Meet our Minister

Hi and welcome to First Universalist Parish or Old Stone Church, as it is known in Chester. I have the privilege of serving as the minister of a community that embodies caring in the many ways people treat each other and in the variety of ministry that happens here.

The first time I walked into the sanctuary, I was struck by the beautiful light coming in through the stained glass windows, and the formality of the pews, balanced with the relaxed atmosphere as I descended the wooden spiral stairs into the cozy social hall. This relationship between the formal and relaxed are signature qualities of this congregation.

The rich history of the Old Stone Church spans more than 160 years and is deeply rooted in the Universalist tradition, one that is dear to my heart. There is love woven into the walls of First Universalist Parish.

I was called to serve this congregation in May of 2006 and have begun my ministry here with eagerness and a sense of purpose. It is a collaborative effort to be part of a spiritual community, and to both lead and follow as we unfolds, learn and grow together.

Before coming to serve First Universalist Parish, I was the intern minister at the South Valley Unitarian Universalist Society in Salt Lake City, Utah and also served the Utah Valley U.U. congregation in Springville, Utah. A graduate of Starr King School for the Ministry in Berkeley, California, I received my Clinical Pastoral Education training at San Francisco General Hospital. Before entering the ministry, I was an arts presenter and organizer in Vermont, working for the Onion River Arts Council and the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts from 1995 - 2002.

I have been deeply inspired by choreographer Liz Lerman, environmental artist Andy Goldsworthy, and by the words of ancient and modern poets, theologians and writers. In my writing and preaching, I draw on the lives and revolutionary works of people throughout history who have struggled for justice in the religious and secular realms – Jesus, Martin Luther King, Jr., Gandhi, abolitionist Lydia Maria Child and others. I consider many texts to be sacred, including works by people I just mentioned. I find solace in the practices of Buddhism and my own movement meditation.

For me, taking long walks with my dear partner Craig on the back roads and paths; being near the ocean, poetry and plenty of time with family and friends uplift and inspire me. The land and people of Vermont are close to dear to my heart and I feel blessed to be home again.

I hope my ministry allows people to discover what they believe, feel at home and inspired by who they are and where they come from, and offer a chance to express themselves in whatever ways they feel inspired, be it words, movement, music or stories. I hope that First Universalist Parish offers people a spiritual home that nourishes and sustains.

What is required these days it seems is a growing faith, a willingness to be creative and vulnerable, and a good sense of humor. The congregation of First Universalist Parish embodies these qualities and is a community that would welcome your presence.

We hope to see you on a Sunday morning for worship services at 9:30am, and please stay for social hour following our service so that you can meet the people who are this congregation.

In Faith,
Telos Whitfield, Minister

 

Office hours: Tuesdays, 10–2pm and Thursdays, 3–7pm. I am also available on Wednesdays or by appointment. Please feel free to contact me by calling 802-869-2772 or e-mailing at twhitfield@uuma.org You can also read my reflections on my web log at createpeacenow.blogspot.com