SOCIAL OUTREACH COMMITTEE
Guilford Community Church, United Church of Christ, is a diverse, forward-thinking community, gathered in love, striving to follow the teachings of Jesus.The Bible is important to us, not as a literal and final answer to all life’s questions, but as guidance written in a certain time and context that we interpret, with the help of spirit, for our own times. We recognize and honor the differing spiritual backgrounds of our members and do not require commitment to a unified creed. Likewise, we do not seek to impose our beliefs on the world, but respect and learn from other faith and non-faith traditions.
Our church has a long history of welcoming youth and supporting their development through active participation in our community. Inclusivity of all abilities is paramount and is evident at every service. Peace and social justice are priorities, and we work with and for the marginalized on issues such as poverty, inequality, and discrimination.
We are an Open and Affirming church, as well as a Just Peace church, encouraging compassion for all and the pursuit of justice through nonviolent action. We try to live our lives in reverence for our Earth, acknowledging the Indigenous people who our ancestors displaced, and striving to protect and care for the environment. Through a rich musical tradition, we integrate our spirituality and values, and joyfully sing our prayers. We care for one another in times of celebration and sorrow, and thus build a connected community that together manifests the love of Jesus.
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AFFINITY GROUP GATHERING, July 2025
The Social Outreach Committee held its second Affinity Group Gathering on July 19, 2025. We had the pleasure of hearing Rev. Tom Ely tell us about Swords to Plowshares VT, an organization that promotes gun safety and works to transform firearms into garden tools and works of art. The VT chapter is a relatively new 501C3 not for profit group that works with area law enforcement to obtain guns. It has an affiliation with the Putney School art department whose students create tools and sculptures. The organization recently bought its own portable forge, and are planning another demonstration this fall at the Brattleboro Museum and Art Center. Read more at www.swordsplowsharesvt.org.
There were 18 attendees who updated us on the following organizations:
● Interfaith Multicultural Youth Group
● Vermont Interfaith Action (VIA)
● Swords to Plowshares VT
● Teaching English to new neighbors
● Friends of L’Arche So. VT
● Root Social Justice Center
● Carry Me Home - clothing exchange for new neighbors
● Hallowell hospice singers
● Welcome Corps on Campus
● National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI)
Highlights
Interest is growing in the Interfaith Multicultural Youth Group. Pastor Jeremy Kirk of First Congregational Church recently received a grant from the UCC VT Conference to purchase equipment for a gathering space at his church in West Brattleboro. VIA is managing a grant to provide assistance to communities for extreme weather shelters for this winter. The refugee students housed at World Learning are leaving for their colleges in August; all have deeply appreciated being welcomed into the Brattleboro community. Friends of L’Arche So VT is now a 501C3, and received official recognition from its parent organization in France. They are readying their first house for inclusive living with an expected opening this fall. NAMI will be offering two courses this fall – Family to Family and NAMI Basics for children. Please visit websites for these organizations to learn more.
Discussion questions
1. Is there a project/cause that GCC as a whole church is called to support?
2. How does GCC respond to what is currently happening in our nation?
We began a discussion about these questions, which will continue during future gatherings. The issue of affordable housing and homelessness was a primary concern, and all were encouraged to contact legislators to support local housing initiatives (e.g., Winston Prouty Center building plan, Shared Housing, Act 250 reforms and L’Arche homes). The local UCC Rapid Response Team and GCC Who We Are statement were briefly discussed as responses to the current national condition. We are planning another gathering in November, 2025. All are invited!! In the meantime please look at our bulletin board in Zeller Hall and visit www.wecantogether.net to learn about local social action events.