The Mountain

June 1, 2018

Pictured here, Elizabeth, Callum, Mary Ann, Shannon, and James, celebrate their confirmation and reception on Trinity Sunday, May 27, at Trinity Episcopal Church, Rutland, with Bishop Ely and the Rev. Liam Muller.

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A Publication of the Episcopal Church in Vermont

Table of Contents 3 Register Now for the Seventh Annual Alleluia! Open Golf Tournament – Sept. 22 4 BDNC Holy Listening Sessions - Updated Schedule 5 Christ Church-Montpelier Celebrates 150 Years, Forges into Future with ‘Hearts on Fire’ 6 Spread the Word: Exploring an Episcopal Understanding of Evangelism 8 Reflection by Jane Lee Wolfe: Belief in God 9 Be an Angel. Change a Life. Consider a gift to Rock Point Camp.

10 Diocesan Council: May 16 Highlights and Bishop’s Report 12 Reclaiming Jesus: A Confession of Faith in A Time of Crisis 15 Presiding Bishop Co-leads Service & White House Candlelight Vigil 15 Recent Headlines in Lamplight: Episcopal Relief & Development Newsletter 15 Around the Wider Episcopal Church 17 New Safe Church Session - June 16 17 St. Barnabas Sanctuary Centennial - June 16-17 17 Events: Reminders 18 Events: Calendar at a Glance 19 Events: Bishop Ely’s Visitations

Online Accessibility

This edition’s headlines are also available on our mobile-friendly site. http://diovermont.org/the-mountain-digital-magazine/

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Donate | Becoming More Missional | Diocesan Convention | Diocesan Calendar General Convention | 2018 Diocesan Prayer Calendar | Rock Point Camp

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The Seventh Annual Alleluia! Open Golf Tournament September 22, 2018 Basin Harbor Club, Vergennes, VT Registration Deadline: September 7 With support from YOU—our players, sponsors, and donors—the Alleluiafund demonstrates how “Christ Is Risen in Our Deeds” by empowering vital ministries of the Episcopal Church in Vermont to transform lives. Join us at the Basin Harbor Club in Vergennes for a day of friendly competition, exceptional prizes and the very best buffet in New England!

$500 FOR A TEAM / $125 PER PLAYER

Fee includes a round of golf with cart, bag lunch, BBQ banquet, and gift bags. Guests not playing golf may enjoy the buffet for only $25. Raffle tickets and contest entrance fees sold separately.

Schedule

8:30 AM Registration, putting contest & raffle 10:00 AM Tournament with bag lunch and on-course contests 3:30 PM Buffet, prizes & raffle

Please consider becoming a sponsor.

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to do t flier prin

Sponsorship levels for individuals, teams, and congregations are: “Bogie” “Hole” “Birdie” “Alleluia”

$100 $200 $750 $1,500

Co-sponsor a hole on the course Sponsor a hole on the course Sponsor a hole, and team captain plays free Team of four plays free

For registration and sponsorship, visit this link: https://tinyurl.com/AFGolf2018 Or call Michelle Sandul at (802) 863-3431.

Volunteers Welcome

The Alleluia! Open Committee welcomes support with event preparations. Those interested in serving on the Committee are asked to contact Craig Smith (craigfsmith23@gmail.com), Eric Richardson (erp@sover.net), or Keith Wuttke (keithwuttke@yahoo.com).

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Bishop Transition News

BDNC Holy Listening Sessions - Updated Schedule The BDNC wants to hear your ideas, experiences and imaginings!

June is a busy month for our Holy Listening Sessions. New sessions, marked with an asterisk, have been scheduled, adding to those listed in the last issue of The Mountain.

Sessions have already occurred in Montpelier, Middlebury, St. Johnsbury, Newport, and Vergennes. We are looking forward to hearing from all corners of Vermont and invite you to attend a session in your area, or any place convenient for you. Every voice is important! Check the dates below, and please join us.

8:00, including Grace, Sheldon; St. Matthews, Enosburg Falls; and St. Lukes, Alburgh * June 18 - Gethsemane, Proctorsville, 6:30-8, including St. Lukes, Chester and St. Marks, Springfield June 19, Tuesday - Trinity, Rutland, 7-8:30 June 19, Tuesday - Cathedral of St. Paul, Burlington, 7-8:30 * June 22, Friday - St. Peters, Bennington, potluck at 6, listening session 6:30-8 * June 24, Sunday - St. James, Essex, 11:15-12:15, including Calvary, Underhill June 24, Sunday - St. John's in the Mountains, Stowe, following morning worship June 27 - Wednesday - St. Paul's, White River Junction, Potluck 6-7, Listening Session 7-8:30, including: St. Martin's, Fairlee; St. Barnabas, Norwich; St. James, Woodstock; St. Paul's, Windsor * July 1, Sunday - St. Luke's, St. Albans, following morning worship July 1, Sunday - St. Paul's, Wells, following morning worship July 8, Sunday - St. John’s, Essex, NY, following morning worship

Maggie Thompson Chair, BDNC June 3, Sunday - Church of Our Saviour, Killington, following morning worship * June 4, Monday - Zion, Manchester, 6:30-8, including St. James, Arlington June 5, Tuesday - Church of the Good Shepherd, Barre, 7-8:30, including St. Mary's, Northfield * June 7, Thursday - St. Thomas and Grace, Brandon, 7-8:30 June 7, Thursday - St. Michael's Brattleboro, 6:308:00, including St. Mary's, Wilmington and Immanuel, Bellows Falls * June 7, Thursday - St. John the Baptist, Hardwick, 7-8:30 * June 10, Sunday - St. Andrews, Colchester, 11-noon June 10, Sunday - St. Luke's, Fairhaven/Castleton, following morning worship June 13, Wednesday - All Saints, South Burlington, 7-8:30 June 13, Wednesday - Holy Trinity, Swanton, 6:30-

Other sessions specifically for the following groups: June 7, Thursday - Diocesan Trustees, 1:30-2:15 June 26, Tuesday - Rock Point Board, 3:30-4:30 June 27, Wednesday - Ministry Support Team, 12:30 June 30, Saturday - Diocesan Council, 11:30-12:30 July 10, Tuesday - Rock Point Junior High Summer Campers, 6:30-7:30 4

Christ Church-Montpelier Celebrates 150 Years, Forges into Future with 'Hearts on Fire'

Sizzling New Graphic by Local Artist Mike Ridge Reminds Community of Holy Spirit at Work MONTPELIER, Vermont - The year 2018 marks 150 years of Christ Episcopal Church’s presence on its present site in downtown Montpelier. As we prepare to celebrate our sesquicentennial on the weekend of June 1-3, 2018, we will be erecting a banner on the front of the church that will surely capture the attention of many passersby. The banner will feature a descending dove which is representative of the Holy Spirit’s presence among us. Beneath the dove is a phrase that reads “May God take your hearts and set them on fire!” which is a verse from a benediction that we frequently use at Christ Church. We thought it might be helpful to explain to the community the significance of the dove and why we chose to use this particular depiction on our banner.

