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 - November, 2025
The Social Outreach Committee hosted another Affinity Group Gathering on November 22, 2025. The
meeting kicked off with a presentation by Ric Cengeri of HomeShare VT. This organization has been
matching people who have room in their homes with those seeking an affordable place to live for over 40
years. They conduct background and reference checks and then help create compatible matches.
Homeshare hosts can ask for rent and/or help with household tasks, such as cooking, yardwork,
housekeeping, snow removal, pet care or running errands. For guests, this is an affordable alternative to
renting. HomeShare Vermont’s service is now available in southeastern Vermont through a partnership with Windham & Windsor Housing Trust. Attendees were excited about this new-to-the-area organization that provides another solution to our housing crisis. Bothapartment dwellers and home owners can be hosts, and HomeShare VT provides case management support before, during and after placement. For more information:
https://www.homesharevermont.org/
News from Other Organizations
was then shared by the following contacts:
● Vermont Interfaith Action (VIA) - Fred Breunig
● Friends of L’Arche So. VT - Barbara Lee
● Carry Me Home - clothing exchange for new neighbors - Patrice Murray
● Hallowell hospice singers - Mary Alice Amidon
● Special Olympics - Joan Weslowski & Katharine Breunig
● Edible Brattleboro - Tom Green
● Beloved Winter Shelter - Fred Breunig
● Interfaith Youth Group - Brian Remer
● Guilford Cares - Pat HaineHighlights: The Beloved Winter Shelter has received a $72,000 grant and raised $9000 through
fundraising. It is scheduled to open Dec 1st and Fred asked for volunteers to assist with daily set up
and breakdown of the space. Friends of L’Arche So VT are readying their first house for inclusive
living with expected completion by the end of the year. Currently they are searching for an Executive
Director and hiring/training staff. Edible Brattleboro is facing financial and volunteer challenges, yet
their “Share the Harvest” program continues to be popular, and Tom asks for interested volunteers.
Guilford Cares provides numerous services including a Seniors’ Support Group, Senior walks, and a
community nurse. The GC Food Pantry has doubled its output and provides food for an average of 33
families each week. Donations are always welcome. The Interfaith Youth Group is meeting once
monthly and has 12 members. They are hoping to do another service trip this spring and are planning
a fundraising dinner on Saturday, 12/13/25. https://www.guilfordchurch.org/ministries A local
Basketball Club for adults with developmental disabilities has been started on Tuesday nights. While
this is not a Special Olympics program, SO remains active in the area with GCC members
volunteering or participating. Carry Me Home continues to collect clothing for refugees and the
unhoused. Carry Me Home Refugee Needs List Joan reported on the Guardian Ad Litem program
and said that volunteers are always needed. Visit websites for these organizations to learn more.
In addition, Patrice Murray, Social Outreach Committee Co-Chair shared committee
accomplishments for 2025. 1. The Committee wrote a “Who We Are” statement
https://www.guilfordchurch.org/social-outreach to distinguish GCC from White Christian Nationalist
churches. 2. On the committee’s recommendation, the GCC council signed onto a letter penned by the
ACLU VT that implores our governor and legislators to act with urgency to protect the rights of all
Vermonters, defend democracy and dissuade federal and executive overreach.
https://www.acluvt.org/news/open-letter-state-leaders/ 3. Through the generosity of the GCC
congregation we were able to make donations to the 4 UCC charitable funds as well as $4200 to the
UCC Our Churches Wider Mission (OCWM). Also, the following amounts went to local organizations:
HELP Fund - $1500, VIA - $500, Loaves and Fishes - $400, Beloved Winter Shelter - $400, Carry Me
Home - $400, and through a special collection - $1000 to the Windham County Heat Fund.
We are planning another gathering in February/March, 2026. We may make a “field trip” to the Friends
of L’Arche House. 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.