Walnut Hill church to expand

The Walnut Hill Community Church expects to open its Litchfield County campus in New Milford Sept. 9.

It will not, however, be in the intended location, church officials said last week.

The need for more extensive renovations than anticipated at the former Christian Fellowship Church on Dorwin Hill necessitates the church have a temporary setting.

Walnut Hill purchased the Dorwin Hill site in March to house its expanded ministry.

So Walnut Hill will open for Sunday worship services at 9 and 10:45 a.m. at John Pettibone School on Pickett District Road.

The church, which has a growing membership of some 3,000 congregants, has a main church facility in Bethel, with satellite locations in Seymour and Waterbury.

The 5.7-acre Dorwin Hill property, which includes the sanctuary and an attached gymnasium, was purchased for just under $1 million through congregation donations.

Church leaders said the decision to open a campus in New Milford stemmed from a growing number of families from the area -- between 200 and 300 -- who were traveling to Bethel to attend church.

In addition to Sunday worship services, the church intends to offer youth programs, divorce and new-mother support groups.

"We are so blessed to be able to use this space at the Pettibone School," campus Pastor Brian Prue said in a news release. "The facilities there are perfect for ministry. We'll be able to start strong, at a great location.

"Our leadership team is excited to get going," he added, "and we're thrilled to not skip a beat as we expand ministry to impact Litchfield County. God is clearly at work, and we can't wait to see what He will do."

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