This celebratory dove banner, designed by local Montpelier sculptor, artist and painter, Mike Ridge, combines the traditional scriptural symbols of a dove and of flame as representative of the Holy Spirit. In the Bible’s Old Testament, the Spirit of God is most memorably represented in flame as a burning bush (Exodus 3:2) and also as a chariot of fire. (2 Kings 2:11) Another example of God’s Spirit present in flame was through the pillar of fire that led the people of Israel out of Egypt and through the Sinai deserts.

(Exodus 13:21-22) Also, in the Old Testament and in the book of Genesis, is the depiction of a dove which Noah released from the ark to determine if the flood waters had receded. Noah released the dove three times; the first two times the dove returned, but on the third release the dove didn’t return indicating to Noah that the time had come to begin again and start a new lease on life.

that on the day of Pentecost, the arrival of the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles in “divided tongues as flames of fire.” All of these scriptural references point to the fact that the Holy Spirit is both a gentle presence and a passionate, unpredictable force that calls us to action.

The Holy Spirit is both a gentle presence and a passionate, unpredictable force that calls us to action.

In the Bible’s New Testament, the symbolic representations of dove and flame continue to tell the story of the unpredictable movement of the Holy Spirit. In the gospel according to Luke (Luke 3:21-22), as Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River, we are told that “heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove.” In another story of Jesus’ baptism taken from Matthew’s gospel, (Matthew 3:11-12) John the Baptist speaks about Jesus when he says, “I baptize you with water, but one who is more powerful is coming after me; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire!” Finally, in the book attributed to the Acts of the Apostles, we are reminded

As we at Christ Episcopal Church forge into the future, we do so with the conviction that the Holy Spirit will continue calling us to action by transforming lives and by doing God’s work in the neighborhood. We are grateful to be an integral part of a dynamic community that is big in heart yet, small enough for us to say that all our neighbors are our friends. Please feel welcome to join us for any and all the celebration events scheduled for our 150th anniversary on the first weekend in June.

Rev. Paul M. Habersang Priest-in-Partnership Christ Episcopal Church 5

by evangelism. The understanding promoted by the Episcopal Church Center is this: “Evangelism is the spiritual practice of seeking, naming and celebrating Jesus’ loving presence in everyone’s stories, and then inviting people to form or deepen their own relationship with God in Christ.”

This definition calls evangelism a spiritual practice, much like centering prayer, reading scripture, going to Eucharist and doing justice are all spiritual practices. So it’s not primarily a project, a task or an agenda item. Evangelism rather arises out of an orientation of our life toward God. What is that orientation? I would say that it’s an orientation of gratitude for our life in God, and from that gratitude springs openness and generosity toward other people.

Spread the Word: Exploring an Episcopal Understanding of Evangelism

Evangelism begins not with telling, still less with judging, but with listening to other people, listening for Jesus’ loving presence in their lives.

By Titus Presler The word “evangelism” stumbled into a conversation at a recent diocesan event. “Oh, evangelism,” said one participant, “that’s all about trying to get people to go to your church, isn’t it?”

“Seeking, naming and celebrating Jesus’ loving presence in everyone’s stories.” Evangelism thus begins not with telling, still less with judging, but with listening to other people, listening for Jesus’ loving presence in their lives, the presence of Jesus who is already there! Evangelism begins with discernment – listening, naming and celebrating.

“No,” I said, “it doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with getting people to go to your church, or any church.

It’s simply about sharing the joy of what it means to be in touch with God through Christ.”

If we are humble and honest in our discernment, we discover new things. Another person’s spiritual experience, no matter what it is, has something to teach us because it is a different window on what it is to be human, a different view on searching out and receiving the divine.

In a different conversation, this one online among leaders of a church organization, people were debating whether to highlight evangelism as a conference theme. Some were in favor while others thought the word and the concept were too fraught to be useful.

In that authentic encounter we have an opportunity to share our own experience of God in Christ Jesus and to invite another, in the words of the definition, “to form or deepen their own relationship with God in Christ.” Again, the motive is gratitude and generosity, and the tone is humility and honesty.

The stereotypes evangelism evokes include “stuffing the gospel down people’s throats,” emotional tent meetings, attitudes of arrogance and condescension, wholesale dismissal of other religious paths, and just trying to fill church pews.

One day in the gazebo in the park behind St. Stephen’s Church in Middlebury, I asked a young man about his “Fighting Saints” sweatshirt from St. Joseph’s College in Rutland, and that moved us into a conversation that was both spiritual and religious. He wasn’t sure he was Catholic anymore and wondered whether all religion was pernicious, which got us talking about the role of religion in the conflicts of today’s world.

And yet Presiding Bishop Michael Curry calls himself the Episcopal Church’s CEO, by which he means Chief Evangelism Officer, and he’s holding “revivals,” with one coming up this fall in the Diocese of Western Massachusetts.

Periodic Evangelism Matters conferences are being held around the country by the Evangelism Initiative Team at the Episcopal Church Center.

How do the negative stereotypes square with this new emphasis on evangelism in the Episcopal Church? What can evangelism mean in Vermont, the least religiously affiliated state in the USA?

But the young man was also interested in Jesus and the Dalai Lama, and it was clear he had a longing that wouldn’t let him go. When I asked him, “Do you feel like you know Jesus?” the conversation went to a deeper place. He asked me to pray for him, and I did. I knew I’d never see him

It’s helpful to look at just what the Episcopal Church means 6

again, but our talk may have been a significant point on his journey.

RPIC Wisdom Practice Circles

Recently we all witnessed Episcopal evangelism at its best on a global scale: Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s sermon at the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on May 19. Commentators all over the world marveled at Curry’s ease and joy, his devotion and evangelical fervor.

All alike said it was a highlight of the event.

Next Meeting: June 7 @ 7:00 PM

“Ultimately, the source of love is God himself: the source of all of our lives,” Curry said. “There's an old medieval poem that says: 'Where true love is found, God himself is there.’” He quoted Jesus on love of God and love of neighbor. He talked about Jesus’ sacrificial love in dying “for the well being of the world” and thereby starting “the most revolutionary movement in human history.”

