Reimagining Church

Thriving Congregations Initiative: New Models for the 21st Century

Reimagining Today

Church in Three Parishes– Blessed Trinity!

St. Martin’s, St. Monica’s, St. Stephen’s. In their distinctive way– each church has been found holy.

By Morenike Oyebode
October 16, 2024
St. Monica's Episcopal Church
Church Town

Trinity Episcopal Church Branford is a centuries-old church on the Branford Green with a storied past and an unfolding story to come.

By Milton Glider
October 9, 2024
Trinity Episcopal, Branford
In the Midst

I first walked into St. John’s Episcopal Church in late August of 2022.

By Molly Cooke
October 9, 2024
St. John's Episcopal, North Haven
Beginning the Co-Creating Process

 At the beginning of this project, my thoughts are filled with wondering what Reimagining Church will become.

By Lizzie Chiarovano
October 9, 2024
First UCC, Milford
“We Come to Worship We Leave to Serve”

When I was selected by Pastor A.J. Smith to represent our Church, First Baptist of Branford I wasn’t sure what was to be expected of myself or the group. Caroline put my anxieties to rest as she really helped guide us along in this process from the first meeting on.

By Dave Chadwick
May 14, 2024
First Baptist Church of Branford
To Do God's Will

I have been so impressed for the courage of my working group members at First Baptist Church in Branford – their courage to say yes to this program, say yes to the process, and say yes to the listening for where the Spirit is already moving.

By Janice Lexton
May 14, 2024
First Baptist Church of Branford
Learning to Embrace Uncertainty

To be a Christian in 21st century America is to have plenty of opportunities to practice tolerating uncertainty. We are in the midst of navigating a huge shift in what it means to be religious, to be Christian.

By Sarah Neumann
May 14, 2024
Church of the Holy Trinity
Reflections on My Year at Cornerstone Community Church

For me, the end of an academic year always brings up a multitude of feelings—gratitude for the people who taught me so much, relief to be done with writing papers and taking exams, and disbelief that nine months could go by so quickly. 

By Sutton Smith
May 14, 2024
Cornerstone Community Church
The Spirit’s Work is Never Finished

We are reminded that we are not merely finding our “mission,” we are attempting, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to locate our “next proximate purpose,” that place where the “divine spark” is already being kindled in our midst. 

By Amanda Bryant
May 14, 2024
Woodmont UCC
Waves of Grace

I used live on Mission Beach in San Diego. Outside of the busy summer months, the beach houses were turned into student rentals.

By Jonathan Maresca
April 30, 2024
Zion Episcopal Church