Representatives of the Diocese of Vermont’s 48 congregations came forward at the diocesan convention Eucharist on November 3, to present a special “global reconciliation offering” that totaled $34,120 to Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori.

Vermont Bishop Thomas Ely had invited congregations to take up the special offering on the Sunday prior to the convention in celebration of the diocese’s 175th anniversary convention and its theme, “What ONE Can Do: Changing the World,” and in honor of the presiding bishop’s presence at the convention. The offering has been given to Episcopal Relief and Development and designated for the Millennium Development Goals Inspiration Fund.

The MDG Inspiration Fund is a new partnership between Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD), Jubilee Ministries, and the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church to raise $3 million to fight malaria and other preventable diseases. An initial $1 million has been contributed by The Episcopal Church ($924,000) and other ERD donors as an inspiration to individuals, congregations and dioceses to contribute an additional $2 million by 2009. Though established early this year, a formal kick-off for the MDG Inspiration Fund took place at the Executive Council meeting in October. Two million dollars of the total will go to ERD’s Nets for Life Program. ERD will work in partnership with Jubilee Ministries to allocate the remaining $1 million for programs targeting global health issues.

“Nets for Life has really captured the imaginations of children and adults in this diocese,” said Margie Zabriskie, diocesan ERD co-coordinator. Her colleague, Kristin Wood, said, “I give great thanksgiving for the timely and generous outpouring of the churches of the Diocese of Vermont to the MDG Inspiration Fund. It was especially gratifying to be able to place our gifts directly in the basket held by the presiding bishop.”

The Reverend Canon Lee Alison Crawford, chair of the diocesan Global Reconciliation Committee and a member of Executive Council, said, "We are thrilled with the response and generosity of Vermont Episcopalians. We challenge other dioceses to hold similar in-gatherings. If each of us contributes, we can help ERD attain their goal in no time at all."