Q. I’ve never heard of the New England Prayer Center. Is it a new organization?

A. We’ve been active for six years, holding Christ-centered lectures and workshops in churches and meeting places throughout the area. We formally incorporated as the NEPC in 2006.

Q. Why do we need another church in Easton?

A. The New England Prayer Center is not a church. We do not have regular masses or liturgies, and we do not have members. What we offer are lectures, workshops, and seminars in a prayerful and reflective environment.

Q. How do you intend to pay for the land?

A. We are a registered 501c(3) organization, and as such we can raise tax deductible contributions. To date we have covered all of our operating costs through fundraising, and we are now underway with a capital campaign for the land and related development costs. In a short period, this campaign has raised the funds for the upfront payment of $300,000 as well as for costs associated with the planning, application, and approval process. More importantly, we have already received indications of support from a number of major prospective donors while continuing to identify and cultivate others. We are confident that the funds necessary to purchase the land in two years will be in place.

Q. Will you need an extensive structure to accommodate your needs?

A. We are planning to build a modest structure that will fit appropriately into the landscape. We intend to put forward a design that not only complies with the Town’s regulations and meets with the approval of the Town’s commissions, but that respects and reflects the natural beauty of the surrounding land and the heritage of Easton. Structures and parking areas will be buffered by trees; stone walls will complement the landscape; the wetlands and Mill River will be respected, and so on. Also, we intend to restore the existing farm house, barn, and other structures to preserve the history and heritage of Running Brook Farm.

Q. How do we know you won’t continue to build upon the land?

A. The deed to the land will be conveyed with development restrictions agreed upon with the Town. Design plans for the prayer center will be submitted well before purchase of the land and will indicate all planned structures and uses. NEPC intends to respect “proportionality” in its design plans.

Q. Will prayer meetings affect the quality of life for residents who just want peace and quiet?

A. No. We’ve held meetings locally for six years now, and have never had any issues with noise or traffic. Gatherings are held once or twice per month, not daily or on any routine schedule, and not on Sunday mornings.

Q. Will your Center affect the traffic in Easton?

A. No. Most gatherings will not be of a size that would impact traffic and, moreover, the property is literally on the Easton borderline and 30 seconds off the Merritt Parkway. Easton’s roads and traffic will be unaffected.

Q. Why can’t existing churches hold conferences and the other sorts of meetings you intend to hold?

A. They sometimes do, and on many occasions we have helped churches bring in worship leaders and speakers to address their congregations. The New England Prayer Center serves to facilitate this tradition of cultural and spiritual enrichment. In this way we resemble the Trinity Conference Center in West Cornwall, CT, the Kirkridge Retreat Center in Bangor, PA, and the Convent of Saint Birgitta retreat in Darien, CT.

Q. Who comes to your meetings?

A. Members of churches of all denominations, from our local community and surrounding region – anyone who is interested in spiritual growth. Attendance is managed via advance correspondence and sign-up. We also host meetings for church leaders.

Q. How many people attend your local meetings?

A. Over the past few years, our lectures and workshops have typically ranged from 20 to 80 participants. Our larger offsite conference seminars have sometimes reached 150 participants.

Q. What sorts of lectures do you have?

A. We invite speakers to discuss topics that include marriage, health, family, motivation, and spiritual growth. We also hold meetings for bible study and prayer.

Q. Why is NEPC’s future purchase of this land in the Town of Easton’s interest?

A. NEPC seeks to utilize the Running Brook Farm property in a manner that we believe is respectful of the important sense of preservation and heritage that Easton has long held. To visit Easton is to understand that this is a heritage worth preserving! Our aspiration is for development that fits into the landscape of Easton, with beautiful and properly-proportioned architectural design, preserved natural wooded areas, and open fields. NEPC’s usage will not disturb the Mill River wetlands, will not generate undue traffic or noise, and will not add to school costs. We are gratified to be involved in a prospective outcome that can permanently establish a well-fitting future for this gateway property.