THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN VERMONT – Jerusalem Peacebuilders (JPB) is an interfaith, non-profit ministry that promotes transformational encounters among the peoples of Jerusalem and the wider Middle East. In partnership with other organizations, JPB specializes in experiential education programs for youth and adults that advance peace, interfaith citizenship, and leadership. A $3,500 grant, announced in November 2018, helped to offset costs associated with JPB’s interfaith summer leadership program for Israeli, Palestinian and American teens, at JPB’s West Brattleboro, Vermont, location.
Since the establishment of JPB in 2011, over 500 Israeli, Palestinian and American teens have participated in JPB programs and are now are now young leaders in university and local settings in the United States, Israel, Jerusalem, the West Bank and Jordan. Today, JPB operates four different summer programs for youth and adults in Houston, New Haven and Brattleboro, as well as in-school programs in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth, Haifa, New England and Houston.
About the Alleluiafund. Because of your generosity in 2017 and 2018, the Alleluiafund exceeded its goal. This means, not only did we meet our predetermined commitments to Rock Point Camp, Rock Point Property, and various local and global outreach ministries, but we were also able to provide additional funding for many more things that make you say, “Alleluia!” The Alleluiafund supports vital ministries that are beyond the capacity of our diocesan budget, and every dollar raised goes directly to selected ministries. Historically, the selected ministries have included Rock Point Camp, Rock Point Commons, and various other outreach ministries agreed upon at each year’s Annual Convention. In 2019, we agreed to focus on Rock Point, Rock Point Camp, and ministries related to the priorities set by our Presiding Bishop and the General Convention, which include reconciliation, evangelism, and creation care.