Learning with Grace: Book Discussion Group

Learning with Grace will offer a book discussion group over the course of five Sundays following coffee hour on November 12, 19, 26 and December 10, 17. 

The focus of our discussion will be centered on the book Embers: One Ojibway’s Meditations by Richard Wagamese. It’s a lovely book made known to us by Charlotte Gladding who says “these meditations have stimulated a lot of thinking for me. My hope is to share this book as a point of personal pondering and a source of discussion. What does it mean to steward the earth?  Just what is my/our relationship with all that inhabits the earth? And many more questions. Please join me on this spiritual journey toward a greater understanding of our relationship with creator and all of her creation.” Pastoral Intern Lynn Pilcher will co-lead the group with Charlotte.

10 books have been purchased.  A donation for part or all of the cost of the book ($20) is appreciated, but not necessary.  Books can also be ordered through Phoenix Books in downtown Rutland.  We hope you will join us!

Job Opportunity: PT Financial Secretary

Grace Congregational UCC (Grace Church) is seeking a person to fill the Financial Secretary position starting September 11, 2023.This is an hourly, part-time, 20 hour per week position. Grace Church will support a self-motivated, flexible, and team-spirited individual who is committed to the work and vision of this community of faith. This role will report to the Church Administrator, be a part of the office team, and provide support to the Treasurer and Finance Committee of the Church Council. Benefits are not offered as part of this part-time position.Qualifications for this position include:

  • Good interpersonal skills
  • Technology: 1)  Competence with computer software, particularly QuickBooks Online, and a basic understanding of using software programs to facilitate learning new programs such as Breeze Church Management Software, Excel, and other Microsoft 365 programs (paid training time during work hours as needed); 2) Experience with payroll and preparing financial reports; 3) Some experience with handling the financial aspects of on-boarding a new employee
  • Integrity, attention to detail, and high sense of confidentiality required

Please send your resume to Grace Congregational UCC, Personnel Committee, 8 Court Street, Rutland, Vermont 05701 or email your resume to eepgreen @hotmail.com by August 18, 2023.Grace Congregational UCC is an Open and Affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ. We welcome all people without regard to age, race, economic condition, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Our facility is ADA compliant.

Habitat for Humanity of Rutland County looking for its next homeowner

Homeowner Informational Meeting May 10, 2023

Habitat for Humanity of Rutland County is breaking ground on its next home located at 3 Hickory St. Rutland.  

Habitat for Humanity of Rutland County is hosting a Homeowner Informational Meeting for anyone interested in learning more about how to become a Habitat homeowner.

Meeting Details:
Date: May 10, 2023
Time: 6:15pm – 7:00pm
Location: 5 Hickory St. Rutland, VT

If you or anyone you know is interested in finding out more about owning a Habitat home please encourage them to attend the Homeowner Informational Meeting.  Habitat for Humanity of Rutland County will do a brief overview of the eligibility criteria, application process, sweat-equity responsibilities, and the Habitat affordability and shared equity model.  They will be leaving plenty of time for questions and a tour of our newly built home located at 5 Hickory St. and the 3 Hickory St. lot.

Hope to see you there.

Feel free to call me with any questions.

For more information, visit: rutlandhabitat.weebly.com 
or call 802-747-7440.

Lenten Calendar: Companions In Wholeness

Comfort Zone @ Rutland United Methodist Church

“Lent is for Love – 40 Days of Giving”

During this Lenten season, instead of giving up something, try giving to someone. Help support Companions in Wholeness by collecting 40 items over 40 days. Use this Lenten Calendar (printable PDF) to collect the items that we need the most.

For more information, please contact Sarah Pulcer from Mission & Service Committee at sehenry2001@yahoo.com, or call 802-775-8861.

February 2023 Update: Companions In Wholeness

Comfort Zone @ Rutland United Methodist Church

In January 2023:

  • We served 3,049 breakfasts for an average 179 per day
  • We served 2,552 lunches for an average of 150 per day.
  • We served a total of 255 households which was a total of 246 individuals.
  • We served 117 different individuals accessed our food pantry, and we gave out 938 items from the pantry.
  • We gave out 273 items of clothing and hygiene items.

We continue to be in need of items for our clothing store such as warm clothing for both men and women, blankets, socks, and underwear. For our pantry we need crackers and ready to eat meals that folks can warm up in the microwave or canned items with a pull up lid. For our kitchen we need items such as pancake syrup, butter, half and half, milk, frozen fruit, sugar, salt, pepper and coffee.

We want to express our gratitude for all of you who donate your time, items and money to help us Feed Our Neighbors. We are beginning to offer other community resources to our guests onsite which has been a blessing. We are still in need of volunteers on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays anytime from 6:30-11:30. We have many different jobs and can always use assistance with a variety of things that need to be done.

Not only are we feeding folks but we are becoming mentors to those in our community who need assistance in a variety of ways. Currently we have someone who wants to learn how to cook.

If you believe you may have a gift and would like to mentor someone while teaching them how to cook so they can cook for their family please let Ellie know. You can use our kitchen to provide this support.

Please be in touch with Ellie McGarry at 802-236-3136 if you have any questions or can volunteer.

June 26, 2022 – Blessing of the Bikes

Join us for outdoor worship at 10 am this Sunday on the south lawn. The service will include a blessing of the bikes ceremony – arrive at the Center Street parking lot on anything with two wheels and receive a blessing for safe passage through the coming year. The summer pickup choir will offer music – come early and join in the music making (9 am rehearsal). A church picnic (burger & hotdogs, coleslaw and strawberry shortcake for $5) will follow the service at approximately 11:30.

May 2022: The Stranger Among Us, 4-part series

The Stranger Among Us:

The US, The Northern Triangle, and Asylum
Explore the history, theology and policy that brings us to today’s asylum crisis.

Tuesdays 6:30 to 8:00
May 3, 10, 17, 24
Grace UCC Conference Room

Email bridgetorutland@gmail.com
OR call 802-779-4217 to reserve your place

See poster (PDF) for more info.

The Learning with Grace committee will be providing more info soon …