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 Beloved Community in the Vermont Conference,
Today, our hearts are drawn to two significant occasions, each a powerful call to remembrance. We observe both Armenian Martyrs Day and Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day.
Armenian Martyrs Day invites us to pause and remember a profoundly tragic period for Armenians across the globe. Also known as Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day or Armenian Genocide Memorial Day, this day is dedicated to honoring the memory of the estimated one to one and a half million Armenians who perished in the early 20th century. This devastating loss occurred due to persecution and a systematic campaign of extermination orchestrated by the Ottoman Empire between 1915 and 1923. For Armenians, this day is a time for deep reflection on their enduring heritage and a persistent plea for the global community to acknowledge the historical reality of the Armenian Genocide.
In observing Yom HaShoah, I want to share the powerful words of Cameron Trimble, who reminds us of the vital importance of remembering these events and the people affected. Her message resonates deeply with the spirit of today.
Today is Yom HaShoah—Holocaust Remembrance Day.
On this day, we remember what humanity is capable of when fear becomes doctrine and power is left unchecked. We remember the six million Jews—mothers, fathers, children—killed by the Nazi regime. We remember the Roma, the disabled, the queer, the political dissidents. We remember the silence of bystanders. We remember the way whole communities disappeared while the world looked away.
Remembering is not a passive act. It is resistance. When we say “Never again,” we do not mean only for one people, in one time. We mean never again to the politics of scapegoating. Never again to the targeting of people because of race, religion, sexuality, gender, or difference. Never again to the twisting of truth and the manipulation of fear. Never again to genocide in any form.
And yet here we are—in a world where migrants are caged and demonized, where antisemitism is rising again, where LGBTQ people are legislated out of existence, where black and brown people are erased from history, where women are denied equal rights, where authoritarian leaders are elected and cheered.
Yom HaShoah reminds us that history does not just repeat—it is repeated by us, when we do not remember rightly.
In Jewish tradition, to remember is to embody the story, to live in a way that bears witness to the God who heard the cries of the oppressed and acted—not with neutrality, but with liberating fire. Elie Wiesel once said, “Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.”
We are not called to be neutral in the face of evil. We are called to be faithful.
So today, we embody the story. We grieve. We pray. And we recommit ourselves to memory that moves us, to truth that demands something of us, and to a justice that does not grow weary. May we be repairers of the breach. May we be the generation that remembers, and refuses to forget.
We are in this together,
Cameron
In the spirit of not remaining neutral, I also want to draw your attention to the powerful witness offered by Vermont Interfaith Action’s Clergy and Faith Leaders. Please take a moment to view the pictures from their protest at the statehouse this past Tuesday in support of student Mohsen Mahdawi following his detention by immigration police. Their action serves as a timely reminder that our faith calls us to stand in solidarity with those who are vulnerable and marginalized.
May these days of remembrance move us to action, fostering a world where such atrocities are never repeated and where justice and compassion prevail.
In shared remembrance and hope,
Lynn
Rev. Dr. Lynn Bunjak
Conference Minister
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Pope Francis – A Leader Among Leaders
UCC GMP releases statement on the death of Pope Francis, and the legacy he leaves behind.
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Church Gardens Bring New Life to Community
Local UCC congregation addresses food insecurity turning its unused lawn into gardens.
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'Peace be with you'
Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson writes about being a Just Peace church and pushing back against forces that divide, perpetrate human enmity, and destroy in this latest On My Mind Today entry.
| | | | 8 DAYS UNTIL Annual Meeting! LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER!
Theme: Rising Above White Christian Nationalism! | | White Christian Nationalism and the United Church of Christ hold fundamentally opposing theological views on American identity, religion in government, race, scripture, social justice, and core values. WCN's exclusionary nationalism and desire for a Christian nation directly contradict the UCC's inclusivity, social justice focus, and church-state separation. Recognizing these dangers – discrimination, violence, undermined democracy, distorted teachings – is vital for upholding religious freedom and justice in a diverse society. The UCC's radical welcome and justice theology offer a powerful alternative to WCN's harmful ideology, emphasizing critical theological reflection in today's complex America. | | ONLINE PRE-MEETING ANNUAL MEETING WORKSHOPS VIA ZOOM | | |
Rev. Dr. Carter Heyward is a theologian and author who is known for her work on liberation theology and feminist theology. She is a professor emerita at Union Theological Seminary in New York City.
Dr. Heyward's book, The Seven Deadly Sins of White Christian Nationalism, explores how white Christian nationalism has been used to justify racism, sexism, and other forms of oppression in the United States. The book has been praised for its insightful analysis of the role of religion in American politics and culture.
In addition to her academic work, Dr. Heyward is also an active advocate for social justice. She has been a vocal critic of racism, sexism, and homophobia. She has also worked to promote peace and reconciliation in conflict zones around the world.
Dr. Heyward's work is important because it helps us to understand the ways in which religion can be used to both support and challenge the status quo. Her analysis of white Christian nationalism is particularly relevant in today's political climate, as the United States is grappling with issues of racial justice and inequality. Dr. Heyward's website: www.revcarterheyward.com
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Description: Religious trauma is increasingly relevant with the rise of fundamentalism and the growing number of “dones” and “nones” leaving the church. This workshop examines religious trauma, particularly in connection with Christian Nationalism. We will explore its root causes, how to recognize toxic beliefs, and the signs and symptoms of religious trauma. Key topics include Biblical Patriarchy, the Trad Wife movement, and purity culture. Attendees will gain insight into how certain faith traditions create barriers to fully embracing gender roles and human sexuality. This workshop has been an eye-opening experience for many, offering a deeper understanding of the lasting impact of religious conditioning both in the church and the secular world.
