# Grace Congregational UCC

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No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here.

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://gracechurchvt.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Hello world!](https://gracechurchvt.org/hello-world/): Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start writing!

## Pages

- [Homepage](https://gracechurchvt.org/): Welcome to Grace Church! Grace Congregational UCC in Rutland, VTWorship with us Sundays at 8:30 am and 10 am. Learn More Worship With Us Worship Online via our YouTube page Whoever you are and wherever you are on life’s journey, YOU are invited to join us at Grace Church! New to Grace Church? Learn more
- [Join Our Team](https://gracechurchvt.org/join-our-team/): Current Openings Contact us today. Part-Time Facilities Maintenance Staff Job Description: The Part-Time Facilities Maintenance Staff ensures that the church building, grounds, and facilities are safe, clean, and welcoming for parishioners, staff, covenant partners and visitors. This role focuses on routine upkeep, minor repairs, and event setups. Grace Congregational UCC is an Open and Affirming
- [Our Team](https://gracechurchvt.org/our-team/): Our Team Get to know our church leaders. Reverend Terry Hanley Pastoral Minister Born in what was then “Rutland Hospital,” baptized in the Federated Church of Castleton, and growing up in Bomoseen and Killington before graduating from the University of Vermont and Andover Newton Theological School, Reverend Tyrrell “Terry” Hanley has deep roots in Rutland
- [Biannual Composition Competition](https://gracechurchvt.org/biannual-composition-competition/): Biannual Composition Competition The Fourth Composition Competition (2026) Grace Congregational UCC in Rutland, Vermont, is pleased to announce its fourth Composition Competition to recognize and support a new work for large concert choir and classical chamber orchestra to be performed by the Rutland Area Chorus and orchestra in December, 2026. The contest is soliciting original
- [Giving](https://gracechurchvt.org/giving/): Giving to Grace Church Thank you for donating to our church. Donate Why Donate? Stewardship Sunday How Do I Give? What's Legacy Giving? 2024-2027 Capital Campaign Why donate? Without your support, it wouldn’t be possible to make a positive impact in our community through spreading the Gospel and missions outreach. Helpful Resources Online Giving Credit
- [Justice Action Task Force](https://gracechurchvt.org/justice-action-task-force/): Learn about how Grace Church is taking Action Steps for Justice.
- [Rutland Area Chorus](https://gracechurchvt.org/rutland-area-chorus/): Rutland Area Chorus Learn more about this community chorus The Rutland Area Chorus (RAC) The Rutland Area Chorus (RAC) is a large community choir that meets in December and May in Grace UCC’s Sanctuary to offer major choral works accompanied by an orchestra of professional musicians from the surrounding area. The RAC is known for
- [Ministries](https://gracechurchvt.org/ministries/): Grace is an active church that loves, ministers, supports, and cares for God’s creation.
- [I'm New](https://gracechurchvt.org/im-new/): I'm New Welcome to Grace Church Whoever you are and wherever you are on life’s journey, YOU are invited to join us at Grace Church! We are an Open and Affirming Congregation of the United Church of Christ and we welcome all people without regard to age, race, economic condition, disability, or sexual orientation. Our
- [Building Use](https://gracechurchvt.org/building-use/): Grace Church offers a variety of spaces to hold many different types of events and gatherings, including weddings, funerals and memorial services, special events, concerts, parties, and meetings.
- [The Grace Church Memorial Garden](https://gracechurchvt.org/the-grace-church-memorial-garden/): The Grace Church Memorial Gardenas of April 2026 Pel Buth Harry Ernest Whitford, Jr. Jeanne Lucille Rodgers Robert John Bennett Marilyn Jean Cochran Marion Sloan Loveland Ida H. Wright Frederic Morton Greenwood Laura Stearns Greenwood Paul Lewis Kerns Joan Wilder Gannon Dean Michael Butler Southard Meredith Clarke Ellis Whitman Linda Kay Orr Betsyjune Odell Bennett
- [About Us](https://gracechurchvt.org/about-us/): About Us Learn more about our church and its history. What We Believe Whoever you are and wherever you are on life’s journey, YOU are invited to join us at Grace Church! We are an Open and Affirming Congregation of the United Church of Christ and we welcome all people without regard to age, race,
- [Worship & Music](https://gracechurchvt.org/worship-ministries/): Worship & Music Visit us - Let us Welcome you. New To UCC? View FAQs about your first visit. Learn more Calendar Upcoming Events at Grace. Events Our Worship Services Worship with us every Sunday 8:30 am: Chapel / 10 am: Sanctuary 8 Court Street, Rutland, VT 05701 Worship Online on our YouTube page Our
- [The History of Grace Church at 225 years](https://gracechurchvt.org/the-history-of-grace-church-at-225-years/): The history of Grace Church begins its founding in 1788 by a small varied group of early settlers in Rutland’s East Parish.
- [Pipe Organ](https://gracechurchvt.org/pipe-organ/)
- [Contact Us](https://gracechurchvt.org/contact-us/): We would love to hear from you. Feel free to contact us at any time.

