CentralNEWS/January 2012

VOLUME 20 NUMBER 1
296 Angell Street Providence RI 02906 401-331-1960

From your Senior Minister

Dear Friends,

You are receiving this letter in the very first days of the new year, and I envision the e -mail arriving on your screen, or the paper copy coming to your doorstep as you turn the leaf on the old year, open a new calendar, make your resolutions, take a deep breath.

This prayer of Thich Nhat Hanh reminding us of our connectedness with one another and with all creation comes to mind.

Look deeply. I arrive in every second
To be a bud on a spring branch,
To be a tiny bird, with wings still fragile,
Learning to sing in my new nest,
To be a caterpillar in the heart of a flower,
To be a jewel hiding itself in a stone….
Please call me by my true names,
So I can wake up,
And so the door of my heart can be left open,
The door of compassion.

The sense of openness, of possibility, is so clear in these words. My hope is that for all of us in this old church, the new year may find us waking up, with the doors of our hearts open, doors of compassion.

Yours truly, in the spirit of connection and newness and possibility, in the Spirit of Jesus the Christ, born anew among us and all.

Rebecca

Our prayers and sympathy are with…

The family and friends of Dennis Mikolich who died on November 28, 2011
A Memorial Service was held at Central Congregational Church on December 2.
May God’s comfort surround all those who mourn.

Our thoughts and prayers are with…

Stanley Sorrentino. His sister died in December.

Baptism

The Sacrament of Baptism is an important part of our worship life together. In an effort to uplift our celebration of Baptisms in our community of faith, we will be offering Baptisms during the following Sundays of the church year.

Sunday after Epiphany January 15, 2012
Sunday after Easter April 15, 2012

Meetings to prepare parents for Baptism will be held in our Fireplace Room at 9 am on the Saturday of the preceding week. Please speak with the Rev. Rebecca Spencer if you would like to be included in this very important part of life at Central–The Sacrament of Baptism

Join Central

New Member Orientation* – Tuesday, January 24
Faith Exploration* – Wednesday, February 1
New Member Sunday – February 5

*These meetings are held at the home of the Rev. Rebecca Spencer 15 Taber Ave at 7 pm.

A CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

Please join us immediately following worship on Sunday, January 29 to approve the proposed budget for the upcoming year. This meeting offers an opportunity for all to learn about and to participate in the plans for the coming year. This Finance Committee needs to hear from you! All members are urged to attend! Childcare provided.

CHRISTMAS AT CENTRAL

The tinsel may be packed away for another year, but the glow of Christmas at Central has not faded! We made about $3500, but more importantly, we shared ourselves with the wider community. Many, many thanks to ALL our chairpersons and to everyone who worked so hard to make our 4th Christmas at Central a wonderful success!!!

Communion Dates for 2012

January 8 Epiphany Sunday
February 22 Ash Wednesday
February 26 First Sunday in Lent
March 29 Maundy Thursday
April 15 Eastertide Sunday
May 27 Pentecost Sunday

From Kat

After a great performance by the High School WORD Fellowship on Christmas Eve, I mistakenly hung up a student’s dress shirt with the other costumes from the service. The shirt was so big that I thought it must be a tunic—part of a shepherd costume perhaps. When the student told me it was his regular shirt and not an oversized costume, I questioned him, “Are you sure?” He grabbed the shirt off the hanger and laughed: “Yeah, we grow up fast.”

In the church calendar, we enter the season of Christmas on December 25 with the birth of the Christ the infant, and we quickly arrive at the baptism of the adult Jesus on January 8. His immersion in the River Jordan marks the beginning of his adult ministry.

Many authors and historians have imagined and hypothesized about the childhood of Jesus, including Christopher Moore, whose book “Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ’s Childhood Pal” is one of my favorites. Yet the Bible is remarkably quiet about Jesus’ young life. Apart from the birth narrative, the only story we have comes from the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 2.

We’re told that when Jesus is 12, he and his parents travel to Jerusalem for the Festival of Passover. When the caravan of travelers departs, Jesus chooses to stay behind without telling his parents. It takes his mom and dad three days to find him once they realize he’s missing. Upon discovering him in the temple, a distraught Mary confronts Jesus. He responds, “Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?”

I can imagine Mary and Joseph’s frustration and fear at losing their son. I can also imagine them thinking back to that first Christmas with the shepherds and angels and thinking to themselves, “How did he grow up so fast?”

What words of reprimand did Mary and Joseph offer the near-teenager in Jerusalem? And what awe and wonder did they later share with one another as they reflected on their son coming of age among the teachers in the temple?

One of the blessings of being a part of a community like Central is that we get to share memories with one another, mark each others’ growth, and celebrate new directions in each others’ lives. As we reminisce about 2011 and look forward to 2012, may we marvel at the birth of Christ into the world as an infant, may we struggle with what it means to come of age in our lives and faith, and may we pray with wonder about the new paths God is calling us to walk.

