Weekly E-News Winter Edition | |  |
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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
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Message from the Conference | |
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Dear Beloved Community in the Vermont Conference,
In preparation for our Annual Meeting, Risen Indeed!, I am pleased to announce we will have a pre-meeting event on Zoom with theologian and author, the Rev. Dr. Heywood Carter on her book, The Seven Deadly Sins of White Christian Nationalism. We are urging individuals to read the book and congregations to offer book discussions in preparation for a dialogue with Dr. Heywood on Thursday evening, May 1, 2025 at 7:00 PM. Details on registering for the event will be sent out shortly.
In Seven Deadly Sins, Carter Heyward shows “How American Christians have played a major role in building and securing structures of injustice in American life. She contends that, especially since the end of World War Two, American Christianity too often has been coopted by a white Christian nationalist agenda. And now, turbulent tides of white supremacy, blatant assaults on women’s reproductive freedoms and threats to basic human rights for gender and sexual minorities, the widening gulf between rich and poor in an unregulated capitalist economy, and a world on fire, under water, and being savaged at least partly by human greed -- all point to a world crying out for Christians and others to teach, preach, and build movements of liberation and healing.”
You can read more about the book and Dr. Heyward on her website: www.revcarterheyward.com. As I travel around the Conference, the question I hear the most these days in relationship to the ongoing chaos in our country is, “What can I/we do?” Perhaps together,we can find our way into concrete ways of living our faith for such a time as this.
Courage in the struggle,
Lynn
Rev. Dr. Lynn Bujnak
Conference Minister
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Don't Miss Out! Vitality Day 2025: Celebrating Children's and Youth Ministries in Vermont! | | |
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Don't Miss Out! Join Over 80 People at Vitality Day 2025!
We're thrilled to announce that over 25 churches and 4 individuals, totaling more than 80 people, have already registered for Vitality Day! We'd love for you to join this exciting gathering.
Remember, the registration deadline is this Sunday, March 2nd!
Register for just $25 as an individual or bring a team from your church for only $40. We strongly encourage you to bring a group for a fun and enriching experience. Don't delay, sign up today!
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Vermont Conference UCC Gears Up for 230th Annual Meeting in Rutland! | | |
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Join Us for the 230th Annual Meeting!
Excitement is building as the Vermont Conference of the United Church of Christ prepares to host its 230th Annual Meeting! Mark your calendars for May 2nd and 3rd, 2025, at the beautiful Grace Congregational UCC in Rutland, Vermont!
We want YOU to be there! Every church should be represented, with delegate numbers based on membership, and don't forget your Youth Delegate – 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. Let's come together and make this Annual Meeting a beacon of hope and a testament to our vibrant future! We can't wait to see you there!
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UPCOMING JUSTICE & WITNESS ONLINE SEMINARS | |
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Equip Your Church!
Justice and Witness Ministries of the Vermont Conference UCC is sponsoring a series of online social justice seminars to address the challenges of the times we’re living in. These timely webinars will delve into the critical challenges of our era, providing information about the harm being done to vulnerable communities and, most importantly, empowering us as people of faith to resist and act!
To ensure your congregation is aware of these vital learning opportunities, we strongly encourage you to use the bulletin inserts below to announce these seminars. Let's equip our communities with the knowledge and inspiration they need to make a difference!
Help us amplify the message of justice! Please include information about these webinars in your upcoming bulletins.
Thank you for your commitment to justice and your partnership in this vital work.
In solidarity,
Justice & Witness Ministries of the Vermont Conference UCC
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IMMIGRATION-March 20th 6:30-7:30 PM
The Vermont Conference of the United Church of Christ, through its Justice & Witness Ministries, invites you to an online Zoom discussion on Immigration, featuring insights from Migrant Justice. On Thursday, March 20th, from 6:30 to 7:30 PM, staff from Migrant Justice will share their expertise on how national immigration policies are impacting migrants within Vermont, providing a crucial perspective on the ongoing struggle for economic justice and human rights. This event aims to foster a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by migrant communities and how we can support their fight for a just world for all.
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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.
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The Rev. Karen Georgia A. Thompson, general minister and president of the United Church of Christ, is calling on the church to “pause, pray, and prepare to live love boldly.” In a time of political division, rising inequality, and social uncertainty, she emphasizes that the church’s role is not only to speak about justice but to actively embody it. Her call to action aligns with the theme of the upcoming General Council of the World Communion of Reformed Churches: “Persevere in Your Witness.”
