Remembering those we have loss...
#COVID-19 Memorial Service
To honor Vermonters lost to COVID-19 and to process our grief, Vermont Interfaith Action and faith communities across the state held a Memorial Service on Sunday, September 19th at 3:00 PM on the Vermont Statehouse Lawn. Find the agenda, ORCA recording and pictures below.
Video
Thank you ORCA Media for covering this important day.
Guestbook
~ Maida F. Townsend
~ Maida F. Townsend
~ Maida F. Townsend
"Thank you for doing this. We cannot forget."
~ Anonymous
~ Maida F. Townsend
~ Maida F. Townsend
"I have cared for 6 out of 9 people who have died from COVID-19 in Caledonia County. I hold each one in my heart, and promise to tend their memories as I did my best to attend to their bodies."
~ Fred Breunig
~ Maida F. Townsend
~ Fred Breunig
"In memory of my aunt Elizabeth "Betty" Breunig who lived in Hanover, NH when she died of COVID."
~ Anonymous
~ Lesley Murray, Williston
~ Fred Breunig
"Healing & Peace for all of you that have lost loved ones!!!"
~ Lesley Murray, Williston
~ Lesley Murray, Williston
~ Lesley Murray, Williston
To all of you who were not able to say goodbye in person and or couldn't celebrate your loved ones life with family and friends, I am profoundly sorry. I am here at the capitol to honor & celebrate your loved ones."
~ Suzanne Richman
~ Lesley Murray, Williston
~ Lesley Murray, Williston
<3
~ Kim
~ Daughter of the late Sandy Wooster
~ Anonymous
"David Oliver, my dad. We love and miss you. I know in your way you let me know you are still with me. I love and miss you."
~ Anonymous
~ Daughter of the late Sandy Wooster
~ Anonymous
"Lifting in Prayer All Those Who Have Died in the World."
~ Daughter of the late Sandy Wooster
~ Daughter of the late Sandy Wooster
~ Daughter of the late Sandy Wooster
"In memory of my mom Sandy Wooster. She is missed and love so much."
~ Bill Watson & Suzanne Welch
~ Bill Watson & Suzanne Welch
~ Daughter of the late Sandy Wooster
"For those who died and those who live with the loss."
~ Jessica Brumsted, Rep.
~ Bill Watson & Suzanne Welch
~ Jessica Brumsted, Rep.
"It is so important we not forget and I so appreciate your bringing us all together to remember."
~ Anonymous
~ Bill Watson & Suzanne Welch
~ Jessica Brumsted, Rep.
"David Oliver of S. Hero, VT was the love of my life who died of COVID in Bradenton, FL on Aug. 4th 2020. He was born in Burlington on Nov. 28th, 1943."
Photo Gallery
Father Julian Asucan from St. Augustine Catholic Church in Montpelier offering an opening prayer.
Program
Lighting of Memorial Candle and Introduction
C.J. King
Greetings
Lt. Governor Molly Gray
Opening Remarks
Vermont State Epidemiologist Dr. Patsy Kelso
Opening Prayer
Father Julian Asucan, St. Augustine Catholic Church, Montpelier
Reading from Psalm 139
Rabbi Amy Small, Ohavi Zedek Synagogue, Burlington
Reading from Islamic tradition
Rev. Earl Kooperkamp, Church of the Good Shepherd, Barre, on behalf of Vermont Islamic Center
Reading from Psalm 46
Rev. Susie Webster-Toleno, Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, Westminster West
Responsive Litany for Losses
Verdis Robinson, Unitarian Church of Montpelier
Adapted& used with permission: Marcia McFee ©www.worshipdesignstudio.com
Leader: We gather, mindful of the losses that have multiplied.
People: We mourn the loss of life.
Leader: We may be overwhelmed today by tragedies. Let us also be overwhelmed with the assurance that we are not alone.
People: We pray for comfort and peace.
Leader: For many, the pandemic has taken the security of food, shelter & income.
People: We pray for resources, for sustenance, and for resilience.
Leader: For many, this year has robbed us of energy, enthusiasm, and our sense of well-being. We honor and remember that each person is precious and whole.
People: We pray for recovery, compassion, and renewed vigor.
Leader: Our memorial candle reminds us of the light within each of us, perhaps dim for a time, but always lit–an ember of the Holy inside us.
People: The light reminds us that we are not alone.
Music
Rev. Carl Hilton VanOsdall, First Presbyterian Church of Barre and Christ Church, Presbyterian, Burlington
“Meet Me Here” by Marcia McFee and Chuck Bell, used with permission.
Meet me here, meet me in my (* wandering),
Meet me here, deep within my soul.
* Time of loss *Grief and hurt *Wilderness *Memories *Wandering
Reading of Names
Bell of Compassion - Buddhist minister Gary Keiser, Thosum Gephelling Inst.
Flower Wreaths: Emslie Florist, Barre
Postlude
"All the Diamonds" by Bruce Cockburn
Rev. Carl Hilton VanOsdall
**We also acknowledge and honor the traditions of the Abenaki, the original citizens of our community.**
Together We Give
Join VIA's statewide effort of organizing for social change in our criminal justice system, fighting for racial justice, and advocating for accessible and affordable housing.
In the month of November, VIA will hold our annual Together We Give. All monies raised during this month will be used to continue our organizing efforts in 2022.