Naugatuck resident:

"Thank you Vinny. I appreciate it and we also appreciate the change and Impact on our lives that you have made since we have been coming there you make it fun and very interesting and easy to follow every week. Words cannot describe how I feel about new life since I stepped foot in there. I have had a fantastic experiences and what we did for those people in Haiti and Chile with the shoes was just absolutely an uplifting experience for us.   Thank you sincerely, ****"

Trumbull resident:

Dear Pastor Vinny,
 
I came to worship at New Life with my friend, ***** ********. I have known her for a couple of years. I know she is going through a painful time in her life right now, and when she mentioned that she really liked your church, I offered to attend with her. Yes, I did feel very welcomed immediately.  I mentioned to her afterward that the service makes the worshiper feel very engaged, especially the inspirational narratives that you weave into your sermon. The karaoke-type slides made it easier for me to try to sing along.
 
I was raised Catholic, and I come from a very religious family. I attended a Catholic school K-7, as well as a Catholic college. I had a double major in English, as well as Religious Studies. I even live within walking distance of a Catholic church, but with the exception of Christmas and Easter, I have not attended Mass in a long time for various reasons. Some reasons are very personal and complex, but others are easily understood. For example, although there are certainly beautiful elements of Catholic Mass, many Catholic churches "go through the motions" without engaging the worshipers in a meaningful way. It is easy to feel like you are just mumbling prayers, going through the exercises, and that you are anonymous. I'm not knocking Catholicism, but it seems to have strayed from "the Jesus feeling ." I mean, Jesus engaged large crowds of followers, just walking around preaching in sandals. All the stained glass and incense in the world can't make up for lack of spirituality. Therefore, I've done all my praying at home, in the car, or anywhere at all. I try to live a Christian life through my deeds. My philosophy is basically that going to a hollow-feeling Mass doesn't make me spiritual any more than standing a garage makes me a car. Nonetheless, it is important to have a shared faith and people with whom to share it. That is why when ***** opened up to me I took it as a sign to reach out to her. When I told my mother that I went to yor church, she said, "My prayers have been answered!"

You will probably see me again. Thank you for extending a warm welcome!
 
Sincerely,
 
***** ******* ******
Trumbull, CT

Shelton resident:

Pastor Vinny it is obvious how much you and your church is helping people . . . Thank you . . . and keep it up!

Derby resident:

hi pastor Vinny thank you for the kind email. my daughter and i had  great time and can't wait for next sunday. she loved the kids church! please pray for my boy friend and his very new yet determined path to sobriety. again...can't wait for sunday. see you then. 

******* *******