Join us at the XL Center to see our national champion UConn Husky Men’s Basketball Team take on the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame.  

Free Your Inner Artist! 2012 Arts & Spirituality Retreat In the midst of the cold winter months, take a break from your daily routine and join us for the annual Arts and Spirituality Retreat.  

Joel will be returning for a special concert with soprano Jolie Rocke Brown and rhythm section in February for An Afternoon of Love Songs - a concert dedicated to the ministry of Rev. Peter Grandy. 

Join your church family in a celebration of the ministry of the Rev. Peter Grandy, as we honor his 36 years of service to Asylum Hill Congregational Church. Peter will be preaching at both services on Sunday, February 12 and the topic of his sermon will be “Laugh, Love and Lift.”  

Come view an unseen gem 

Make plans now to attend the annual Women's Retreat. Women who have attended these annual retreats have found them to be enriching, both spiritually and personally. 

Senior Assoc. Minister, Rev. Peter Grandy, announces retirement

Dear Church Family,

Life is a journey, and I would like to share with you a part of mine. When I was young, I was blessed to have two loving and understanding parents who took me to church with them, and encouraged my education. While in college, I met my life partner, Jeanne, who always wanted to "marry a minister" - imagine that! Upon graduation from Andover Newton Theological School, we came to Connecticut while I pursued a Ph.D. in World Religions, with the thought of teaching at a college or university. Instead, I received a call from AHCC to teach adult education programs; then went on to become associate minister, working with the church school, youth groups, confirmation, young adults and outreach, and, of course, doing some teaching, preaching, and pastoral care. Over this journey of thirty-six years, I have come to love this wonderful and compassionate congregation.

During that time, Jeanne and I raised two children, Laura and Alan, and this church became our extended family. Both Laura and Alan are married with children of their own, who never cease to make us smile.

It is with mixed emotions, therefore, that I write to inform you that it is now time for me to journey into retirement. I have felt blessed beyond measure that my call to ordained Christian ministry found fruition here at AHCC. It has been such an honor and privilege to have partnered with you in our church's stated purpose: "to work for the increase in the love of God and neighbor in Jesus Christ, through sharing, caring, outreach and worship." My beloved friends and colleagues, thank you from the depths of my heart for working by my side on this precious journey.

I plan to retire from my role as Senior Associate Minister after my 67th birthday, with my last Sunday being February 12, 2012. I intend to honor the UCC tradition and protocol for departing ministers and not perform any pastoral services other than those to which I have already committed. I have requested of the leadership to not make a "big fuss" - you've already done that for me on my 10th and 25th anniversaries of employment.  A service of worship followed by a time of recognition and fellowship with one another is exactly what I want.  Jeanne and I have no plans to leave West Hartford, but do look forward to spending some weekend time with our families and to the leading of the Spirit on this part of our journey.

We are excited knowing that the Rev. Matthew Laney has been selected as our new senior minister. He is a man of strong and deep faith who will love us to life and lead us well. Along with the remaining amazing staff and lay leadership, I am confident that AHCC's best days are today and tomorrow!

Gratefully yours,


Rev. Peter B. Grandy
Senior Associate Minister