Weekly E-News Spring Edition | |  | | |
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
| | 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,
Many of us in our Conference have been horrified by the assault on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs that is currently going on in our country. The UCC since our founding has long been committed to these principles in our shared life. It is very important for us as Christians to remember our calling to be a diverse inclusive body that seeks justice for all.
That is why I want to let you know about a special Anti-Bias Training coming up on Saturday, May 17 th that we are sponsoring and sharing in with the New Hampshire Conference. It will be from 10-3 that day at the West Lebanon UCC
church in NH, which is easily accessible to Vermont, and the cost will be $20.
Our presenter will be Rev. Velda Love, who is the Minister of Racial Justice for the United Church of Christ. She is a nationally known leader who serves as the Lead for the Join the Movement Campaign. Her racial justice initiatives for the UCC include developing anti-racism curriculum and doing anti-bias trainings for clergy and lay people. Her work centers on addressing historical and contemporary injustice resulting in systematic, structural, and individual racism impacting local
communities, and national and global policies and practices. We are indeed fortunate to have her come to be with us for this dual Conference workshop, and both Lynn and I along with other Conference leaders will be there! Rev. Love has asked us to limit the number of people attending to 30 from Vermont and 30 from New Hampshire, so that we can more intimately talk about these important issues. So if you would like to come, we invite you to register here on Ekit as soon as you can since we can only accept the first 30 people who sign up. Let me know if you have any questions, and I look forward to seeing you there!
Faithfully yours,
Paul
Rev. Paul Sangree
Associate Conference Minister
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Don't Miss Out: Limited Space Anti-Bias Workshop
Join Rev. Velda Love (UCC Racial Justice) for essential Anti-Bias Training. Learn to combat systemic racism & promote DEI. May 17th, 10-3pm, West Lebanon UCC, NH. $20. Limited to 60 (30 VT/30 NH) for intimate discussion.
| | | | HAPPENING THIS MORNING AT 11 AM!
LAST CHANCE TO SIGN UP FOR TODAY'S WEBINAR | |
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COMMUNITY ORGANIZING - April 3rd 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
The Vermont Conference of the United Church of Christ through its Justice & Witness Ministries, in partnership with Vermont Interfaith Action, invites you to an online community organizing event. On Thursday, April 3rd, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, learn how to effectively organize and resist harmful policies. Presented by Vermont Interfaith Action Executive Director Melissa Battah and other organizers, this session aims to empower individuals and communities to create positive change. Join us to discover how we can work together to transform people and communities towards a just world for all.
| | | | Have you registered for Annual Meeting yet? | | | | |
We want YOU to be there! Every church should be represented! Don't forget your Youth Delegates – we want to hear their voices too!
This is where we shape our future! Join us for engaging discussions, important decisions, and opportunities to strengthen our collective ministry.
REGISTER TODAY for May 2nd and 3rd, 2025, at the beautiful Grace Congregational UCC in Rutland, Vermont!
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2025 Climate Hope Art Contest Ceremony
Join us as we celebrate the art of our 2025 finalists of this year's contest, which invites children to draw, paint, or color pieces that bring the theme of the contest to life.
| | | | Yearbook: Church Data Input Due by April 11, 2025 | | |
UCC Yearbook and Directory
National has extended the deadline to report/input Church data to April 11, 2025. We realize that there have been some issues with the new UCC Database and Directories (Data Hub) that have prevented some churches from entering data.
In addition to extending the deadline, we are also offering another option. Churches can enter all the data that we ask for via a survey format. To utilize this option, please click here:
DATA ENTRY SURVEY
Entering your Church data directly into the new UCC Database and Directories (DAD) is still an option.
READ MORE HERE
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Join us for Part 2 Of "Into the Deep: General Synod!"
4/7 @ 3:30 PM ET
The 5-Ws of Synod Resolutions will help us better understand: the role of Resolutions from the perspective of our D.C. offices; what they mean for our local congregations; the Resolution process; and stories from those who've written Resolutions and those who've acted in the role of Committee Chair. We'll also be introduced to the Resolutions that will be presented this summer.
REGISTER HERE
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Pension Boards Names New CEO
David A. Klassen named new CEO of the Pension Boards, after a national search.
