Weekly E-News Spring Edition | |  | | |
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 Beloved Community in the Vermont Conference,
I grew up in southern Illinois where spring comes earlier than in Vermont. By Memorial Day, many flowers were in bloom in our garden. For my family, Memorial Day was a day to honor those who had served in the military and especially those who has lost their lives in war, but it was also a day to remember our loved ones who had died.
We would carefully select a variety of flowers from the garden and then make up bouquets, one for each grave. While we worked, we told stories of our loved ones. As a child, I learned to know my deceased relatives through these stories and to understand generational connections. As I got older, I had my own stories to add about those recently dead. Then, we would go to the cemetery, a vast, peaceful place with flowering trees, expansive green lawn and a pond with swans. Some graves we could easily locate. Others took more time. At each grave, we got water from the nearest spigot, set up the heavy metal vases attached to each memorial slab, and arranged our bouquets. While prayer was never explicitly a part of our time, the choosing, arranging and bringing of the flowers felt like a prayer to me.
Frederick Buechner in his book, Telling Secrets, says:
Maybe nothing is more important than that we keep track, you and I, of these stories of who we are and where we have come from and the people we have met along the way because it is precisely through these stories in all their particularity, as I have long believed and often said, that God makes himself known to each of us most powerfully and personally. If this is true, it means that to lose track of our stories is to be profoundly impoverished not only humanly but spiritually.
On this Memorial Day weekend, give yourself and your loved ones the gift of stories and remembrance. May they enrich you and all of us as we remember our connections to what it means to be human and to be part of the family of God.
God bless you,
Lynn
| |
|
Welcome Jenni Grout! Our New Office Administrator
Jenni Grout, our newest Office Administrative Coordinator, former Parish Administrator at St. James Episcopal Church in Woodstock, VT, has her Bachelor’s Degree of Classical Voice from McGill University and currently teaches voice in the area as the founder of Vermont Vocals. A self-taught lutenist and singer of classical Arabic music, Jenni spent several years traveling the world performing in festivals and on television shows before settling in her parents’ hometown of Randolph, VT. Her strong ties with the community as well as her diverse experience and creative flair make her an exciting new edition to UCC's staff. Jenni’s office hours will be Tuesdays & Thursdays from 9am-3pm. email: jgrout@vermontucc.org
| | | | Highlights from the 230th Annual meeting | | |
Summer Lunch Grants AVAILABLE!
The time is getting closer to when applications are due for Summer Lunch Grants. You can receive extra funds to support your much-needed mission to feed hungry kids in the summer but you need to get your application to the Vermont Conference by May 31 st . Malletts Bay CCUCC recently partnered with Burnham Memorial Library in Colchester village. The church food shelf, Open Cupboard, will deliver food to the library’s children’s section twice a week throughout the summer and maybe beyond the summer. The Head Librarian was so excited when this opportunity was offered because the library is in a part of the town that is not close to where summer lunch is offered by the school. The children in that area could not get to the school lunch site. The grant money will be used to support this new initiative.
Orleans Federated Church members provide food for families by filling food bags and stocking their outside “Blessing Box”. They will use the grant money to supplement their food offerings.
Click here for the application. Funds will be provided for your congregation to augment an existing program, expand a program or begin something new and different – whatever works best for your community and your mission to serve. Complete the application by May 31st.
| |
| |
Prayer Vigils in the Halls of Congress
UCC works to advocate for Medicaid and SNAP programs on Capitol Hill.
| | | |
| |
Stop Calling it 'Christian'
UCC GMP Thompson addresses the danger of nationalism at German gathering.
| | | |
| |
'We Need Our Whole Lives'
OWL celebrates 25 years of sacred spaces for sexuality education with stories of the people it has impacted most.
| | | |
| |
Shills and Shells
In this week’s edition of On My Mind Today, UCC GMP shares her thoughts on staying focused during a time of designed distractions that cause chaos.
| | | |
| |
‘Show up boldly, visibly, together’
The UCC is inviting the church to gather in worship, to take action, and to witness God’s inclusive love at WorldPride 2025 in DC.
| | | | |
June Webinar to Launch National Faith Mobilization for Grassroots Climate Action Day
On September 21st, faith communities across the country will be joining a grassroots climate action to celebrate Sun Day! This will be a day to celebrate the gift and power of clean energy while standing up to the profiteers, polluters, and potentates who threaten our health and future. This event will kick off our national mobilization with the theme of "Bringing Climate Hope to Sun Day." Learn about what's being planned. Get plugged into resources for worship and action. Registered congregations will be provided with advocacy cards directed at Congress that feature the artwork of this year's Climate Hope Art Contest winner. Speakers for this kick-off event will include Rev. Dr. Jim Antal, Rev. Dr. Davida Foy Crabtree, Rev. Michael Malcom, Sue Mueller, and more. Even if you cannot make it at the scheduled time of 1 pm ET on Wednesday, June 11th, still sign up, and we will send you a link afterward. Register now!
| | |
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!)
| |
| | |
Celebrating UVM's Recognition of Roy V. Hill II
The Vermont Conference is delighted to announce and that the University of Vermont (UVM) has chosen to bestow an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters upon our esteemed colleague, Roy V. Hill II. This prestigious recognition was conferred at UVM's Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, May 18, 2025. We celebrate his extraordinary contributions and this significant recognition from the University of Vermont, which truly reflects his enduring impact on our community.
| | | | |
The Vermont Conference of the United Church of Christ extends its deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed to the resounding success of our 230th Annual Meeting! It was a truly enriching and inspiring gathering, and we are so thankful for the dedication and hard work of so many individuals.
