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 …
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 …
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 …
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 for prayer at 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 8:00 p.m. Sunday.