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

7) UCC News

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,

What a wonderful experience it was to attend the annual Clergy Convocation earlier this week! Thank you to Paul Sangree and the planning team for all their hard work, planning and creativity. I woke up this morning with one of the songs we used in worship playing in my mind and heart:

Our salvation is bound up together

Our salvation is bound up together

Our salvation is bound up together

As we walk through this wilderness.

No man, no woman can walk this road alone!

Rev. Ava Bilton introduced us to this and other new songs that formed a framework for our time together. So, one of my takeaways from our time is the reminder of how much we need each other and that the living of our faith is not just a private but a communal act.

Our facilitator, Rev. Dr. Chris Davies we were reminded that what we do matters and that we are entrusted to build and steward an escrow of hope. Weaving together the power of proclamation and the power of ritual formed the bulk of our time. Look for creative ideas for rituals that are arising from this time!

I hope that each of you will find and create opportunities to gather with those who can renew your soul and think and dream together. It is important that we follow Jesus’ invitation to his disciples to “come away by yourselves and rest awhile” on a regular basis. In these stressful times, we need this more than ever.



Courage in the struggle,

Lynn

_{Latest News}

Message from JWM

The Conference’s Justice and Witness Ministries Committee is continuing our series of webinars with “Countering Christian Nationalism 2.0: Follow-up to Annual Meeting.” This webinar will be held Thursday, October 16 from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Click here to register.

Many of us learned a great deal from Annual Meeting keynote speaker Marvin Ellison and from the special pre-meeting presentation by Carter Heyward earlier this year. This new webinar will feature some excerpts from their excellent remarks to remind us and ground us again in our faith values and justice perspective.

The webinar will also feature brief reports from churches in the conference that are doing specific activities to counter the hatred perpetrated by Christian nationalism in their own contexts. These will include presentations from: 

• Danville Congregational Church on their Faith in Politics speaker series
• Mallett’s Bay on their Soup & Substance events
• United Church of Hinesburg on their regular public demonstrations
• Charlotte Congregational Church on their variety of public witness activities

There will be time for questions and answers and sharing of what other congregations are doing. Join us for inspiration and motivation to witness to our faith in today’s troubled world. 

To register, click here.

UCC resources

VT UCC resources

No Kings Day II

The Justice and Witness Ministry encourages UCC members to be involved in the No Kings Day II on Saturday, October 18. This is part of our UCC efforts to promote hope and public witness regarding the ongoing actions threatening social justice that are from the federal administration. As with the first No Kings Day on June 14, there will be many rallies throughout Vermont - here is a link to the map for more information: https://www.nokings.org/#map. JWM encourages UCC members to carry signs that identify themselves as members of the local UCC church and that promote messages of love and hope. For more information, email to Sally Kerschner at the Charlotte Congregational Church, smwkersch@comcast.net.

Gatherings for Creation

VTIPL is excited to host two Gatherings for Creation this fall! Join us for two half-day workshops, featuring forest bathing, eco-spiritual formation, and workshops on how to respond to this moment of widespread change and transformation as people of faith. All are welcome! Click here for more information.

****PLEASE NOTE*** 
The event on Oct 18^th in Brattleboro has been postponed due to its overlap with the Celebration of Life for Bishop Ely. 

Boundary Awareness Training: A Contemplative Approach – Fall 2025 Offerings

A boundary awareness training meant for members in discernment and authorized ministers of the UCC. Please check with your Committee on Ministry if you are unsure this would meet your required boundary training requirements.

Thursdays September 25 OR November 13, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM CST via Zoom and the Damascus Project Learning Network.

The Shoreham Congregational Church will host a Fund-Raising Luncheon on Saturday, October 18 from 11 AM to 1 PM.  Come and share hot soup and friendship as you support the Church Restoration Fund.  You can choose from 4 different kinds of soup, and makings for sandwiches, along with beverages and homemade desserts.  The cost is only $10 a person or $30 a family.

All proceeds will go toward the Church Restoration Fund to aid in its effort to maintain this beautiful and historic church building.