Read More
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HELP SAVE UNIVERSAL SCHOOL MEALS! | | |
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Governor Scott’s proposed repeal of Vermont’s Universal School Meals Program would cost Vermont kids, families, schools, and farmers.
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Click here to Sign up to stay connected, be nourished and keep updated on racial justice work happening around the world. | |
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A Mostly White Church in a Mostly White Town: Racial Justice is our Responsibility
For many who join the movement toward racial justice, a particular moment or experiences serves as a catalyst. Something happens that makes it impossible to go along unchanged. But what happens after that moment of conviction? How does a cataclysmic moment become a life-long journey of antiracist practice? Follow First Congregational Church of Hopkinton, NH's journey from a moment of awakening and conviction through education and exploration to covenant, commitment, and ever-unfolding actions.
Read more here
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“Come celebrate with me that everyday something has tried to kill me and has failed.” – Lucille Clifton As a Black Queer person,…
Read more here
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‘Cries for Peace in Palestine’: Palestinian Christian voices are center of new book, webinar series
Immerse yourself in the stories of Gaza's devastation and the ongoing struggle for justice and peace. Gain deep insights into the historical and contemporary issues facing Palestinians, from displacement to daily oppression. Rooted in Faith and Justice will challenge your perspectives, confront double standards, and help you discover pathways to solidarity and action. Engage with the realities of Palestine, rooted in faith, justice, and peace, and become part of the movement towards a just and lasting peace.
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Wednesday, March 5, 2025, 1-2pm Eastern | |
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Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac received a lot of global attention with his Christmas 2023 Nativity scene showing Christ surrounded by the rubble of Gaza. He has now expanded on that Christmas message with a forthcoming new book Christ in the Rubble: Faith, the Bible, and the Genocide in Gaza. In this book, Rev. Dr. Isaac challenges mainstream Christians’ uncritical embrace of the modern State of Israel and challenges us to realign our beliefs and actions with Christ – who can be found not among perpetrators of violence, but with victims buried under the rubble of war.
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UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST stance on Immigration: | |
Immigrant Welcoming Congregations
We live in a world of people on the move. According to the United Nations, there are over 100 million forcibly displaced people in the world – an unfortunate record in world history. The Bible is full of stories about God’s people being forced to leave their countries: Adam and Eve, Noah, Sarah and Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Naomi, Esther, Jeremiah, Jesus, Mary and Joseph to name some. We in the United Church of Christ find our grounding in God’s Word about how we are to treat the stranger in our midst. We believe we are called to offer an “extravagant welcome.”
Read more here
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Erasing Trans History: The Government’s Quiet Attack on Stonewall’s Legacy
The U.S. government has once again made it clear that they want to erase transgender and queer people from history. This time, they…
Read More here
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Womxn Are Here: Inspiring Generations Onward
Mar 4, 2025 | 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Join Gender & Sexuality Justice for a special Womxn’s Month offering featuring intergenerational womxn’s voices from across the United Church of Christ. Together we’ll discuss the work of womxn in the UCC by sharing stories, hope and what this moment…
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Considering Matthew Shepard Concert and Community Engagement Series | | |
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We are honored to partner with Albany Pro Musica on their upcoming Considering Matthew Shepard concert and community engagement series.
Craig Hella Johnson’s Considering Matthew Shepard is a deeply moving work that explores Matthew Shepard’s life, tragic death, and enduring legacy. Through music, it challenges us to reflect on themes of inclusion, resilience, and hope while envisioning a more compassionate world.
Join us in supporting this transformative project and experience how music truly captures the human spirit. Together, we can inspire greater understanding and connection within our community.
LEARN MORE AND REGISTER
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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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PLEASE UPDATE YOUR CHURCH'S INFORMATION CLINK ON START NOW BELOW | | |
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Hope Fund Update from Springfield Church!
"A PLACE FOR EVERYONE – AT FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH IN
SPRINGFIELD, VT. A NEW GREEN GATHERING SPACE ON MAIN STREET
HAS BEEN DEVELOPED THROUGH THE HOPE GRANT AND BETTER
PLACES, A VERMONT MATCHING GRANT PROGRAM."
