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 for prayer at 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 8:00 p.m. Sunday.
Dear Members of the Diocese of Vermont, “Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2 Throughout the pandemic we have been guided by our theology of the Body — that in Jesus Christ we are one Body, called to work together in love and care for all, …
On January 6, the Covid Response Team sent the following letter to clergy and congregational leaders. Greetings to you and your congregations in this New Year and new season of our life together. Given the rapid rise in COVID-19 case counts and hospitalizations, as well as COVID-19 positivity rates across Vermont, the Covid Response Team …
The following is a summary of requirements and guidance contained in the Team’s letter of Nov. 30, 2021: Full Vaccination (including boosters) is: Required for lectors, preachers, choir members, altar assistants/servers, ushers, and DHOs (Designated Health Officers) Strongly recommended (expected) for all who enter the church building. Continuous Masking (fitted over nose and mouth) and …
In light of Vermont’s current elevated Covid case numbers and positivity rates, and predictions for the coming months, the Covid Response Team offers the following updated guidance for diocesan congregations: About Vaccination: It is now our expectation that everyone attending church in-person indoors, for whom a vaccine is available and possible, will be fully vaccinated …
Dear friends in Christ in the Episcopal churches in Vermont: As the COVID-19 case counts surge due to the delta variant, we write to you at this critical time to remind each of us of the important need to continue our best health and safety practices. We are fortunate in Vermont to have the highest …
Dear People of God in the Diocese of Vermont: In light of the recent rise in coronavirus cases in Vermont associated with the highly transmissible Delta variant, the Restart Team now recommends that parishes require face masks and social distancing indoors for all persons and groups using church buildings. This recommendation is consistent with the …
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 …
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 …
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 …