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 continue 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. It is an honor!
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
Available by appointment: Tuesdays, 10–2pm and
Thursdays, 3–7pm
Please feel free to
contact me by calling 802-885-5563
or e-mailing at twhitfield@uuma.org
You can also read my
reflections on my web log at createpeacenow.blogspot.com
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