## News Listings

- [Over 100 people attended our August “Who Dunn It?’ Dinner](https://gracechurchvt.org/news-listings/over-100-people-attended-our-august-who-dunn-it-dinner/): Some of the Music Ministry chefs. On August 29 the Fellowship Hall was packed with over 100 people in attendance for our Mystery Theatre Dinner, hosted by the Music Committee. Money raised from ticket sales, the “dead body” raffle and takeout dinners benefited the Grace Church Music Ministry. A special thank you to all that
- [August 2026 Pastor’s Letter](https://gracechurchvt.org/news-listings/august-2026-pastors-letter/): Last night, Bonnie and I sat “outside the rail” as citizen-spectators at the meeting of our Rutland City Board of Aldermen on the 2nd floor of City Hall — it is generally held on the first and third Mondays of each month at 7 pm. There was a lot going on in the meeting; I
- [Oct. 18 - Organ Concert](https://gracechurchvt.org/news-listings/oct-18-organ-concert/): Organ Concert at The First Congregational Church of Manchester Sunday, Oct. 18 at 4 pm Alastair Stout will be playing music by Bach, Howells, Barber, and Bruhns on The First Congregational Church of Manchester’s newly renovated organ. Located at 3624 Main Street, Manchester Village, VT 05254. Freewill offering.
- [June 2026 Pastor's Letter](https://gracechurchvt.org/news-listings/june-2026-pastors-letter/): June 28th will be Open and Affirming Sunday, a day when the United Church of Christ is invited to remember who we are. As people of God and disciples of the Risen Christ, we are worshiping God who sets the captives free and we are followers of Jesus who constantly affirms and ministers to people
- [May 2026 Pastor’s Letter](https://gracechurchvt.org/news-listings/may-2026-pastors-letter/): FROM THE PASTORAL MINISTER -- May 1, 2026 On March 7, five of us from Grace attended a “Church Vitality Event” at a UCC church in Williston, where a wise and experienced church-growth coach, the Reverend Paul Nickerson, shared insights from national research on patterns and practices of congregational life in the 21st century. Reverend
- [RUTLAND NEIGHBORS — Ellie awarded “Elks Distinguished Citizenship Award”](https://gracechurchvt.org/news-listings/rutland-neighbors-ellie-awarded-elks-distinguished-citizenship-award/): The Citizen of the Year Award recognizes an individual whose tireless dedication and compassionate leadership have made a lasting impact on the Rutland community. This honor celebrates not only outstanding service but also the spirit of kindness and hope that strengthens our neighborhood. This year’s recipient exemplifies these qualities through unwavering commitment to helping others
- [April 2026 Pastor's Letter](https://gracechurchvt.org/news-listings/april-2026-pastors-letter/): Prayerful Action Rather Than Learned Helplessness “...Yeah, but what can we do?” How often in these “tumultuous days” have you asked or been asked this question? We are at constant risk of untenable stress levels. We feel it in our body, our mind, our spirit. Social scientists and psychologists have all kinds of theories and
- [March 2026 Pastor's Letter](https://gracechurchvt.org/news-listings/march-2026-pastors-letter/): On the night of March 20, I hope to be sleeping outdoors. And it's not training for my Long Trail hike. Well, maybe it is, but the main reason is for our 1st Annual Rutland Neighbors’ (formerly Companions in Wholeness) Winter Sleep Out! Rutland Neighbors, you will remember, is the group of which Grace is
- [Join us for the Season of Lent](https://gracechurchvt.org/news-listings/join-us-for-the-season-of-lent/): ☆ Tuesday, February 17 — Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper at 5:30 pm, Fellowship Hall ☆ Wednesday, February 18 — Ash Wednesday Chapel Worship Service with Imposition of Ashes at 4:30 pm ☆ Sunday, February 22 — Lent 1 Worship Services at 8:30 am and 10 am with guest minister Rev. Kurt Shaffert ☆ Sunday, March 1 — Lent 2
- [The Fourth Composition Competition (2026)](https://gracechurchvt.org/news-listings/the-fourth-composition-competition-2026/): Grace Congregational UCC in Rutland, Vermont, is pleased to announce its fourth Composition Competition to recognize and support a new work for large concert choir and classical chamber orchestra to be performed by the Rutland Area Chorus and orchestra in December, 2026. The contest is soliciting original unpublished compositions of settings of Advent or Christmas