The 56th annual Dummerston Apple Pie festival will be held on Sunday, October 12, 2025 from 10 a.m. until sell out.  Whole pies, slices, cheddar cheese, cider donuts, coffee, and hot and cold cider will be for sale at this popular community event.  For questions, call the Dummerston Church at 802-257-0544. 

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

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!)

Rev. Peter Plagge Celebration

On October 5th the Waterbury Congregational Church, UCC celebrated the Rev. Peter Plagge’s 25 years of ministry with and to their church and community. It was a service filled with remembrance, celebration, laughter and outstanding music.

Event Administrator Opportunity: Help Plan the 2026 Vermont Conference Annual Meeting!

The Vermont Conference UCC seeks an Annual Meeting Administrator to organize our 2026 event. This contract position is key to our success, managing everything from program support and vendor coordination to on-site execution and post-event evaluation. A $2,500 lump sum compensation is provided. Interested individuals should submit their application to Rev. Dr. Lynn Bujnak (lbujnak@vermontucc.org). Deadline: October 30, 2025.Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for (audience)? Why should they care (benefit)? What do I want them to do (call-to-action)?

Create a great offer by adding words like "free," "personalized," "complimentary," or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take action, so consider inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining!"

Cordelia Burpee celebrates her last Sunday in South Hero!

Yale Divinity Alumni Award!

Congratulations to the Rev. Dr. Arnold Isidore Thomas who has been chosen by Yale Divinity School as the 2025 recipient of its Alumni Award for Distinction in Congregational Ministry. This award is given to a lay or ordained individual who has shown exceptional pastoral competence in the work of developing the ministry and mission of local congregations. 

Arnold served as pastor of the Williamstown United Church and of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Vermont as well as serving on the pastoral staff of Riverside Church in New York City. He is also a past Conference Minister of the Vermont Conference, UCC. 

In response to recent events, we have received requests from churches and middle judicatories for resources and risk mitigation webinars focusing on active intruder situations:

Protests, marches, and rallies are vitally needed in democratic societies, but what happens the day after these public events and then the next day? What’s the long-term strategy for everyday people to exercise their power to influence their government? Your church can learn about the pro-democracy movement in a couple of ways. Invite Sam Daley-Harris, the author of “Reclaiming Our Democracy,” to give a Zoom presentation for members of your church. Daley-Harris is coaching UCC leaders to start Climate Hope Affiliates that are actively engaged in developing ongoing relationships with members of Congress as part of a broader pro-democracy movement to defend government institutions like the Environmental Protection Agency. Request a presentation from a member of the Climate Hope Affiliate Leadership Team. As people of faith, we have the opportunity to help defend and promote the common good in our society.

UCC Wellness Ministries Responds to the Confusion About Vaccinations

UCC Wellness Ministries promotes well-being within congregations and the communities they serve by developing and sharing helpful resources for individuals, including navigating healthcare options for themselves and their families. 

We have attached a document titled "UCC Wellness Ministries Responds to the Confusion about Acetaminophen and Vaccines" and encourage you to share it widely. 

State legislators are making decisions regarding public health, and individuals need to know where to seek guidance. 

If you have any questions or comments, please contact us at WellnessMinistries@ucc.org/

To the Congregations of the Vermont Conference United Church of Christ

From the UCC of Middlebury          

August, 2025

Every year our Board of Missions and Social Concerns makes donations on behalf of our congregants to local nonprofits that make a difference doing healing and justice work in our community. This year we made the decision to seek out an organization that is focused on helping Immigrants and Refugees coming to Vermont.

To that end, we are donating $800 to the Vermont Afghan Alliance (VAA), and we suggest that you make a gift too if you have a community support program like ours. Here is why we think VAA is deserving of support from all of us in Vermont.

