideas. Thanks!

There are over 13,000 nuclear weapons on the planet, the majority of which are held by the United States and Russia. If even a fraction of these bombs were ever detonated, they would instantly kill millions and potentially trigger a global famine that could lead to the death of billions more.  

Nuclear weapons are a real and existential threat to humanity— a crisis we’ve created and can choose to end. Previously, we have had the New START Treaty between the United States and Russia to prevent the two nations from descending into nuclear war, but this treaty will expire in early 2026, creating an additional need for global denuclearization. 

Policy makers are not taking necessary steps to rid the world of the threat of nuclear war. Instead, the United States continues to hoard thousands of nuclear weapons while attacking nations that do not have weapons of mass destruction in an effort ‘to prevent other nations from obtaining nuclear weapons.’ Another way is needed. 

As a Just Peace Church, the United Church of Christ has long supported nuclear disarmament. In 2019, the UCC’s General Synod passed a resolution that called on the United States to pull back from the “brink” and prevent a nuclear war. That resolution affirmed the work of the Back from the Brink coalition, a movement endorsed by over 150 organizations, including the UCC, that seeks to educate and advocate for a nuclear weapon free world. 

 Through the work of Back from the Brink and its partners, a bill has been introduced in Congress that affirms a way forward toward nuclear disarmament. This bill – H Res. 317– has now been co-sponsored by 21 members of the House and lifts up five common sense disarmament principles: 

• Renounce the option of using nuclear weapons first; 
• End any U.S. President’s ability to authorize a first strike nuclear attack; 
• Take U.S. nuclear weapons off hair-trigger alert; 
• Cancel plans to replace the nation’s arsenal with new, enhanced weapons; 
• Actively pursue a verifiable agreement among nuclear states to eliminate their arsenals. 
•  

Given the ever-escalating war between Russia and Ukraine and the United States’ recent attack on Iran, now is a key time to call on Congress to support H. Res. 317 and build pressure toward a verifiable, time-bound treaty that would lead the world toward to a nuclear weapon-free future. Write to your members of Congress today to ask them to co-sponsor H. Res. 317. 

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!)

UCC Webinar: Strategies That Meet the Moment

During a time in which we are witnessing an unprecedented assault on climate and environmental justice programs at the federal level of government, what strategies and tactics make the most sense for those seeking climate justice? In wrestling with such questions, we can learn from past struggles as well as cleareyed assessments of the present while charting a path forward. With research into effective communication and tactics along with case studies of those engaged in the practice of seeking change, staff from the Climate Advocacy Lab will provide us with a wealth of insights to enable each of us to become better equipped as advocates. Our featured speakers in this webinar will be KyungSun Lee, Justin Rolfe-Redding, and Maliyah Womack. Even if you cannot make our scheduled time of Wednesday, August 13^th at 1 pm ET/10 am PT, still sign-up, and we will send you a recording afterward. 

DARIUS JONATHAN

Dear Friends: 

Darius' kidneys are failing. He's not had to go on dialysis yet, but we expect he will soon. He is on a list for a kidney from a deceased donor, but donation of a live kidney is a much better option. The National Kidney Foundation makes it possible even if it not a direct match through an exchange program. Please take the time to read the website and pass it along if you can. Post it on social media, do whatever is necessary to get the word out there. And we thank you. 

Blessings be with you, 

Carrie Bail

New Zoom Workshop Offerings from Enkei Resolutions - Rev. Diane Weible

Healthy Conflict Workshop for Leaders

Churches want to avoid conflict but the truth is that healthy conflict is what makes growth possible. If you are interested in learning and practicing tools for addressing conflict in your faith community, sign-up for this workshop that will be held September 17, 8 a.m. to noon, PACIFIC TIME, via Zoom. The cost is $50/person. Fifty percent discounts for churches signing up two are more leaders are available—please email me for more information.

Learn more 

Click HERE to register

Upcoming Racial Justice & Boundary Trainings:

Boundary Training

• August 11 and 12
• November 3 and 10

Information

Register

Racial Justice Training

• September 9 and 11

Information

Register

Questions? Email dweible@enkei-resolutions.com.  Cost for 2025 trainings is $65 per person per training. After registering, the pop up confirmation includes the link to pay. Registration is complete once payment is received.

YAMAHA PIANO

Julia Spinler in our Conference is looking to give away her late husband's Yamaha baby grand piano to an individual or church who would truly appreciate and care for it. If you are interested, please be in touch with her at juliaspinler5@gmail.com.

