From the first Sunday after Labor Day through June, services are held at 10:15am in the House of Worship at 210 Rowayton Avenue. We worship outdoors in July and August. On the first Sunday of the month, we celebrate the Sacrament of Communion. All are welcome at the table. On the last Sunday of the month, we have an intergenerational service, which is suitable for all ages. Children are invited to remain with their families throughout that service. From July through Labor Day, services are held in nearby Pinkney Park.
Our Services
Seasonal Services
Thanksgiving
Preceded by the Board of Christian Outreach’s food collection, the Thanksgiving service uses music, prayer, and Pastor Sal’s message to focus on gratitude.
Christmas
Christmas services begin with the Living Nativity in which members of the Confirmation classes tell the story of Jesus’ birth. The Tree Lighting ceremony and Pizza Dinner, at which Santa always makes an appearance, draws families from the greater Rowayton Community. On Christmas Eve, there is an afternoon service for families and a Candlelight service at 11 PM.
Easter
Easter services begin with our Palm Sunday Parade; Maundy Thursday/Tenebrae, which recreates the emotion of the Passion and prepares for the Good Friday Service, and our Easter services. Easter is the most joyful holiday of the year, and it challenges us to comprehend the risen Jesus. It begins with a sunrise service at Bayley Beach, which is followed by a pancake breakfast at the Firehouse. We have two Easter services in the House of Worship, an Easter egg hunt for children, and the decoration of the outdoor cross.
And also…
We love our Blessing of the Animals service, which is held on the last Sunday in October.
Advent marks the first four weeks before Christmas. Lighting the advent candle helps us to reflect and prepare. Lent precedes Easter. It begins with the Ash Wednesday service, in which we are reminded of God’s love for us, and it ends on Holy Thursday.
Special Services
Baptisms
In the United Church of Christ, the Sacrament of Baptism is offered to infants, children, and adults. It is an outward and visible sign of the gift of God’s grace and usually takes place during a worship service so that parents, sponsors, and the congregation can witness the joining of the person to the universal church.
Weddings
At the United Church of Rowayton, the marriage ceremony is a wonderful occasion in which a couple unites to live together before God in the mutual exchange of covenant promises. The couple does not need to belong to the United Church of Christ or be members of the United Church of Rowayton. The Pastor acts as an official representative of the church and gives the marriage the church’s blessing.
Funerals and Memorial Services
A funeral or memorial service is a rite of passage that helps us honor a deceased person by celebrating the life, even while we grieve that loss. Death may have separated us from a loved one, but not from God’s love, nor from the love of family and friends. This service is not restricted to members of the United Church of Christ or to the United Church of Rowayton. The Pastor, Music Director, and staff will gladly work with you to plan a memorial service or funeral.
For more information, call the church office at 203-866-1415 and ask to talk with Pastor Sal Sapienza.