VERGENNES — The Vergennes area clergy hosted Vergennes Union High School class of 2016 baccalaureate service at the Vergennes Opera House on Sunday, June 5. This was the first year the clergy were asked to host the service off-site from the high school. They said they were pleased at the great turnout of almost 200 people, including graduates.
The crowd sang and enjoyed music by the Victory Baptist Church orchestra and a solo by graduate Emily Lalumiere. The graduates and community were challenged by graduate Shawnna Vanderwey’s story of faith, and Lissa Gebo’s (VUHS, 1980) reading of Romans 12 from “The Message.” VUHS Ag Science teacher, Bill Van De Weert (VUHS, 2004), delivered a baccalaureate address.
Participating clergy and churches included the Vergennes Assembly of God Christian Center, Champlain Valley Christian Reform Church, Vergennes Methodist Church, St. Peter’s Catholic Church, and Victory Baptist Church. The Gideons provided free Bibles to the graduates and their guests. A reception afterward provided an opportunity for the graduates and their families to visit with one another.
The participating clergy said they were appreciative and grateful for the community support.