Community Open House

   On May 7 Stanwich hosted an open house and dedication service to introduce Stanwich's new building to the community.  City officials, clergy from Greenwich and surrounding areas, and other guests were invited to a brief service followed by tours and a reception.  First Selectman Jim Lash declared May 7 "Stanwich Congregational Church Day", and presented Rev. Neely Towe

with a plaque commemorating Stanwich's more than 275 years of service to the community.  Rabbi Mitch Hurvitz of Temple Shalom and Msgr. Alan Detcher of St. Catherine's Church led a large group of local clergy in a Blessing of the Church.  Don Osgood, a Stanwich member who is a historian and author, presented an overview of Stanwich history, and Rev. Towe told the amazing story of how the new church building came to be.  Organist Randall Atcheson and Ray Hornblower, an opera soloist from New York, provided music for the occasion.  The Stanwich OYO's (single adult felowship group) provided refreshments for the reception. 

Missions Weekend May 13-14

    Missions Weekend provided an opportunity for the congregation to learn about all of the ways that their mission contributions have been helping to

advance God's kingdom.  On Saturday night a dinner was held in Emmaus Hall.   Tim Walker and Tina Detchon gave personal testimonies, and Eve Tolley, former professor at Alliance Theological Seminary, showed slides of the Njaaga Orphanage in Kenya, where Stanwich donated funds to build an irrigation system for farmland that provides food

for the children.   

   On Sunday our guest preacher at all

three services was Chuck Davis from Alliance Theological Seminary in Nyack, NY.  Chuck is an evangelical missionary

to Mali, Africa, where he helped plant a church.  After the services, several people involved with Stanwich missions were available during coffee hour to answer questions and provide more information about Stanwich missions, and also about opportunities for child sponsorship through World Vision.  What better way to celebrate Mothers' Day than to see how the greatest gift of all, the love of Jesus, is being shared to help people all over the world. 

Evensong Rising Homecoming

   The sanctuary was packed with over 200 people on Friday, May 19, for the Evensong Rising Homecoming.  This event was part concert, part worship, and part humanitarian awareness designed to introduce students and young adults to God and to helping those in need around the world.  Several similar events were held earlier this year at college campuses (read related story), and more are planned for later this year.  The event raised $3308 for World Relief.   

  The Evensong Rising Homecoming and on-the-road events are sponsored in conjunction with The Rising Group, a

not-for-profit Christian organization headed by Rev. Chris Sorensen that aims to bring spiritual awakening and humanitarian activism into students' lives, and to help them experience the fullness of life God intends for us all.  For more information about The Rising Group, visit their web site at www.therisinggroup.org.

Stanwich Forum Refutes

  The Da Vinci Code

   Rev. Neely Towe presented a 4-part series at Stanwich about the best-selling novel

The DaVinci Code.  Though a book of fiction, it has stirred wide and deep controversy among religious communities worldwide about the life and role of Christ.  Neely presented this excellent series of lessons when the book was first published, and she wanted to present it again to coincide with the debut of the movie on May 19.  Her talks provided details about the history of Christianity, separating fact from fiction to refute the novel's claims.   

Listen online>>

Stanwich Housewarming

    Is there anyone who doesn't like to open gifts?  Not at the Stanwich Housewarming party on April 30, when an array of items donated by members for use in the church's activities were opened.  The enthusiasm was most evident among the children, who showed the energy  usually reserved for Christmas and birthdays.  A truly fun day!