Faith in Vermont

Hi! We're Sally May and Josh Simon. According to Pew Forum public opinion data, Vermont is considered to be one of the least religious states in the union, and yet we've found ourselves enthusiastically serving congregations in Vermont. We're also progressives (even if we don't always get it right). This podcast showcases that in Vermont there are religious people (there really are) and who are dedicated to social, economic, and climate justice. Not everyone we interview identifies as a progressive Christian, but we do, and we still want their voices heard, too.

Introducing: Revs Sally May and Josh Simon

Episode 1: Join Sally May and Josh Simon to hear their journeys of faith to ordained ministry. We share some of our own ideas. 

12-27
43:20

Young People and Progressive Christianity

Episode 2: Join Sally and Josh as they have conversation with two youth from the church Josh serves. The two speak about their reasons for deciding to be confirmed into the faith, how their faith has impacted their lives, and how the church can be more inclusive and progressive. 

12-27
41:57

Dismantling Racism in Vermont

Episode 3: Join Sally and Josh in a conversation with the Rev Drs. Arnold Thomas and Lise Sparrow on dismantling racism and the role of the church in helping dismantling it.     

12-27
57:30

Climate Change and the Role of the Church.

Episode 4: Join Sally and Josh for a conversation with Betsy Hardy and Rev. Richard Hibbert from Vermont Interfaith Power and Light. How might climate change impact Vermont? How might churches in Vermont tackle climate change? 

12-27
55:52

Faith in Vermont: A Conversation with Marita from the Migrant Justice Center

Episode 5: Sally and I recorded a conversation with Marita from the Migrant Justice Center. Our conversation ranges several topics that are germane to migrants in the USA and in Vermont specifically. We talked about some some of the reasons why migrants come to the United States and Vermont, how Migrant Justice is working to support students especially students of color with organizing, and discussed Migrant Justice's lawsuit.    *We are still working with improving our audio quality for future podcast; however, the content, we're proud to lift up these conversations. 

01-24
46:12

What in God’s Name is Happening in Vermont?

Episode 6 (mini): The Vermont Conference of the UCC held its Annual Meeting, April 26-27, 2019. Following the theme of the Annual Meeting "What in God's Name is Happening in Vermont?" Faith in Vermont asked participants, “what is happening in their churches.”

05-25
02:55

Conversations with LGBTQ Religious And Spiritual Leaders: Rev. Elisa Lucozzi

And we're back. Last year, Revs. Sally May and Josh Simon launched Faith in Vermont: What Progressive Christianity Sounds Like. This year, we've launched Faith in Vermont: Conversations with LGBTQ Religious and Spiritual Leaders. If you would like to have your voice heard, connect with us at jsimon@fccej.org.    Our first conversation in this series took place back in the Summer of 2019 with Rev. Elisa Lucozzi. Rev. Elisa is the pastor at United Community Church in St. Johnsbury, VT.    We'll post another episode next week. Stay tuned!    Sally and Josh

01-20
53:28

Conversations with LGBTQ Religious And Spiritual Leaders: Rev. Sarah Flynn

On this episode of Faith in Vermont: Conversations with LGBTQ Religious and Spiritual Leaders, we have Rev. Sarah Flynn. She is formally retired; however, she is an active community member.    Enjoy this week's episode! 

01-29
57:06

Conversations with LGBTQ Religious and Spiritual Leaders: Rev. Laura C. Engelken

Rev. Laura C. Engelken is the Coordinator of the UVM Interfaith Center. She is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ.    Join us for another fantastic conversation.    Josh and Sally

02-07
01:09:28

Conversations with LGBTQ Religious And Spiritual Leaders: Rev. Josh Simon

In this episode, Sally interviews Pastor Josh on his experience coming out and being a pastor who is gay and how he understands Jesus to be. He serves as associate pastor at First Congregational church of Essex Junction.    Next week, we'll have a conversation with Cantor Steve...more information next week.    Blessings,    Sally and Josh

03-07
50:00

Conversations with LGBTQ Religious And Spiritual Leaders: Cantor Steve

Join us for another Faith in Vermont: Conversations with LGBTQ Religious and Spiritual Leaders. Cantor Steve from Ohavi Zedek joins us for a conversation on being an LGBTQ cantor    Sally and Josh

03-25
55:52

Campaigning for Political Office--Brenda Siegel and Debbie Ingram

Revs. Sally May and Josh Simon interviewed Brenda Siegel and State Senator Debbie Ingram; both campaigned for Vermont's Lt Governor in the 2020 Democratic Primary.   This conversation is part of a series on how a person's faith (in other words, their values) influences their reasons for seeking public office and what motivates them in their decision-making process as elected leaders.  The conversations focused less on policy and more on motivations and the decision-making process. Our hope is these conversations will lead to understanding where candidates and elected leaders are coming from, even if we disagree with their policy approaches. When we understand each other's motivations and hopes, we better understand the very humanity of those with whom we disagree. 

12-23
01:21:30

Campaigning for Political Office: Joe Benning

Revs. Sally May and Josh Simon interviewed State Senator Joe Benning, at the time of the recorded conversation, he was the Minority Leader in the Vermont State Senate.    This conversation is part of a series on how a person's faith (in other words, their values) influences their reasons for seeking public office and what motivates them in their decision-making process as elected leaders.  The conversations focused less on policy and more on motivations and the decision-making process. Our hope is these conversations will lead to understanding where candidates and elected leaders are coming from, even if we disagree with their policy approaches. When we understand each other's motivations and hopes, we better understand the very humanity of those with whom we disagree. 

12-23
01:00:15

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