VT Faith Community's Online News -September 2011

Other Faith Common Articles

Faith Common is the email newsletter of the Vermont Ecumenical Council & Bible Society (VEC). PLEASE POST IT in your house of worship. To be added to this newsletter mailing list or to submit news, please send an email to the VEC office at info@vecbs.org.

PRAYER

Oh God, you have said: Do not be afraid – I will save you. I have called you by name – you are mine. When you pass through deep waters, I will be with you; your troubles will not overwhelm you. Help me to hear you say these words to me. -Based on Isaiah, Chapter 43

VEC OFFICE HAS RELOCATED
The office of Vermont Ecumenical Council and Bible Society has moved back to Richmond. The new contact information is: P.O. Box 764 Richmond, VT 05477 802-434-8416 The email address and website have not changed. They are: info@vecbs.org and www.vecbs.org Thank you for updating your records.

INTERFAITH COALITION FOR DISASTER RECOVERY
This group was recently formed and held its first meeting at United Church of Christ's main office in Randolph. They will help to coordinate the task of seeking funds and organizing volunteers for the long-term rebuilding of homes. To find out more and/or join this group, contact Lynn Thomas, Vermont Conference UCC's Admin. Assistant, at thomasl@vtcucc.org

MOVING PLANET
Members of faith communities and many others will gather in Montpelier for this event on September 24 to join their voices to speak out for: moving beyond fossil fuels to a clean-energy- powered world and reducing greenhouse gas emissions; working to bring the level of CO2 back down to 350 parts per million. The event will include a rally, speakers, music, and more! 350.org is promoting and helping organize Moving Planet – events will be happening all over the world. Learn more at: www.moving-planet.org/events/us/montpelier/232

REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT: FAITH COMMUNITIES MAKING A DIFFERENCE
This CBS television special about refugees who resettle in the U.S. will be broadcast on Sunday, Sept. 25 on CBS channels. It is produced in cooperation with the Interfaith Broadcasting Commission. To read more about it and find local listings, go to: www.interfaithbroadcasting.com/program.aspx?PID=344

NCC POVERTY INITIATIVE NEWSLETTER
The Poverty Initiative of the National Council of Churches recently released their September newsletter. Click here to read it: www.nccendpoverty.org/Newsletters/September2011.php

9/11 REMEMBERED
by Joseph Gainza Joseph is a member of VEC's Peace, Justice, and the Integrity of Creation Committee, and is a long-time advocate for peace. Here he shares his remembrance of Sept. 11, 2001. Go to: www.pjcvt.org/

TAIZE SERVICE AT CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF ST. PAUL
A service in the manner of the Taize community will be held at St. Paul's Cathedral at 2 Cherry Street in Burlington, on Sunday, Oct. 30 at 7:30 pm. Candlelight, music, meditation, and silence are included in the service. It is free and open to all. To find out more, contact Mark Howe: mhowe@stpaulscathedralvt.org or call 802-864-0471 ext. 15.

PURE WATER FOR THE WORLD
Dr. Carolyn Crowley Meub is Executive Director of this non- profit organization that works in countries around the world. They provide clean water and hygiene education in places such as Haiti, Honduras, and Malawi. Dr. Meub lives in Vermont and is a member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Rutland. To find out more about their work, go to: www.purewaterfortheworld.org

JUSTICE and CLIMATE CHANGE – FAITHFUL ACTION
Vermont Interfaith Power and Light will be holding this confer- ence on Sun., Nov. 6 from 1:15 – 5:45 pm at the Chase Center at Vermont Law School. It will be followed by a light supper (optional) for those who can stay longer. The keynote speaker will be Professor James Gustave Speth. Here's Dr. Speth's bio: www.thebridgeattheedgeoftheworld.com/james-gustave-spethr.php Professors Michael Dworkin and Amy Seidl will also speak.

The conference will provide participants with information and offer opportunities to work together on actions to address global climate change. Shyla Nelson, of Good Earth Singers, will lead the group in song. A number of non-profit organizations and businesses with energy expertise will have exhibits and provide resources and information. A time for small-group discussion, books for sale, refreshments and more will round it out. Please register for the conference. The flier and registration form are here: www.vtipl.org/node/176 To find out more, send an email to Betsy Hardy at info@vtipl.org.