Meeting Needs Together
through the
Department of Mission
of the
Vermont Conference of the
United Church of Christ

Mission Statement
"Guided by the Holy Spirit we will work together with local churches and individuals, towards action for justice and peace for all of God's creation."

Co-Chairs of the Department:
Rev. David E L Brown
(802) 985-5871
David2brown@verizon.net

Jordan (Skip) Dickinson
(802) 867-5976
jorder61@verizon.net

Members of the Department:
Members at Large: Grace Cleary, Theresa Lever (Secretary), Mary Lou DeCosta,  Anita Bellin and David Brown.
Association Representatives:  Bentley Washburne, Gary Haase, Robert and Dorothy Keller, Gary O’Gorman, Bill Neil and Harold Drury, Becca Eleftherakis, Jackie Davies.
VLIAC Consultant: Edna Fairbanks-Williams

(looking for information on the Vermont Neighbors in Need program? Click here!)

The Vermont Conference Prison Justice Group, a sub-group of the Department of Mission, now has its own web presence. Visit their site to find out more about the group's work, and links to related ministries and missions. Click Here to be directed to the Prison Justice Group web page.

THE DEPARTMENT OF MISSION REVEALS A CULTURE OF PEACE

At the October 6, 2007 Christian Peacemaking conference, keynote speaker Dot Maver told us that one task of the peacemaker is to reveal the culture of peace that already exists. 

Taking her words to heart, the Department of Mission has undertaken a project of recognizing and commending peacemaking actions in Vermont.  We have sent certificates of appreciation to the Williston Central School for holding a “Peace-one-day Day,” the North Bennington Graded School for its United Nations Day Cultural Fair, and Rev. Will Burhans for his peacemaking witness with a Christian Peacemakers Team in Hebron.

We need YOU to tell us of actions in your churches, schools and communities that contribute to a culture of peace!  Call or e-mail Theresa Lever (802-229-0415, thelevers@comcast.net).  May the Prince of Peace reign in your hearts!

The Department of Mission concentrates on  Global Ministries, Justice-Poverty-and-Peace,  Uprooting Racism, and Prison Justice.

Global Ministries

Contact: Bob & Dee Keller (802) 257-4588
rsbdkeller@yahoo.com
We are all in Mission through Global Ministries in more than 90 countries. In covenant with more than 160 partners around the world, we are present in situations of critical need, and we seek to build and work through interfaith relationships.
To encourage participation in mission, we: Facilitate Local Church Involvement in Global Ministries through providing speakers, including missionaries on home leave, and distributing multimedia and print resources. We encourage participation in UCC volunteer ministries, overseas people-to-people trips for youth and adults, child sponsorship, local church international mission projects, national and in-state ministries and other programs of mission service.
Assist with Mission Connections, the  conference-wide Fall Event with guest speakers, workshops, mission information and net-working. In 2007, Mission Connections will be incorporated in a 50th Anniversary Observance.
Promote Calendar of Prayer, which this year lifts up fifty years of the UCC’s ministry at home and abroad, including four articles about ministries in Vermont. Every church gets a copy.  CD-ROM versions are available at no charge from UCCResources at (800) 325-7061.

Justice-Poverty-and-Peace

Contact: Theresa Lever (802) 229-0415 tlever@adelphia.net
Organizes Legislative Day (March 29 in 2007), a day for church members to visit the State House to meet with legislators and members of the administration to discuss  housing, health care and other justice-related issues.
Through an Advocacy Network expresses to legislators and members of the administration concern for ethical issues, such as childhood hunger. While most of these efforts are made in Montpelier, effects are felt state-wide.
Supports Vermont Assistance, Inc. (VAI) the inter-faith group that pays the salary of Karen Lafayette, Vermont Low Income Advocate, and
Vermont Low Income Advocacy Council (VLIAC)  which sets goals and works for justice for low income Vermonters.
Co-sponsors with VLIAC Camp about FACE (Family and Community Empowerment), an annual family camp for low-income Vermonters, with programs to improve skills and  time  for recreation.
Supports the Peace and Justice Center in its campaign for a livable wage.
Works with Vermont Campaign to End Childhood Hunger to establish summer lunch programs in Vermont communities. Contact:
Grace Cleary (802) 864-7384 gebc50@aol.com
Leads Peace Makers’ Breakfasts at Conference Annual Meetings.
Offers Mutual Support for peace advocates
who may feel isolated in their local settings.
Follows up on Resolutions passed at Conference Annual Meetings, including those on health care, livable wage, fair trade and anti-poverty work.

Uprooting Racism

Contact:  John LaRue (802) 899-2818
jllarue@together.net
Places Resource Packets in churches, including materials to support anti-racism study groups and workshops. Books and
videos recommended by URTF can be
borrowed from the Conference’s Resource
Center: (802) 728-4999.
Makes Mini Grants to fund study groups or speakers for local churches or community
groups.
Uprooting Racism Bulletin inserts  may be expected during UCC’s 50th Anniversary Year.

Prison Justice

Contact: Betty Edson  (802) 728-4057
Betty.edson@gmail.com
The Newest Outreach of the Department, the Prison Justice Group welcomes new members from any church in the Conference.  PJG’s goal is to find volunteers to work in the various Justice Centers around the state, particularly in the area of prisoners’ health.

Become a 5 for 5 Church!

5 for 5 Churches fully support Our Church’s Wider Mission (OCWM) by giving to Basic Support and  four special offerings:
1) OCWM Basic Support which funds the Conference,  including the work of the Depart-ment of Mission, and national UCC ministries.
2) One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) which supports global programs in health, education and agricultural development, disaster relief, refugee ministries, and more.
3) Strengthen the Church which supports leadership development for churches.
4) Neighbors in Need (NIN) which supports justice and advocacy ministries throughout the US, including the Council for American Indian Ministries(CAIM).
5) The Christmas Fund which helps retired church workers and clergy in need.