The Council of Churches of Greater Bridgeport

09/07/2026

God of work and rest, bless the labor of our hands, strengthen those who are weary, protect those whose work places them at risk, and lead us toward justice for all who labor. Amen

08/23/2026

“But who do you say that I am?” — Matthew 16:15

Jesus’ question to the disciples is deeply personal. It cannot be answered only with what others have said or what we have been taught.

Who is Jesus to us?

And perhaps just as importantly: What does our answer look like in the way we live?

If we confess Jesus as the Christ, that confession takes flesh in lives shaped by compassion, mercy, justice, courage, and love.

We answer Jesus’ question not only with our words, but in the ways we serve our neighbors, welcome the stranger, accompany those who are hurting, and work for a world where all people may flourish.

“Who do you say that I am?”

May our lives be part of the answer.

-The Deaconness Community

08/21/2026

Gracious God,

As this week draws to a close,
we give thanks for moments of joy,
for work accomplished,
for kindness received and shared.

We place into your care
what remains unfinished,
the burdens we are carrying,
the people for whom we worry,
and the needs we cannot meet on our own.

Give rest to the weary,
courage to those facing uncertainty,
comfort to those who grieve,
and strength to all who continue to serve.

Renew us in your grace,
that we may meet the days ahead
with open hearts and willing hands.

Amen.

-The Deaconess Community

08/20/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18YtHuk179/?mibextid=wwXIfr

A school is more than classrooms and textbooks. It is a community held together by countless acts of service, many of them performed without recognition.

As a new school year begins, we give thanks for teachers, aides, counselors, nurses, social workers, cafeteria workers, custodians, bus drivers, crossing guards, administrators, coaches, volunteers, and all who accompany children and young people each day.

May God bless their work. May they have patience when days are difficult, joy in moments of discovery, and the wisdom to notice the child who especially needs to be seen.

And may every student find places of safety, belonging, encouragement, and hope.

“Let all that you do be done in love.” -1 Corinthians 16:14

08/17/2026

As Christians we are called to work for justice and peace in all the world. You are invited to read “Born a Crime” by Trevor Noah and then join a discussion about the book as it relates to racial justice on zoom at 6:30 pm Mon 9/21 or 9:30 am Tue 9/22 (or both)! To register, scan the QR code or simply go to www.LetsReadAndZoom.org!

08/16/2026

08/09/2026

“Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him.”
— Matthew 14:31

Peter had stepped out of the boat in faith. But then he noticed the wind. Fear took hold, and he began to sink.

“Save me!” he cried.

And immediately, Jesus reached out.

There was no demand that Peter overcome his fear first. No requirement that he somehow find stronger faith before receiving help. Jesus simply reached for him.

Perhaps that is part of the grace in this story. Faith does not mean we will never be frightened, overwhelmed, or uncertain. Sometimes faith is simply the cry, “Help me.”

And when the storms of life leave us struggling to stay above water, Christ meets us there with compassion, mercy, and a hand extended toward us.

Our fear does not put us beyond Christ’s reach. Neither does our doubt.
Thanks be to God.

08/09/2026

Today is the final performance of New Paradigm Theatre’s “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” at Stratford High School. The Connecticut premiere and first performance of this show took place in 1979 at the Downtown Cabaret Theatre in Bridgeport. Three costumes used today - Joseph’s Dreamcoat, Pharaoh’s outfit, and Joseph’s Egyptian gold coat - are the exact same ones used back in 1979 at the Downtown Cabaret Theatre! With the closing of the cabaret, 100,000 costumes were sold, and these 3 went to today’s costume designer!

08/08/2026