​FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
APRIL 27, 2024
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Rev. David Arruda
Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
[email protected]
[email protected]
508-207-3117
978-682-7676
Rev. Jay Voorhees
[email protected]
615-310-6530
United Methodists Invest in Montpelier Church and Community
[Montpelier, VT] One year ago, the Trinity United Methodist Church in Montpelier, VT was awash in activity. Taking
seriously the call to love their neighbors, Trinity had a heart for those who struggled to make ends meet – the poor, the
homeless, and anyone who was struggling and in need. The church hosted Montpelier’s Food Shelf and a weekly meal to
help those who were food insecure, and they operated a “pay as you can” thrift store for those with limited incomes.
And then the rains came . . .
Like many businesses, churches, and homes in downtown Montpelier, the church on Main Street was in the middle of the
raging rivers that overwhelmed the city. The church basement that housed the services they offered was underwater. As
the waters receded it became clear that the work of recovery – both for the church and the surrounding community –
would require leadership with a unique set of skills.
This past February, Bishop Peggy Johnson, leader of the New England Annual Conference of the United Methodist
Church, appointed Rev. David Arruda as the interim pastor at Trinity. A native New Englander, Arruda had a successful
career in business before he sensed a calling to ministry. In addition to pastoring a church in Massachusetts, Arruda also
serves as Disaster Response Coordinator for the New England Conference and is responsible for all the denomination’s
assistance throughout the region.
“Despite the considerable devastation caused by the flooding at Trinity UMC and throughout the state, the resilience and
fortitude of the people is truly remarkable,” said Arruda. “The art of disaster recovery lies in envisioning a future beyond
the current state of affairs and igniting a spark of hope. By extending a helping hand, offering direction and providing
hope, we can ensure that Trinity and all of Vermont are not merely restored to their former state but rather are elevated to
their full potential.”
Arruda quickly established a presence in the area and helped the Trinity Church to assess the damage and begin thinking
about the congregation’s future. Currently, the congregation is limited in what space is available to them, and there are
ongoing evaluations regarding how much of the existing building can be restored.
While Arruda’s appointment addressed the immediate crisis needs, it was also clear that Trinity and Montpelier needed
someone with experience in crisis management and services with the poor and marginalized for the longer term. Recently,
Bishop Johnson announced her intention to appoint Rev. Jay Voorhees from Nashville, TN as the pastor at Trinity, along
with the Grace UMC in Plainfield and the Northfield United Methodist Parish in Northfield.
In 2010, Voorhees led a congregation in a community severely affected by flooding throughout Nashville. In working to
help his neighbors, he partnered with others to found Southeast Nashville Flood Recovery which coordinated the work of
hundreds of volunteers and repaired over 300 homes. Voorhees’s current church, City Road Chapel, has worked to address
the needs of the large population of those experiencing homelessness in their community, operating a homeless resource
center, residential transitional living programs for individuals and families, and a monthly free dinner for the community.
​
“United Methodists have been engaged in faithful acts of justice and mercy in Montpelier for over 200 years,” said Rev.
Jill Colley Robinson, the Green Mountain District Superintendent. “The Trinity Church is a landmark of love for all
people in the community. Knowing that expressions of this church’s care are needed now more than ever in the wake of
the floods of 2023, we place our trust in Pastors Arruda and Voorhees to bring their passions, their expertise, and their
unique skills to the recovery work that is happening now and the ministry that will be needed in the future.”
Voorhees recognizes the challenges ahead. “Of course, I have a lot to learn about life in Vermont and I’m excited about
coming to such an amazing place,” he said.” “Churches and the broader community were still in the throes of recovering
from a pandemic, and having a disaster like the one here adds to the struggle. Recovery doesn’t happen quickly, but when
we come together, I’m always amazed at the new life that arises from the ashes.”
Voorhees will become the pastor on July 1, but Arruda isn’t going away. He will continue to offer leadership in flood
recovery throughout the region and was recently selected to be the project manager for recovery efforts in the Northeast
Kingdom.
For more information on Trinity United Methodist Church, visit https://www.trinityvt.org/

                                                                The photo taken by Chrystal Crane
On July 18th, Our episcopal leader Bishop Rev. Peggy Johnson and Vermont District Superintendent Rev. Jill Colley Robinson visited Trinity Church to listen to what happened to the church and see the church's basement. They expressed the words of comfort and promised to support Trinity church in a conference level. Trinity Church appreciates the Bishop's visit and her episcopal leadership.  ​

On July 16th, Trinity Church had a lot of volunteers from many places. We are very grateful to those who came to the church and cleaned the church's basement. A lot of supports from volunteers made Trinity Church feel comforted and blessed. 

Thanks all who came to the church and helped on July 16th Sunday! 

On July 11th, Montpelier area got flooded from rain storms. As a result, the church's basement was also flooded. This flood left significant damages in Montpelier and a few places in Vermont.
Please pray for people and local businesses that affected by the flood. Also, please pray for Trinity UMC Montpelier's recovery. 

CENTRAL VERMONT HUB KIT PARTY 
Saturday, May 21, 9AM to NOON or when finished  
Trinity UMC (137 Main Street, Montplelier, VT) Fellowship Hall ​

Items in need:  

• At least 72 Hand Towels - (15 x 25 or 17 x 27 inches) No kitchen, cleaning or microfiber towels
• At least 55 combs:  Must be sturdy with at least 6 inches of teeth; No pocket combs or picks; Rattail and combs without handles are ok, but must have 6 inches of teeth
• At least 28 fingernail or toenail clippers: No emery boards or metal nail files
• At least 31 bars of bath size soap (3 oz bar or larger): No Ivory or Jergen’s soap - Do not remove from packaging
• At least 250 adhesive bandages (3/4 by 3 inches)

 
We have sufficient supplies of the other normal items.
 
We have enough supplies to assemble a dozen or so School Kits, except we need 15 packages of loose-leaf paper - 100 - 200 page packets are ok; Wide or college rule are accepted
 
Items can be delivered during church office hours which are Tuesdays and Fridays from 10:00am to 12:30pm. Donations will also be accepted on Sunday mornings at church.

On May 1, 2022, TUMC joined others in the United Methodist Church to celebrate Native American Ministries Sunday. Here's the video mentioned during Rev. Jill Colley Robinson's sermon, put together by the Conference Committee on Native American Ministry (CONAM).

​Watch the video and wear RED on May 5th to honor Missing or Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. 

NAMS Special Offering link: ResourceUMC.org/SSGive