A special thank you to Leigh McCaffrey, our Annual Meeting Administrator, for her exceptional organizational skills and tireless efforts in ensuring everything ran smoothly. We also want to express our sincere appreciation to Jackie Lingelbach, the creator of our engaging slide shows and our support staff extraordinaire – your contributions were invaluable!
Our heartfelt thanks go to the dedicated Planning Committee: Peter Plagge, Carrie Youngblood, Terry Hanley, Jane LoBrutto, and Karen Braeutigam. Your vision and meticulous planning shaped a truly meaningful event.
We are so grateful to our wonderful leaders during the meeting: Carrie Youngblood, our thoughtful and engaging moderator, and John Hill, our insightful vice moderator.
A huge thank you to Rev. Terry Hanley and the amazing volunteers of Grace Church for their warm hospitality and for hosting us so graciously. We also appreciate the support of Krista Johnson, Heather Masterton Church Administrators and Alastair Stout and the talented musicians who enhanced our worship and fellowship.
The joyful energy of the square dance led by John Kirk and Trish Miller was a delightful addition to our time together.
We were deeply moved and challenged by the powerful address and discussion on the Seven Deadly Sins of White Racism led by Rev. Dr. Carter Heyward. Thank you for your wisdom and guidance.
Our sincere appreciation to Rev. Dr. Marvin Ellison for his insightful keynote, engaging workshop, and thought-provoking closing sermon. Your presence and wisdom enriched us all.
Thank you to Jane LoBrutto and Cathy Johnson for providing such fabulous and nourishing meals throughout the meeting.
We are also incredibly grateful to Jonathan Hauze and Tobey Brown for their expertise in managing the Zoom platform, ensuring accessibility for all.
A special thank you to the fantastic team who kept our visuals running seamlessly: Krista Johnson, Heather Masterton, and Carmyn Stanko. Your work behind the scenes was essential.
We extend our sincere thanks to our knowledgeable and engaging Workshop Leaders: Lou Rochford, Rev. Cass Poulos, Rev. Lynn Bujnak, Dr. Marvin Ellison, Pastor Karen Braeutigam, Rev. Dr. Arnold Thomas, and Mr. Derek Duncan.
Thank you to Derek Duncan, our guest from Wider Church and Common Global Ministries, for sharing your insights and perspectives.
We appreciate the steady guidance of our parliamentarians, John Hill and Rev. Debbie Ingram, in ensuring our proceedings were conducted smoothly and fairly.
Our gratitude to Rev. Thew Dean and Rev. Gayle McFarland for their diligent work as our scribes, capturing the important moments and decisions of our meeting.
A special thank you to Rev. Gordon Rankin, New Hampshire Conference Minister, for his willingness to provide volunteer tech support – your assistance was invaluable!
Finally, we thank Rev. Mark Koyama from the Sacred Ally Quilt project for sharing this powerful and meaningful expression of connection and solidarity.
Thank you again to everyone who participated in and contributed to the 230th Annual Meeting. Your presence, engagement, and dedication to the Vermont Conference make our community strong and vibrant. We look forward to continuing our shared journey together!
| | UCC Everywhere website builder: Are you using it? | | | |
In Search of
Are there other UCC churches in Vermont currently using the UCC Everywhere website development program? If so, please reach out to Liz Sykas at Bethany.Rental.Coord@gmail.com.
| | | | |
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!
| | |
Camp Highlight: New Things (July 13-19, grades 3-5, Tiered Prices: $710, $600, $530)
Have you ever crawled through a mountain cave or hiked in a mountain stream?
Have you ever slept on a mountain ledge or climbed with a rock-wall team?
Have you ever listened to a sunrise or written a mountain haiku?
Have you ever painted the moon at night or floated in a canoe?
Are you looking to find an adventure or a campfire to hang out with friends?
Come find your place on the mountain where the welcome never ends.
Have you ever needed a really safe place with a chance just for you to be you?
Join us at Horton Center where all THINGS are always made NEW!!!
Camp NEEDS Counselors!
The magic of camp is not possible without volunteer counselors. Are you looking for a way to make a difference? Come to camp and make the transformative wonder of Outdoor Ministries possible for today's youth this summer at Horton Center! Caution: the lives changed after a week of camp may include your own!
