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

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,

Your Vermont Delegation just returned this week from the UCC General Synod, held in Kansas City! Each of our delegates, (Rhonda Myers, Shawn Bracebridge, Cameron Matthews, Caryne Eskridge, Jane LoBrutto, Laura Engelken, Ezra Chapola, Dave Schilling, and Kim McKerley), gained so much from the week. We listened to our General Minister and President, Karen Georgia Thompson, preach on Sunday, and heard from many other wonderful musicians and speakers. We also voted on a number of resolutions. Each delegate was assigned to a committee where they worked on the wording of their resolution. The most hotly contested was the Declaration for an end to Genocide in Palestine. In the end, the Synod voted overwhelmingly to pass this resolution.

Our keynote speaker was Rev. Jennifer Butler. Rev. Butler is the founder and leader of the advocacy organization, Faith and Democracy. In her address, she referenced her new book, “Who Stole My Bible?” She spoke of how White Christian Nationalists are distorting our Bible, but that we should not let that turn us away from Scripture! Instead, we need to remember that the Bible is a resistance manual, that points us towards liberation and hope.

Her sentiments were echoed by our United Church of Canada theological reflector. She talked about the parable of the widow and the judge, as found in Luke 18:1-8. She praised our UCC for being a bold American denomination that was willing to be persistent in prayer and advocacy for a more just world, and encouraged us to continue to be so. May it be so,

Faithfully yours,

Paul

_{Latest News}

The 35th General Synod 2025: Catch Up on All the Inspiring Moments by clicking here: GS35 SPECIAL EDITION

Rainbow Steps - the New Red Carpet?

A few weeks ago, College Street Congregational Church members Laura Labrie and Scott Mackey freshened up our front steps with a beautiful coat of rainbow paint. This past Sunday, a weekend visitor to Burlington from California, saw the steps as she was wandering around town (how can you miss them?) and decided right then and there to come worship with us! Could Rainbow Steps be the new Red Carpet of welcome to our churches?" 

Step right in. All are welcome!

Resolution of Compensating Black Musicians/Lyricists by way of Support of Black Music

In case you hadn’t heard, at this year’s Annual Meeting of the Vermont Conference, we passed a Resolution to encourage congregations to donate funds to organizations that promote or benefit the previously unrecognized Black composers of spirituals and other music. This resolution passed unanimously and its implementation is being facilitated by the Justice & Witness Ministries Committee.

The Jeff Church, UCC, will be setting aside $10 every time we sing or play the music of a Negro spiritual, or music/lyrics created by Black musicians and lyricists. As a small church, it will be a while before we have an amount worthy of sending to a cause or organization that fits the resolution passed at our Annual Meeting in May. As a member of Justice & Witness Ministries of the VTCUCC, I am reaching out to learn if there are congregations who would like to pool their monies collected based upon the mission of the Resolution to donate to a particular group, organization, or cause recommended by the JWM team on an annual basis? Pooling our money will result in an amount that can truly benefit the chosen recipient for that year. Please email me at revsallyjeffucc@gmail.com with your interest and ideas. Thanks!

National Rallies of Good Trouble



Today, Thursday, July 17, is a day of national rallies of Good Trouble to honor civil right leader Congressman John Lewis on the fifth anniversary of his death. Good Trouble is the action of coming together to take peaceful, non-violent action to challenge injustice and create meaningful change. Communities across the country will take to the streets, courthouses, and community spaces to carry forward his fight for justice, voting rights, and dignity for all.

There are several rallies today in Vermont. Although it is late notice, we encourage all to attend a rally near your church and carry signs or banner to indicate you are representing our values as a Congregational Church. A group of us from Charlotte Congregational will be meeting in Vergennes by the Bixby Library at about 5:00 PM - those who in the area are welcome to meet us at Bixby - for more information contact Sally Kerschner at 802-377-1794. Here is map of rallies in VT and nationally:

Protests continue in Los Angeles, California against ICE’s mass detention and deportation of our immigrant neighbors. In response, the President recently sent the National Guard and active-duty Marines to Los Angeles in violation of current law and without consulting local or state officials. Meanwhile mass deportations by ICE are causing chaos and pain for immigrant families and communities across the country. But President Trump’s detention and deportation campaign is expensive, and the administration is running out of money. The Senate is now preparing to vote on the budget reconciliation bill, otherwise known as the “One Big Evil Bill” to fund the President’s immoral immigration program.  

This budget reconciliation bill increases funding for immigration enforcement by $168 billion dollars, according to the Congressional Budget Office, which will help ICE deport 1 million people per year. This is more than a 143% increase in immigration enforcement funding and will be taken directly from necessary programs such as Medicaid and SNAP. This bill will cut Medicaid funding by $864 billion in 10 years and $300 billion dollars from SNAP in nine years.  

