"The Congregational Way in the essence of New England"
orth Church stands prominently on a knoll overlooking the
North Green at Canfield Corner (Rts. 6 & 47) in Woodbury, Connecticut. Our church has its foundation in
the Congregationalist Way. We are the direct "spiritual descendants" of the Pilgrims, who came to
these shores seeking religious freedom. That freedom in Christ is the essence of our church today. We
respect the inherent dignity of each individual, and affirm that each person is on his or her own
unique journey in God. Therefore, we do not dictate what individuals must believe, nor do we force
a set practice of faith on anyone.
We stress the importance of each person's direct relationship to the Living God, rather than dogma or ritual. So, our church is a "gathered" community of individuals, who seek a spiritual home while on earth with kindred souls. We laugh, cry, and work together to share God's truth and love with one another, and to share God's blessings and justice with all the world. We gather around God's Word to discern God's presence in our lives and in the great issues of our times. In all of our worship, church school, and sermons, we strive to be people with a compassionate heart and open mind, and an eternal vision. Indeed, we believe that this will give us abundant life in this world and life everlasting in the world to come.
At North Church, we cherish our children and youth, and strive to give them a solid upbringing in the faith, while respecting their own unique viewpoints and opinions. Our care for them begins with our Nursery Program available each Sunday, and very engaging Church School curriculum from Pre-School through High School. Dr. McClellan has a special moment in worship with them entitled, the "Children's Story." He also is the lead teacher for the 8th Grade Confirmation Class. The TK Youth Group is a special opportunity for fellowship and growth for our young people. (There is more to be found about these offerings at the "Ministries of our Church" listed in the Home Page Menu.)
And let us not forget our North Church Nursery School, which operates weekdays. There are morning sessions from 9-11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. The program offers care and nurturing of children from ages 3 to 5 .
Adult Education opportunities are organized by Dr. McClellan and range from Bible Study to special events. In addition, we have intergenerational social events, such as Bingo Night, Movie Night, and our annual Celebration Sunday Picnic.
Worship is the one unique act of the Church. In that hour on Sunday morning, people can have their spirits refreshed, gain meditation for their minds, and be blessed with peace for their hearts. The pulpit at North Church has a history of strong and enlightened sermons. Dr. McClellan has added a dimension of variety by offering dramatic monologues, reader's theater, interactive sharings, and slide sermons. This meditative focus is complimented with a superb music program. There is an adult Chancel Choir and Hand Bell Choir. Truly these musical offerings make our spirits soar with delight.
All of this is to prepare us for service and mission out into the world. We support a variety of local, national, and worldwide mission endeavors. Our mission outreach extends through Woodbury People of Faith, Woodbury Community Services, Greater Waterbury Interfaith Ministries, Waterbury Soup Kitchen, Back Bay Mission, National Neighbors In Need, United Church of Christ Wider Mission, and Church World Service.
In sum, North Church is a place of fellowship in the Congregationalist Way of prizing each individual and emphasizing a lived faith. We cherish God's truth and love wherever it may be found, and we believe that God's revelation is ongoing. This offers a most challenging and exciting faith because we constantly seek to discern God's will and way for our lives and for our world, and then respond in the freedom, truth, and love of Christ.