In love,

Kat

From Claudia

The tinsel is still up as I write this, but already I am looking forward to 2012! After a wonder-filled Advent and continuing Christmas season it seems appropriate that we have begun not only a new liturgical year, but that it almost coincides with the new calendar year. And, the New Year falls right in the middle of the liturgical Christmas season! This is a time to bring that hope from Christmas forward into that New Year of 2012.

I like to use the analogy of people traveling together on a journey. We are in community, but we travel not as those who have arrived, but as those who are on the road in each other’s company. And, the road that we travel in life is full of bumps and twists and turns. We need each other for company, don’t we? While there is often beauty on the way, there is also ugliness. I think the Church in general is often perceived by those outside the Church as a “manureless” place, or at least a place that should be “manureless”! Our “stables” in our lives have been sanitized by the sweet picture of the Baby in the manger. However, like so much of existence, stable life is anything but “perfect”! The fact that it isn’t—that all of life isn’t—is painfully obvious. And yet, as Christians we have hope. How can that be?

It is because that’s part of the wonderful reversals of God! Saints are sinners and sinners are saints. We all have hope and we carry that hope forward into the world. In Isaiah 48:17-18 we read, “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you for your own good, who leads you in the way you should go. O that you had paid attention to my commandments! Then your prosperity (sometimes this is translated as peace) would have been like a river.” Our lives may indeed be filled with “would have beens,” but our hope remains secure.

Note that the tense is different in the first verse quoted. “I am the Lord your God”… “who teaches” and “who leads.” The present is possible even amidst the manure of life—even life which is filled with oh so imperfect people! Perhaps one of the greatest thanksgivings that we as followers of Christ can offer is that God never, ever gives up on us…

Blessings to you as you carry the hope of the Christmas season within your hearts and throughout your journey into 2012!

Yours in hope and peace,

Claudia

Celebrating Our Belonging to Central

March 3, 2012

Last year the Stewardship Committee started a conversation with members on what it means to belong to Central Congregational Church. We learned through small group discussions in members’ homes that we are blessed to belong to a Christian community that touches people’s hearts and minds. Being part of Central creates bonds of fellowship that enrich our faith and our connectedness with a wider mission.
This year the Stewardship Committee invites every member to come to a Community Dinner on March 3, 2012 to continue the conversation on what Central means to you and to celebrate the richness in our community of faith. THIS IS A NIGHT NOT TO BE MISSED –

SO MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW!

We will gather together in Chapel Hall at 5:00 PM for wine and hors d’oevres. As we mingle and connect, we will have a chance to be inspired on how our giving of time, talent, and treasure makes a difference in our lives and our greater community. Following our community gathering time, we will go to different members’ homes to enjoy a lovely dinner and continue the conversation on what belonging to Central means to each of us.

We will be sending out SAVE THE DATE cards shortly and the details for signing up to attend the Community Dinner will be posted in the February newsletter.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to speak to any member of the Stewardship Committee: Ann Scott, Mary Hazeltine, Curt Richardson, Kristin DeKuiper, Mary-Beth Fafard, Sharon Rounds, Don Forsyth, Rob Edwards, Omay Elphick, David Kim, Geoff O’Hara, Beth Newberry

PETER & PAUL

CCC Adult Sunday School
9:00 a.m. on 1/8, 1/15, 1/22, & 1/29
Fireplace Room
Learn about the Christian revolution that took place after Jesus’ death through the efforts of the men and women who proclaimed that Jesus was the Messiah. “The early followers of Jesus faced powerful obstacles. The might of the Roman Empire and the dangerous politics of ancient Jerusalem lay a heavy burden on those who believed in Jesus. But the new faith would not die.” In a brief span of time, this movement would transcend its origins in the provinces of Rome and absorb the capital of the Empire itself. Come and learn how Paul and Peter led one of the most amazing religious movements in the history of the world! Questions? Call Claudia at 331-1960.

CCC MEDITATION GROUP

Thursday, January 5
6:00-7:00 p.m. in the Deacon’s Room

Join us as we explore our faith through thoughtful reflection. Whether you call it meditation, contemplation, mindful deliberation, or any other descriptive name, the practice of spending regular time in such a practice is just plain good for the body and the soul. Call Claudia with any questions—331-1960.

ANGELLIC KNITTERS

Sunday, January 8
12:00-1:30 p.m. Deacon’s Room

Make it your New Year’s resolution to join us! All are welcome: knitters, those who aspire to knit, and those who just want to experience fellowship and participate in the blessing of the prayer shawls that are lovingly made for others! As an added bonus, if you’ve always wanted to learn how to knit we’ll teach you! Questions? Call Janice Libby or Claudia.

Going On, A Mini-Retreat for a New Year

Thursday, January 19
Deacon’s Room, 6:00-8:30 p.m.