The bill’s cuts for Medicaid and SNAP will strip immigrants of necessary resources. The bill excludes legal immigrants fleeing persecution, such as refugees and asylum seekers, from the Medicaid and SNAP programs, and disqualifies American citizen children in mixed status families from receiving the Child Tax Credit. This will lead to 1.4 million legal immigrants losing health insurance, 250,000 legal immigrants losing access to SNAP, and 2 million families losing access to $2500 in federal tax forgiveness 

As a faith community that welcomes, affirms, and supports all people regardless of where they come from, we cannot support a bill that funds this indiscriminate attack on immigrant communities. Healthcare, food, and clean water are fundamental rights for all people in America, which should not be stripped from anyone regardless of their citizenship status. Let us join together to oppose this bill which will bring so much suffering and pain to immigrant, refugees, and asylum seekers across the country.  

“He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing.” - Deuteronomy 10:18   

Tell your members of Congress today to vote NO on the current budget reconciliation bill. and support the safety of immigrant communities. 

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!)

DARIUS JONATHAN

Dear Friends: 

Darius' kidneys are failing. He's not had to go on dialysis yet, but we expect he will soon. He is on a list for a kidney from a deceased donor, but donation of a live kidney is a much better option. The National Kidney Foundation makes it possible even if it not a direct match through an exchange program. Please take the time to read the website and pass it along if you can. Post it on social media, do whatever is necessary to get the word out there. And we thank you. 

Blessings be with you, 

Carrie Bail

Service of Appreciation for Federal Environmental Justice Staff and Grantees

The UCC will hold a service of appreciation to honor public servants in a time of uncertainty about the future of federal environmental justice programs. The service will feature key founding figures in the movement for environmental justice: Dollie Burwell, Rev. Benjamin Chavis, Jr., Charles Lee, and Richard Moore. Even if you can’t join us live on Wednesday, July 23^rd at 1 pm ET, still register, and we will send you a recording. 

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!

Greetings VT Conference!

It was such a pleasure to meet you all at your Annual Meeting at the beginning of May and spend the weekend worshiping, square dancing, learning, and connecting with you! Thank you so much for the warm welcome and for allowing me to share about Horton Center, the Outdoor Ministries site of the NH UCC Conference. 

Camp registration is OPEN! There are spots still available in our camp sessions and retreat sessions - so don't wait! Check out the full summer and fall schedule here: And be sure to reach out to me if you have any questions! 

Counselors are NEEDED! Are you looking for a way to make a difference? Are you seeking a place to retreat to for a week at a time where you will have fun, explore your faith, lead, be transformed, and feel renewed? Come to camp as a volunteer counselor! The amazing magic of camp is not possible without people like YOU! Email me for more information about the role and our needs this summer: TPare@nhcucc.org

Scholarships are Available! Scholarships are available through local churches and the NH and VT conferences. We hope that no one will miss out on the transformative ministry of camp due to financial reasons, so please feel free to fill out an application today! 

I'd love to see you on the mountain this summer! (I promise we'll have more delicious fudgy brownies there!). 

Shalom, 

Tivvi Pare 

(she/her/hers)

Horton Center Executive Director 

NHCUCC Christian Edu. Specialist

603-545-9660

PRAYER CONCERNS

Please keep family, friends and the larger community in your prayers at the sudden loss of the

Ven. J. Stannard Baker. Stan was a Cathedral Deacon at St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral in

Burlington and an Arch Deacon of the Episcopal Diocese of Vermont. He was a gifted

psychotherapist. Stan and his husband, Peter Harrigan, were part of the original six plaintiffs in

Vermont’s historic civil unions law in 2000. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.

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

Save the Date & Cont. Ed Resources

Ministry21 Update

We’re excited to share more about our upcoming Ministry21 classes for Fall and Spring!

Fall 2025:

UCC Faith and Theology in the Public Square: Where Jesus the Healer Meets Jesus the

Revolutionary, taught by the Rev. Gail Kinney. Classes will be held in person from at West Lebanon NH UCC church from, and will meet September 6, October 4, November 1, and December 6 from 9am-4pm.

Spring 2026:

Pastoral Care and Pastoral Ethics, taught by the Rev. Jonathan Hauze. Classes will meet at the Norwich Congregational UCC on January 24, February 28, March 21, and April 18 from 9am-4pm.

Meeting People Where They Are: Theology, Context, and Ministry Beyond the Church, taught by the Rev. Dr. Gayle Murphy. Dates haven’t been finalized, but they will not conflict with the other course; classes will be held in Meriden, NH at the UCC church there.

Registration begins SOON! For more information, see our Facebook page

(https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558989177152 ) or contact Rev. Susie Webster-Toleno at 802-579-9356 or VTDean@min21.org Our website is https://www.nhcucc.org/ministry21

Ministry21 is a collaboration of the Vermont and New Hampshire Conferences, and is partially funded through the generosity of the Brown Endowment of United Church Funds.

Event Details:

The 7 Deadly Sins of Church Communication (and How to Avoid Them)

August 13th @ 12 PM

Led by Rev. Walt Hampton, J.D.

Event Page: https://www.faithmesh.io/event-details/the-7-deadly-sins-of-church-communication-and-how-to-avoid-them

Early Bird pricing: $50 (Only a limited number of early bird tickets available)

General Admission: $80

Strong communication is the heartbeat of a thriving ministry. In this one-hour virtual workshop, Rev. Walt Hampton, J.D., will guide pastors, staff, and lay leaders through practical strategies for communicating clearly, aligning your team, and casting an inspiring vision.