Bishop Booth Conference Center 20 Rock Point Road, Butterfield Bldg

Semi-Monthly Meetings 7 to 9 PM First Thursdays 5 to 7 PM Fourth Mondays

Welcome and Introductions Explorations of Wisdom Practices

No one thought Michael Curry was “pushing” Jesus on them. Instead he was simply sharing the joy, the depth, the vision of what it is to be related to God through the love of Jesus Christ. He was inviting a global audience to explore that possibility. Without question, he was taking the opportunity to be true to his vocation as Chief Evangelism Officer. A vocal British atheist said he admired Curry for preaching that sermon, even though he could not share his faith, at least not yet!

as envisioned by Cynthia Bouregeault in Wisdom Way of Knowing

Green Mountain Witness is the name of the evangelism initiative currently being prepared in the Episcopal Church in Vermont. A team of laypeople and clergy is being convened to help all of us explore what it might mean for Vermont Episcopalians to “seek, name and celebrate Jesus’ loving presence in everyone’s stories,” and then to “invite people to form or deepen their relationship with God in Christ.”

Rock Point Intentional Community

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Sacred Chanting oad/ l n w Centering Contemplative Prayerto do flier t n i r Body-Movement Meditation p Lectio Divina Closing

Monthly Eucharist Chapel of St. Michael & All Angels Bishop Booth Conference Center 20 Rock Point Road, Burlington

Monthly Eucharist takes place on 2nd Fridays at noon except in summer and when otherwise noted*.

The theme of Diocesan Convention in October will be “Go Tell It on the Mountains: Evangelism Vermont-Style,” with the keynote delivered by Stephanie Spellers, the Presiding Bishop’s canon for evangelism, reconciliation and creation care. There will be discussions about witness in the mission districts before convention and workshops about evangelism at convention, followed by gatherings throughout the diocese.

Upcoming Eucharist: Friday, June 8

No one knows exactly what “Evangelism Vermont-Style” is. We’ll discover it together.

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The Rev. Canon Titus Presler, Th.D., priest-in-partnership at St. Matthew’s Church, Enosburg Falls, is a member of the Green Mountain Witness team.

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Reflection: Belief in God

By Jane Lee Wolfe

Many people wonder whether “they believe in God.” Maybe they used to but they don’t know now.

Check in with your spirit. Your spirit is stable and always presents whether you are on top of the world, have crashed to the bottom or are somewhere in between. It’s your spirit that has the direct link to God. It is your spirit, your soul’s energy, that has you joined in relationship to the creator of all things. You are united. Forever.

The deal is this: Whether you believe in God doesn’t matter. Does God believe in you? That’s what matters.

Is there a presence that allows you to face the world no matter your state of mind, your body’s health, your spirit’s life?

Also, keep returning to the soul’s awareness of God’s presence behind – God’s belief in you. It is a whole lot richer and more real to believe because God believes in you than to “believe” because you feel you should. This awareness of God’s belief in you is the belief most saints have. They have no idea, and no real interest in exploring ideas, of what they “believe in” when it comes to God. They know God believes in them. That is what they believe, and that is enough.

Answer: The presence is there. Assignment: Return to awareness of it. That is God, believing in you and your life.

Don’t look for God in front of you. God leads mostly from behind; having your back while you step tentatively forward into life, the day, the situation, the people around.

Take time to be aware of God’s presence behind you. You don’t have to be aware all the time, but take the time now and then during the day and night.

Remember the story of the guy who wanted his kid healed and Jesus said “believe,” and the guy said, “I believe, help thou my unbelief”? The belief he wanted – and got (the child was healed) – was that awareness of God being with him. Jesus wasn’t talking about some theologically correct set of statements; Jesus was talking about knowing God is with you.

The trouble with wondering whether you believe in God is that it gets overly mental.

Or sometimes, it gets overly emotional.

The trouble with wondering whether you believe in God is that it gets overly mental. Or sometimes, it gets overly emotional. Neither of these “overs” are stable and reliable long term. Your brain hops around discovering new things, rediscovering old ones, thinking about this and that. Your emotions are well known to be unsustainable.

We can all understand the value of being aware of God’s presence behind us. We simply have to practice it. Do you believe in God? Doesn’t matter; you believe God is with you, no description needed. You are aware of God’s presence behind you, with you, any time you take the time.

God believes in you, and that is enough belief for all time.

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Be an Angel. Change a Life.

Consider a gift to Rock Point Camp.

Summer is on the horizon, and Rock Point Camp is preparing to welcome campers and staff. Helping send a child to camp for the 2018 season would be a great gift! The Angel Fund supports over 50% of campers who attend camp each summer, and your generous contribution will be much appreciated. Please print and return this scholarship contribution form with your generous gift. You may also download this form from https://rockpointvt.org/camp. Thank you for your kindness.

Title, First, Last Name Street or PO Box Town, State, Zip Telephone/Email How do you know Rock Point Camp?

c $570 full week tuition (most accurately represents cost for a week) c $470 donation (truer cost for a week of camp plus moderate subsidy) c $430 donation (significantly discounted rate) c $200 donation c $100 donation c $50 donation c Other (please enter amount):

Yes, I would like to support a young person to experience Rock Point Camp!

Please make check payable to Rock Point Camp. Add the note “Scholarship Gift” on the memo line of the check. Mail the check and completed contribution form to...

RPC, 20 Rock Point Rd., Burlington, VT 05408-2785 Thank you! All donations are tax deductible. 100% of your donation offsets camper tuition.

Rock Point Camp • 20 Rock Point Circle • Burlington, VT 05408 802-658-6233 or 802-591-1265 • Sherry Osborn, Director • sosborn@dioceseofvermont.org https://rockpointvt.org/camp 9

tor and priest-in-partnership are still active in the diocese, Bishop Ely reports that leadership models are definitely changing to meet the needs of changing congregational models. Other models for congregational leadership include: sacramental partnerships, supply clergy, and interim clergy leadership. Beyond clergy models of leadership, Bishop Tom is hopeful that individual faith communities will focus on being ministering communities rather than communities gathered around a minister. Examples of lay leadership within the diocese include Local Ministry Support Teams and Covenant Groups. Both of these models of congregational leadership focus on ministry development within their unique congregations.

Diocesan Council: May 16 Highlights and Bishop’s Report

While the traditional clergy models of rector and priest-in-partnership are still active in the diocese, leadership models are changing to meet the needs of changing congregational models.

Diocesan Council is the legislative arm of the diocese between conventions. Council meetings are open to all people of the Diocese. The next meeting will take place on June 30 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Christ Church, Montpelier. The meeting will include a brief Evangelism Workshop in addition to Diocesan business. If you wish to attend, please call the Diocesan Office at (802) 863-3431.

