News & Announcements
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 …
The Rev. Susan Ohlidal is Canon Missioner for Local Ministry
Bishop Shannon has appointed the Rev. Susan Ohlidal as canon missioner for local ministry. Ohlidal, who is also priest-in-charge at St. Andrew’s Church in St. Johnsbury, began work on March 15. “Our capacity for training, forming and supporting local ministry teams has been steadily decreasing over the last five years,” Bishop Shannon said. “Hiring Susan …
A People of Hope: A Message from the Restart Team
Dear Friends in Christ, From the beginning of our pandemic-time ministry in the Diocese of Vermont we have been guided by our theology of the Body. That is, in Jesus Christ we are one Body in which we find all our life and meaning, and are committed to the common good and the welfare of …
Physically Distant Communion on Easter and Pentecost
As the Restart Team continues to seek faithful, loving, and safe ways for us to minister during this time of the pandemic, we write to clarify protocols both for Holy Week and Easter and for the Easter season, as best we can at this time. Our next opportunities for distanced Communion days will be Easter …
Daily Prayer with the Green Mountain Online Abbey
I didn’t expect to start a congregation at the outset of the pandemic. But in an emergency situation, you gather and you pray together. Since March 2020, that’s what we have been doing in a community we now call the Green Mountain Online Abbey. Join us Mondays-Saturdays for prayer at 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. and at 11:00 a.m. on Sundays.
Bishop Wright of Atlanta Helps Vermont Leaders Get On The Same Page
Last month, Bishop Rob Wright of the Diocese of Atlanta asked a group of more than 40 leaders gathered on Zoom a provocative question: Why does the Diocese of Vermont exist? Wright wasn’t trying to be disrespectful. Bishop Shannon MacVean-Brown had invited him to lead a meeting of diocesan leaders she titled the “All On …
Physically Distant Communion the First Sunday of Lent
Congregations will be offering physically distant communion on the First Sunday of Lent (February 21) using the same plan that was in use for the First Sunday of Advent and Christmas Eve and Day. Participating congregations are listed alphabetically below by name of city or town. Because the consecrated elements must be consumed during an …