What to Expect

Aspiring to be a gospel centered community, we talk a lot about making this a "safe place" for real-time sinful people to be in journey with Christ. There is no limit to God's grace as accomplished for us by Christ. And aspiring to not just learn about Christ and the good news of the gospel we talk a lot about participating in Christ's presence. We do this both in the mystery of "one-anothering" in the power of the Holy Spirit, and in the mystery of sacramental worship wherein we "do" the gospel in the ancient temple pattern of four movements. Through it all, Christ is in the midst of us by the Holy Spirit as our prophet, priest and king! So I hope you will join us and enjoy our journey together in Christ."

Below you'll find relevant information for planning your fist few visits to CPC.  We want you to be as comfortable as possible worshipping with us and hope the following helps make your visit logistically smooth and open to knowing our community.

If you'd like to hear from some of our CPC New Haven Alumni, please watch this video slideshow of what they shared during our 25th Anniversary! Use the controls in the bottom left hand corner and play each video individually.

  

1. Directions and Time

(Map)
135 Whitney Avenue
New Haven, CT 06510

We are located next to the Yale School of Management, at the corner of Whitney Ave. and Bradley St.

Sunday Morning Worship: We hold one service with communion at 10:30am. Consistent with New Haven policy, as of 3/7/22, masks are optional at CPC for everyone regardless of vaccination status (including children). The Downstairs Sanctuary is reserved for those who would like to wear a mask during Sunday worship (you may also choose to wear one upstairs of course). In the spirit of Christian charity, please respect each others’ choices and each others’ safety in the event that you are experiencing symptoms.(Or if you are unable to attend in-person, join us live online here)

2. What to Wear

You will find a wide range of attire, from t-shirts and jeans to the occasional bowtie. Wear what makes you feel comfortable worshiping God.

3. Parking

There is parking available on our property, however, there isn't enough for everyone. Additional parking can be found on Bradley Street beside our building, on Whitney before you get to our building coming from Trumbull St/Downtown, and at two Yale parking lots north of the church on Whitney Ave. Lot 16: Gibbs Lab at Whitney Ave. and Humphrey St., and the Whitney Ave. Garage located behind 221 Whitney Ave.  For safety, exit our lot on the Bradley St. side only.

4. Worship

As you enter the sanctuary, you'll be greeted by folks who will hand you a worship bulletin that will direct you through every step of our service including explanations of why we are carrying out each element.  

5. A Safe Place

People often tell us that they've found CPC to be a very friendly place (what most people who stick around will say initially attracted them to come back a second time). But more than friendly, it is often talked about as a "safe" place where people can be "in route" no matter what the location of your spiritual journey. The spirituality of CPC is very much about grace as this not only makes it okay to be morally flawed and/or broken in some way, but expected even. There will be people there that are not yet Christians, people who are Christians and left the church and are venturing back into the church, and even people who have been going to church for a long time but are finding that the closer they get to God the more they see how flawed they are in comparison, and how much more loved and accepted than they ever expected possible because of what Christ accomplishes for us. So come as you are, both outwardly and inwardly, and let happen what happens. It is safe! 

6. Children

We love our children and enjoy having them in worship. That being said, we do have a quality and carefully managed childcare located in the children's wing of the church (at end of foyer) for any and all children who at any time during the service are getting "antsy" or are distracting their parents from worship. It is intentionally a "free time" for guided play to allow children to release some energy before they rejoin their parents after the sermon.  The booklet "Together in God's Presence: Children and Families Together in Covenant Worship" explains our philosophy of children in relation to worshiping together with some very practical ways to help your children experience worship for themselves even if they don't understand much of it.

7. Welcome Cards

Please fill out a Welcome Card so that we have an opportunity to greet you and follow up in case you have any questions. There is space to also include a prayer request or request to speak to a pastor about a spiritual concern.

8. Children's Sunday School & Adult Sunday Studies 

Before worship during the academic year you are welcome join us at 9:30am for our School of Disciplshio (see current classes here). During this time, children age 2.5 - High School are invited to participate in age-specific Sunday School classes located throughout the church building (see more about our Children's Ministry here).  

9. Fellowhip Lunch

On most Sundays throughout the year our worship service is followed by a shared fellowship meal at about 12pm. The meal is free to visitors and an enjoyable way to get to know some people while eating a catered meal. 

10. Enjoy

Please pick up our Welcome Brochure and other materials from the foyer for more information about our church and programs. Feel free to ask anyone questions about the service, our programs, our people, or our faith. We are happy to help!