Churches

Noroton Presbyterian Church Opens a Mental Health Therapy Center for Religious and Nonreligious Clients

By DARIENITE.COM | March 18, 2025

Noroton Presbyterian Church (NPC) has officially opened the Noroton Presbyterian Therapy Center (NPTC) in Darien, with two full-time therapists to serve the community and provide accessible clinical care. — an announcement from Noroton Presbyterian Church
Noroton Presbyterian Therapy Center was born after the pandemic when rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide surged in our community and the world at large, and many were unable to access mental health services due to the increased demand. Recognizing the critical need for additional, accessible mental health resources in our community and surrounding communities, some generous NPC members felt compelled to respond and turn their vision into reality; thus, NPTC was born. NPTC is committed to serving individuals at any stage of their faith journey, from those who may not believe to those with a strong faith foundation. Our therapists offer a flexible approach to treatment, working with clients to provide care that aligns with their preferences — whether from a secular perspective or one that incorporates faith-based principles.

Yoga Classes Now Offered at United Church of Rowayton, Twice a Month, Tuesdays at Noon

Singing Bowl Meditation Hour Offered Jan 27 at United Church of Rowayton

Christian Science Church Darien First Church of Christ Scientist 11-15-17

Thanksgiving Day Service at Christian Science Church in Darien

These Roads To Close Midday Sunday for 'Run With The Saints' 5K Road Race

Churches

Noroton Presbyterian Church Member Chris Mead Named the Church’s Executive Director

By DARIENITE.COM | February 14, 2022

Longtime Darien resident and Noroton Presbyterian Church member Chris Mead has been named NPC’s executive director, a newly created position to oversee and manage finance, administration, and human resources duties of the church. Mead was recently the head of global finance for data and analytics operations of the London Stock Exchange. He had worked for Refinitiv, partly owned by Thompson Reuters until Refinitiv was sold to the London Stock Exchange in January 2021. Since 1991, Mead had worked for Thompson Reuters in various jobs related to finance. Reporting to the chief financial officer, he had responsibilities in finance, management, strategic planning, and operations. “Chris is an immensely talented and personable individual.

Charity Events and Opportunities

St. Luke's Parish members at the church in Cuba

‘Run With the Saints’ 5K Run and 1K Walk Coming Nov 7, Benefits St Luke’s Work in Cuba

By DARIENITE.COM | October 29, 2021

Saint Luke’s Parish in Darien invites the community to lace up for the 5th annual Run with the Saints. The event benefits St. Luke’s work on behalf of an Episcopal parish in Cuba. The fundraiser, which takes place on Sunday, November 7 beginning at 11:35 a.m. (sharp), offers a choice of a 3-mile run or a 1-mile kids/adult walk, both along a beautiful route by the water. — an announcement from St.

Books & Authors

Author Robert Ellsberg Discusses Saints and Others He’s Written About in Online Lecture Wednesday Night

By DARIENITE.COM | April 6, 2021

In an online lecture Wednesday, Author Robert Ellsberg will reflect on his life and work as a “saint-watcher,” how this came to shape his own vocation and spiritual discipline, and what he hopes it might achieve. From St. Francis to Dorothy Day, Ellsberg’s many books on “saints, prophets, and witnesses” for our time — as well as his acclaimed daily “Blessed Among Us” column for Give Us This Day — have helped expand the conception of holiness and the meaning of saints. His lecture, titled “Walking With the Saints: My Writing Life,” starts at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 7. — an announcement from Fairfield University

Robert Ellsberg is the long-time editor-in-chief and publisher of Orbis Books.

Churches

Deirdre Crouch Talmadge Hill Community Church

Volunteers From Two Darien Churches Help Improve Homes For Low-Income People

By DARIENITE.COM | September 19, 2020

Volunteers from two faith communities in Darien proved that positive community work and COVID-19 compliance can go hand in rubber glove. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and Talmadge Hill Community Church joined 10 other groups revitalizing 12 low-income homes across the state during this year’s re-scheduled HomeFront Day on Sept. 12. — an announcement from HomeFront

Community helpers focused exclusively on exterior repairs, addressing dangerous steps and walkways, rotting decks, yard cleanups and homes long overdue for fresh coats of paint.