- [2025 Advent at Grace Church](https://gracechurchvt.org/news-listings/2025-advent-at-grace-church/): Sunday, Nov. 30 — Hope: 1st Sunday of Advent Food Shelf Sunday; CARE Fund Offering for Rutland Neighbors New Date: Thursday, Dec 4 — Christmas Decorating Day Begins at 8:30 am in the Sanctuary Sign up sheet available during Hospitality Time and in the Church Office Sunday, Dec. 7 — Peace: 2nd Sunday of Advent
- [In the News: Rutland Herald](https://gracechurchvt.org/news-listings/in-the-news-rutland-herald/): George Frederic Handel’s ‘Messiah’: Tavener’s “God is With Us’ to add to the drama by Jim Lowe, staff writer "Alastair Stout is always looking to the dramatic. Minister of music at Rutland’s Grace Congregational Church since 2017, he is introducing this year’s “Messiah” performances with John Tavener’s “God is With Us: A Christmas Proclamation” —
- [Music Review: Rutland Herald](https://gracechurchvt.org/news-listings/music-review-rutland-herald/): Music Review Grace Church’s ‘Messiah’ grows deeper and more powerful By Jim Lowe, staff writer "For over 70 years, Grace Congregational Church’s annual “Messiah” presentations have celebrated the joy and spirituality of humanity. But more and more, under the direction of Alastair Stout, these performances of the Handel masterpiece have achieved a musical depth with
- [In the News: Rutland Magazine Winter 2025](https://gracechurchvt.org/news-listings/in-the-news-rutland-magazine-winter-2025/): (Click magazine cover to open online flipbook) "Winter Music Resounds in Rutland" (pg. 84) by Sandra Stillman Gartner
- [In the News: Rutland Herald](https://gracechurchvt.org/news-listings/in-the-news-rutland-herald-2/): Rutland Neighbors to host talk with author Maureen Cavanagh to discuss addiction and recovery by Madelyn Nonni, for the Herald
- [In the News: Rutland Magazine Fall 2025](https://gracechurchvt.org/news-listings/in-the-news-rutland-magazine-fall-2025/): (Click magazine cover to open online flipbook) “Stewarding a Classic: Renovations at Grace Church” (pg. 54) by Paul Post
- [January 2026 Pastor’s Letter](https://gracechurchvt.org/news-listings/january-2026-pastors-letter/): Once again, it’s time to say to say thank you to our wonderful pastoral intern, Lynn Pilcher. We hope it’s not good bye! The second chapter of her intern work with Grace officially came to a finish at the calendar end of 2025, although she has graciously agreed to lead our Congregational Care Team training
- [November 2025 Pastor's Letter](https://gracechurchvt.org/news-listings/november-2025-pastors-letter/): In this season of highlighting our gratitude, I'm thankful for the Rutland County Interfaith Council, of which I am privileged to be a regular participant. We are a group of faith community servant-leaders who gather nearly every month for a couple of hours. Each of us is invited to bring our own lunch, and the
- [December 2025 Pastor’s Letter](https://gracechurchvt.org/news-listings/december-2025-pastors-letter/): "As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you...When you see this, your heart will rejoice; your entire being will flourish like grass." - Isaiah 66: 13a, 14a At some point, in some way that is beyond our normal comprehension, God made the decision to come and join human history, in the
- [Women's Ministries Rummage Sale](https://gracechurchvt.org/news-listings/womens-ministries-rummage-sale/): The members of Women's Ministries (and friends) had worked tirelessly this week to sort all of the donations to the Fall Rummage Sale. Our Fellowship Hall and Conference Room were packed full of household items, furniture, clothing, small appliances, linens, home decor and children’s toys and game, all ready to be sold. The proceeds support
- [Care2Spare Event Success](https://gracechurchvt.org/news-listings/care2spare-event-success/): Care2Spare event was a grand success! Community members from every walk of life joined at Rutland Bowlerama to raise funds for Rutland Neighbors (formerly known as Companions In Wholeness). The 128 bowlers raised nearly $25,000, as of Sept. 19. What a fantastic job, everyone! Link to September 20-21, 2025 - Times Argus & Rutland Herald
- [2025 Mission Trip to Kenya](https://gracechurchvt.org/news-listings/1298/): To our beloved Grace Family: Hello and "Jambo" from Nyahururu, Kenya, East Africa! We miss you more than pizza and we are thinking of you even more than we are thinking of clean clothes. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to everyone for joining together to send us to Rapha Secondary School and

