Reimagining Church

Thriving Congregations Initiative: New Models for the 21st Century

Participating Congregations

church interior

Christ the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

Although located in Hamden, the members of this congregation come from a number of communities in the greater New Haven area, and we have been blessed by God with a growingly diverse congregation. We are excited to participate in God’s work that has been made flesh in us: proclaiming in our worship God’s grace and forgiveness made known in Jesus Christ, and reaching out to serve the needs of the people of our many communities with our life-giving and grace-filled ministries.

church exterior

First UCC, Milford

We, the First United Church of Christ of Milford, Connecticut, are an historic and inclusive community of God’s children, moved by the spirit, who hear and believe the Word of God, and minister in the name of Jesus Christ. We seek to discern God’s will and strive to carry out the teachings of Jesus Christ in faith, worship and service. Our congregation consists of people from different backgrounds and different religious traditions united as a community dedicated to the proclamation and sharing of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

St. John's church interior

St. John's Episcopal Church, North Haven

At St. John’s, we seek to engage each part of ourselves — heart, soul, and mind — in the practice of loving God and our neighbors. Part of it is done during our worship services, with readings, songs, and prayers celebrating our connection to God’s creation and in gratitude for the gifts shared with us. Another part of it is done in the activities among our community as stewards of God’s gifts. Yet another part is done in various ways of serving our neighbors with food and fellowship opportunities.

church building exterior

St. Monica's Episcopal Church

St. Monica’s Episcopal Church is a culturally diverse congregation of Christians bound together by God’s Love, guided by God’s word and committed to God’s work. With God’s gift of time, talent, and treasure, we seek to spread to God’s message in our daily lives. We fulfill our Christian responsibility of ministering to all God’s children through outreach as we provide a welcoming place of worship for all.  

Trinity Episcopal Church, Branford exterior in snow

Trinity Episcopal Church, Branford

We are a congregation that embraces all people, from all faith traditions or those who are new to a journey of discovery.  We celebrate our diversity.  We are a church community worshiping and exploring the mystery of God, deepening our spirituality, and caring for each other.  We reach out to those in need in Branford, the region and in the world, practicing love for our neighbors. We welcome you.