News & Announcements
Building a Bridge to the Future: A Letter from Bishop Shannon
Dear People of God in the Diocese of Vermont: In 2018, the search committee for the 11th Bishop of Vermont wrote that in calling a full-time bishop, the diocese was taking a leap of faith “in the hopes that s/he would help us continue to discern and explore how God is speaking to us in …
A Letter from Paul Habersang, Executive Director of Rock Point Commons
With the COVID-19 pandemic beginning to recede across the United States and especially here in Vermont, we on Rock Point are grateful that we are beginning to return to some semblance of normalcy. That said, even though we may be returning to what feels like the “new normal,” so much has changed and that includes …
Releasing Congregations from Diocesan COVID-19 Restrictions: An Update from Bishop Shannon
Dear People of God in the Diocese of Vermont: Earlier this week, Governor Scott announced that Vermont has become the first state in the country to vaccinate 80% of its population, and released our state from all COVID-19 restrictions. In keeping with this milestone of progress against the pandemic to which we have lost so …
Guidelines for Church Feeding Programs and use of Church Kitchens
From the Diocesan Restart Team Guidelines for Church Feeding Programs and use of Church Kitchens There is an urgent need to serve those who are hungry in our communities, especially as many will lose temporary hotel/motel housing at the end of June. It is not necessary for a congregation to have an approved Phase 4 …
Bishop’s Appeal 2021
As we prepare for a post-COVID world, I am thinking a good deal about Pentecost. On that day, the scriptures tell us, the church was born in a swirl of violent wind and tongues of fire, and nothing has ever been the same. Here in the Diocese of Vermont, we are experiencing our church’s rebirth …
Update from Bishop Shannon and the Diocesan Restart Team: Indoor and Outdoor Worship, Communion
Dear People of God in the Diocese of Vermont, Our state is continuing to make progress in curtailing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, and that means we can loosen some of the restrictions the Restart Team and I have put in place to help keep members of the diocese safe as we continue our …
A Deacon Finds His Way: Jonathan Ross Joins St. Andrew’s, St. Johnsbury
The Rev. Jonathan Ross likes to tell people “there are more deacons out there, we’ve just got to find them.” Ross, who was ordained in September, was a prime example of a “deacon waiting to be found.” Ross works with victims of child abuse and neglect as a Family Services Worker for the Vermont Department …
Updates from the Diocesan Restart Team: Communion Outdoors on Pentecost 2021
Revision to In-Person Outdoor Worship Guidelines After consultation with the Vermont Department of Health, the Restart Committee is revising the space requirements published in guidelines released April 12. Rather than requiring 10 feet of space between persons at outdoor services, the new guideline requires 10 feet of space per person for unvaccinated individuals. Six feet …
Numbness, Apprehension and a Small Sliver of Hope: A Letter from Bishop Shannon
Dear People of God in the Diocese of Vermont: Thanks to a brave young woman with a cell phone camera, the world saw Derek Chauvin kneeling on George Floyd’s neck until Mr. Floyd died. And yet, when I heard the news that Chauvin had been convicted of murder today, it felt surreal. There have been …
Updates from the Diocesan Restart Team: In-Person Outdoor Worship
As the weather begins to warm and as Vermont state guidelines permit, in-person outdoor worship under Phase 3 directions may resume after May 1 according to the provisions that follow. Inasmuch as current Vermont state guidelines are closely tied to the anticipated rate of vaccinations in the state, parishes should be aware that changes in …
A New Appreciation of Easter: Bishop Shannon’s Easter Sermon
“Jesus’ resurrection was not something the disciples and the women could understand until they had lived through it and trusted God in Jesus to get them through,” said Bishop Shannon in her Easter sermon. “That is always how it has been for God’s people. The moments we celebrate are also bound together with the pain …
Updates from the Diocesan Restart Team
Streaming Services from SanctuariesEffective March 24, 2021 In light of recent revisions to the State of Vermont COVID-19 guidelines, congregational leaders are now permitted to stream services from their sanctuaries with the following provisions: With the consent of the clergy and vestry or bishop’s committee, a maximum of four people may gather if at least three of …