Greater Bennington Community Services (GBCS), is co-sponsoring a free no-ID required medical, dental and vision clinic with Remote Area Medical (RAM) on Saturday, August 9 & Sunday, August 10 at the Mt. Anthony Union Middle School on East Rd in Bennington, VT.  

The clinic opens at 6a.m. each day and is first-come, first served. Parking lot opens at 11:59pm on Friday night and will remain open through the end of the clinic on Sunday.  

Services include general exams, reproductive health/women's health exams in the medical area; cleanings, fillings, extractions and x-rays in the dental area; and eye exams, prescriptions and glasses made on site in the vision area. All services are free.  

If anyone is interested in volunteering, the volunteer registration is open until August 1. We are always looking for more nurses and folks who can help with general support - like parking lot duty, registration and serving food.  

Thanks for helping to spread the word!  

From Pastor Chris Heintz: Hello My Friend,

If you’ve been waiting for a good day to donate to my Empire State Ride to End Cancer, Today is THE Day. Our sponsors Timberbuilt and Port X Logistics are sponsoring a $50,000 fundraising match.

Gifts up to $150 will be matched dollar for dollar.

Gifts over $150 will still receive a $150 match.

I’m already 2/3 on the way to reach my goal of $20,000 for the cutting edge research at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute, and a contribution TODAY would go DOUBLE toward that goal. Make a secure online donation using the QR code or Donate link below!

We all know someone who has had cancer. This is your opportunity to help find cures and breakthrough treatments for something that affects us all.

Please give today! And spread the word.

I ride so that others might live!

Chris Heintz

This Summer I'm riding 550 miles to End Cancer!

PRAYER CONCERNS

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

Ministry21 Update

We’re excited to share more about our upcoming Ministry21 classes for Fall and Spring!

Fall 2025:

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

Revolutionary, taught by the Rev. Gail Kinney. Classes will be held in person from at West Lebanon NH UCC church from, and will meet September 6, October 4, November 1, and December 6 from 9am-4pm.

Spring 2026:

Pastoral Care and Pastoral Ethics, taught by the Rev. Jonathan Hauze. Classes will meet at the Norwich Congregational UCC on January 24, February 28, March 21, and April 18 from 9am-4pm.

Meeting People Where They Are: Theology, Context, and Ministry Beyond the Church, taught by the Rev. Dr. Gayle Murphy. Dates haven’t been finalized, but they will not conflict with the other course; classes will be held in Meriden, NH at the UCC church there.

***Registration is now OPEN*** for not only Fall 2025 but also for Spring 2026. That’s right; you could potentially sign up for ALL THREE CLASSES! Yahoo!

Here’s where you’ll find the registration forms (through the NH Conference website): https://www.nhcucc.org/ministry21 … and here’s our Facebook page, if you haven’t “liked” us there: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BhdZ4HMvt/.

We’re so excited about these three courses that we’re developing, and we hope to see many of you there, beginning in September!

Warmly, and on behalf of Stacey, too,

Susie

Ministry21 is a collaboration of the Vermont and New Hampshire Conferences, and is partially funded through the generosity of the Brown Endowment of United Church Funds.

Event Details:

The 7 Deadly Sins of Church Communication (and How to Avoid Them)

August 13th @ 12 PM

Led by Rev. Walt Hampton, J.D.

Event Page: https://www.faithmesh.io/event-details/the-7-deadly-sins-of-church-communication-and-how-to-avoid-them

Early Bird pricing: $50 (Only a limited number of early bird tickets available)

General Admission: $80

Strong communication is the heartbeat of a thriving ministry. In this one-hour virtual workshop, Rev. Walt Hampton, J.D., will guide pastors, staff, and lay leaders through practical strategies for communicating clearly, aligning your team, and casting an inspiring vision.

Meet the Speaker:

Rev. Walt Hampton is a seasoned executive coach, leadership trainer, and bestselling author. As the CEO of Summit Success International, he’s worked globally with organizations on emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and organizational development. A Cornell Law School grad, longtime managing partner, and ordained Franciscan friar, Walt brings deep wisdom and real-world insight to church leadership.

About FaithMesh.io

At FaithMesh.io, our mission is simple yet powerful: to empower progressive churches to thrive in the modern age. We believe every church, regardless of size or resources, deserves the tools and knowledge to spread the gospel effectively.

Our resources are carefully curated from ministry leaders, industry experts, and professionals with hands-on experience in church operations, online strategy, and community building. The majority of these resources—such as articles, videos, and templates—are offered completely free of charge to help as many churches as possible grow their reach and impact.

We also produce original content through collaborations with contributors, ensuring that every piece is relevant, practical, and valuable for your ministry.