Read More
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Learn about the resolutions for General Synod 35.
Proposed Resolutions of the Thirty-Fifth General Synod
The United Church of Christ Board, sitting as the General Synod Committee on Disposition, received the items of business submitted to the Thirty-Fifth General Synod and recommends disposition as follows:
Read More
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Constitution and Bylaws Changes to be Considered by Synod
In addition to the election of a new officers to the National Church, changes to the UCC’s Constitution and Bylaws will be considered by General Synod 35.
READ MORE
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UCC Webinar: Transformative Faith in Toxic Times
Too often, our theology of God’s power has been shaped by images of dominion and control, mirroring human systems of exploitation and extraction. But Scripture reveals a different kind of power—one that flows through relationships, nurtures life, and brings healing to both people and planet. Creation Justice Ministries has released a new resource in time for Earth Sunday that explores life-giving theologies in conversation with those leading at the grassroots of a faith-rooted movement. In this webinar, we will hear from the lead author of the resource along with two of the faith leaders profiled in it. Even if you cannot make the webinar at its scheduled time of 1 pm ET on Wednesday, April 9th, still sign-up, and we will send you a link to a recording of it. Register now to join us!
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Leadership Transition at the Open and Affirming Coalition of the United Church of Christ
We write today to share an important leadership transition within the Open and Affirming Coalition.
Rev. Dr. Katrina Roseboro-Marsh has concluded her time as Executive Director, and we thank her for her service over the past two years. We wish her well in her future endeavors and are grateful for the work she has contributed to this movement.
Effective immediately, Rev. Derek Terry will step in as Acting Executive Director. Rev. Terry is a dedicated pastor, artist, and advocate for justice who brings deep commitment and leadership to this role. In addition to his work as a faith leader, he has extensive executive and leadership experience and has served as the Coalition’s capable Program Director for the past two years. His passion for Open and Affirming ministry and his strategic leadership will help guide the Coalition through this transition.
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‘We Will Continue to Show Up and Speak Out’
Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson, UCC GMP reaffirms the denomination’s support in this Trans Day of Visibility message.
READ MORE
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Trans Day of Visibility: Holy & Resilient
On March 31st, 2025, Transgender Day of Visibility honored trans and nonbinary people amid rising attacks. The Open and Affirming (ONA) Coalition reaffirmed: "Trans lives are holy." They condemned efforts to erase trans people, and pledged to build a safe, affirming world. "We see you, we love you," they stated, highlighting resilience and divine worth. Trans lives are holy. Trans people belong. And trans visibility is sacred.
We believe every person is made in the image of God, and we affirm the divinity within all gender identities and expressions. As people of faith, we are called not only to welcome but to protect, celebrate, and follow the leadership of trans and nonbinary people in our churches and beyond.
To our trans siblings: We see you. We love you. We are with you. And we are committed to building a church and a world where you are not just visible—but safe, supported, and free.
#TransDayOfVisibility #TransIsHoly
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Vermont Plants Sunflowers for Ukraine is a Vermont-based community action group. Our mission is to inspire countless acts of solidarity with the people of Ukraine by sharing thousands of free seed packets and inspiring the planting of hundreds of thousands of sunflowers in every corner of Vermont. Come late summer and fall, our message of multi-colored sunflowers splashed against our blue Vermont sky will give us all hope and inspiration for positive action. Every seed planted will be a statement of solidarity.
If yes,please let me know how many seed packets you would like. Generally I send a box of 100.
You can see a growing list of supporters and locations here: https://www.vtsunflowers4ukraine.org/vpsu-supporters
Dale Newton
VPSU
506 Thistle Hill Road
Marshfield, VT 05658
https://www.vtsunflowers4ukraine.org/
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Mark your calendar for Saturday, April 5th!
People of faith are uniting to fight back against this administration’s unprecedented power grab, cuts to lifesaving programs such as SNAP and Medicaid, and the dismantling of our government.
Join us starting at 10am for a light breakfast and community building at First UCC DC
- Where? First Congregational United Church of Christ (945 G Street NW, Washington DC 20001)
- When? On Saturday, April 5th, join us starting at 10am for a light breakfast and community building with UCC siblings and partners. Around 11am, we will march together to the rally at the Washington Monument.
