Worship Service
What To Expect
As you enter the church a friendly greeter will welcome you, hand you a Sunday Bulletin to guide you through the service, and help you find a seat if needed.
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At times, you will be asked to stand, pray, sing, greet others, be in silence, or read responsively. Our services generally last one hour; they may extend 15 minutes or so when there are special activities included. Following our services we share a time of fellowship with one another with coffee and light refreshments in our Fellowship Hall.
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People are welcome to wear whatever feels most appropriate and comfortable for them. Some come in their “Sunday Best”, others dress more casually. We believe God cares more about the state of our hearts than the look of our attire. We follow the liturgical year and usually our Sunday Worship follows the Revised Common Lectionary used by many denominations across the nation. We stray from this for an occasional sermon series or other themed programs. We usually have additional services during the Seasons of Advent and Lent.
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Child Care is available during the service, in a specially designed Nursery room that can nicely accommodate infants and children up to the age of 5, who have not yet entered Kindergarten. The Miller Room is a lovely space for parents with nursing infants or wiggly babies who just need a few minutes before returning to the sanctuary. Both rooms have the audio of the service broadcast into them.
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Each week during June, July and August we start the service (9am) with both children and adults present in the Sanctuary. Please feel free to take advantage of the activity bags hanging on the hooks in the narthex as you enter from the front door of the church and/or the special children’s bulletins. On most Sundays, after the children's message, there will be a fun activity for the children ages 5-12.
Sacraments
The Lord’s Supper, also known as The Eucharist or Holy Communion, is celebrated regularly. This feast is provided during both our worship services on the first Sunday of each month and during other special services, e.g. special Advent and/or Lenten programs. Our communion table is open to all who wish to be touched by the love and grace of Jesus Christ.
Baptism brings God’s blessings upon people of any age as we welcome them into our church family. We celebrate baptisms during our worship service. To find out more information or to schedule a baptism please contact the church office at 860-875-4160.
Our Traditions
Our worship services are a reflection of our traditional New England Congregational roots infused with contemporary initiatives for justice and equality reinforced by our UCC (United Church of Christ) affiliation. They feature scripture readings, reflections on the scriptures by our pastors, times for prayer and silent reflection, and music. There is always a Children’s Message on the steps of the chancel, in addition to the sermon.
Our Beliefs
New to the United Church of Christ?
Our faith is 200 years old. Our thinking is not.
We believe in God’s continuing testament. This is why we are committed to hearing God’s ancient story anew and afresh in our lives and in the world today. We try to remain attentive to God’s creative movement in the world. Religion and science are not mutually exclusive, and your head and heart are both welcomed into our places of worship. We prepare our leaders to be engaged in ministry in the present and future church . Why? Because God is still speaking.
No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.
We believe in extravagant welcome. This is why we insist that God’s communion table is open, not closed, and God’s gift and claim in baptism are irrevocable. We advocate justice for all. Our congregations extend hospitality as a sign of God’s inclusive love. We teach that offering bread to those in search of it is God’s mission. Our perspective is global, not provincial. We work with – not against – people of other faiths. Why? Because God is still speaking.
Never place a period where God has placed a comma.
We believe the church’s mission is to change lives – individually, systemically, and globally. We work to make transformation possible, but trust in God’s grace. This is why we insist that churches must be places of vital worship, learning, and advocacy. We are committed to working for justice, and we believe that lives are changed through global experiences and friendships. Why? Because God is still speaking.
We’re not a perfect church, but we do try to be faithful. We are known for arriving early on issues of inclusivity and justice. We were the first to ordain an African-American pastor (1785), a woman (1853), an openly gay person (1972), and the first to affirm same-gender marriage equality (2005). We believe faith requires tenderness and courage, a kind of big love that is committed to changing people’s lives – in our churches, but also in the world around us. We call it religion with relevance. Why not give us a try? We hope you’ll visit us soon.