What was “the Tent”?

In the wake of the tragedy in Sandy Hook CC Southbury realized that people needed a place where they could mourn, be ministered to and heal. It needed to be a place where anyone would feel welcome and where people could be met as they are. While there were many make-shift memorials set up around town, no single place had been established that could serve this need for the longer term. God opened up the door for us to set up a tent on a vacant lot just off exit ten in Newtown. Within a day that tent was full of remembrances, flowers, candles and it became a safe place where people could come, get a hug, cry, talk to a chaplain or just silently reflect. Everyday the tent was visited by hundreds of people in need of comfort. It was a place of refuge and healing.

Why did CC Southbury remove the tent?

We were asked to close the tent by the Town of Newtown. While we felt that the work being done there was still needed we did not feel that being in conflict with the town could possibly serve the people of Newtown. We thank the Town of Newtown for allowing us to stay open as long as we did and we have every desire of continuing to bless the people of Newtown and help them to heal.

What is CC Southbury doing now?

We are still deeply committed to ministering to those in Newtown who are in need. Pastors and Chaplains are available for grief counseling or just to be a resource to those who are still needing to heal. Please call (203) 267-5441 or email calvary@calvarysouthbury.com. We are also planning future outreach events in Newtown. Please contact us if you would like to be notified of what we are doing or stop by the church anytime.