OPEN AND AFFIRMING
1790 Ellington Road
South Windsor, CT 06074
Special Services
Thanksgiving
South Windsor Interfaith Service
Wapping Community Church actively participates in the annual town Interfaith Service along with clergy from other denominations and religions. Wapping Church and other houses of worship take turns hosting the service. All from the community, those with a church home and those without a church home, are encouraged to attend.
Advent, Christmas and New Year Season
Dark Night Service
Held a couple of weeks before Christmas, this is a quiet, contemplative, intimate service. There are moments of silence throughout the service to reflect, and inspirational readings acknowledge grief and struggle in the middle of a bustling, commercialized season, while offering hope and encouraging trust in a loving God. Prayer with laying on of hands is offered by the Ministers, and participants may each light a candle.
Christmas Eve Pageant at 4:30 p.m
Features a participatory, lively celebration of the birth of Jesus. Children can choose a costume and be part of it. No sign up or practice required!
Christmas Eve Candlelight and Communion Service
This is the 10:30 p.m. traditional service on Christmas Eve, with music by the Chancel Choir and various soloists. It concludes on the front lawn as everyone holds their candles, singing Silent Night.
Bells and PJs
Informal, laid back service held the first Sunday after Christmas – yes, you can wear your PJs! Lots of bells available to ring, with singing of beloved carols.
Star Sunday
First Sunday in January, congregation shares about what their previous star meant to them spiritually. Each person comes up to the front and selects a star as led by the Holy Spirit. We pray that God will guide, reveal and bless through the star gift each has chosen during the new year. We will also select a star gift for the church.
Maundy Thursday Evening Service
Held in the Community Room, with piano, selections by the Choir, communion and reading of Scriptures describing the last days and death of Jesus, as all are invited to walk the indoor labyrinth, leading to the cross in the center. Concludes with a Sacred Dance re-enactment of the crucifixion in darkness, and dismissal of the congregation in silence.
Lent and Holy Week
Ash Wednesday
Intimate, meditative and healing service. Includes anointing and individualized prayer offered by the Ministers with laying on of hands.
Good Friday Service at Noon
Short, poignant service concentrating on the last words of Jesus as He died on the cross, with times of silence for prayer and reflection, participatory responsive readings and singing.
Easter Sunrise Service
A joyous, meaningful and casual celebration of the resurrection of our Lord! Begins around 6:30 a.m. outside, weather permitting. Breakfast follows in the Community Room.
Morning Easter Services
Two jubilee services are offered, typically at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. These feature a sermon filled with victory and hope as we celebrate our risen Lord, Jesus Christ. Uplifting music includes traditional Easter hymns, featuring soloists and Chancel Choir, as well as a glorious praise presentation by our Sacred Dancers, finishing with the entire congregation joining in singing the Hallelujah Chorus!
Shawl Recognition Sunday
We recognize the shawl and baby blanket ministry and the amazing people who make them. This is an integral part of every Mother’s Day Service.
Sr. Recognition Sunday
During a Sunday in June, as a portion of the 10:00 a.m. service, we celebrate graduating high school seniors, present scholarships and include a touching address to the seniors by a Youth Advisor.
Stephen Ministry Sunday
Annually on a Sunday which varies year to year, we recognize our Stephen Ministry Team, which provides one-on-one Christ-centered care to individuals who are struggling. We talk about what Stephen Ministers do and introduce all of our Stephen Ministers. The sermon and music seamlessly weave a powerful, compassionate message about caring for others.
Youth Sunday
The Youth of our church plan and conduct both services. They handle every part of the service, including the sermon and music.
Awe-inspiring!!!!!
Children’s Sunday
During a Sunday in June, children lead the 10:00 a.m. service, sing and share their faith, with plenty of congregational participation.