## Event Listings

- ['Sounding Joy' Benefit Concert](https://gracechurchvt.org/event-listings/sounding-joy-benefit-concert/): Grace Church Choirs and local musicians will offer a concert in aid of Habitat for Humanity of Rutland County Vermont. The concert will include music by Gwyneth Walker, Saint-Saens, John Dowland, Jacob Narverud and Brian Tate performed by Ryan Mangan, Alexis Scangas, Josh Bowen, Fred Lemmons, Heather Masterton Grace Church Sanctuary Choir and the Sounding
- [B2R Dance-a-thon](https://gracechurchvt.org/event-listings/b2r-dance-a-thon/): CARE TO DANCE? Plan to come to the Grace Church Fellowship Hall on Saturday, October 3, 2026 from 1 to 5 pm for an afternoon of fun! Help support this Bridge to Rutland Fundraiser. We have three to four live bands, a basket of local art and goodies to raffle. More details to come! Sign up
- [Welcome Home Sunday](https://gracechurchvt.org/event-listings/welcome-home-sunday/): “Welcome Home!” Warm words that stir the heart with feelings of comfort and relief. In September, we celebrate a change of season and the return to our more structured rhythms. On September 13th, we celebrate with choir, brass and timpani at our 10 am Sanctuary service. We will also share a liturgy of covenant renewal,
- [Champlain Philharmonic Orchestra Fall Concert](https://gracechurchvt.org/event-listings/champlain-philharmonic-orchestra-fall-concert/): The Champlain Philharmonic Orchestra is directed by Matt LaRocca. Program: Mississippi Suite - Ferde Grofé Cloud Palace - Katya Mueller, VT Composer Five Bagatelles, Op. 23 - Gerald Finzi (arr. L. Ashmore for clarinet and orchestra) with Margaret Barsumian, clarinet Enigma Variations, Op. 36 - Edward Elgar ​ Tickets are available online in advance or
- [Harvest Dinner](https://gracechurchvt.org/event-listings/harvest-dinner/): Join us to share a meal, laughter, and heartfelt moments of gratitude. ***Tickets will be available mid-September. You may purchase tickets ($15/each) in the Fellowship Hall after worship or in the Church Office during normal office hours. * Last day to purchase is Sunday, Nov. 8! Meals includes: turkey, dressing, gravy, mashed potatoes, squash, cranberry
- [Taste and See Informational Luncheon](https://gracechurchvt.org/event-listings/taste-and-see-informational-luncheon/): Interested in Becoming a Member of Grace? If you are new to Grace Church you may be taking some time getting to know our community of faith before deciding whether to become a member. We hold informational luncheons each quarter for anyone who is interested. Reach out to the minister or the Church Office if
- [Game Night](https://gracechurchvt.org/event-listings/1588/): All adults are welcome to join us every 4th Tuesday of the month for some fun and friendly competition. in the Parlor. Feel free to bring a favorite game to share with others. There are a few snacks provided. No RSVP. (Enter through West Street portico entrance and ring the “Church Office” doorbell.)
- [Care2Spare](https://gracechurchvt.org/event-listings/care2spare/): 2026 Bowling Fundraiser Strike Up Hope. Spare a Life. A fun-filled day of bowling, food, prizes and community spirit -- all to support Rutland Neighbors and our mission to share meals, connect hears and create hope. How do I get involved? Register a team: Gather your friends, coworkers or family and hit the lanes! Join
- [G.F. Handel's Messiah](https://gracechurchvt.org/event-listings/g-f-handels-messiah/): The Rutland Area Chorus will be presenting G.F. Handel’s 'Messiah' and the world premiere of the 4th Composition Competition winning work on Dec. 13, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. and 7 pm. No tickets required; seating is first come, first served. All are welcome! Thank you for your support! A freewill offering will be accepted.
