Stamford Initiative

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.

We Needed: Space in 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.

We Needed: 2nd Chance Opportunities

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.

We Needed: An Outreach Program

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.

We Needed: Resources

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.

We Needed: Zoning Approvals

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.

We Needed: A Sign

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

SANCTUARY

CAFE

EMPLOYMENT

SANCTUARY

To find a larger space for worship that exalts God through relevant musical expressions and gospel proclamation.

CAFE

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.

EMPLOYMENT

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

PARTNER

CONNECTION

PURCHASE

Purchase and renovate a building that is large enough for the above-stated vision and mission.

PARTNER

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.

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

COMMUNITY

GROWTH

RECOVERY

COMMUNITY

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.

GROWTH

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.

RECOVERY

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.