As congregations change over time, the Bishop reminded us that clergy charged with leading changing congregations must also manage their time effectively. Bishop Tom pointed out that many clergy in the diocese are ¾ time, ½ time, or even ¼ part-time priests. As such, it is beneficial for congregations to understand what the expectations of part time clergy may be so they have a better perspective in terms of expectations and weekly schedules.

This article features highlights from the May 16 meeting, from a council member’s perspective, and is followed by Bishop Ely’s monthly Council report. These and other reports can be found online.

Diocesan Council Meeting Highlights May 16, 2018

Both Bishop Ely and Canon Bates expressed the reality that creativity in congregational leadership is critical now, especially as we move into the future. Down the road there may be opportunities to partner with Lutheran churches or even with joining with other Episcopal churches. Regional collaborations and cluster ministries will also be an option as the Episcopal Church in Vermont moves forward into the next generation of mission and ministry.

By the Rev. Paul Habersang On Wednesday May 16, 2018, Diocesan Council met via Zoom web conference and discussed the following topics: Treasurer’s Report. Our diocesan treasurer, Dr. Gerry Davis reports that overall revenue, contributions from congregations, and budgeted expenses for 2018 are largely on target. In addition, the close of fiscal year 2017 is also largely completed. Due to efficiencies in cost containment and additional 2017 contributions from four congregations, the previously anticipated budget deficit for 2017 is now significantly reduced. The total deficit for 2017 totals only $4,392. The remaining $4,392 deficit will be absorbed throughout the congregations of the diocese who will be asked to pay a small portion of the deficit. Letters to congregational treasurers will be mailed by the end of May.

Commission on Ministry. The diocesan Commission on Ministry Team will meet with Dr. Jesse Zink, principal at the Montreal Diocesan Theological College, to explore the possibilities of developing future partnerships, continuing education, and professional training for Episcopalians here in Vermont.

Rock Point. The Partnership Campaign for Rock Point continues to make great progress, as the final aspects of the campaign come to a conclusion. Bishop Ely reports that the City of Burlington has been very supportive of the project and has shown good will toward honoring the sanctuary space and trails that are part of the Rock Point campus.

Models for Leadership. Bishop Ely and Canon Lynn Bates led a conversation discussing the models of congregational leadership that are currently being employed throughout the diocese. While the traditional clergy models of rec10

Racial Reconciliation Team. Maurice Harris reports that

he was able to attend Christ Church, Montpelier, on two different occasions, and film two public speaking events on racial issues that will complement the library of videos available on the Racial Healing Landing Page.

I presided at the Memorial Service celebrating the life of former Vermont Governor Philip Hoff. 400 people, including all three members of our Congressional delegation and many other dignitaries, plus over 50 family members, packed the Cathedral Church of Saint Paul to give thanks for the life of this remarkable man, who was a member of Saint Paul’s.

Respectfully submitted, Paul Habersang

(7) On May 14th, I participated in the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival rally in Montpelier, where I was invited to be one of the speakers. I strongly encourage you to learn more about this movement and to become part of it. Check out this site to learn more: https://www.poorpeoplescampaignvt.org.

Bishop’s Report to Diocesan Council – May 16, 2018 (1) There are no personnel announcements this month.

(2) The following congregations are in some phase of transition (mostly with respect to calling new clergy leadership): St. Thomas & Grace, Brandon, Supply Clergy; St. Andrew’s, Colchester, Supply Clergy, Interim announcement pending; St. Luke’s, Fair Haven, Local Ministry Support Team in Formation, the Rev. Richard Brewer, Regular Supply; Christ Church, Island Pond: Supply Clergy; St. Peter’s, Lyndonville: Supply Clergy; Saint Mark’s, Newport: The Rev. Jane Butterfield, Interim; Gethsemane, Proctorsville: Supply Clergy; Saint John’s, Randolph: The Rev. Angela Emerson, Interim; Saint Luke’s, St. Albans: Supply Clergy, with some regular support from the Rev. Craig Smith; Saint Andrew’s, St. Johnsbury: Supply Clergy; St. Mark’s, Springfield: Supply Clergy; Calvary, Underhill: Supply Clergy; St. Paul’s Windsor, Supply Clergy; St. Mary’s, Wilmington: The Rev. Nicholas Porter, Interim; Saint James, Woodstock: the Rev. Lisa Ransom, Interim

(8) It was a busy month for Visitations! My visitations since our last Council meeting included weekday visitations with Saint Mark’s, Springfield on September 25th; Christ Church, Bethel on May 9th; Saint James, Woodstock on May 10th; and Sunday visits with Saint James, Essex Junction on April 22nd; Saint Paul’s, White River Junction on April 29th; All Saints, South Burlington on May 6th; and Trinity Church, Shelburne on May 13th.

(9) Ann and I enjoyed a two-night birthday trip to Providence, RI with our oldest grandchild, Charlie. Ann and I also enjoyed a nostalgic (yet still very current) concert featuring Peter Yarrow (of Peter, Paul and Mary fame) at Ohavi Zedek Synagogue. Can you sing Puff the Magic Dragon? And, yes! Golf courses in Vermont are open!

Faithfully,

(3) Ann and I attended the Church Pension Fund Clergy Wellness Conference, May 1-2 in Middlebury, along with 19 other clergy and clergy spouses from our Diocese. CPG sponsors these conferences every 4-5 years in each diocese. It was a very good, helpful and informative conference.

+Thomas

Additional reports can be found on the Diocesan Council Page, including:

(4) I attended the Diocesan Altar Guild meeting on Ascension Day, May 10th, at Saint James, Woodstock, where I offered a “look back” over the 17 Diocesan Conventions at which I have presided. I also presided at the Eucharist, celebrating Ascension Day.

• •

(5) On May 8th, I met with our General Convention Deputation in Middlebury, as we looked ahead to General Convention this summer – July 4-13 – in Austin, Texas. Everyone of our Deputies has been assigned a committee role at this General Convention. For a small diocese, we have many Deputies in key leadership roles.

(6) On May 12th, along with the Very Rev. Jeanne Finan, 11

Canon’s Report to Diocesan Council - May 16, 2018 Communication Minister’s Report to Diocesan Council - May 16, 2018

Reclaiming Jesus A Confession of Faith in a Time of Crisis

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e are living through perilous and polarizing times as a nation, with a dangerous crisis of moral and political leadership at the highest levels of our government and in our churches. We believe the soul of the nation and the integrity of faith are now at stake.

It is time to be followers of Jesus before anything else—nationality, political party, race, ethnicity, gender, geography— our identity in Christ precedes every other identity. We pray that our nation will see Jesus’ words in us. “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35).

When politics undermines our theology, we must examine that politics.

