About Us

Mission History Covenants Personnel Directions

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.

return to top of page

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].

return to top of page

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 God‚s 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

return to top of page

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:

return to top of page

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.

return to top of page