They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Acts 2:42
Dear People of God in the Diocese of Vermont,
Thank you for the ways you support the life and thriving of our diocesan household. Last fall, many of you contributed valuable insight into the state of our diocese by participating in interviews and town hall meetings for the Mission Leadership Review. As promised, those insights have been developed into a Mission Strategy Plan that will help guide the continued strengthening of our congregations, diocesan entities and functioning as a diocesan household.
My staff team and I worked with the Rev. Gay Clark Jennings, who conducted the review, to develop the plan, and I am pleased to share it with you. Everything in it is intended to strengthen every aspect of our ministry together as we put our trust in God and find new ways to serve, worship, and care for creation.
Please help make this Mission Strategy Plan stronger by offering your feedback via email to Gay Jennings by September 11. With your feedback, our governance bodies will further refine this document before adopting it as a guide for our common work.
I love how the passage from Acts that I shared above relates to where we are in the life of our diocese. We are not unlike the early church as they began to figure out how they would be the church in uncertain times. They shaped their ministry and structure on the teachings passed on to them by the apostles, and with an understanding that koinonia was the way they would embody their faith. Koinonia is a Greek word that is often translated as fellowship, but it encompasses an understanding of a community united by their common work, sharing and connection for the flourishing of their community of faith.
I give thanks to God for our shared love for this diocese. Thank you in advance for your contribution to this important next step for us.
Peace and blessings,
