We Welcome You!
We want to make you feel as welcome as each of us felt the first time we came to worship at the First Congregational Church of Darien. In order to make your experience as comfortable as possible, we are providing answers to the questions most often asked by first time visitors. We hope this information will make it easier for you to join us for Sunday services, and take part in the life of our community!
What kind of church are we?
We are a traditional but forward-looking Congregational Church, with roots dating back to the early 1700’s (before the American Revolution). We are part of the United Church of Christ and members of the Connecticut Conference of the UCC (for more information see www.ctconfucc.org). Our church has a strong commitment to our local and global communities, and we welcome all who desire to worship, regardless of previous faith traditions.
Where are we located?
We are located at 14 Brookside Road in Darien, CT, at the corner of Brookside Road and Post Road/Route 1. Our Meetinghouse is a half mile from either the Darien train station or I-95 (Exit 12). There is plenty of parking next to the Meetinghouse and in a lower lot in front of the Church. Click here for directions.
What happens when we arrive?
You should plan on arriving 5-10 minutes prior to the start of the service. When you come in the front door, you will be met by a greeter, who will welcome you to the service. We will also have ushers who will give you a program and help you find a seat.
What should we wear?
There is no dress code, and people attend worship in a variety of attire. Our youth are casual and comfortable. The dress for our adults ranges from suits and ties to business casual.
What time are your Services?
From September through June, we have Sunday services at 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. During the summer we have a combined service at 9:00 a.m.
When we meet indoors, our 8:30 a.m. service is a more intimate and informal gathering, lasting about 45 minutes, for those on the go. Our 10:00 a.m. service, which lasts about an hour, has more music led by our choir and is more family oriented. Church School meets during the 10:00 a.m. service.
What’s the Service like?
Our typical 10:00 a.m. service opens with a call to worship, announcements, a hymn, and a scripture reading, followed by a children’s message at the front of the church, after which children proceed to Church School. Your children can join the age-appropriate Church School class or stay with you. After children go to their classrooms, we have a period where we share our joys and concerns (all are welcome, but no one is required to speak). The sermon opens with another scripture reading, and then a member of the clergy gives a message relating this reading to our daily lives, followed by an offering, and closing music. As a visitor, you are welcome to participate in our offering if you desire to do so, but you need not feel an obligation to contribute. This order of service may be altered on any given Sunday to accommodate special occasions, such as music programs or holiday events.
Is there Church School for my children? Is there a Nursery for my baby?
YES! We welcome children of all ages and developmental stages to learn with us as we explore faith. We offer a comprehensive Church School program for children ages 3 through 5th grade each Sunday from September through mid-June. Currently we are using the SHINE! “Living as God’s people” curriculum. This is an innovative Bible-centered program that gives the children further insight into scripture and how God is active at this stage in their lives. We integrate hands-on activities, science, games, and short videos to provide a stimulating learning environment.
All of our classrooms have at least two teachers in each room, as we employ a team teaching model to provide for a safe church environment.
We have a Nursery available for the youngest members of our church family. Open each week at 9:55 a.m., our Nursery/Toddler Room is for children ages newborn to 2 years of age and is staffed each week by a professional childcare provider and a teen helper. Music, games and free play (and the occasional morning nap) are always a part of the program.
For questions about our Nursery/Toddler Room program, please contact our Director of Family and Young Adult Ministries, Amber Scovell.
What happens after the service?
Each Sunday after the service there is a time for coffee/juice and conversation, either in our Parish Hall or outside on the front lawn. This is a great time to meet people and get to know more about our church family.
What about people with special needs?
If you have questions about special needs for a family member or handicapped access, please don’t hesitate to call the church office (203-655-0491) for assistance. We will be delighted to assist you in any way that we can.
I’m interested in becoming a Member. What do I do?
We welcome new members into church membership during two special services during the year. Please contact Rev. Anthony Weisman to schedule a time to discuss what it means to be a member of our special church! Whatever your faith background and wherever you are on your faith journey, we welcome you.
We look forward to having you join us for worship on Sunday
Do you perform Baptisms and Wedding ceremonies?
Yes, we welcome the opportunity to perform the sacraments of Baptism and Matrimony in our Meetinghouse. You are not required to be members of the Church, but we do ask for a time to meet with our Senior Minister and talk through the service together. We hope that in working with our Church to celebrate these important life moments, families will make a commitment of membership to the Church. Please contact Rev. Anthony Weisman to learn more.