Avon Congregational Church
United Church of Christ
Avon, Connecticut

"So that they may all be one."  John 17:21

When Jesus prayed to God, the Father, he asked for God's assistance in bringing together a unity of believers on earth "so they may all be one.” John 17:21. This goal is central to the UCC’s identity—and so the phrase appears on the church’s symbol. This prayer also underlies the UCC's goal of diversity and stewardship.

The Avon Congregational Church is built upon many hours of devoted effort by church school teachers, singers, ringers, committee members, board members and staff. We encourage all members to take an active part in the life, stewardship and other responsibilities of the church. It is through their gifts of talent, time, and creativity that our congregation gives direction in the vital areas of church life including worship, education, music, missions, care teams and stewardship. The life of the church is managed by the many boards and committees staffed by church members.

The members and friends of Avon Congregational Church have supported the Saint Rose of Lima Orphanage in Cuilapa, Guatemala. They raised the funds to buy a pick-up truck so that workers can bring food donated in Guatemala City up the mountain roads to the girls at the orphanage. It will also bring bread baked at the orphanage to be sold in the city to help raise money for the on-going needs of the girls at Saint Rose of Lima’s.

Adult and youth members of the church participate in and support ministries such as Interval House, The Horace Bushnell Children's Food Pantry, Loaves and Fishes Meal Kitchen, Habitat for Humanity, Center City Churches, Interval House, My Sister's Place and Covenant to Care's "Adopt a Social Worker" program. The Special Gifts committee distributes funds for projects such as the Americares project, the Immaculate Conception Shelter and Housing Corporation, the Rambuh program and other worthy projects run by other charitable organizations.

Stewardship is also an important part of our Church School program. Students participate in the Heifer Project, collect White Gifts for the needy at Christmas time, raise money for UNICEF, cook or collect for the Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen (pictured above) and assist on Americares and Foodshare projects.

The church sponsors two major fund raisers most years, including Rummage Plus! in the spring, lively events which draw on the collaboration of church members from all ages and interests.

The Tuesday crafters meet weekly and shares their time and talents for worthwhile sewing projects for the needy. The ladies knit items for babies baptized in the church as well as Hartford neonatal babies, children overseas, nursing homes and shelters. The women of the church also sponsor Stone Soup Saturdays preparing soup kitchen meals. The women provide wonderful support to families by providing receptions after the funerals of church members.

Saturday Nighters is a spirited social group for adults. We sponsor lively gatherings 5-6 times a year to build fellowship through fun. Singles, doubles, church members or visitors – all are welcome! We have no charter and only a wisp of formal structure. We try to select activities that make good mixers and that a wide variety of interests & abilities will enjoy – event ideas always appreciated! Saturday Nighter evenings typically involve an informal dinner in the home of some poor soul who’s been collared during Coffee Hour after church. Events are posted on the "Green Pages."