Since the fall of Kabul to the Taliban in 2021, Vermont has Welcomed more than 600 Afghan allies who risked their lives to assist our military personnel on the ground during the long conflict. Just last year VAA provided direct services to 300 of these new Vermonters:

·       Employment: 99% have secured long-term jobs with a living wage and health benefits

·    Housing: 95% have secured long-term housing

·       Driver’s license: 95% who completed the driver training program got a license

·       Language learning and interpretation: helps all of our new neighbors thrive

·       Legal: All VAA clients came here through valid immigration or refugee channels, and are helped to navigate their way to citizenship

You can learn more, and see their recently released annual report, at www.vtafghanalliance.org/

All of our Afghan-American neighbors are sending money home to relatives, hoping to be re-united with them in our brave little state. But new immigration regulations are making VAA’s job more and more difficult. And the third year of a federal grant is uncertain, creating a $256,000 budget shortfall.

With resilience, VAA is pursuing a new strategic plan and exploring new revenue sources, which we hope will include the Vermont UCC Conference. You can support them at Vermont Afghan Alliance, 60 Main Street, Suite 102, Burlington, VT 05401, or online at https://bit.ly/VtAfghan

Perhaps it boils down to this. Hebrews 13:2: “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”

Blessings to you all,

Middlebury UCC

Board of Missions and Social Concerns                            

Justice, Compassion and Love Team

Questions? Email wstugis44@gmail.com

United Church of Ludlow Disaster Hub

We at the United Church of Ludlow have completed our Disaster Hub and are ready to get them where needed should a disaster strike in Vermont. Thank you for the $3000 grant that helped us complete the hub. We will likely continue to add a few more buckets and supplies as we can. 

Donations to Green Mountain Gospel Choir

UPDATE on Resolution of Compensating Black Musicians/Lyricists by way of Support of Black Music:

The Justice & Witness Ministries Team met has designated the Green Mountain Gospel Choir as the recipient of funds donated by Conference congregations to support Black musicians/lyricists for 2025.

Donations may be sent to the Conference office at:

Vermont Conference, UCC

36 North Main Street

Randolph, VT 05060

Please note in the memo the designation of "Green Mountain Gospel Choir fund."

Help with Research Project about Healthcare Access in Vermont

Rev. Laurie Krooss, pastor of Second Congregational Church in Londonderry, VT is asking for our help on behalf of her son, Matthew, who is a med student at UVM:

My name is Matt, and I am a third-year medical student at The Robert Larner College of

Medicine at the University of Vermont. As a native Vermonter, I am passionate about

rural healthcare in our amazing state! I am helping UVM's Center for Biomedical

Innovation to assess the need for remote health technology in rural areas of Vermont. If

you have 10 minutes, please read about our project and take our survey about your

experiences and opinions on remote health technology!

Project information:

We are the Center for Biomedical Innovation at the University of Vermont. Our mission

is to design, evaluate, and deploy health technologies and systems with a focus on rural

healthcare. Your input will help us understand the healthcare needs and opinions of

rural Vermonters. This survey aims to assess your attitudes towards healthcare

accessibility and the implementation of health screening technologies at easily

accessible public sites in rural community settings. Examples include general stores,

libraries, schools, houses of worship, and town halls - all with provision for privacy. Your

responses are anonymous, and recorded information is deidentified. This information

will contribute to improving healthcare services in your community.

Take our survey:

https://redcap.link/UVM-SPHT

PRAYER CONCERNS

Please keep the family and friends of the Rev. Larrimore "Larry" Crockett in your prayers. Larry died on September 10, 2025. Arrangements for a memorial service are pending. More information will be provided as available.

We offer our prayers and condolences to the family and friends of Peter Amidon. Peter and Mary Alice have been long-time musicians at the Guilford Church and are known throughout the Conference for assisting small churches and small member choirs with their music programs, including how to use the entire congregation as a choir. Peter was also instrumental in founding and providing music for hospice choirs throughout Vermont and beyond. His memorial service will be held on November 2nd at 2pm at the First Congregational Church of West Brattleboro.

We offer our condolences to our siblings in the Episcopal Diocese of Vermont on the recent death of Bishop Tom Ely. Tom retired as Bishop of the Vermont Diocese in 2019. Bishop Ely was known as a champion for LGBTQ+ rights and marriage equality as well as being an advocate for sensible gun control.

