WORSHIP
MORNING WORSHIP SERVICES Our worship
service combines the longstanding tradition of congregational singing, sacred and contemporary music performance, and congregational
participation combined with sermons and meditations that explore contemporary Christian concerns and principles inspired by
ancient scripture. Morning worship is central to our community life. The beginning of worship provides a time for individuals
to share thanksgiving and prayer concerns. Children are invited to participate in our weekly Children's story. The service
concludes with a community blessing and the warm sharing of peace. The Choir contributes greatly to our morning worship. They
are under the direction of Charlotte Stacey. The Choir is a fun-loving group who always makes room for new members.
SPECIAL WORSHIP EVENTS
BAPTISM is one of the two sacraments our church practices, using the sprinkling method, to nurture disciples for the journey
of life. The UCC baptizes infants, children, youth, and adults during a public worship service, although private baptism can
be arranged. Baptisms are celebrated whenever requested by contacting the Pastor.
COMMUNION is the second sacrament our church practices and is usually observed on the first Sunday of each month. The Pastor
officiates at the table with deacons serving communion to the individuals in the pews. Occasionally we share communion with
a common loaf and cup (broken bread dipped into the common cup of grape juice) at special evening services.
COMMUNION FOR HOMEBOUND OR HOSPITALIZED members and friends is available through the Pastoral ministry of our Pastor and/or our
Minister of Visitation.
WEDDINGS for members and non-members are performed by our Pastor. (call the church office, 838-8858)
FUNERAL OR MEMORIAL SERVICES offer comfort and hope when a family member dies. Our Pastor is available to assist members and
friends at times of personal and/or family stress. Please feel free to call the Pastor at home (857-4686).
SUMMER WORSHIP (July and August) we offer joint services with the United Church of Rowayton at 9:15am and a 10:30 service at our
church.
FELLOWSHIP
Fellowship
is an integral part of our church family life. Before the morning service, you hear animated conversation and greetings as
people reconnect for community worship. Fellowship Time follows worship and provides a casual environment in which to socialize.
Our
Women’s Fellowship, open to all women of our church, is an umbrella organization comprised of ‘Circles’
or interest groups that set their own meeting schedules and activities. The Women’s Fellowship supports the Connecticut
Conference Women’s Fellowship and holds at least two membership meetings each year.
The
retired men gather twice a month with the pastor at the parsonage for fellowship and to play cards. They meet on Wednesday mornings at 10:00am. The nickname for
“Retired Men and Cards” is Poker with the Pastor.
Often
FUND-raising and FUN-raising occur simultaneously. Good fellowship is always enjoyed at the annual APPLE FAIR in early November.
A
Craft Circle meets weekly for six months preparing for this event. We have held spring rummage
sales, post-worship brunches, Fourth of July picnics, summer clambakes, and progressive suppers.
The
Church School
program sponsors three inter-generational events to bring us together: the December Advent Festival, the Palm Sunday Freedom
Feast, and a Sunday School Kick-off event in September. These activities permit our cooks to shine through their culinary
potluck supper creations.
