Our Mission
The First Congregational Church in Thetford, Vermont, United Church of Christ, is a progressive, Open and Affirming congregation, Open to All. We are diverse people on a journey together following the way of Jesus Christ. We find unity in the shared quest for truth rather than in one common creed. Our church provides a sanctuary for spiritual nurture and growth through services of word, music and silence, and through education, discussion and mutual support. We feel called to promote Christ's way of nonviolence, creating a loving, just society for all. We care especially for our youth, for the struggling people of our world and community, and for the health of God's creation. We expect there to be a cost to our faithful discipleship, a cost of our time, talent and substance, and of our selfless love, humble service and personal risk. This is a church of courage and of comfort. This is a church of passion and of humor. This is a church of Christ and of solidarity with people of all faiths who are striving to create a world of peace and justice, mercy and love.
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History
Organized in 1773,
this is the Congregation's two hundred twenty-eighth
year. Built in 1787, this is the oldest meetinghouse
in continuous service in the state of Vermont.
The church is a member of the United Church of
Christ.
Interesting Facts:
The first meetings of the congregation were held
in barns or private homes. In October 1778 it
was voted at Town Meeting that a 30 ft. by 40
ft. log building be constructed on what is now
Garey Road to be used as a meeting house. During
the next few years the building became crowded
enough for people to want a new building closer
to the center of Town ---[continue from p55 in
Charlotte's book].
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Covenants
General Covenant:
Beloved God, we
covenant with you and with one another, as you
have with us, and bind ourselves in your presence:
to walk together in your holy ways;
to love and support one another wherever our paths
may lead;
to seek to know your will and strive to do it.
We commit ourselves to the ministry of this church,
and depend upon your Holy Spirit to guide and
empower us.
We embrace community with all creation, in the
way of Jesus Christ,
promoting understanding and compassion, justice
and peace.
We remain open to and affirming of all,
having in essentials, unity,
in non-essentials, liberty,
and in all things, charity.
adopted April 9, 2000
Open and Affirming
Covenant
We, the members
of the First Congregational Church in Thetford,
Vermont, United Church of Christ, regard all people
as beloved children of God. We give thanks for
the many and diverse gifts of God among us. We
declare ourselves to be an Open and Affirming
congregation, welcoming and accepting into full
membership and participation people of every race,
nationality, age, gender, marital status, sexual
orientation, physical or mental ability, and economic
status. We honor the worth and dignity of all
people. We affirm all relationships founded on
the principles of Gods love and justice.
We acknowledge that the Christian church has often
excluded people based on their sexual orientation.
We believe such discrimination to be incompatible
with the gospel of Jesus Christ. We pledge to
work to end oppression and discrimination whenever
we encounter them, and, guided and empowered by
the Holy Spirit, to help create the blessed community
of God's realm.
adopted May 3, 1998
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Personnel
Pastor Tom Kinder
is available by phone or by appointment. His home
phone is 333-9967, and at the church 785-2915.
Tom is a 2/3 time pastor, and his regular church
work days are Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays
and Sundays. He is available for emergencies anytime.
Church Officers:
| Title |
Name |
Email |
Phone |
| Pastor |
Rev.Thomas
Cary Kinder |
(Tom prefers
phone) |
(802)785-2915 office
|
|
Minister of Music
|
Patricia Norton
|
|
|
| Deacons |
Anne Frey |
|
|
| |
Susan Johnson |
|
|
| |
Christina Robinson |
|
|
| |
Norm Marshall |
|
|
| |
Robin Osborne |
|
|
| |
Charlie Buttrey |
|
|
| Treasurer |
Doug Miller |
|
|
| Administrative Assistant |
Terry Barker |
thetfordhillchurch@valley.net |
|
| Trustees |
Bill Braasch |
|
|
| |
Barbara DeFelice |
|
|
| |
Betsy Johnstone |
|
|
| |
Lynn MacDonald |
|
|
| |
Matt Senger |
|
|
| |
Jamie Thaxton |
|
|
| Pastoral Relations
|
Jay Dunlap |
|
|
| |
Walter Frey |
|
|
| |
Nancy Stowell |
|
|
| |
Scot Zens |
|
|
| Calling and
Caring Coordinator |
Eleanor Zue |
|
|
| Building Use
Coordinator |
Valerie Miller |
|
|
| Moderator |
Joyce McKeeman |
|
|
| Stewardship
Committee |
Susan Kowalsky
Melissa Thaxton
Meg Darrow Williams
Eleanor Zue
|
|
|
| Comittee for
Youth Chair |
Vacant |
|
|
| Follow - Up
Capital Campaign Committee |
Tom Norton |
|
|
| Facilities
Committee Chairs |
Valerie Miller Jennifer Loros |
|
|
| Mission Committee
Chair |
Eleanor Zue |
|
|
| Sunday School Superintendent
|
|
|
|
| Sanctuary Committee
Chair |
Janet Cobb |
|
|
| Nominating
Chair |
Karen Flett
Lesley Wellman
Jean Wolstenholme
|
|
|
| Music Committee Chair |
Nancy Marth |
|
|
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Directions
Location: The First Congregational
Church in Thetford is located at 2596 Route 113
in Thetford, VT, one mile up hill (west) from
exit 14 on Interstate 91. The church's mailing
address is P.O. Box 69, Thetford, VT 05074. Office
phone: 802-785-2915.
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