Churches

First Congregational Church of Darien Dale Roseberger good bye

First Congregational Church of Darien Says Goodbye to Pastor Dale Rosenberger, Sunday at 9 AM

By DARIENITE.COM | September 19, 2020

Senior Minister, Rev. Dale Rosenberger is retiring, after 41 years as a minister and nine years of service to First Congregational Church of Darien and to the lower Fairfield County community. The church will be saying goodbye in a special celebration on Sunday morning, both in person (for those already signed up — there are no more spaces available) and live online. — an announcement from the First Congregational Church of Darien (FCCD)
This Sunday’s Event

The church will hold a special Farewell Celebration at 9 a.m., Sunday, Sept. 20, outdoors on the lawn at the church, 14 Brookside Road. The service will include a Ritual of Farewell, with gifts and recognition, and Vows of Release from the ministry, as well as a formal Declaration of Parting.

Churches

Saint Luke’s Church Resumes Full Schedule of Worship Services This Sunday, Sept 20

By DARIENITE.COM | September 16, 2020

Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church is resuming a full lineup of worship services beginning Sunday, Sept. 20. Rev. Ryan Fleenor, the new pastor, said care has been taken to keep the services safe for parishioners. — an announcement from St. Luke’s Church

“Throughout the summer we had wonderful outdoor services,” Fleenor said, “and we also researched, prayed and prepared diligently to safely resume indoor worship once summer’s over, in addition to enriching our online programs.
Worship Services and Formats
“Sept.

Churches

Monsignor Tom Powers St. John vicar general

New Pastor Starting September 1 at St. John Roman Catholic Church

By David Gurliacci | May 19, 2020

The Rev. Frank Hoffmann announced Monday that, starting Sept. 1, he will be succeeded as pastor of St. John Roman Catholic Church in Darien by Monsignor Tom Powers, the vicar general of the Diocese of Bridgeport. “I am filled with joy to announce to you that the new pastor of St. John Church will be Monsignor Tom Powers,” Hoffman wrote in an announcement emailed to parishioners on Monday.

Churches

Tom McElroy Darien Christian Science Church speaker

Darien Christian Science Church Sponsors Free Webinar May 28 on How Spiritual Discovery Leads to Healing

By DARIENITE.COM | May 11, 2020

The Darien Christian Science Church is sponsoring a free, online talk via Zoom, given by Tom McElroy, CSB, on Thursday, May 28 at 7 p.m.

The talk, entitled “Spiritual Discovery: How you can better the world,” can be accessed at zoom.us/webinar ID 933 238 675. — an announcement from the Darien Christian Science Church

You can also listen in by phone by dialing 301-715-8592 or 646-876-9923 and using the same webinar ID. The talk will focus on universal healing precepts found in the Holy Bible, especially in Christ Jesus’ life and teachings, and show how they are available for anyone to understand and experience through the lens of Christian Science. “Spiritual discovery is about understanding more of what God is and learning to see our lives and the world through God’s all-good nature,” McElroy says. “It’s about stripping away surface-level appearances in order to discern what actually IS.

Churches

New Rector Announced for St Luke’s Church: He Starts This Summer

By DARIENITE.COM | March 23, 2020

The St. Luke’s Church vestry on Monday announced that a new rector has been named for the Darien Episcopal church: He is currently a vicar at St. James’ Church on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. The Rev. Ryan Fleenor is a “gifted spiritual leader, as is abundantly clear in both his preaching and teaching,” said an announcement from the church’s vestry (lay members elected by the parish to run it with the rector). The gay, married clergyman has “an impressive track record of bringing young families into the church” and for organizing, the announcement added.

Churches

COVID-19 Changes Darien Church Services: Some Livestreams, No Catholic Mass Obligation Next 3 Sundays

By DARIENITE.COM | March 13, 2020

To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, changes have been announced at St. Luke’s Parish and Noroton Presbyterian Church, which will each only have livestream, online church services, and at Darien’s two Catholic churches — and all of Fairfield County — the obligation to attend Mass has been suspended for Catholics for the upcoming three Sundays. Darienite.com found no announcements about changes in services or meetings on the websites of the Darien churches United Methodist Church, First Church of Christ Scientist or St. Paul’s Church in Darien. This article will be updated when more is known.

