New Canaan's First Presbyterian Church Returns for 2013 Season

The following is a release detailing the 2013 Season at First Presbyterian Church

On September 8, 2013 the First Presbyterian Church of New Canaan returns to its 10:00 AM worship service. The Rev. Paul E. Gilmore will deliver the sermon, the Adult Choir will sing, and Church School for children in grades K through 7 resumes. The day also ushers in a new season of programs, events and educational offerings.

Church School

Under the direction of Rev. Kathryn Kibbie Laird, minister for Children, Youth and Families,”Sunday’s Cool” kicks off its year-long curriculum. Children begin worship in the sanctuary with their parents, then children in grades K through 5 head to the Common Room for “Children’s Chapel” followed by an activity where they dig deeper into the Bible. Grades 6-7 meet in The Barn for  their class, "Feasting on the Word," which gives them a solid foundation for Confirmation in 8th grade.

“Coming Home” Sunday

Following the September 8 service, the church will hold its annual “Coming Home Sunday” (formerly known as “Rally Day”) picnic on the church lawn. The public is invited and attendance is free. 

A picnic fare of hot dogs, chips, watermelon, brownies, sodas and water will be offered. Many of the church’s committee members will be on-hand to answer questions and describe how one can get more involved in the church. Old Faithful, the antique fire engine, will be available for rides, and two FIAT 500 cars will be on display. These cars will be raffled off on Saturday, November 2, at the church’s Fall Gala and Auction. Proceeds from the sale of the raffle tickets will go towards the church’s mission and outreach programs.

Music Programs

The Music Ministry at First Presbyterian Church, under the direction of Dr. Sean McCarthy, offers outstanding music opportunities for children through adults. The Children’s choir programs begin Wednesday September 11. Children in Pre-K through 2nd grade sing in the Cherub Choir, directed by Mrs. Sherry Tate, and rehearsals are Wednesday afternoons or Sundays after worship. The Carol Choir (Grades 3 through 6) and the Chrysalis Choir (grades 7 through 12) are directed by Dr. Sean McCarthy and rehearse Wednesday afternoons. The Carol Choir combines chimes, boomwhackers, and Orff percussion instruments with singing and games, and once a year presents a musical based on a biblical story. 

Chrysalis Choir members sing and often accompany the Adult Choir on percussion instruments during worship. The Adult Choir, also under the direction of Dr. McCarthy, provides music during worship every Sunday morning and presents 1-2 formal concerts each year, including one during the Advent season. 

The choir welcomes returning and new members to its rehearsals on Thursday nights beginning September 5.  Please call (203) 966-0002 to register for any of these opportunities, and for schedule information.

Youth Groups

Under the direction of Rev. Laird, the church has many exciting opportunities for youth coming up:

For 6 through 8th Graders, MSYG kicks off the year with an Ice Cream Social at Baskin Robbins in New Canaan from 3:00 to 4:30 on Sunday September 8, followed up with the Family Bonfire on Sunday September 22.

For 9 through 12th graders, HSYG starts an activity- and service-filled year with “Dinner on the Town” at Viccolo’s in New Canaan on Sunday September 8 from 5:30 to 7:30. All are welcome; bring your friends and $5 for pizza.

Confirmation Class for 8th Graders meets Wednesdays from 6:15 to 7:30, beginning September 11 and continuing through May 2014.  In addition to the Wednesday classes, Confirmands will participate in MSYG events, attend church regularly, and go on the MSYG summer mission trip.

Adult Education & Transformation

The Fall Season’s adult education programs begin on Wednesday evening, September 11th  with a time of prayer and reflection, including a Labyrinth Walk led by Stephen Minister Elaine Foster.  In the proceeding weeks, the church will offer a series on “Religion and Race in America.” The classes will be taught by various guest speakers, including Dr. Samuel Cruz, Assistant Professor of Church and Society at Union Theological Seminary, and the Rev. Frederick Davie, the Executive Vice President of Union Theological Seminary. It promises to be an exciting and challenging series.

There is no charge for these programs, and visitors are warmly welcomed.  There is an optional dinner served before the class beginning at 5:30 as part of our Wednesday Family Night activities (cost is $10 per person/$25 family).  If you would like to join us for dinner, please call the church office to make a reservation. No reservations are required if you would just like to come for the classes.

The church is located at 178 Oenoke Ridge, next door to the New Canaan Nature Center. For more information, please call the church office at 966-0002 or visit its website www.fpcnc.org.