25 Nations Represented at SIT Evening in Newfane

For the third year, the church hosted an evening in Vermont for women and men participating in the “Summer Peace Building Program: Conflict Transformation across Cultures” at the School for International Training. They represented 25 countries and many cultures.

The evening began in the historic Windham County Court House where Side Judge Maryann Clarkson spoke about the Vermont judicial system.

The participants did a walking tour of the village, visiting several of the local businesses and the library.

Then they came to the Newfane Church where church members and friends were waiting with a good old-fashioned church potluck dinner and conversation around the tables.


After dinner, Chris guided the group through introductions, then spoke about the history of the church, church and state in Vermont, and the community service of the church. As Town Moderator, he also spoke about democracy in Vermont and citizen participation in town affairs.

Newfane's State Representative Dick Marek talked about state government and issues which Vermont faces. Chris and Dick together took questions and reflected on civility and order in public life.

The Newfane Bell Choir played "Let There Be Peace on Earth" and the entire group joined in singing.

Chris concluded the evening by extending Newfane's hope that all of us might know peace in our time and our place, and - whatever the name we may use - God's blessing .