Churches

Episcopal Diocese Says Fight For Control of St. Paul’s Church in Darien Now Over: Diocese and Rector Win, Former Parish Officers Lose

By DARIENITE.COM | January 6, 2020

A conclusion has been reached in the legal fight for control of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Darien, involving on one side various local officers of the parish and on the other the rector and the Epsicopal diocese. The rector — the Rev. Canon George Kovoor — and the diocese won, the Episcopal Church of Connecticut announced on Monday. According to the announcement, the former wardens and vestry members of the church are founding their own Christian community, called the New St. Paul’s Church.

Churches

All Invited to Thanksgiving Day Service at Christian Science Church in Darien

By DARIENITE.COM | November 18, 2019

The Christian Science church in Darien will again be hosting its annual Thanksgiving Day service on Thursday, Nov. 28, at 10:30 a.m. This event is open to the public, and no collection will be taken. — an announcement from the First Church of Christ Scientist in Darien

This service, in the church auditorium, at 2331 Post Road, at the corner of Salt Box Lane, is held in Christian Science churches worldwide, continues an annual tradition that began in 1902. It includes the singing of hymns, the reading of the Thanksgiving Proclamation of the President of the United States or the governor of the state, or both, readings from the “Pastor” of the church — The Bible and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, by Mary Baker Eddy — a solo, and testimonies by Christian Scientists appropriate for the occasion. The public is also welcome to attend the regular church services, which are held weekly throughout the year on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. and Wednesday evenings at 7:30 p.m.

Another option available to the public is the Christian Science Reading Room, which is a spiritual resource center and a quiet place for study and prayer.

Churches

Talmadge Hill Church Might Move Across the Street, Putting It Into New Canaan

By MICHAEL DINAN | May 4, 2019

Talmadge Hill Community Church, which sits just south of Darien’s border with New Canaan, might move across the street into the other town if New Canaan town government decides to sell a parcel there, according to the New Canaan first selectman. — This article is adapted from reports here and here originally published by New Canaanite.com. Saying revenues would go toward the renovation of Waveny House, New Canaan’s highest elected official said he’s discussed the possible sale of a disused and disconnected portion of the former of Lapham estate for residential development. The approximately 6.25 acres located below the Merritt Parkway and on the west side of Lapham Road could be sold for as much as $2 million for two residential building lots, according to First Selectman Kevin Moynihan. One of the parties that contacted Moynihan last month to express interest in acquiring a piece of town-owned property at Lapham and Talmadge Hill Roads was the Talmadge Hill Community Church, located catty-corner (in Darien).

Churches

‘Are You Ready to Take the First Step?’ Lecture by Christian Science Teacher on Turning to God

By DARIENITE.COM | April 20, 2019

Enrique Smeke, a Christian Science teacher, will give a talk titled “Are You Ready to Take the First Step,” on Saturday, April 27 at Norwalk Community College. — an announcement from the First Church of Christ Scientist in Darien

His lecture focusses on how to turn to God and choose the best approach to handling every challenge that confronts us in our daily experience. How can we take that first step towards a more harmonious relationship with friends or relatives? And what is that connection with God that enables us to enjoy better, more stable health? Where can we turn when faced with a financial crisis or lack of employment?

Charity Events and Opportunities

Classical Pianist Maxim Pakhomov Performs Saturday at First Congregational Church

By DARIENITE.COM | April 6, 2019

The renowned classical pianist Maxim Pakhomov will perform a program of Chopin, Bach, Debussy and Arensky in the First Congregational Church of Darien meetinghouse at 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 6.

— an announcement from the First Congregational Church of Darien

The program is also supported by Cesco’s Trattoria, of Goodwives Shopping Center. Concert goers will receive a 10% discount on their meal after the concert. Pakhomov is the principal pianist with the Bronx Orchestra, performs with the Westchester Chorale and has performed in Europe, Russia and the United States. He is a graduate of the Moscow State Conservatory and has been the lead organist at the First Congregational Church since 2008. He will be joined by special guests violinist Akiko Silver and cellist Andrew Borkowski. A suggested donation of $10 per person supports the cost of the program and benefits The Carver Foundation of Norwalk.

Events Calendar

Wed 29