2011 Hope and Connections Community Lunch (November 8--12 PM to 3 PM)

The Bennington College Mediation Clinic (BCMC) will sponsor the 2011 Hope and Connections Community Lunch on Tuesday, Nov. 8, from 12:00-3:00 p.m., at the First Baptist Church (601 Main St., Bennington). The event is free and open to the public.

The goals of the Hope and Connections Community Lunch are to facilitate connections between people seeking services and the community organizations that provide them, to promote dialogue and connections among service providers, and to share a meal.

Following the free lunch, people may visit with representatives from participating organizations to discuss assistance with fuel, food, housing, mental health, mediation, and more. Representatives will also have the opportunity to converse with colleagues from other organizations. Bennington College students committed to supporting community dialogue will be available to help attendees navigate the event and make meaningful connections.

Representatives from the following organizations and agencies will be participating:

• Agency of Human Services
• Bennington College Mediation Clinic
• Greater Bennington Interfaith Community Services, Inc.
• BROC – Community Action in Southwestern Vermont
• Department of Children and Families
• The Center for Restorative Justice
• Greater Bennington Food and Fuel Fund
• United Counseling Service
• Sunrise Family Resource Center

For more information, contact BCMC administrator Amy Kuzmicki at 802-440-4344; or BCMC director Peter Pagnucco at 802-362-0999.

A Service of Baptism To Be Celebrated Sunday, October 16, 2011

The First Baptist Church of Bennington, VT, will observe a service of Christian baptism on Sunday, October 16, 2011 at 9:30 AM.  The congregation celebrates the baptism of Christopher Redding, a high school student and son of Paul and Tarah Redding of Bennington.  All are welcome to worship.

For Christians, baptism is a sacred ritual following the example set by Jesus and the early Christians.  Among Baptists, baptism signifies the acceptance of the Christian message by the person requesting to be baptized.  Baptists are so named due to their historic commitment to baptism occurring by the full immersion of the person to be baptized.  After the service, the minister will be available to explain more about baptism and the faith journey that leads to this day in the life of a follower of Christ.

The First Baptist Church of Bennington, Vermont, is located at 601 Main Street in downtown Bennington.  Endeavoring to be "a place for healing, community involvement, and spiritual grounding", the congregation is involved in community and interfaith partnerships to strengthen and support our local community.  To learn more, visit www.fbcbennington.org or contact the office via 802/442-2105 or fboffice@sover.net.  The Rev. Jerrod H. Hugenot serves as Coordinating Minister.

Fall Tag Sale (October 7-8)

The First Baptist Church of Bennington, Vermont, announces a Fall Tag Sale on Friday and Saturday, October 7 and 8, 2011.  The tag sale features a wide variety of items (fall and winter clothing, household goods, children’s toys, books, etc.).  The tag sale will be held on Friday, October 7 from 10 AM to 3 PM, and Saturday, October 8, from 10 AM to 1 PM.   All proceeds benefit the work of the American Baptist Women’s Ministries.  

Donations of clean, useable clothing and items are welcome. Drop-offs will be received weekdays (9 AM to 3 PM) at First Baptist until Monday, October 3, 2011.  For more information, please contact the church office at 802/442-2105 or fboffice@sover.net.

First Baptist is located at 601 Main Street in downtown Bennington, VT.  To learn more about First Baptist and its mission to be “A place for healing, community involvement, and spiritual grounding”, visit www.fbcbennington.org.  Worship services are held Sundays at 9:30 A.M.

POST-FLOOD DONATION SITE ESTABLISHED

The Interfaith Food & Fuel Fund will begin adjusting its hours and services through its Flood Relief center, as more federal and state resources come into place in Bennington (i.e. FEMA).  The Flood Relief Center can be contacted via  site coordinator Jon Christian at 802/379-5998.  Greater Bennington Interfaith Community Services, Inc., (aka GBICS) oversees the Food & Fuel Fund, the Bennington Free Clinic, and The Kitchen Cupboard.  To contact GBICS, call 802/379-0149.

Until further notice, the Interfaith Food & Fuel Fund is receiving financial contributions for post-flood needs, short-term and long-term.  Please mark contributions “Flood Help” and send them to Food & Fuel Fund, 107 Adams Street, Bennington, VT.  The Interfaith Food & Fuel Fund is a program of Greater Bennington Interfaith Community Services, Inc.  The GBICS programs include the Bennington Free Clinic and The Kitchen Cupboard.  To contact GBICS programs, please contact 802/379-0149.   GBICS thanks Cone Realty and AT&T Wireless for their invaluable support of this effort.

First Baptist offers Non-Profit Exhibitor space at Mayfest 2011

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FIRST BAPTIST, BENNINGTON, OFFERS NON-PROFIT BOOTH SPACES FOR MAYFEST (May 28, 2011)

The First Baptist Church of Bennington, VT, invites area non-profit organizations to share lawn space during the Mayfest 2011 festivities on Saturday, May 28, 2011.   For a $50 fee, each non-profit organization will have a space on the front lawn of First Baptist, right along  Main Street, allowing organizations to interact with thousands of persons coming to Bennington to take in the wonderful street fair filled with artisans, crafters, and other vendors. 

Lawn space is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.  Available space is limited.  To reserve space, you must contact the church office in advance at 802-442-2105 or email  fboffice@sover.net.  Each lawn space can accommodate up to 16” of table space. Organizations are responsible for their own tables, awnings, etc., unless prior written arrangement has been made with First Baptist. Non-profits are encouraged to be set-up on the lawn by 10 AM that day.   The day use fee of $50 is non-refundable, including weather-related cancellations.

Please note:  The church does not allow organizations with political affiliations or promoting candidates to display on church grounds.  All non-profit groups must supply proof of their status as a 501c3 organization.  No individual or for-profit groups are allowed.

REGISTRATIONS OPEN NOW.  PLEASE CALL OR EMAIL FIRST BAPTIST TO SIGN UP!  802/442-2105 or fboffice@sover.net