A Joint Worship Service

This is a reminder that on Sunday, May 31, all congregations of the Addison Association of the United Church of Christ will gather for a joint worship service at Vergennes Congregational Church at 10 AM. This is believed to be the first time in recent memory — and possibly ever — that all Addison Association churches have worshiped together on a Sunday morning! Please note that this means there will be NO Worship Service in our building that day.


So what can you expect when you make the trip to Vergnennes Congregational Church that morning?


Worship:

The pastors of each congregation will participate in leading worship. Choirs from each church will join together in song, and our Conference Minister, Rev. Lynn Bunjak, will preach.


Music:

Any singers are welcome to join the combined choir for rehearsal that morning at 8:30 a.m., with Bill Bowers directing and Ronnie Romano accompanying.


Children & Youth:

Nursery care (infant–age 4) and children’s programming (PreK–6) will be available during worship. If you have questions, specific needs, or require accommodations, please contact Rev. Jen Campbell, VCC Minister for Children and Families, at jen@vergennesucc.org.


Parking & Transportation:

The church has a large parking lot with accessible parking available. If you are able, please use the free parking on Water Street near the church. We also encourage carpooling.


Other Opportunities to Get Involved:

Before and during the service, the Board of Deacons at Vergennes Congregational Church could use a few lay volunteers to assist with greeting and hospitality. If you are interested, please email Pastor Elliott at elliott@vergennesucc.org and plan to arrive by 9:30 a.m. on Sunday.


We encourage everyone in the Association to join us in Vergennes that Sunday. Occasions like this are rare, and there is something powerful about the churches of our Association worshiping together as one body. For those unable to attend in person, the service will be livestreamed at www.facebook.com/vergennesucc.


After Worship, Stay for Lunch and the Addison Association Annual Meeting and Program:

Following worship, all are welcome to stay for lunch (please bring cookies or bars to share, if you are able!). After lunch, please join us for the Addison Association Annual Meeting and program, which will begin at noon and conclude by 1:30 p.m.



The program will include a listening session facilitated by our Vermont Conference Minister, Lynn Bunjak, together with the Vermont Conference Board of Directors. This session will provide an opportunity for members from across the Association to share their perspectives on the life and future of our churches in Addison County.


We hope you will join us for some or all of this meaningful day!


Schedule: 

  • 10:00 a.m. – Joint Worship Service
  • 11:00 a.m. – Lunch
  • 12:00–12:30 p.m. – Addison Association Annual Meeting
  • 12:30–1:30 p.m. – Listening Session facilitated by the Conference Ministers



Sunday, May 31st at 10:00 AM at the Vergennes Congregational Church, 30 S. Water Street

From 'Formless Void' to The Garden of Eden: The Creation Stories of Genesis 1 and 2

Pastor Andy will be leading a four-part Bible study on the first two chapters of Genesis. Classes will be held in Unity Hall on Wednesdays (5/20, 5/27, 6/3, 6/10) from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.


5/20 and 5/27 Focus text: Genesis 1:1-2:4

6/3 and 6/10 Focus text: Genesis 2:5-25

Online participation is welcome at the following link:

https://meet.google.com/inw-zyfy-tgk‪

Or dial via phone: (US) +1 402-789-6865 enter PIN: ‪265 260 395‬#

Green Team Seeking Seedlings for CVOEO

In Unity Hall after the service on June 7, the Green Team will be collecting vegetable and herb seedlings to give to the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO) for distribution to their clients. Whether you have a few extra homegrown plants to share or prefer to purchase a half-dozen at a local nursery, we encourage you to bring some to donate. Tomato, squash, broccoli, and cucumber plants are especially welcome. Thanks so much for your consideration of this important ministry for our neighbors—every year our seedling offerings have been tremendously appreciated!  

Spread the Love Food Drive!

Thank you to everyone who signed up to help with the Spread the Love Food Drive—all volunteer spots are now filled!


The Board of Missions and Social Concerns is sponsoring this food collection for the HOPE food shelf on May 30 at Shaw’s and the Middlebury Co-op. The need for food continues to grow as prices for gas, housing, medical care, and other essentials continue to increase.


Even if you are not volunteering, you can still take part! When you shop that day, please consider picking up a few extra items to donate!

A printable list of suggested food items is linked here to make shopping even easier--or say hi and grab one at the door from your friends who are staffing the tables!

Thank you for helping us Spread the Love and support our neighbors through HOPE!

Community Supper Every Friday

For over twenty years, countless volunteers have cooked and served FRIDAY NIGHT COMMUNITY SUPPER at The Congregational Church of Middlebury, UCC. The free, hot meal runs from 5:00-6:00 every Friday in Fellowship Hall (accessible from Seymour Street). Friday Night Community Supper offers a space where everyone is welcome, neighbors get to know neighbors, and community happens. Come by for a delicious meal. Bring a friend. Bring the family. We hope to see you soon.