“Year’s end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us.” (Hal Borland)

Start 2012 off well by giving yourself the gift of time for contemplation in the company of CCC friends! At 6:00 p.m. we will gather together around the table for a soup and bread supper. After supper we will scatter throughout the building to observe a time of contemplative silence. At 8:15 we’ll gather again for a time of sharing and prayer…and be on our way refreshed and renewed by 8:30. Please RSVP to Claudia, 331-1960.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

February 9
At the home of Janet Jagger

On February 9^th we will be discussing Peace Like a River by Leif Enger. Publishers Weekly says, “This is a stunning debut novel, one that sneaks up on you like a whisper and warms you like a quilt in a North Dakota winter, a novel about faith, miracles and family that is, ultimately, miraculous.” This book also comes highly recommended by a couple of members of Food For Thought. Why not see for yourself? Pick up a copy and join in the discussion!

Under the Shade of the Green Tree

This month let’s learn about composting. First why compost? It put organic matter back into the earth to enrich the soil for better plant growth.

What should we compost? All vegetable matter: kitchen wastes and lawn clippings, cardboard (without plastic or writing), and paper that has been through the shredder. No meat or oil. Oak leaves and pine needles are good to add. Shred them first so they will break down more quickly. Grass clippings are good too, but be sure to mix with brown materials that add carbon. Too much grass will make the compost smell. I use a mulching mower so my clippings go back into the lawn.

Plants that have been treated with herbicides should not be used. Compost decomposes fastest between 120 and 160 degrees. Cooler temps will require longer composting time. The compost pile should remain damp. Add water to each new layer and turn the pile every 2 weeks.
You can soak the finished compost in water to make a brew for a nutrient rich liquid to feed your plants, or add compost to the garden 2-4 weeks before planting to give the compost time to integrate with the soil.

Special for banana skins: roses like potassium and bananas are full of potassium. Just lay the cut up skins in the soil around the roses and let the rain take the nutrients into the roots.
Special for coffee grounds: acid-loving plants like coffee grounds. Azaleas, rhododendrons and hydrangeas all like coffee grounds. Just sprinkle on the root systems.

To get the best results get a compost bin. Be sure it will be in a place that gets sun, and lets all put some good waste back into our earth.

-Norm Leard & Janice Schmidt

Dear Friends,

Thank you so much for your response to the call for more turkeys! Your contributions of “birds” and checks that were turned into turkeys helped us distribute 466 turkey baskets. This was a record for us. When I told Rebecca that I was concerned that we would have enough turkeys, my goal was 425. Your generosity made it possible for us to give a Thanksgiving basket to everyone who came. What a wonderful feeling it was not to have to turn anyone away.

You have made Thanksgiving a very happy one for many families who otherwise would not have has a great deal for which to be thankful.

-Mary Hazeltine, Co-Director Camp St Food Pantry

Yeah!

Congratulations to Gardner and Frances Munro. Their grandson, Calvin Michael Hulley, was born on November 14, 2011!

Got Mission?

Have you Got Mission? Dive with one of our many activities of the Mission & Action Committee.

Mission Lunch:Please join us for the next Mission Lunch on Sunday January 22^nd immediately following church. Barbara Silvis will discuss the current status of homelessness and affordable housing in Rhode Island. A bread and soup lunch will be served.

Hands-on Opportunities: In addition to donations, the M&A committee provides numerous opportunities for involvement in our Mission projects throughout the year. Each Tuesday, members serve breakfast at Amos House from 6:30 a.m. until 8:30 a.m. Contract Tracy Baran  for more information.
On the first Saturday of each month, members serve with Habitat for Humanity for a half-day from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., no experience required. Contact Sandi Seltzer for more information.

Members participate in the Camp Street Neighborhood Ministries food distribution on the last Saturday of each month from 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 p.m. Contact Beth Taylor for more information.

Mount Hope Learning Center needs volunteers for its after-school group to help do homework and tutor students and help plan events for children and for its women’s group to help plan and staff events. Please contact Janet Anderson  for more information.

Ongoing Collections:

Camp Street Clothing Collection: Donate new or gently used clothing for the clothing closet at Camp Street Ministries. Drop off your donations at the large wooden box in the hallway in Chapel Hall. Email Beth Taylor for more information.

Food Collection for Camp Street: Don’t forget your weekly food donations, to be brought up to the front of the church during the first hymn. The amount of those living in hunger in Rhode Island is growing each day—Camp Street needs your donations more than ever!

Sojourner House Appeal for Toiletries: Sojourner House has a critical need for toiletry items for its women. Please consider donating: toothbrushes, toothpaste (full size), Bars of soap (full size), shampoo and conditioner (full size), shaving cream, disposable razors (for women), and Feminine hygiene products. Please drop off your donated items at church in the bin marked Sojourner House.

Rebecca’s Noon Book Group

The group meets on Thursday, January 26 to discuss “Birds Without Wings” by deBernieres. “Eden’s Outcasts” by John Matteson will be discussed on Thursday, February 23. All are invited to join this lively group.