Meet the Speaker:

Rev. Walt Hampton is a seasoned executive coach, leadership trainer, and bestselling author. As the CEO of Summit Success International, he’s worked globally with organizations on emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and organizational development. A Cornell Law School grad, longtime managing partner, and ordained Franciscan friar, Walt brings deep wisdom and real-world insight to church leadership.

About FaithMesh.io

At FaithMesh.io, our mission is simple yet powerful: to empower progressive churches to thrive in the modern age. We believe every church, regardless of size or resources, deserves the tools and knowledge to spread the gospel effectively.

Our resources are carefully curated from ministry leaders, industry experts, and professionals with hands-on experience in church operations, online strategy, and community building. The majority of these resources—such as articles, videos, and templates—are offered completely free of charge to help as many churches as possible grow their reach and impact.

We also produce original content through collaborations with contributors, ensuring that every piece is relevant, practical, and valuable for your ministry.

Home   About Us    Programs   For Authorizing Bodies     Contact Us     Donate    

Are you considering studying more about the Bible or working toward the Bible Studies Certificate? A good overview of the Bible, What is the Bible? (Dickinson/MBS), begins September 17.

The 3-course Bible Studies Certificate guides the learner to deepen their knowledge and current scholarship of the Old and New Testaments, while also giving the learner opportunities to create and teach curriculum in their own faith community.

·       Old Testament Hermeneutics          08/6/2025 - 9/23/2025

·       New Testament Hermeneutics        10/8/2025 - 11/18/2025

·       Approved Elective Course with Bible Study Project

Go to the PATHWAYS website (pathwaystheological.org) to learn more and to apply for these and other courses.

Old Testament Hermeneutics, a Level 2 6-week course begins on August 6, 2025.

In this course, participants will explore the Hebrew Bible using historical critical methods and other tools of Biblical interpretation. Participants will learn the interpretive tool of Midrash (sanctified imagination) and apply Biblical insight to 21st century issues.

The next UCC History and Polity course begins August 6, 2025.

Courses beginning in August include:

·      Old Testament Hermeneutics             (6-weeks) begins Aug. 6

·      UCC History and Polity                (12-weeks) begins Aug, 6

·      Spiritual Care of Self and Others          (6-weeks) begins Aug, 6

·      Variety of Belief within Christianity Today (6-weeks) begins Aug. 6

·      Preaching for Special Occasions         (6-weeks) begins Aug. 20  

Go to the PATHWAYS website (pathwaystheological.org) to learn more and to apply.

Introduction to Spiritual Health (Pastoral Care) begins August 1.

Through personal reflection and exploration of current pastoral care paradigms, this 6-week course offers training to

• identify and apply best practices in empathetic listening
• understand models of pastoral care assessment
• create a pastoral care plan based on spiritual assessment tools
• articulate how to provide pastoral care effectively in diverse cultural settings.

The course outcome project will give you an opportunity to apply what you have learned within your own faith community or practice context.

SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, September 13, 2025, 7:00p.m. 

Come celebrate with us! PATHWAYS Theological's Benefit Concert sponsored by Lena’s Place Coffee House in the beautiful Central Congregational UCC sanctuary in Atlanta. Enjoy great local musicians (Maureen & Matthew Shelton, and Mockingbird’s Wing) and delicious refreshments. Watch for more information including how to attend online.

Go to the PATHWAYS website (pathwaystheological.org) to learn more and to apply for this and other courses.

CERTIFICATE OF FOUNDATIONAL THEOLOGY

Offered every year, this 8-course certificate gives a well-rounded preparatory education in the basics: Bible, theology, ethics, faith formation, ecumenism/interfaith comprehension, and pastoral care. Three of the eight courses are required. The courses do not need to be taken in order so you may begin when you’re ready, during any of PATHWAYS’ six terms.

Go to the PATHWAYS website (pathwaystheological.org) to learn more and to apply for this certificate and other courses. 

PATHWAYS Theological made the UCC news!

PATHWAYS is partnered with the Southern New England UCC Conference in Project Proclaim, a compelling preaching initiative funded by the Lilly Foundation. Visit ucc.org to see the news.

Reminder: Introduction to Spiritual Health (Pastoral Care) begins August 1.

Go to the PATHWAYS website (pathwaystheological.org) to learn more and to apply for this and other courses.

 Welcome, Farewell, and Blessings

Pastoral Transitions

VERMONT UCC CLASSIFIEDS

Help Wanted in Charlotte, Vermont

Charlotte Congregational Church (an open and affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ) is searching for a qualified candidate to fill our open as Administrative Assistant position. Hours and work location are flexible.  For more information about the position, please see job description here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fzPgidKAN2bfR-hHxkUruwhLjf2naYN4/view?usp=drive_link

If you are interested in applying, please contact Rev. Kevin Goldenbogen at: rev.kemg@gmail.com.  

https://www.charlotteucc.org/

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.

For the latest news click here

The Online Learning Platform of the United Church of Christ

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/