First Congregational Church in Springfield, VT, transformed an overgrown yard into a welcoming green space for all. Grants and community support funded the ADA-accessible patio, gardens, and seating, creating a peaceful downtown retreat. Completed in late 2024, the church now focuses on maintaining this community haven.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION ON WHAT'S HAPPENING AROUND THE CONFERENCE GO TO OUR FACEBOOK PAGE HERE: | |
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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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From: Centre Congregational Church, UCC:
As a faith community, we deeply mourn the loss of our member, Judith Myrick (1931-2025), died peacefully on February 8 in Pennsylvania. Her health had been declining in the last few months due to heart failure. And then her body began to give out. Her son and daughter were able to be at her bedside the last few days, time for which they are grateful. A service in Judy’s memory will be held at the gravesite at the cemetery where her husband, Allen, is also buried. Her obituary will be published in the March Centre Bells. I have reached out to the daughter, Helen Davis, to express to her the church’s condolences.
See obituary: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/wfmz/name/judith-myrick-obituary?id=57503074
Judy and Allen were champions of the Wider Church and were long time UCBWM and GM missionaries.
Members of Centre Congregational Church, UCC
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Reverend Ben Thurber , age 92, died peacefully in his home after a long illness of vascular dementia. He received a certificate this past year for 65 years of ordained ministry. He was also a masterful artist (https://www.benthurberart.com/). Bev Thurber's wife, Beverly is one of United Church of Craftsbury's accompanists. Our prayers are with the family.
A celebration of Ben’s life and legacy is planned for Memorial Day weekend (details to be announced later). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Craftsbury Church on the Common’s Deacons’ Crisis Fund, PO Box 46, Craftsbury Common, VT 05827, or Orleans/Essex VNA Hospice, 46 Lakemont Rd., Newport, VT 05855.
Find his obituary by clicking here
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Rev. Dr. William Ellis Cobb “Bill”, age 87, passed away in the early morning hours of April 12, 2024, at his home in Lexington, TN with his family by his side
Find his obituary by clicking here
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Save the Date & Cont. Ed Resources
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2025 Racial Justice Trainings
This 6-hour training for authorized ministers, uses videos, articles and small-group conversations based on a unique tool that lifts up the need for work in the area of respect and affirmation when looking at the four realms of racism.
- March 18 and 20
- May 12 and 14
- September 9 and 10
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FAITH FORMATION CERTIFICATE
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. Read more about it on our website.
Courses offered this Spring include:
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Faith Formation (Children, Youth,Adults) Level 1 2/19/2025 - 4/1/2025
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Applied: Faith Formation and Spiritual Practices for Children, Youth, and Adults
Level 2 5/7/2025 - 6/17/2025
Other Courses and Certificates this Spring include:
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The Supervised Ministry Certificate (Six 9-week courses) The required 3-week introduction to the Supervised Ministry certificate begins February 19, 2025
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THE BIBLE AS GUIDE: Biomes and Landforms in Scripture (a Level 1 Environmental Justice Certificate course) begins March 19, 2025
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Prophetic Preaching on Christian Nationalism (part of Project Proclaim) begins March 5, 2025.
Go to the PATHWAYS website (pathwaystheological.org) to learn more and to apply for these and other courses.
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Teeny Tiny Church Services: Supporting Smaller Congregations
Looking for ways to enhance your worship services this summer and beyond?
Teeny Tiny Church Services offers a range of resources to meet your congregation's needs, whether you have a full-time pastor, rely on supply preachers, or have lay leaders presiding over worship.
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Welcome, Farewell, and Blessings
Pastoral Transitions since the 2024 Vermont Conference Annual Meeting
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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. | |
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Rev. Marjorie McNeil
rings the bell on the end of her cancer treatments!
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Please note and change your information:
that Rev. Matthew Deen is now:
Rev. Thew Deen(they/them/theirs)
"Blessings, Thew! Thank you for your honesty, courage and clear naming of who you know yourself to be. We continue to welcome, love and accept you and the many gifts you share with your church, Association, Conference and this world." -Lynn
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Rev. Ken White concludes his ministry at College Street Congregational UCC | | |
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Ken White and his wife Lucia receiving prayer shawls, Ken playing in the band. | |
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Rev. Katherine Buechner Arthaurd retires from United Church in Fairfax | | |
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Congratulations to Josh Sharp
from First Congregational Church of Essex Junction was
approved for ordination pending call
by the Champlain Association
on January 12, 2025
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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
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FOR MORE CONFERENCE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES | | |
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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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DEADLINE for E-Kit News must be received by Tuesday of each week.
Please send any and all information please email: admin@vermontucc.org
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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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