Faith Alive! 2011

† Faith Alive! 2011, A Retrospective

More than 160 parishioners were touched in some way by our Faith Alive events or “pep rally” as we’ve heard it said!

The Prayer Vigil was a wonderful time of preparation for the weekend’s festivities…a quiet time of reflection in the church or at home.  After meditating on the readings, there was time to read some new or favorite Psalms…so peaceful, so calm.

As a parish with our Faith Alive visitors we enjoyed a wonderful meal of lasagna on Friday night, followed by music and small groups.  What a great opportunity it was to get to know people in our parish family on a more intimate basis.  Not always easy…but well worth it.  Getting to know some of you was a highlight of the weekend!

On Saturday morning, many attended the Neighborhood Coffees in various homes throughout our parish: Southbury, Newtown, Danbury, New Milford and Brookfield.  It was a glorious, sun-filled morning and our hosts and/or hostesses prepared a wonderful array of food and beverages to fuel our bodies as the Lord fueled our souls.  Our visiting teams led this quiet time of sharing and meditation.  Thank you hosts & hostesses for opening up your homes.  This was truly a special time.

Many of us then gathered back at the church or at the Brookfield Library for the men’s or women’s luncheons.  We were well fed, again!  And then enjoyed music, testimonies and had the opportunity to talk with people we don’t always have time to visit with at church.  It was great to be together and get to know you better.  Let’s do more of this.

Saturday evening, we gathered for Ice Cream and more fellowship before convening for worship singing in the church.  Fellowship is such a wonderful time.  Three cheers for fellowship!  Small groups came together later with more singing and reflection following.

On Sunday, the Faith Alive music team led the worship during both services.  Hap Maguire reflected and gave his testimony for the sermon.  Faith Alive prayer teams availed themselves during the time of healing.  Many parishioners made the most of this opportunity to bring forward their prayer concerns…it was a powerful time of prayer.

Following a closing lunch with our visitors, we met to discuss the spirit filled weekend and vowed to use it to energize our efforts going forward.

Thanks to one and all - for organizing, for attending, for providing food, for bringing your children and your teenagers.  It was wonderful to see so many people come out to party for Jesus!  Halleluiah…Amen!!