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 …
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 …
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 …
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.
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 …
Dear People of God in the Diocese of Vermont, The diocesan Restart Team has developed the following five-phase plan for returning to in-person worship across our diocese. This plan takes into account the Centers for Disease Control’s guidelines for faith communities as well as guidance from the Vermont Department of Health and the Vermont Agency …
Dear People of God in the Diocese of Vermont, On Friday, Governor Scott announced that effective immediately faith communities may resume services and gatherings at 25 percent of a building’s seating capacity, assuming all mandatory health and safety criteria are met. While I am encouraged that Vermont is moving in the right direction in curtailing …
Watch an edited video of the Diocesan Service of Lament on YouTube. Presiding Bishop Michael Curry has joined other faith leaders in calling for a national day of mourning and lament on June 1 as the United States exceeds 100,000 documented deaths from COVID-19. Join Bishop Shannon and the people of the Episcopal Diocese of …
The diocesan Grants & Loans Committee has announced a new no-interest loan program for parishes struggling to meet expenses in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Loans through the Butterfield Fund will be available in amounts up to 5% of the vestry-approved FY2020 operating budget. The loans should be used for operating expenses that …
Note: This post has been updated to reflect new information about the Payroll Protection Program released on the evening of April 2 and on April 5. It has also been updated on April 8 to include a downloadable copy of the Diocese of Vermont’s 501 (c) 3 letter and other relevant updates. The “CARES Act” …