We are now in the midst of "Eastertide" – the 50 days of the Easter season before the Holy Spirit-giving celebration of Pentecost that falls on May 19th this year. Be sure to join us at RCC then for a lively worship service led by the Sunday School children and the "Sunday School sub-group of the Christian Education Committee". Meanwhile we move through the hopeful, awakening time of the Easter Season at RCC, hearing the Gospel stories of Jesus’ appearing to the followers and finding ways to be Jesus’ followers in our day. We continue a witness for peace at RCC which was one of the counter-cultural values of the earliest Christian churches. In the UCC, we give serious thought and prayerful support to peacemaking and anti-violence efforts both at home, across the nation, and worldwide. So too we celebrate the all- welcoming invitation of the United Church of Christ (and cherish/imagine opportunities for friendship/connection with those of you and your friends and neighbors who may not join us for worship on a regular basis but who find "home" at RCC in others ways including helping to set up for/shopping at the semi-annual rummage sales or gathering for dinner each Friday at 5.

Your RCC Search Committee continues to seek input from you concerning the future leadership of the church. Your Church Council, has begun to study Diana Butler Bass’ challenging new book "Christianity After Religion: the End of Church and the Birth of a New Spiritual Awakening" and will be exploring ways to share what they learn from their reading/discussion with RCC folks. With my leadership, they will next explore an even more challenging book by Robin Meyers called "The Underground Church: Reclaiming the Subversive Way of Jesus". We chose these books because both authors have spoken/are speaking at Vermont Conference UCC events this spring. All are invited to "read along" with your church leaders – finding the book on your own or asking us to order one for you to purchase. Be prepared to be surprised, challenged, energized and/or excited by what these authors/books have to say about the future of the church. Meanwhile, please do continue to let me know of any concerns or pastor care needs that you or others may have. (Email at seekrvt@mac.com or call at 802-338-2756)

Blessed Eastertide and Pentecost. Rev. Marjorie MacNeill, Interim Pastor