Bio: Lou Rochford (they/them) is a member of First Congregational Church of Burlington, VT, pursuing ordination through the Vermont Conference. Their ministry focuses on pastoral and spiritual care for queer, poly, and kink communities. Lou serves as the Digital Deacon for Church in the Wild (Sky Lake, NY) and supports digital ministry at First Church Burlington.
| | Climate Scientist and Evangelical Christian to Keynote UCC Earth Summit | | The Jim Antal Keynote for this year’s UCC Earth Summit will be delivered by Katharine Hayhoe, one of the world’s leading climate scientists. Through television appearances on PBS and Showtime as well as her widely viewed TED Talks, Hayhoe has reached a broad audience with a compelling perspective on science, climate, and faith. The summit will additionally feature a panel of grassroots leaders in the struggle against environmental racism in North Texas. This two and a half hour online summit will begin at 2 pm ET on April 26th. Register now | | 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. | | | |
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Faith communities are invited to the second annual Green Teams Gathering on Saturday, June 21, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Wolfe’s Neck Center for Agriculture and the Environment in Freeport, Maine. This event is designed for members and friends of congregational Green Teams, Earth Care Teams, and Climate Action Teams from Southern Maine and beyond.
https://thebtscenter.org/green-teams-gathering-2025/
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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!)
| | NEED A LITTLE LIGHT HUMOR THESE DAYS? | | |
You might be in a Vermont Church if...
...the "potluck signup sheet" has a dedicated section for "maple-glazed anything."
...the biggest debate isn't theology, but whether the coffee should be Green Mountain or a local micro-roast.
...the fundraising bake sale features at least three different kinds of apple crisp.
...instead of hymnals, there's a communal binder with handwritten lyrics to Pete Seeger songs.
...the Christmas pageant features real sheep... that wander off-stage.
...the church picnic involves a spirited game of lawn darts and someone bringing their own homemade cider.
...the youth group's mission trip involves helping a neighbor stack firewood for the winter.
...the "passing of the peace" involves a lot of warm handshakes and maybe a brief weather report.
...the annual meeting includes a lengthy discussion about the proper way to tap a maple tree.
...the church library's most popular section is the one on Vermont history and local folklore.
...the church bulletin includes a reminder about the town meeting next week.
...the communion wine is locally sourced (and might have a hint of apple).
...the children's Sunday school crafts often involve twigs, leaves, and other natural materials.
...someone offers you "a little something" after the service, which turns out to be a Ziploc bag of their garden's bounty.
...the discussion after the service revolves around the best way to deal with black flies in the summer.
...the pastor's email signature includes "Sent from my iPhone while hiking a trail."
...if you know that pancakes are not just for breakfast and that the annual pancake supper is a highlight of the community
...the church's music director also plays in a local contra dance band.
...the discussion after the service involves someone asking for recommendations for a good maple creemee stand.
...the church hosts a "tool swap" in the spring to help neighbors get ready for gardening season.
...you've seen a Subaru with a "Keep Vermont Weird" bumper sticker in the church parking lot.
...the fall foliage is considered a valid reason for slightly lower attendance.
...you feel a sense of quiet, down-to-earth community and acceptance that's as comforting as a warm wood stove on a chilly Vermont evening.
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Camp Highlight: Middlers on the Mountain (June 29- July 5, grades 6-8, Tiered Prices: $710, $600, $530)
Middle schoolers unite! We'll build an inclusive community that goes on adventures, plays games and sports, gets creative, and has FUN together!
Counselor Info Session (4/23, 7pm, Zoom Call)
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! Come to our last info session of the season to learn more about what a day at camp is like, how counselors are supported in their role at camp, and what a week on the mountain can do for YOU!
RSVP HERE
Save the Date: Open House (June 14th at Camp!)
Want to check camp out before you come as a camper? Looking for an excuse to spend a day on the mountain? Join us for worship, lunch, games, tours, and activities on Saturday June 14th!
RSVP HERE
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: | | |
Vulnerable adult missing from Shelburne
According to police, Ronald Van Mynen was last seen at his Shelburne home Tuesday afternoon. He had gone to run errands in South Burlington, but he never returned home. Police say Van Mynen didn't bring a cell phone with him when he left the house.
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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Spiritual Care of Self and Others begins May 7, 2025
Would you like to explore strategies of self-care rooted within the Christian tradition? Would you like to compassionately identify your own personal style, attributes, and limitations and the styles of others? This course blends contemporary psychology with traditional practices of prayer, the contemplative reading of scripture, and forms spiritual direction providing skills for use in the local church.
6-week courses beginning May 7 include:
--- Introducing the Old Testament (Dickinson/MBS) --- The Bible as Guide: Going Green (Environmental Justice Program) --- Pluralism and Religion in North America --- Spiritual Care of Self and Others --- Small Church Administration --- Applied: Faith Formation and Spiritual Practices for Children, Youth, and Adults --- Preaching Liberation Theology --- Professional Boundaries and Ministerial Self-Care --- Making Sense of Theology
12-week course beginning May 7: --- UCC History and Polity ---
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
Go to the PATHWAYS website (pathwaystheological.org) to learn more and to apply.
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Welcome, Farewell, and Blessings
Pastoral Transitions since the 2024 Vermont Conference Annual Meeting
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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
| | 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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