Help Rebuild the beloved Taftville Church

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, even though the earth be removed… The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her.” Psalm 46:1-2; 4-5

In the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, One God, Amen.

My beloved community,

It is with a heavy heart that I share the devastating news of a recent fire that has severely impacted our beloved St. Mary & St. Moses the Strong Coptic Orthodox Church (formerly, the Taftville Congregational Church). On August 5th, 2023 around 10 pm, flames engulfed our church, leaving a significant portion of our building in ruins. We give thanks to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ that nobody was hurt or injured during this tragedy.

We would first like to extend our most heartfelt gratitude to the Norwich Fire and Police Department, as well as the firefighters of our neighboring towns for their heroic efforts in preventing the spread of the raging flames. We greatly thank you for your service, may God abundantly bless you.

We are reaching out to you, our cherished community, for help and support during this trying time. Our Coptic church has been a beacon of hope, faith, and fellowship for countless individuals and families over the years. It has stood as a symbol of unity, compassion, and love within our respective communities. Now, as our small congregation faces the aftermath of this fire, we are met with the immense challenge of rebuilding and restoring what was lost.

The support we receive from our Coptic community and the community at large is crucial in enabling us to rebuild and continue serving as a place of spiritual guidance, community outreach, and support for those in need. We humbly ask for your assistance in the following ways:

1. **Prayers and Encouragement**: Your thoughts and prayers mean a lot to us during this difficult time. “I love the Lord, because He has heard My voice and my supplications. Because He has inclined His ear to me, therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live.” Psalm 116:1-2. Your support and prayers help to strengthen our resolve as we work towards recovery.

2. **Financial Contributions**: Your generous donations will be instrumental in covering the costs of repairing the damage and reconstructing our church. Every contribution, no matter how small, will make a significant difference.

3. **Spreading the Word**: Please share this message with your friends, family, and networks. The more people who are aware of our situation, the greater the potential for assistance and support. With your help, we can rebuild our church, rekindle the spirit of togetherness and oneness of heart, and continue to make a positive impact on the lives of those around us.

I pray that we may always thank God- for every condition, concerning every condition, and in every condition. I pray that in the face of adversity, our community's compassion and unity will shine through and overcome trials and tribulations, by the grace of God. Thank you in advance for your unwavering support. Together, we can overcome this challenge and emerge stronger than ever before.

For more information, donation details, or to express your willingness to serve in this endeavor, please contact me at (203)-889-6416.

In Christ,

Fr. Thomas Kalta