At Center Congregational Church, we're always excited to welcome new visitors. We hope you'll join us for a service, and we want to make your visit as comfortable as possible. Here's what you can expect when you come to a 10 am service.
Our church is located at 155 Main St, Torrington, and parking is available for free along Main Street. If you have mobility restrictions or young children to carry, there is a side ramp for better mobility along Church Street which is open. It remains open and unlocked until 10:15 am.
Please don't worry about what you'll wear to church, for we truly believe people should come to God as they are. You don't need to dress up to get his approval--that comes through the love of Jesus Christ. Some people do dress up for church in skirts and ties while others dress down in jeans. It's a matter of preference.
Once you walk in the front doors, you'll see that the congregation has all types of people in all kinds of dress. While a few people in the church wear ties, others like to remind them that Jesus never wore a tie. Jeans are as welcome as suits, and you'll see both.
When you walk in, find one of our greeters and introduce yourself. They're usually standing near the front door with bulletins. Our greeters can also point you to the restrooms, sanctuary and fellowship area. If you have any questions about the service itself, the greeters are able to provide helpful answers. Reverend Averill will be standing with the greeters five minutes prior to service if you'd like to say "hello" or have any specific questions for her.
Please fill out the pew pad if you are new to the church. We like to know who is visiting and put names to faces. This is also a good place to put if you'd like a visit or a call from Reverend Averill. She does collect them at the end of each service and read them.
Children are also welcome at Center Congregational. We have a Children's Moment early in the service when children are invited to go up to the front and have an interactive Bible Lesson. This is also a fun time for the congregation to test their Bible knowledge and remember memorable tales from the Old and New Testament!
We also have a Cry Room for parents off of the sanctuary where you and your young children can go and play (or cry) during the service. We have speakers tied into the pulpit's and minister's microphones so you can hear the service and won't miss a moment! Children are always welcome but we understand that we all have those moments when children cry or get overstimulated and need space. The Deacons are happy to assist and Communion can be served in the Cry Room as well.
Be sure to join us after the service for coffee hour. You'll have a chance to meet Reverend Averill and many other people in the church. We'd also love to get to know you so you're a familiar face the next time you come.
At Center Congregational Church we pride ourselves at leaving politics at the door. You will never know the politics of any given member of the church. Reverend Averill always remains politically neutral from the pulpit no matter what the political, social, or international climate. The pulpit is a place for Christ and God's Word, not partisan politics and disruptive forces. Prayers are, of course, accepted from the congregation on all topics that might touch our lives, and pastoral counseling is available on the topics of local and national politics, no matter your views.
We seek to be an inclusive environment, accepting people from all walks of life, political traditions, social inclinations, races, and backgrounds, excluding no one. You are welcome here and we hope you will join us.