The church’s role is to change the world through the life and love of Jesus Christ.

The government’s role is to serve the common good by protecting justice and peace, rewarding good behavior while restraining bad behavior (Romans 13). When that role is undermined by political leadership, faith leaders must stand up and speak out.

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “The church must be reminded that it is not the master or the servant of the state, but rather the conscience of the state.”

It is often the duty of Christian leaders, especially elders, to speak the truth in love to our churches and to name and warn against temptations, racial and cultural captivities, false doctrines, and political idolatries—and even our complicity in them. We do so here with humility, prayer, and a deep dependency on the grace and Holy Spirit of God. This letter comes from a retreat on Ash Wednesday, 2018. In this season of Lent, we feel deep lamentations for the state of our nation, and our own hearts are filled with confession for the sins we feel called to address. The true meaning of the word

repentance is to turn around. It is time to lament, confess, repent, and turn. In times of crisis, the church has historically learned to return to Jesus Christ.

Jesus is Lord. That is our foundational confession. It was central for the early church and needs to again become central to us. If Jesus is Lord, then Caesar was not—nor any other political ruler since. If Jesus is Lord, no other authority is absolute. Jesus Christ, and the kingdom of God he announced, is the Christian’s first loyalty, above all others. We pray, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). Our faith is personal but never private, meant not only for heaven but for this earth.

The question we face is this: Who is Jesus Christ for us today? What does our loyalty to Christ, as disciples, require at this moment in our history? We believe it is time to renew our theology of public discipleship and witness. Applying what “Jesus is Lord” means today is the message we commend as elders to our churches.

What we believe leads us to what we must reject. Our “Yes” is the foundation for our “No.” What we confess as our faith leads to what we confront. Therefore, we offer the following six affirmations of what we believe, and the resulting rejections of practices and policies by political leaders which dangerously corrode the soul of the nation and deeply threaten the public integrity of our faith. We pray that we, as followers of Jesus, will find the depth of faith to match the danger of our political crisis.

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I. WE BELIEVE each human being is made in God’s image and likeness (Genesis 1:26).

That image and likeness confers a divinely decreed dignity, worth, and God-given equality to all of us as children of the one God who is the Creator of all things. Racial bigotry is a brutal denial of the image of God (the imago dei) in some of the children of God. Our participation in the global community of Christ absolutely prevents any toleration of racial bigotry. Racial justice and healing are biblical and theological issues for us, and are central to the mission of the body of Christ in the world. We give thanks for the prophetic role of the historic black churches in America when they have called for a more faithful gospel.

THEREFORE, WE REJECT the resurgence of white nationalism and racism in our nation on many fronts, including the highest levels of political leadership. We, as followers of Jesus, must clearly reject the use of racial bigotry for political gain that we have seen. In the face of such bigotry, silence is complicity. In particular, we reject white supremacy and commit ourselves to help dismantle the systems and structures that perpetuate white preference and advantage. Further, any doctrines or political strategies that use racist resentments, fears, or language must be named as public sin— one that goes back to the foundation of our nation and lingers on. Racial bigotry must be antithetical for those belonging to the body of Christ, because it denies the truth of the gospel we profess.

II. WE BELIEVE we are one body. In Christ, there is to be no oppression based on race, gender, identity, or class (Galatians 3:28).

The body of Christ, where those great human divisions are to be overcome, is meant to be an example for the rest of society.

When we fail to overcome these oppressive obstacles, and even perpetuate them, we have failed in our vocation to the world— to proclaim and live the reconciling gospel of Christ.

THEREFORE, WE REJECT misogyny, the mistreatment, violent abuse, sexual harass-

ment, and assault of women that has been further revealed in our culture and politics, including our churches, and the oppression of any other child of God. We lament when such practices seem publicly ignored, and thus privately condoned, by those in high positions of leadership. We stand for the respect, protection, and affirmation of women in our families, communities, workplaces, politics, and churches. We support the courageous truth-telling voices of women, who have helped the nation recognize these abuses. We confess sexism as a sin, requiring our repentance and resistance.

III. WE BELIEVE how we treat the hungry, the thirsty, the naked, the stranger, the sick, and the prisoner is how we treat Christ himself. (Matthew 25: 31-46) “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” God calls us to protect and seek justice for those who are poor and vulnerable, and our treatment of people who are “oppressed,” “strangers,” “outsiders,” or otherwise considered “marginal” is a test of our relationship to God, who made us all equal in divine dignity and love. Our proclamation of the lordship of Jesus Christ is at stake in our solidarity with the most vulnerable. If our gospel is not “good news to the poor,” it is not the gospel of Jesus Christ (Luke 4:18).

THEREFORE, WE REJECT the language and policies of political leaders who would debase and abandon the most vulnerable children of God. We strongly deplore the growing attacks on immigrants and refugees, who are being made into cultural and political targets, and we need to remind our churches that God makes the treatment of the “strangers” among us a test of faith (Leviticus 19:33-34). We won’t accept the neglect of the well-being of low-income families and children, and we will resist repeated attempts to deny health care to those who most need it. We confess our growing national sin of putting the rich over the poor. We reject the immoral logic of cutting services and programs for the poor while cutting taxes for the rich. Budgets are

moral documents. We commit ourselves to opposing and reversing those policies and finding solutions that reflect the wisdom of people from different political parties and philosophies to seek the common good.

Protecting the poor is a central commitment of Christian discipleship, to which 2,000 verses in the Bible attest.

IV. WE BELIEVE that truth is morally central to our personal and public lives.

Truth-telling is central to the prophetic biblical tradition, whose vocation includes speaking the Word of God into their societies and speaking the truth to power.

A commitment to speaking truth, the ninth commandment of the Decalogue, “You shall not bear false witness” (Exodus 20:16), is foundational to shared trust in society. Falsehood can enslave us, but Jesus promises, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32).

The search and respect for truth is crucial to anyone who follows Christ.

THEREFORE, WE REJECT the practice and pattern of lying that is invading our political and civil life. Politicians, like the rest of us, are human, fallible, sinful, and mortal. But when public lying becomes so persistent that it deliberately tries to change facts for ideological, political, or personal gain, the public accountability to truth is undermined. The regular purveying of falsehoods and consistent lying by the nation’s highest leaders can change the moral expectations within a culture, the accountability for a civil society, and even the behavior of families and children. The normalization of lying presents a profound moral danger to the fabric of society. In the face of lies that bring darkness, Jesus is our truth and our light.

