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 thelevers@comcast.net
Organizes Legislative Day, 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
(continuing for one year 2010-2011 as a transition group)

Contact:  John LaRue (802) 899-2818 jllarue@together.net
The goal of the Uprooting Racism Task Force is to become better aware of and eliminate racism "in ourselves, in our churches, and in our communities." It leads retreats offering participants the opportunity to better understand their own racism and the institutional racism of our churches and communities, and helps fund training, materials, and events for local churches raising the awareness and understanding of racism.  The Task Force has also produced locally relevant racial justice educational materials, including INTERFAITH RACIAL JUSTICE EDUCATION OFFERINGS, as well as the DVD, “UNCOVERING RACISM IN VERMONT.” While this Task Force has a number of current and former DOM members, it also includes others from the wider church and community whose interest is Uprooting Racism.

Books and A/V materials recommended by the Uprooting Racism Task Force can be borrowed from the Conference’s Resource Center: (802) 728-4999.  Click here for a listing.

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.

Low Income Advocacy

Contact:  David Brown (802) 985-5871  david2brown@myfairpoint.net

Summer Lunch Grants

Contacts:  Grace Cleary (802) 864-7384  gebc50@aol.com
Mary Lou DeCosta (802) 864-7384  superbarmom@aol.com

 

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.