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

A.  No. We have been active for almost fifteen years, and formally incorporated as the NEPC in 2006.  Our work has been largely ground level and faith based, as evidenced in the daily personal and private healing we conduct, our weekly group prayer meetings, and a calendar of conferences, seminars, retreats, and special events.

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. Our mission is to serve as a strengthening influence and unifying force for the churches and communities throughout New England. We are dedicated  to supporting humanity “all inclusively” through prayer, hope, and healing.

Q. What distinguishes the proposed relationship between the NEPC and the Town of Easton?

A. The NEPC seeks to utilize the “Running Brook Farm” property in a manner that we believe will respect the strong environmental conscientiousness that Easton has long upheld.  To visit Easton is to understand that this is a New England heritage well worth preserving!  Our goal is for sensitive development that remains attentive to the natural beauty of the Easton landscape, and that presents a properly proportioned architectural design that will not only be environmentally sound, but will preserve the natural wooded areas, open fields, and the critical habit in and around the Mill River. The Mill River happens to be one of only nine streams in the State of Connecticut where trout thrive in the wild, and their sustained preservation vitally depends on the land adjacent to the river remaining undisturbed.

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

A. We are a registered non profit 501C(3) Organization, and as such as can raise tax deductible contributions from private donors, corporations, and foundations. To date, we have covered all of our operating costs through fundraising, and we are now well underway with a “Capital Campaign” to purchase the  land on which to build the Center. In the years of 2008-10, this Campaign has raised more than $1,000,000., of which $300,000. was utilized as a down payment for our proposed building site along with the related costs associated with the drawing of architectural and engineering plans, and  commencement of the application and approval process. Today, because of the extraordinary generosity of a private donor, we are set to launch a “$1,000,000. Challenge Campaign”. Our success in raising these funds will put us well on our way to acquiring the Land!

Q.  Will the building you wish to construct require a “big foot print”?

A. No.  Our plan is to build a modestly sized structure whose central focus will be a 300 seat auditorium. The building will fit appropriately into the landscape, and feel like it is  part of the landscape. The intent is not only to produce a design that complies with the Town’s regulations, but that upholds the natural beauty of the 30-acres. The wooded areas are to be left in their natural state, and will be complemented by walking trails and various areas set aside for the enjoyment of nature and community gatherings.

Q.  How developmentally restrictive or non restrictive will your intended use of the Land be?

A. The deed to the land will be conveyed with developmental restrictions which will have been mutually agreed upon with the Town of Easton prior to the passing of title.

Q. Will your meetings adversely affect the quality of life for residents who live near by?

A. No.  We have routinely held prayer meetings for the past six years, and there has never been a noise or traffic issue.

Q.  Will your Center affect Easton traffic patterns?

A. No. The property is literally located on the Easton-Trumbull Town lines within seconds of the Merritt Parkway, and the meetings do not generate enough cars to afford any real impact.

Q.  Don’t the churches in our area already hold conferences on their own?

A. Yes, they sometimes do, and on many occasions we have helped area churches bring in spiritual leaders and motivational speakers to address their respective congregations. The New England Prayer Center seeks to support this tradition of cultural and spiritual enrichment and diversity particularly now during difficult and challenging times for the Country. 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 attends your meetings and events?

A. Church representatives from our local communities and from throughout the New England region, as well as citizens in our area who are interested in spiritual growth, renewed hope, or who are desirous of healing a broken life

Q. How many people attend your meetings and events?

A. Over the past few years, our lectures and workshops have been well attended. Our larger off site conferences and seminars have reached hundreds of participants depending on the universal appeal of the Speakers and the site size.

Q.  What do you talk about at your conferences and seminars?

A. We invite speakers whose expertise puts them at the forefront of a wide variety of subjects that are believed to be contemporary and critically important to people’s lives today. Some of these areas recently have included: marriage, health, family, motivation, and spiritual growth.