V. WE BELIEVE that Christ’s way of leadership is servanthood, not domination. Jesus said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles (the world) lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. It will not be so among you; but whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:25-26). We believe our elect-

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ed officials are called to public service, not public tyranny, so we must protect the limits, checks, and balances of democracy and encourage humility and civility on the part of elected officials. We support democracy, not because we believe in human perfection, but because we do not. The authority of government is instituted by God to order an unredeemed society for the sake of justice and peace, but ultimate authority belongs only to God. THEREFORE, WE REJECT any moves toward autocratic political leadership and authoritarian rule. We believe authoritarian political leadership is a theological danger that threatens democracy and the common good—and we will resist it. Disrespect for the rule of law, not recognizing the equal importance of our three branches

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of government, and replacing civility with dehumanizing hostility toward opponents are of great concern to us. Neglecting the ethic of public service and accountability, in favor of personal recognition and gain often characterized by offensive arrogance, are not just political issues for us. They raise deeper concerns about political idolatry, accompanied by false and unconstitutional notions of authority.

VI. WE BELIEVE Jesus when he tells us to go into all nations making disciples (Matthew 28:18). Our churches and our nations are part of an international community whose interests always surpass national boundaries. The most well-known verse in the New Testament starts with “For God so loved the world” (John 3:16). We, in turn, should love and serve the world and all its

inhabitants, rather than seek first narrow, nationalistic prerogatives.

THEREFORE, WE REJECT “America first” as a theological heresy for followers of Christ. While we share a patriotic love for our country, we reject xenophobic or ethnic nationalism that places one nation over others as a political goal. We reject domination rather than stewardship of the earth’s resources, toward genuine global development that brings human flourishing for all of God’s children. Serving our own communities is essential, but the global connections between us are undeniable. Global poverty, environmental damage, violent conflict, weapons of mass destruction, and deadly diseases in some places ultimately affect all places, and we need wise political leadership to deal with each of these.

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, your soul, and your mind. This is the first commandment. And the second is like unto it. You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these commandments hang all the law and the prophets” (Matthew 22:38). As to loving our neighbors, we would add “no exceptions.”

We commend this letter to pastors, local churches, and young people who are watching and waiting to see what the churches will say and do at such a time as this.

Our urgent need, in a time of moral and political crisis, is to recover the power of confessing our faith. Lament, repent, and then repair. If Jesus is Lord, there is always space for grace. We believe it is time to speak and to act in faith and conscience, not because of politics, but because we are disciples of Jesus Christ—to whom be all authority, honor, and glory. It is time for a fresh confession of faith.

Jesus is Lord. He is the light in our darkness. “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). n

E ARE DEEPLY CONCERNED for the soul of our nation, but also for our churches and the integrity of our faith.

The present crisis calls us to go deeper— deeper into our relationship to God; deeper into our relationships with each other, especially across racial, ethic, and national lines; deeper into our relationships with the most vulnerable, who are at greatest risk.

The church is always subject to temptations to power, to cultural conformity, and to racial, class, and gender divides, as Galatians 3:28 teaches us. But our answer is to be “in Christ,” and to “not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable, and perfect.” (Romans 12:1-2) The best response to our political, material, cultural, racial, or national idolatries is the First Commandment: “You shall have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3). Jesus summarizes the Greatest Commandment:

Signers: Bishop Carroll A. Baltimore, President and CEO, Global Alliance Interfaith Network; Rev. Dr. Peter Borgdorff, Executive Director Emeritus, Christian Reformed Church in North America; Dr. Amos Brown, Chair, Social Justice Commission, National Baptist Convention USA, Inc.; Rev. Dr. Walter Brueggemann, Professor Emeritus, Columbia Theological Seminary; Dr. Tony Campolo, Co-Founder, Red Letter Christians; Dr. Iva Carruthers, General Secretary, Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference; The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, Presiding Bishop and Primate, The Episcopal Church; Rev. Dr. James Forbes, President and Founder, Healing the Nations Foundation and Preaching Professor at Union Theological Seminary; Rev. Wesley Granberg-Michaelson, General Secretary Emeritus, Reformed Church in America; Rev. Dr. Cynthia Hale, Senior Pastor, Ray of Hope Christian Church, Decatur, GA; Rev. Dr. Richard Hamm, former General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ); Rev. Dr. Joel C. Hunter, Faith Community Organizer and Chairman, Community Resource Network; Rev. Dr. Jo Anne Lyon, General Superintendent Emerita, The Wesleyan Church; Bishop Vashti McKenzie, 117th Elected and Consecrated Bishop, AME Church; Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, Jr., Co-Convener National African American Clergy Network; Dr. John Perkins, Chair Emeritus and Founding Member, Christian Community Development Association; Bishop Lawrence Reddick, CEO, Christian Methodist Episcopal Church; Fr. Richard Rohr, Founder, Center for Action and Contemplation; Dr. Ron Sider, President Emeritus, Evangelicals for Social Action; Rev. Jim Wallis, President and Founder, Sojourners; Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins, Director, NCC Truth and Racial Justice Initiative; Dr. Barbara Williams-Skinner, Co-Convener, National African American Clergy Network; President, Skinner Leadership Institute; Bishop Will Willimon, Bishop, The United Methodist Church, retired, Professor of the Practice of Ministry, Duke Divinity School

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Around the Wider Episcopal Church The Planning Team for the House of Bishops’ Pastoral Response to #MeToo has presented information for a Listening Session, which is scheduled for July 4 during General Convention and will focus on listening, liturgy, and steps for healing. Read More

Presiding Bishop Co-leads Service & White House Candlelight Vigil

The United Thank Offering (UTO) is a gratitude ministry of the Episcopal Church to support innovative mission and ministry in the whole Church. In this video, Evelyn Bolanof, Executive Director of the Work Station at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Richmond, CA, shares how a UTO grant allowed the church to expand its afterschool program. Read More

Service, Procession Part of ‘Reclaiming Jesus: A Confession of Faith in a Time of Crisis’ Love your neighbor, the neighbor you like and the neighbor you don’t like, your black neighbor, your white neighbor, your Latino neighbor, your Muslim neighbor, your Christian neighbor, your Democrat neighbor, your Republican neighbor. That was the message Presiding Bishop Michael Curry took to a standing-room-only crowd that overflowed onto the steps at National City Christian Church and into the Lutheran church across the street in Washington DC on Th May 24. The Bishop’s address was delivered in conjunction with the Reclaiming Jesus Declaration. Read More

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and the Rev. Jim Wallis of Sojourners recently issued an invitation to church leaders to sign and share the Reclaiming Jesus Declaration. Read More Presiding Bishop Curry preached at the May 19 wedding of the Prince Henry Charles Albert David of Wales - member of the English royal family and sixth in line for the throne - and Rachel Meghan Markle, an American actress. Read More

