Open or Close Doors?

by Mike Patrick, Waterbury Republican-American (7/10/16)
Fewer people in the pews and fewer dollars in the collection plates are leading to big changes for two historic city churches, as one seeks to merge with another congregation and the other will likely shut its doors....

On a recent Sunday, the ushers at St. John’s Episcopal Church on the Green did something that likely never been done in the church’s almost 300-year history. They threw open the doors so passers-by could hear the joyful gospel music inside.

Worshippers from Community Tabernacle Outreach Center, a Pentecostal church on Hewlett Street, had come to St. John’s for a combined service, and brought with them an energy that both contracted and complemented the more subdued Episcopal rites.

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St. John’s Welcomes Community Tabernacle Outreach Center

Nearly 100 brothers and sisters from Community Tabernacle Outreach Center, led by Pastor W. James Johnson, joined St. John's on June 26 for a lively Sunday service and festive brunch. Our sacred space was filled with the Holy Spirit, wonderful fellowship, and jazz and gospel music provided by the St. John's Jazz Ensemble and the Choir of the Community Tabernacle Outreach Center. The church itself was practically full, as the combination of worshippers doubled the normal Sunday attendance at St. John's. With the doors open on a beautiful summer day, the joyful music carried outside to the Green and caused passers-by to look inside the church to see what was happening!
 
The two congregations are exploring ways to possibly share St. John’s historic building for worship and join ministry. Senior Warden Jay Anthony said, "We're in the dating stage right now." The first date looked promising, indeed.
 
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