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

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

Death of Reverend Dave Pruitt

Dear Friends,

It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of Rev. David Pruitt. During this challenging time, our hearts and prayers are with his family and friends. Dave's funeral will be held in the West Newbury Church on Sunday Nov 16, at 2 pm, with interment immediately following, in the West Newbury Cemetery.

A reception will be held in the West Newbury Hall. 

All those who knew and loved Dave are welcome.We will provide more details as they become available.

Sincerely,

Lynn

Rev. Dr. Lynn Bujnak

Conference Minister

Vermont Conference, UCC

Save the Date & Cont. Ed Resources

MINISTRY21 UPDATE: REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR SPRING SEMESTER COURSES

Ministry21 is running two courses in Winter/Spring 2026, and registration is open. Check out the links for these opportunities to learn more and to enroll in one or both classes.

“MEETING PEOPLE WHERE THEY ARE: EXPLORING CONTEXT, THEOLOGY AND MINISTRY THAT PROPELS US INTO MINISTRY OUTSIDE THE CHURCH”

Taught by Rev. Gayle Murphy. In-person classes Jan. 17, Feb. 14, Mar. 28, and May 9 in Meriden NH. Read more here: https://www.nhcucc.org/ministry-21/meeting-people

“PASTORAL CARE AND ETHICS”

Taught by Rev. Jonathan Hauze. In person classes Jan. 24, Feb. 28, Mar. 21, Apr. 18 in Norwich, NH. This class will invite students to reflect on the work of pastoral care in the context of an integrated spiritual life. Read more here: https://www.nhcucc.org/ministry-21/pastoral-care

For more information, contact Rev. Susie Webster-Toleno, VT Conference Dean of Ministry21: vtdean@min21.org or 802-579-8356

(Ministry21 is grateful for funding from the Brown Endowment of United Church Funds)

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! 

WELLNESS MINISTRIES VOLUNTEERS SERIES

The fall Orientation of Wellness Ministries Volunteers Series will be offered on Tuesdays, September 23rd - October 28th 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM ET.

This 6-session series prepares you to share information about Wellness Ministries within the UCC, a process to orient volunteers, and the development or enhancement of current health and wholeness ministries within the congregation and the community.

As a service to congregations registration for the series is free.  Register now:

https://UCC.zoom.us/meeting/register/LpP0-b4fT6urwU3fNxHMqA/

Registration is limited to ensure a more personalized experience for individuals.

All reading materials are found on the 2025 Wellness Ministries Toolkit flash drive, available at the UCC Resources Store - https://www.uccresources.com/

Participants are encouraged to attend all sessions because each one provides the foundation for the next session.  However, we understand that sometimes that is not possible.

If you have questions please e-mail wellnessministries@ucc.org.

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Introduction to Spiritual Health (Pastoral Care) begins October 15, 2025

Through personal reflection and exploration of current pastoral care paradigms, the course will assist in developing best practices in spiritual care. The course participant will develop contextual understanding of persons in crisis and formulate strategies for seeking their well-being and justice.

PATHWAYS Fall 2025 Schedule, Six-week courses

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.

 Welcome, Farewell, and Blessings

Pastoral Transitions

Welcome Pastor Doug Cameron

The members of First Congregational Church of Berlin proudly invite you to join us as we celebrate the Installation of our new minister, Pastor Doug Cameron. We will celebrate this blessed occasion through worship and with God’s Word. Your presence will make this event a memorable experience for Pastor Doug and the congregation.



November 16, 2025 at 3:00 pm

First Congregational Church of Berlin

1808 Scott Hill Rd., Berlin, VT 05602

802-229-0338

Reception will be held immediately following the service.

Clergy are invited to vest in red.

VERMONT UCC CLASSIFIEDS

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

Free Choir Robes

12 in various adult sizes, royal blue, white trim, washable.

Please call 802-525-3607 or 802-525-4465 
Barton United Church Trustees

FOR MORE CONFERENCE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

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The Online Learning Platform of the United Church of Christ

Important Announcement Regarding Federal Grants 

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.

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/