In-Person Program A Celebration of Experimentation
On October 25, clergy and delegates gathered at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul for our 2025 in-person programming. The program centered on the convention’s theme, “The THRIVING Spirit of Koinonia,” a celebration of how our diocesan household embraced a period of experimentation when the THRIVE Canons were first enacted in 2022.
Throughout the day, those at the Cathedral and watching the livestream heard experimentation stories from the constellation of Calvary, Underhill and St. James, Essex Junction; the leaders of St. Andrew’s, St. Johnsbury; and diocesan leaders about just a few of these experiments.
These stories are available to watch on YouTube:
- Our Constellation Story So Far: Calvary, Underhill and St. James, Essex Junction
- A Story of Renewal: St. Andrew’s, St. Johnsbury
Following each story, the Rev. Canon Susan Ohlidal led a brief period of reflection and discussion. Download the reflection handout.
The Rev. adwoa Wilson and The Communities for Spiritual Vitality led the Morning and Noonday Devotionals, which included the annual renewal of vows. The devotionals and supporting materials are available on the diocesan website.
The day concluded with the convention Eucharist which included a special special recognition of our constellation churches. Bishop Shannon presided and preached at the Eucharist.
”The story of Peter walking on water gives the individual something to think about,” she preached,” But he, the rock on which Jesus built the church, also symbolizes all of us. The church. And our need to ask Jesus to call us into the storms and face them. Knowing our dependance on his saving grace.” Watch her sermon.
A recording of the in-person program is available on YouTube. Watch online
Convention Passes Eleven Resolutions; Some THRIVE Changes Made Permanent
The convention continued on October 30 with the business session where clergy and delegates considered eleven resolutions and elected nominees to governing bodies. Bishop Shannon also gave her annual address and made appointments.
In her annual address, Bishop Shannon shared the findings of the THRIVE Assessment Report and how our diocesan household is working towards our mission strategy goals.
“Looking back over the ways we’ve continually stepped out of the boat in a spirit of Koinonia, I’m encouraged by how much we’ve accomplished as a diocesan household,” Bishop Shannon said. “Even as I have noted places where we have fallen short, this type of reflection is a required part of learning and growing. As a diocesan household, with our governance structure and financial house in order, we have positioned ourselves for more expansive collaboration.”
Resolutions
In total, eleven resolutions were considered and passed by the convention:
- 1. Adoption of the FY 2026 Budget for the Diocese of Vermont
- 2. Establishing Minimum Clergy Compensation for 2026
- 3. Revise Canons to Amend Canons 6.1, 15.3, 18, 27, 29E, and 38 (THRIVE Canons)
- 4. Revise Canons to Amend Canons 13, 14, and 15, and add Canon 15A, as amended.
- 5. Revise Canons to Amend Canons 29C (Rock Point Commons)
- 6. Revise Canons for Clarification
- 7. Direct Canons Committee to Prepare Updated Version of Diocesan Canons
- 8. The Episcopal Diocese of Vermont, A Sanctuary and Refuge for the Vulnerable
- 9. Phase Out Fossil Fuels in the Diocese of Vermont by 2034
- 10. Resist Rising Christian Nationalism
- 11. Calling for an End to Genocide and for Lasting Peace in Gaza
Highlights include Resolution 3, which updated the appropriate canons per the THRIVE Assessment Report; Resolution 4, which established a framework for changes in the status of a parish; and Resolution 5, which creates Rock Point Center, LLC, formerly Rock Point Commons.
The full text and explanations for each of these resolutions is available on the diocesan website.
Elections
The following nominees were elected:
- Brookhaven Learning and Treatment Center: Judith Castonguay, Brett Murphy, and Martha Roberts
- Commission on Finance: Brendan Means-Koss
- General Convention Clergy Deputies: The Rev. Sarah Ginolfi, The Rev. Canon Walter Brownridge, The Rev. Jeremy Means-Koss, and The Rev. Canon Lee Crawford
- General Convention Lay Deputies: Luke Krueger, Tom Little, Anne Brown, and Anna Youngmann
- Provincial Synod Delegate: Elizabeth Parker
- Provincial Synod Alternate Delegate: Denise Noble
- Rock Point School Board of Trustees: Tricia Kane and Lee McLendon
- Standing Committee: The Rev. Canon Lee Crawford and Colleen Gates
- Trustees of the Diocese: Noma Anderson, Dr. Ann Guillot, and Paul Horn (1-year term)
Appointments
Bishop Shannon made the following appointments:
- Rock Point Center Board of Directors: Abraham Awolich
- Executive Council: The Rev. Kathleen Schotto
A recording of the business session is available on YouTube. Watch the business session.
