ABOUT US

Following the teaching of Jesus, The Old Meeting House seeks to honor and love all people as our neighbors. Our congregation makes a public covenant of welcome to all for full participation in membership, mission, and ministry. As an Open and Affirming community church with strong denominational ties to the United Church of Christ, we welcome everyone - EVERYONE. (There’s no dress code, either. Come as you are.) Valuing our historic and current diversity, we strive to deepen our love for and understanding of God and all people. We are an energetic community of faith that draws members from throughout central Vermont. ​If you’re new to the Old Meeting House, here's an idea of what to expect on Sunday mornings.
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When you arrive

When you arrive at the Old Meeting House, you'll find an early nineteenth-century, white clapboard church in the center of a small community of houses built on the hilly fields which were once the farmlands of Montpelier settlers.

The driveway leads to a small parking lot at the edge of the woods beside the church and, aside from mud season, in the neighboring field; you may also park on the other side of the road. Accessible parking is available close to the ramp leading into the sanctuary. 

Across the yard from the church is the Parish House, a gray community building with two floors. Downstairs are the kitchen, the office of our pastor, Dave Schilling, and two gathering rooms. Just off the main gathering room is accessible lift to the second floor . There you'll find the nursery, Sunday school rooms, and the corner office of our church administrator, Sarah Hooker.  Restrooms are located on each floor. (There are no restrooms in the church.)  Beginning early Sunday morning, the place is abuzz with the choir rehearsing for the morning's service and folks preparing for coffee hour. While we welcome everyone to worship with us, very young children often prefer to gather in the nursery on the second floor of the Parish House, where childcare is available. Please feel free to begin your visit in the Parish House or head directly to church. ​

Whether you enter through the door at the end of the ramp or at the top of the steps, you'll find yourself in the narthex with two more doors right ahead of you. Enter through either one, but don’t climb the stairs to the choir loft. Those attending for the first time are often surprised to be facing the congregation. You’ll be greeted by an usher who’ll give you a bulletin to guide you through the service. Take your pick: regular or large print. Also available, hanging on the wall at the foot of the stairs to the choir loft, are assistive listening devices (inductive loop head sets) available for use during the service. Just ask an usher if you need help finding or using them. Sit wherever you feel comfortable. The service begins at 9:30 AM with a prelude. Older children join us for the first twenty minutes or so of worship, after which most go with their teachers to Sunday School classes or the junior high youth group.
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During worship

Our pastor, Dave Schilling, will guide the service, and your bulletin will provide details of that week's program. Our scripture readings follow the lectionary, and the prayers offered by the pastor and members of the congregation follow the rhythm of our lives and the world around us. Hymns are selected from the New Century Hymnal, sometimes complemented by pieces arranged for our choir or guest musicians.

At times during the service, those who are able will be invited to stand for hymns and group prayers, as noted in the bulletin. You’re welcome to join in or just listen. Bibles are available in each pew if you'd like to follow along with Scripture readings. 

​Communion is usually held on the first Sunday of each month. We form a circle within the sanctuary, and all are welcome at our table, where the bread is gluten-free and the cup contains grape juice.

AFTER WORSHIP

Each service lasts about an hour, and afterwards, people usually gather as a community in the Parish House. Light refreshments are served as we catch up with neighbors and friends. ​

The Old Meeting House

Parish House at left and church at right

FIND US