Retreat Highlight: Men's Fellowship Retreat (August 11-14, adult men, Tiered Prices: $285, $255, $225)
Join us for a time of fellowship, relaxation, spiritual reflection, creativity, and adventure at Horton Center. Whether you can join us for one day, or the whole retreat, you are welcome to come up to the mountain and enjoy the beauty of the space and the opportunities the surrounding area offers (canoeing, hiking, etc.) as well as cool opportunities on site (perhaps fly tying, making rustic furniture, painting, and more!).
Men's Retreat Info Page HERE
Contact: Tivvi Pare (she/her/hers) 603-545-9660 TPare@nhcucc.org
| | VERMONT PRIDE SCHEDULE 2025 | | |
Prayers for those who are being deported without due process.
Prayers for the family and friends of Ronald Van Mynen. Ronald who went missing April 1st and was found dead in NY yesterday.
Prayers for Ukraine, Gaza, Congo and other places in the world with ongoing wars.
Prayers for those caught in natural disasters.
| | |
Save the Date & Cont. Ed Resources
| | |
Craigville Theological Colloquy
July 7-11, 2025
Courage and Communion:
How Eucharistic Worship
Can Empower and Revive Churches
Registration is now open!
In the New Testament church, the sacrament of Holy Communion kept hope alive in times of anxiety and fear. The world was a dangerous place for Christians, but when the congregation gathered at the table on Sunday, they experienced their sacred meal as the foretaste of a future banquet where everyone was welcome, no one was abandoned or afraid.
In this century, can the sacrament have the same transformative power in our churches as it did for our ancestors? Can Eucharistic worship sustain community in a time when many of us are fearful for the future of our congregations, our country and our world? Can the Eucharist revive struggling churches and deepen our commitment to justice and care for creation?
Keynoter and worship leader will be the Rev. Dr. Mary Luti, retired professor of Christian worship and preaching at Andover Newton Theological School (now Andover Newton Seminary at Yale) and formerly senior minister at First Church in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She is the editor of Do This: Communion for Just and Courageous Living, published by Pilgrim Press.
Now in its 41st year, the Craigville Theological Colloquy brings together ordained and lay leaders in a unique experience of theological reflection and renewal in historic Craigville Village on Cape Cod. A hybrid of retreat, conference and summer vacation, afternoons are always free to enjoy Craigville's famous beach or to explore the Cape. Partial scholarships are available for seminarians and other students, and continuing education credit for ministers. Registration and more information at https://craigvillecolloquy.com
| | |
Home About Us Programs For Authorizing Bodies Contact Us Donate
Advanced Faith Formation Certificate Program
Ethics and a Life of Meaning begins 6/4/2025
This course uses two complementary texts, one which brings together clear, comprehensible ethical theory and goals; and the other text introduces an ethical approach which bridges ethical theories with down-to-earth ethical situations in today’s world. These two texts will provide a strong, practical ethics background. Participants will be able to identify moral dimensions of ethical issues, describe multiple moral stances related to these issues, and formulate thoughtful and faithful responses to these issues, shaped by individual, communal, and broad UCC values.
The Facilitator, The Rev. Dr. Julie Mavity-Maddalena, is Assistant Professor of Philosophy and Religion, Ulrich Ethicist in Residence, and University Chaplain at Lakeland University in Wisconsin.
6-week courses beginning after June 1 include:
--- Understanding the Bible as a Progressive Christian --- Ethics and a Life of Meaning ---
Living the Heart of Progressive Christian Theology
Applied: Faith Formation and Spiritual Practices for Children, Youth, and Adults
begins on July 9, 2025
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. Professionally trained Faith Formation Practitioners (e.g., authorized clergy, commissioned educators, those with undergraduate or graduate degrees/training for faith formation, Bible, Youth Ministry) may earn the certificate after completing six courses. Local church Faith Formation Leaders (Superintendents, Youth Leaders, Sunday School and Adult Education teachers, etc.) have an eight course requirement, including three Bible courses to provide a foundation for quality Christian Faith Formation ministry.
Go to the PATHWAYS website (pathwaystheological.org) to learn more and to apply for this and other courses.
| | |
Welcome, Farewell, and Blessings
Pastoral Transitions
| | Rev. Kim McKerly retired from Bethany Congregational Church, Randolph | |
Barre Congregational Church Welcomes New Pastor!
We are overjoyed to officially announce that Barre Congregational Church has unanimously approved the hiring of Reverend James Semmelroth Darnell as our new settled minister!
Reverend James comes to us from Indianapolis, IN, where he’s been doing incredible work with Global Ministries as the International Placement and Training Program Manager.
He’s not coming alone — Reverend James is bringing along his wonderful family, including his wife and their two awesome kids, ages 16 and 12. Together, they’re excited to settle into the Barre community, connect with neighbors, and share in the life of our vibrant town.
He’ll officially begin his ministerial duties May 27.
| | | | |
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.
| | | | |
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!
| | |
Thank You for Your Support!
Our Churches Wider Mission Basic Support, Association Dues, and
Friends of the Vermont Conference make this communication possible.
| | | | |