Recent Headlines in ‘Lamplight: A Newsletter of the US Disaster Program at Episcopal Relief & Development’

Episcopal Migration Ministries and the Office of Government Relations is hosting a one-hour free webinar, Our 1939 Moment: Continuing the Legacy of Welcome, on Monday, June18 at 4 pm Eastern (3 pm Central/2 pm Mountain/1 pm Pacific/noon Alaska/11 am Hawaii). Read More

Emotional Preparedness. When discussing preparedness, we focus on activities like packing go kits, making sure your congregation has a disaster plan, and training ushers to help out in the event of an emergency, but a recent Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health podcast reminded us of another area that deserves our attention: emotional preparedness. Read More

This video chronicles a visit to the Health and Wellness Center at Holy Child and Saint Martin Episcopal Church in Daly City, CA. UTO awarded a grant for the congregation to add an elevator, increasing access to the lower level of the church, to expand their Wellness Center. Read More

Identifying and Reducing Risk. At times, it can be overwhelming for congregations to begin the discussion about how to keep their congregation and property safer. Episcopal Relief & Development has developed a new resource module to help churches in Identifying and Reducing Risk in their congregations. Read More 15

Saturday Afternoon June 16 Children’s Art with Lani Carney 1:30 PM

Sketch with David Macaulay

June 16-17, 2018

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1:30 PM

Garden Party & Trail Dedication 3:30 PM

St. Barnabas Episcopal Church An Evening of Choral and Organ Music

Sanctuary Centennial 1918-2018 A Closer Look

7:00 PM

The St. Barnabas sanctuary was designed by noted New York architect Hobart Upjohn and built as one of the first projects of Trumbull-Nelson 100 years ago. We’re celebrating its centennial, and you are invited.

All events are free and open to the public. They take place at St. Barnabas, which is located at 262 Main Street in Norwich.

Sunday Morning June 17 Worship and Reception 10:00 AM _________________ 262 Main Street Norwich, VT 05055 www.stbvt.org

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Events: New & Featured

Events: Reminders

New Safe Church Training Session Added to Schedule - June 16 at St. Stephen’s, Middlebury

Christ Church-Montpelier Celebrates 150th Anniversary, June 1-3 MONTPELIER, Vermont Christ Episcopal Church, 64 State St, Montpelier, VT, will be celebrating its 150th anniversary from June 1-3. Join us for a weekend of events, free and open to the public:

MIDDLEBURY, Vermont - A Safe Church Basic training session has been added to the 2018 schedule: June 16 at St. Stephen’s, Middlebury, from 8:45 AM to 3:00 PM. If you serve in the Episcopal Church, either as staff or volunteer, you may be required to be “Safe Church” certified.

Topics include power and boundaries in adult ministerial relationships; prevention, identification and response to elder abuse; prevention, identification and response to sexual abuse of children and youth; Diocesan Policies and response to misconduct within a community of faith. Registration is required. Register online at https:// form.jotform.com/50365047404954. If you have any questions or concerns please contact Canon Lynn Bates by email at lbates@dioceseofvermont.org or by phone at 802-863-3431. Read More

• • • •

June 1 at 7:30PM, Jennifer Bower Organ Recital June 2 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, Celebratory Community Dinner sponsored by the Youth & Family & Full Ladle Feeding Ministries of Christ Episcopal Church.

June 2 at 7:30PM, “The Vermont Civil War Songbook” featuring Linda Radtke & Arthur Zorn June 3 at 10:00 AM, Festive & Celebratory Service of Holy Eucharist ... Read More

Bishop Ely to Join St. Stephen’sMiddlebury for ‘Celebration of Light’ on June 2. All Are Invited!

St. Barnabas Sanctuary Centennial to Feature Children’s Art, Sketching Program, Garden Party & More June 16-17

MIDDLEBURY, Vermont - You are Invited to a Celebration of Light on June 2, at 5:00 PM at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 3 Main St., Middlebury, VT. On that day Bishop Ely will bless the fruits of a 10-year project to replace all the windows in St. Stephen’s historic church. Evensong and Blessing at 5:00 PM. Festive Reception follows. Read More

NORWICH, Vermont - We are delighted to have David Macaulay lead a program on sketching, using our beautiful, 100-year-old church building as a model. The event will take place on June 16 at 1:30 PM at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 262 Main St., Norwich, VT. This event is free and open to the public. The Macaulay program is just one in a series of events as part of our Sanctuary Centennial.

(See the flier on the previous page!)

St. James-Woodstock to Host Triennial Liturgy Festival Featuring UK’s Downing College Choir, July 12-15

If you have a sketch book or paper and pencil, please bring them. There will also be a limited supply on hand.

WOODSTOCK, Vermont - St. James Episcopal Church, 2 St James Pl, Woodstock, VT, is planning and organizing its triennial Liturgy Festival, with the theme From Contemplation to Celebration: The Power of Words, Music, and Silence in Worship and Prayer. From July 12 to 15, a series of speakers, workshops, choral performances, and worship services will provide opportunities for residents of the greater Woodstock community and beyond to learn and worship together. A highlight of the festival will be the Downing College Chapel Choir, a mixed-voice choir composed mostly of students from Downing College at the University of Cambridge, UK. Please mark your calendar now, and stay tuned for additional details!

Macaulay’s first published work was entitled, Cathedral.

With great discernment and ingenuity, he brought a massive sacred structure into focus for children and adults.

Macaulay followed that with a close look at cities and castles and machines. His book, the Way things Work, is a best-seller, and his most recent take, the Way Things Work Now, was published in 2016.

About the Sketch Model St. Barnabas was built in 1918 in a neo-Gothic style. Hobart Upjohn, an engineer-turned-architect out of New York City designed the building.

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Events: Calendar at a Glance For additional details, please visit the online Diocesan Calendar.

June 1 at 7:30PM, Jennifer Bower Organ Recital. Christ Church, 64 State St, Montpelier, VT, Part of our 150th anniversary celebration, free and open to the public! Read More

Immanuel, Bellows Falls). Come share your thoughts as part of the search process for the next bishop of Vermont.

Read More June 7 from 7:00 to 8:30 PM Holy Listening Session at St. Thomas & Grace, 19 Conant Square, Brandon. Read More

June 2 from 5:00-7:00 PM, Celebratory Community Dinner. Sponsored by the Youth & Family & Full Ladle Feeding Ministries of Christ Church, 64 State St, Montpelier, VT, Part of our 150th anniversary celebration, free and open to the public! Read More

June 7 from 7:00 to 8:30 PM Holy Listening Session at St. John the Baptist, 39 West Church St., Hardwick. Read More

June 2 at 5:00 PM Celebration of Light, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 3 Main St., Middlebury, VT. Read More

June 10 following morning worship, Holy Listening Session at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 146 North Main St., Fair Haven/Castleton. Come share your thoughts as part of the search process for the next bishop of Vermont.