All are welcome! Let's march for a just world for all.
Remember to bring water, walking shoes, and protest signs!
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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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New on Vermontucc.org: Annual Meeting Details & Conference Calendar
Oue website vermontucc.org has updated! Find Annual Meeting details (draft schedule & resolution) and a new Conference Calendar with lectionary readings (courtesy Vanderbilt Divinity Library) and conference and UCC events. Visit vermontucc.org for all event info.
New Calendar link: https://vermontucc.org/calendar/
Annual Meeting Link: https://vermontucc.org/am25/
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Malletts Bay Invites You: Freedom of the Press - Free Meal & Discussion!
Malletts Bay invites you to a free meal and a thoughtful discussion about freedom! We'll explore the question, "What does freedom really mean?" from various perspectives, using the First Amendment's freedoms as our guide. This month's topic is Freedom of the Press. LEARN MORE HERE
RSVP at www.mallettsbayucc.org. Questions? Email infombucc@gmail.com
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Invitation to Community of Practice for Christian Educators
A small cohort of UCC Christian Educators meets monthly on zoom to support one another and share wisdom. We choose the time that suits the most participants. Would you like to join, or do you have questions? If so, email Rev. Hadley Bunting at hadley_abernathy@yahoo.com.
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Sharing hymns with the Conference
The Rev. Thomas Cary Kinder recently retired from pastoral ministry to focus on his writing ministry, including compiling a collection of some of the 400 hymns and spiritual songs he has written. He is posting hymns on his website that relate to the church season or our response to what is happening in the world right now. He has recently added five hymns for Holy Week and the Second Sunday of Easter. If you would like to use them, he will send you the music and words in a format for copying. He is not charging for this, only asking that you let him know when you use them. The link is https://thomascarykinder.com/category/spiritual-songs-and-hymns/
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Camp Highlight: Wilderness First Aid (June 7-8, ages 14+, WFA course: $220)
Wilderness First Aid Information
Accidents happen. People get hurt, sick, or lost. Would you know what to do? Many backcountry emergencies are preventable. By learning a few basic skills, you can make the difference between a good outcome and a bad one-and maybe even save a life. Attend this two-day (16 hours) SOLO-run certification course that gives outdoor enthusiasts the skills needed to assist in a backcountry emergency situation at Horton Center. Meals and lodging available.
Heatin' Up for Summer - Camp Fundraiser
The more money we raise, the hotter the chicken wings Rev. Gordon Ranking will have to eat! The higher the funds, the higher up the Scoville heat scale we go. Donate today at hortoncenter.org/donate. All proceeds go to the ministry of Horton Center!
Save the Date: Opening Work Weekend (5/16-18)
We would greatly appreciate any help you can give at Horton Center's Opening Work Weekend. Invite a friend for a couple hours, a whole day, or for the weekend! Whether you are a carpenter, a cleaner, a gardener, or an organizer - we need you! We'll have fun and great meals as we prepare the site for another awesome camping and retreat season. Email Tivvi if you're able to make it!
Contact: Tivvi Pare (she/her/hers) 603-545-9660 TPare@nhcucc.org
| | FOR MORE INFORMATION ON WHAT'S HAPPENING AROUND THE CONFERENCE GO TO OUR FACEBOOK PAGE HERE: | | |
Prayers for Ukraine, Gaza, Congo and other places in the world with ongoing wars.
Prayers for those caught in natural disasters.
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Save the Date & Cont. Ed Resources
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Home About Us Programs For Authorizing Bodies Contact Us Donate
Where did your theological stance come from?
How did you come to hold such beliefs?
“Making Sense of Theology” addresses these questions and much more. Participating in this course encourages conversation about a plethora of theological questions. Journeying and studying alongside other learners, while listening to and respecting one another’s Christian journeys, brings new questions and new possibilities. “Making Sense of Theology” begins on May 7, 2025.
Go to the PATHWAYS website (pathwaystheological.org) to learn more and to apply for this and other courses.
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Welcome, Farewell, and Blessings
Pastoral Transitions since the 2024 Vermont Conference Annual Meeting
| | | | 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. | | |
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.
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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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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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