June's Taizé Service

The next Taizé service will be held on Wednesday, June 3 at 7 p.m. in Unity Hall.


Founded in 1940s France in the wake of World War II, the Taizé style of worship was created to foster unity among Christians of all traditions. The Taizé community served as a safe haven for refugees fleeing persecution, bringing people together through simple, contemplative worship and the minimalist monastic lifestyle. Pilgrims would sing the Taizé chants in their own language to reflect their personal relationship with God. Today, Taizé continues to inspire millions worldwide with its message of peace, reconciliation, and inclusion.


Our service features repetitive chants, reflective silence, heartfelt prayers, and the warm glow of candlelight. It’s a chance to step away from life’s busyness, immerse yourself in a contemplative atmosphere, connect with our loving God. Mark your calendar and we'll see you there!

Mindful Art with Judy Albright

Monday, June 8 from 10:00 a.m. to Noon

Have you ever thought:

* I’m not good enough to make art?

* I don’t have time to make art?

* I don’t know how to begin?

* Art is only for talented people?

If so, this class is for you.

Mindful Art is a simple, calming way to explore creativity while reducing stress. Judy will gently guide you through an easy process that helps you create colorful, beautiful artwork of your own — no experience needed. You may be surprised by how quickly you begin to feel like an artist.

The class is free, with a $5 materials fee. Registration is required. Contact Judy at judyalbright@snet.net. This offering is sponsored by Art in Unity, a team of MiddUCC, who's mission is to inspire personal and communal spiritual growth through the collaborative process of creating and celebrating art.

Nature Bible Camp

Our popular Nature Bible Camp returns June 16–18, 2026, at Branbury State Park, from 10:00 AM–3:00 PM each day. Open to rising K–8th grade children, this free camp offers fun, faith-filled outdoor adventures, Bible stories, recreation, arts and crafts, and hands-on nature exploration. Register here! 

Sponsored by Middlebury Congregational Church, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, and St. Mary’s Church.

Online Fellowship

Did you know that every week, a group of folks gathers for online fellowship after worship?

Online Fellowship is a wonderful way to stay connected when you are out and about, traveling, home sick, caring for a loved one, or otherwise unable to make it to church in person. It offers a simple way to keep seeing familiar faces, meeting new friends, and sharing in the life of our church community no matter where you are.

So brew yourself a cup of tea, pull up a cozy chair, and join us for conversation and connection with friends old and new. Whether you come every week or just once in a while, you are welcome.



Please note this coming week we will be using a NEW link for online fellowship:

Join with Google Meet:

meet.google.com/ceg-rggc-sxa

Join by phone:

‪(US) +1 541-671-5735‬ PIN: ‪401 387 850‬#

  • Join us for worship on Sunday!

    No matter who you are, no matter where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here. Worship and connect every Sunday at 10 a.m. in our historic sanctuary at 2 Main Street, Middlebury, Vermont.

    We also live-stream our services on Facebook and YouTube, and service videos are published on our website weekly.


  • Online Fellowship Hour

    There is online fellowship immediately following the Sunday worship service every week. Join us for a time of conversation and and joy! Come as you are from wherever you are! Connect with your online community for a few minutes and meet some friends. You might see Eliana, May, Jean, Hal, Christine, Victoria and others. It will be the same Zoom link every time.


    Join with Google Meet:

    meet.google.com/ceg-rggc-sxa

    Join by phone:

    ‪(US) +1 541-671-5735‬ PIN: ‪401 387 850‬#

  • MIDDWeek Morning Prayer

    Each Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. we have MIDDWeek Morning Prayer via Zoom. During this service, we share prayer concerns, meditate on scripture, and listen to centering music.

    Google Meet Link

    You can also call in at 929-436-2866, with meeting ID 865 4123 2698. All are welcome!

  • Community Supper--You’re Invited!

    Ways to Get Involved with Community Supper


    1) Volunteer as an individual Server

    Whether you can help once or become a regular, your time makes a real difference. The commitment is about 2 hours on a Friday, and the tasks are simple but essential—setting tables, serving food, and tidying up afterward. No experience needed. Sign up today!


    2) Volunteer or Sponsor a Meal as an Organization

    Are you connected with an organization that would like to sponsor a meal or organize a group to volunteer together? Community supper is truly a community-wide effort, and your organization can make a huge impact while also strengthening your team and having fun. Email office@midducc.org and we will make sure to connect you with the community supper team!


    3) Show up to a Friday night meal

    Community Supper is not JUST about a free meal—it’s about sharing stories, building connections, and creating a space where neighbors become friends. Simply by showing up, you can contribute a great deal to making this a welcoming community for everyone at the table. Pull up a chair and join us, every Friday evening at 5 p.m. in Fellowship Hall.