Read More

June 2 at 7:30PM, “The Vermont Civil War Songbook” featuring Linda Radtke & Arthur Zorn. Christ Church, 64 State St, Montpelier, VT, Part of our 150th anniversary celebration, free and open to the public! Read More

June 10 from 11:00 AM to noon, Holy Listening Session at St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 1063 Prim Road, Colchester. Read More

June 3 at 10:00AM, Festive & Celebratory Service of Holy Eucharist, Ice Cream Social, and Burial of Time Capsule. Christ Church, 64 State St, Montpelier, VT, Part of our 150th anniversary celebration, free and open to the public! Read More June 3 at 7:00 PM Taizé Evening Prayer at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, 2 Cherry St. Burlington, VT.

June 13 from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM, Holy Listening Session at All Saints Episcopal Church, 1250 Spear St., South Burlington. Come share your thoughts as part of the search process for the next bishop of Vermont. Read More

June 3 following morning worship, Holy Listening Session at Church of Our Saviour, 316 Mission Farm Rd., Killington.

Come share your thoughts as part of the search process for the next bishop of Vermont. Read More

June 13 from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM, Holy Listening Session at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 38 Grand Ave., Swanton.

Come share your thoughts as part of the search process for the next bishop of Vermont. Read More

June 4 from 6:30 to 8:00 PM Holy Listening Session at Zion Episcopal Church, 5167 Main St., Manchester Center, including St. James, Arlington. Read More

June 16 from 8:45 AM to 3:00 PM, Safe Church Basic Training at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Middlebury, Read More

June 5 from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM, Holy Listening Session at Church of the Good Shepherd, 39 Washington St., Barre (including St. Mary’s, Northfield). Come share your thoughts as part of the search process for the next bishop of Vermont. Read More

June 16 at 1:30 PM David Macaulay Sketching Workshop & Children’s Art with Lani Carni, part of the Sanctuary Centennial of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 262 Main St., Norwich, VT. Read More

June 7 from 1:30 to 2:15 PM Holy Listening Session with Diocesan Trustees. Read More

June 16 at 3:30 PM Garden Party & Trail Dedication, part of the Sanctuary Centennial of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 262 Main St., Norwich, VT. Read More

June 7 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM, Holy Listening Session at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 16 Bradley Ave., Brattleboro (including St. Mary’s, Wilmington and

June 16 at 7:00 PM An Evening of Choral & Organ Music, part of the Sanctuary Centennial of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 262 Main St., Norwich, VT. Read More 18

Events: Calendar at a Glance (Cont.)

Session for Saturday - Diocesan Council. Read More

June 17 at 10:00 AM Worship & Reception, part of the Sanctuary Centennial of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 262 Main St., Norwich, VT. Read More

July 1 following morning worship, Holy Listening Session at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 61 East Wells Rd., Wells.

Read More

June 18 from 6:30 to 8:00 PM Holy Listening Session at Gethsemane Episcopal Church, 89 Depot St., Proctorsville, including St. Luke’s, Chester, and St. Marks, Springfield.

Read More

July 1 Holy Listening Session following morning worship at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 8 Bishop St., St. Albans.

Read More July 6-15 Connecticut River Pilgrimage presented by Kairos Earth Read More

June 19 from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM, Holy Listening Session at Trinity Episcopal Church, 85 West St., Rutland. Come share your thoughts as part of the search process for the next bishop of Vermont. Read More

July 8 following morning worship, Holy Listening Session at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 4 Church St., Essex, NY. Read More

June 19 from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM, Holy Listening Session at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, 2 Cherry St., Burlington. Come share your thoughts as part of the search process for the next bishop of Vermont. Read More

July 10 from 6:30 to 7:30 PM Holy Listening Session for Rock Point Junior High Summer Campers. Read More

June 22 from 6:30 to 8:00 PM Holy Listening Session at St. Peters Episcopal Church, 200 Pleasant St., Bennington, potluck at 6, listening session 6:30-8. Read More

July 12 - 15 Triennial Liturgy Festival at St. James Episcopal Church, 2 St James Pl, Woodstock, VT. Read More

June 24 following morning worship, Holy Listening Session at St. John’s in the Mountains, 1994 Mountain Rd., Stowe. Come share your thoughts as part of the search process for the next bishop of Vermont. Read More

Events: Bishop Ely’s Visitations This schedule is subject to change, so please read The Mountain regularly for updates.

June 24 from 11:15 AM to 12:15 PM Holy Listening Session at St. James Episcopal Church, 4 St. James Place, Essex Junction, including Calvary, Underhill. Read More

June

3 Immanuel, Bellows Falls 6 Christ Church, Montpelier 10 St. Mark’s, Newport 13 St. Dunstan’s, Waitsfield 27 St. Peter’s, Lyndonville

June 26 from 3:30 to 4:30 PM Holy Listening Session for Rock Point Board. Read More June 27 at 12:30 PM Holy Listening Session for Ministry Support Team. Read More

July

June 27 from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM, Holy Listening Session at Trinity Episcopal Church, 5171 Shelburne Rd., Shelburne.

Come share your thoughts as part of the search process for the next bishop of Vermont. Read More

1 St. Matthew’s, Enosburg Falls 19 Grace Church, Sheldon 25 St. Martin’s, Fairlee 26 St. Paul’s, Canaan 29 St. Paul’s, Wells (Annual Picnic)

June 27 Potluck from 6:00 to 7:00 PM followed by Holy Listening Session from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 749 Hartford Ave., White River Junction (including St. Martin’s, Fairlee; St. Barnabas, Norwich; St. James, Woodstock; St. Paul’s, Windsor). Read More

August 1

June 30 from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM Holy Listening 19

St. John’s, Essex, NY

Rock Point Camp 2018 Download the 2018 brochure and flier! http://rockpointvt.org/camp

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It’s not too late! Apply today!

Today's hard reality is that most Israelis and Palestinians are moving as far apart as ever. However, thanks to the generosity of local partners like you, Jerusalem Peacebuilders (JPB) continues to defy this trend. Learn more about the JPB scholarship program and how you can support this year’s promising young leaders at https://jerusalempeacebuilders.org.

http://www.HopkinsBookshopAtTrinity.com The Hopkins Bookshop is located at Trinity Episcopal Church in Shelburne, Vermont. We are conveniently situated along US Route 7/ Shelburne Road just north of the traffic light in the center of town. Parking and the bookshop entrance are at the back of the church.

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Phone: 802-658-6223 20