252 Atlantic Street
252 Atlantic Street
252 Atlantic Street is officially owned by Stanwich Church! We are so excited for things to come in the city of Stamford and how we continue to spread the gospel of Christ and make him known. We have already begun contruction and are optimistic of opening in 2023.
Answered Prayers
A list of just a few things that we have seen how prayers have been answered on our road to Stamford.
Space in Stamford: A larger space for God-exalting worship that allows us to expand our vision to know Christ and make him known in Stamford.
God Provided - a 30,000sf building with capacity for a 300+ person sanctuary in the center of the city.
2nd Chance Opportunity: A “Third Place” coffee shop for Monday-Saturday communal connection and “Second Chance” employment possibilities.
God Provided - a Christ-following coffee shop owner who already employs second-chance people and has expertise in creating excellent, attractive cafes' in the region.
Outreach Program: A program to introudce unchurched people to their first love Jesus Christ.
God Provided - The Alpha Course invited us to become a “hub church” for their expanding U.S. operations which allows us to reach many people with the gospel.
Needed Resources: The resources needed to fund, plan and fill the vision.
God Provided - People joyfully willing to offer their time, talent, and treasure, including $12mm in gifts and pledges (so far), volunteer leadership, and committee involvements.
Zoning Challenges: Zoning for a church and parking spaces to be approved for the area.
God Provided - Zoning approval came quickly and without any red tape.
A Sign: Affirmation and confirmation of our vision and action steps.
God Provided - Dreams and visions directly related to specific aspects, plans, locations and partnerships.
Mission
To find a larger space for worship that exalts God through relevant musical expressions and gospel proclamation.
To establish a “Third Space” such as a coffee shop, bookstore/library, event space, or all of the above, for Monday-Saturday communal connection in Stamford.
To partner with an experienced café owner to create “second chance” employment opportunities for people coming out of recovery programs such as Pivot Ministries.
Goals
Purchase and renovate a building that is large enough for the above-stated vision and mission.
Partner with an existing small business owner who will operate a café to provide delicious food and coffee, intentional employment, and a platform for community connection.
Once the space is open, host various community-building, evangelistic and discipleship programs such as Alpha, Sunday brunch, Bible studies, concerts, art shows, and more.
Outcome
We were already reaching hundreds of Stamford citizens with our Spirit-filled worship services on Sunday evenings. We will build on these relationships and invite many more into the family of God.
With the purchase of a property, we expect that many more people will become connected with God and grow in their faith as they will have an established location to come to at any time.
We also expect that at least one addiction-recovery program graduate per year will be employed who otherwise would not be.
CONNECTION
CONNECTION
Human beings thrive when we live in interconnected relationships with each other and with our Creator. In recent years, residents of Stamford, CT, have experienced increased isolation and disconnection. As a church, we are called to help people connect with their Creator as we invite them into God-exalting worship and with their neighbors as we invite them to a new community space throughout the week.
INTENTIONAL EMPLOYMENT
INTENTIONAL EMPLOYMENT
Everyone deserves a second chance. Graduates of addiction recovery programs like Pivot Ministries often have a difficult time getting hired by local companies. We have the opportunity to partner with a local café business owner to provide meaningful re-employment for people so that they can be economically restored as well as spiritually whole.
DISCIPLESHIP
DISCIPLESHIP
It is our God-given responsibility to pass down the faith to the next generation. As the Millennial and Gen Z generations have largely walked away from the traditional Church, we need to reach them where they are. A Monday through Sunday event space in Stamford will allow us to share the gospel with those who have never heard it, and disciple people by using creative ministry programs.
CONSTRUCTION PROJECT LEADERS
Ira Grandberg
Granberg & Associates Architects
Meet Ira Grandberg. He has been associated with Stanwich Church since 2004 when he led the architecture design team for our current building here in Greenwich. With our current vision in Stamford and his years of talent we are excited to see the architecture drawings come to life.
Todd Gambino
Canongate Companies
Meet Todd Gambino, who is Stanwich Owners Representative in construction for Stamford. Todd comes highly recommended and has over twenty-five years of development and construction experience. Todd meets with our Stamford team weekly to review the progress and requirements for ensuring the pre-construction process runs smoothly and will continue to ensure that while in consturction he has our best interest in mind as he connects with different contrators on our behalf.
Ira Grandberg
Granberg & Associates Architects
Ira Grandberg of Grandberg & Associates is an exceptional architect and recipient of several prestigious awards, including an AIA Special Award for our church building designed in the early 2000's. His work spans a variety of styles and applications including religious, hospitality, corporate, and municipal projects. His attention to detail and creative problem solving has produced exciting concept designs for our multiple-use building on Atlantic Street in Stamford.
Wes Lyvers
Project Manager
Wes Lyvers along with his wife Carol, have been members of Stanwich Church for 35 years! Wes retired from an executive role at KPMG and soon became "employed" at Stanwich Church, serving as volunteer Executive Director for five years. Since then he has enthusiastically responded to our requests to serve in other capacities and is currently Project Director for the Stanwich Initiative. His expertise in finance, organization, research, and project management is now focused on bringing our vision for our Stamford church into a reality.
Todd Gambino
Canongate Companies
A project of this magnitude requires a significant level of industry expertise, which Todd Gambino brings to the table. Todd holds a B.S. in Construction Engineering and an MBA in Business Management, along with 30 years of construction-related experience. Stanwich has engaged Todd as Owner's Representative to oversee the multitude of tasks required to successfully remodel the building for our use. From timelines to Construction Manager selection, consultants and quality control Todd is an independent advisor whose sole focus is on representing the interests of the church throughout this process.