Home   About Us    Programs   For Authorizing Bodies     Contact Us     Donate    

PROFESSIONAL BOUNDARIES AND MINISTERIAL SELF-CARE

A Level 3 Synthesizing Course begins September 17, 2025

Ethics are a set of principles for appropriate conduct. While often based on morals, which is the understanding of what is right and wrong, ethics differs from morality. Some things that moral behavior generally considers “right” may not be appropriate conduct in terms of professional ethics. For example, it is morally good to foster friendships with others. However, the ethics of most professions discourage friendships with those to whom a professional provides a service. That’s not because friendship is wrong. Instead, it’s because the boundaries of the professional relationship need to be maintained so that a person receives a quality service from the professional that isn’t influenced by a friendship.

In this course, we will explore ethics and their application for professional pastoral ministers. We will consider the boundaries that define the relationships between professional pastoral ministers and congregants. We will also consider how the professional minister’s right to privacy helps to maintain appropriate boundaries and serves as an essential aspect for self-care.

PATHWAYS Fall 2025 Schedule, Six-week courses

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

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

New Testament Hermeneutics                                  10/8/2025

Practicing Our Faith in the Public Square                 10/8/2025

Living the Heart of Progressive Christian Theology 10/8/2025

Ecological Theology                                                 10/8/2025

Preaching Liberation Theology                                 10/8/2025

Introduction to Spiritual Health (Pastoral Care)       10/15/2025

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

Old Testament Hermeneutics, a Level 2 6-week course begins on August 6, 2025.

In this course, participants will explore the Hebrew Bible using historical critical methods and other tools of Biblical interpretation. Participants will learn the interpretive tool of Midrash (sanctified imagination) and apply Biblical insight to 21st century issues.

Introduction to Spiritual Health (Pastoral Care) begins August 1.

Through personal reflection and exploration of current pastoral care paradigms, this 6-week course offers training to

• identify and apply best practices in empathetic listening
• understand models of pastoral care assessment
• create a pastoral care plan based on spiritual assessment tools
• articulate how to provide pastoral care effectively in diverse cultural settings.

The course outcome project will give you an opportunity to apply what you have learned within your own faith community or practice context.

Spiritual Care of Self and Others begins on August 6, 2025

In this course, participants have an opportunity to explore their understanding of self as members of a Christian community and to develop skills to teach and support others about specific aspects of the Christian tradition that support self-care. The course blends contemporary personality psychology with traditional practices of prayer, the contemplative reading of scripture, and spiritual direction to engage an integrated understanding of self, to support one’s own self-care, and to provide skills for use in the local church.

The next UCC History and Polity course begins August 6, 2025.

PATHWAYS Early Fall Course Schedule

Old Testament Hermeneutics                                    8/6/2025

UCC History and Polity                                            8/6/2025                     

Spiritual Care of Self and Others                              8/6/2025         

Variety of Beliefs within Christianity Today            8/6/2025         

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

SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, September 13, 2025, 7:00p.m. 

Come celebrate with us! PATHWAYS Theological's Benefit Concert sponsored by Lena’s Place Coffee House in the beautiful Central Congregational UCC sanctuary in Atlanta. Enjoy great local musicians (Maureen & Matthew Shelton, and Mockingbird’s Wing) and delicious refreshments. Watch for more information including how to attend online.

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

CERTIFICATE OF FOUNDATIONAL THEOLOGY

Offered every year, this 8-course certificate gives a well-rounded preparatory education in the basics: Bible, theology, ethics, faith formation, ecumenism/interfaith comprehension, and pastoral care. Three of the eight courses are required. The courses do not need to be taken in order so you may begin when you’re ready, during any of PATHWAYS’ six terms.

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

PATHWAYS Theological made the UCC news!

PATHWAYS is partnered with the Southern New England UCC Conference in Project Proclaim, a compelling preaching initiative funded by the Lilly Foundation. Visit ucc.org to see the news.

Reminder: Introduction to Spiritual Health (Pastoral Care) begins August 1.

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

 Welcome, Farewell, and Blessings

Pastoral Transitions

VERMONT UCC CLASSIFIEDS

Help Wanted in Charlotte, Vermont

Charlotte Congregational Church (an open and affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ) is searching for a qualified candidate to fill our open as Administrative Assistant position. Hours and work location are flexible.  For more information about the position, please see job description here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fzPgidKAN2bfR-hHxkUruwhLjf2naYN4/view?usp=drive_link

If you are interested in applying, please contact Rev. Kevin Goldenbogen at: rev.kemg@gmail.com.  

https://www.charlotteucc.org/

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.

For the latest news click here

The Online Learning Platform of the United Church of Christ

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/