Programs

We seek to nurture all age groups in the truth, beauty and power of the Gospels of Jesus Christ through music and Christian Education for children and adults.

Music

Music is an integral part of the North Stamford Congregational Church as visitors quickly discover. We are a singing congregation!

Anyone who loves music is urged to join our Choir. We not only have a good time, but learn all facets of music from our wonderful director. From September to May, choir practices on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday at 9:00 a.m. in readiness for the 10:00 a.m. Sunday worship service.

In addition to guest artists, our talented congregation yields various vocal and instrumental soloists throughout the year at Sunday service.

Our Music Director, Margarita Zelenaia, is a well-known composer, teacher, performer and recording artist, having made her Lincoln Center compositional debut in 1997 and Carnegie Hall debut in 2001. For several years she has organized and performed at a special fundraising evening of classical music for our church. This "Enchanted Evening" is presented in our historic Stone House, across the street from the Meeting House. Throughout the year, this intimate space hosts several musical genres, including chamber music, blue grass, jazz and "acoustic nights". You can listen to two of her works on YouTube:

• Trio for Soprano, Oboe, & Piano
• Unity of Spirit

Our musical program continues to grow and change each year, and we would like to include you. Contact the church office at 203-322-1255 for information or to be added to our newsletter mailing list.

Children's Christian Education

The goal of the Christian Education Program at North Stamford Congregational Church is to give each young member of the church the positive experience of being part of a faith-filled community while learning the history and the teachings of the church. Our children are educated in a unique one-room school house format that allow them to learn about their relationship with God in a personalized environment with children of all ages.

Our Director of Christian Education, Marie Carpinteri, is a highly trained professional who desires to help to build a strong foundation of faith for the children in our program. She is assisted by a volunteer to fulfill safe church requirements. They are wonderful role models of people who not only speak of their faith, but also live it through their actions. The students in our program love to come to Christian Education on Sundays because of all of the aforementioned strengths of the program. The children attend the first part of the worship service and then leave together after the Hymn of Faith to attend classes. They end classes at the same time that the service ends, and join the rest of the community for Fellowship Hour.

Adult Bible Study

For adults we have weekly Bible Study led by Rev. Diane Stevenson. The goal is to read the bible from an historical, literary and social perspective and to hear how God's word speaks through the ages to our present day. We have come to understand that God's love and the human condition remain amazingly constant! We meet for 4-6 week sessions throughout the year to make space for new members to join.

Bible Study takes place on Thursday Mornings from 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. in the Pastor’s Office. For more details, please contact our Church office at 203-322-1255 or info@northstamfordchurch.org.

Outreach

Throughout the year, opportunities are provided for serving the least of us. The Outreach Board gives generously to many local organizations and specific fundraisers for programs of the UCC. Recently the church has participated in the 2010 Hope in Motion Cancer Walk and a Food Drive for Pilgrim House. Church members supported our faithful youth in their mission trips and a fast for World Vision. Proceeds from our annual Big Flea fundraiser support our outreach efforts.

Fellowship

This is a church that likes to have fun together. Many opportunities to gather as a faithful community are offered on a regular basis. Fellowship hour after church often continues into the afternoon as the members gather to tell their stories, to plan the next event and to offer their culinary skills in the form of healthy and delicious snacks.

Pastoral Care

Due to the close connection of the community, if a regular member misses church, a phone call is made immediately to make sure there is nothing amiss. Prayers are offered during the morning worship and the pastor's door is always open for conversation and personal prayer. The last Sunday of each quarter is devoted to the Healing Ministry of Jesus, personal prayer and the laying on of hands are offered during the service.