- [Celebration of Lives](https://gracechurchvt.org/event-listings/1628/): The Grace Church Sanctuary Choir and the VTSU Castleton University Chorale will celebrate the lives of those who have died this past year through poetry and music, including ‘Little Organ Mass’ by Joseph Haydn.
- [A Hollywood Halloween Candlelight Experience](https://gracechurchvt.org/event-listings/lumos-experience-hollywood-halloween/): Two Showings: 6 pm and 8 pm LUMOS Experience string trio will be getting us ready for Rutland’s upcoming Halloween Parade, one of the largest and longest running Halloween parades in the U.S. The trio will be playing music from a variety of Hollywood Halloween-themed hits while surrounded by 2,000 candles (LED) in our 19th
- [Onion River Jazz Band](https://gracechurchvt.org/event-listings/onion-river-jazz-band/): Get your toes tapping with Onion River Jazz Band and the Sanctuary Choir during the 10 am service.
- [Women's Circle](https://gracechurchvt.org/event-listings/womens-circle-2/): Women’s Circle meets the first Saturday of the month in the Parlor for a time to relax, connect and get to know each other better. Drop in anytime for a few minutes or stay the whole two hours. Come as you are. There will be coffee!
- [Men o' Grace](https://gracechurchvt.org/event-listings/men-o-grace/): Males over the age of 17 are invited to join us in the Lounge for Men o’ Grace Group. Come as you are, no homework, yes acceptance and support. Come through the Little Lambs door, the door on the left as you face the church from the West Street parking lot. Please enter the first
- [Women's Retreat](https://gracechurchvt.org/event-listings/womens-circle/): Keynote Speaker: Pastor Michelle Fountain, The United Church in Ludlow Relaxation / silent time Gentle movement Group Prayer Time for creative expression Music and Poetry Dinner and Breakfast together Accommodations are available at The Brandon Inn, 20 Park Street, Brandon, VT Commuters welcome. Interested? Contact the Church Office
- [Fall Rummage Sale](https://gracechurchvt.org/event-listings/fall-rummage-sale/): Friday, Nov. 6 (5pm to 8 pm) Saturday, Nov. 7 (9 am to noon) Bag sale and 1/2 price sale Sunday, Nov. 8 (11 am to 1 pm) Sip and Browse Our Fellowship Hall is packed full of household items, clothing, small appliances, linens, and children’s toys and games. Visit the Boutique for jewelry and home
- [Fall Blood Drive](https://gracechurchvt.org/event-listings/blood-drive-3/): Sign up today! To make an appointment, please visit RedCrossBlood.org (Sponsor code: GraceCong) or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1.800.733.2767). Walk-Ins? We certainly do allow walk-ins. Depending on how many appointments are scheduled at that time, there may be a brief wait, but the staff will be able to give you an approximate wait time when you arrive.

## Categories

- [Uncategorized](https://gracechurchvt.org/category/uncategorized/)

## News Category

- [Community Stories](https://gracechurchvt.org/news-category/community-stories/)
- [Updates](https://gracechurchvt.org/news-category/updates/)
- [Pastor's Letter](https://gracechurchvt.org/news-category/pastors-letter/)
- [Music Ministry](https://gracechurchvt.org/news-category/music-ministry/)

## Events Category

- [Featured Event](https://gracechurchvt.org/events-category/featured-event/)
- [Musical Event](https://gracechurchvt.org/events-category/musical-event/)
- [Women's Ministries](https://gracechurchvt.org/events-category/womens-ministries/)
- [Children and Youth](https://gracechurchvt.org/events-category/children-and-youth/)
- [Adult Ministry](https://gracechurchvt.org/events-category/adult-ministry/)
- [Music Ministry](https://gracechurchvt.org/events-category/music-ministry/)
- [Worship](https://gracechurchvt.org/events-category/worship/)
- [Community Event](https://gracechurchvt.org/events-category/community-event/)