February ’11 Newsletter
CentralNEWS/February 2011
VOLUME 19 NUMBER 2
296 Angell Street Providence RI 02906 401-331-1960
FROM YOUR SENIOR MINISTER
Dear Friends,
Some of you may not be aware that at Central we have a faithful group of people who have agreed to pray for others on a regular basis. We welcome persons to the prayer tree and we pray for those who have filled out a prayer request card from the prior Sunday worship service as well as for individual requests or for community or global concerns. (Please let me know if you have a prayer request or if you would like to be included as one of those who prays for others.)
This past week, I received a prayer request which read like this: “Please pray for: everyone who doesn’t have anyone to pray for them”. I was so touched by this request, as it made me ponder those who may indeed have no one to pray for them. Someone all alone in the world. Someone who has alienated friends and family. Someone who has lost all the people to whom he or she was close. Someone isolated by addiction or illness. Someone who has pushed away those who might indeed care for that person. Someone whose anger or prejudice may have shut them inside themselves and closed out a caring world.
There might be any number of reasons that a person might not have anyone to pray for them. And as I reflect on this, I find the request even more poignant. For isn’t that our call as Christians – to pray constantly for ourselves and for others.
In these cold days of winter, I especially reflect on those who may be outside in inclement weather; and I add my prayers for their comfort and sustenance. May they know that someone cares. In addition to the tangible help of donating clothes and blankets and money, making sure there are shelters and working for affordable housing, prayer makes a difference, I do believe.
And I intend to add to my own daily prayers this one. I will pray for everyone who doesn’t have anyone to pray for them. I pray that God hears our prayers, and that this makes a difference in our world, and in persons’ lives.
Yours, faithfully,
Rebecca
New Member Luncheon
Sunday, February 6
Please join the Membership Committee in welcoming new members of the Congregation at a luncheon immediately following the Sunday service on February 6. As is our custom, the luncheon will be a potluck, and members of the Congregation are requested to bring a salad, vegetable, side dish, or dessert to share; the Membership Committee will provide the main dishes. The New Member Luncheons are an enjoyable time of fellowship and a relaxing way to meet and welcome new members to our Congregation. We hope you’ll join us!
Our prayers and sympathy are with the family and friends of:
Katharine S. Turner who died January 4, 2011.
A Memorial Service was held at Central Congregational Church on January 8.
May God’s comfort surround all those who mourn.
Our thoughts and prayers are with:
Elaine Perry Her sister died in January.
Baptism
The Sacrament of Baptism is an important part of our worship life together. The next Baptism will be celebrated on Sunday, May 1, 2011
Meetings to prepare parents for Baptism are usually 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.
What My Faith Means to Me
We are hoping to publish a new 2011 edition of our 2003 version of “What My Faith Means to Me” or “Faith is Central.”
Please participate in this effort – we are hoping to have contributions from all members of the congregation…from brand new waddlers and toddlers to the long time members. If you can take a moment to sit down and think about your faith, please do so. Write down your thoughts – these can be in poem form, list form, question form, or an essay, and send them in to cccangell@centralchurch.us. We will compile your contributions into a booklet to be published by Lent of 2011. So don’t procrastinate, please submit your thoughts by Tuesday, February 22. Think now about this very important effort and put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard and share what is most important with your fellow members.
Any questions, see one of the clergy and thank you for your help.
Rebecca, Claudia, Kat
From Kat
On one of the coldest Saturday nights this winter, over 30 youth and adult volunteers from Central and Newman Churches slept outside in boxes to raise awareness about homelessness in RI. Media coverage and word-of-mouth brought the group publicity as well as donations. With your help, most of us stayed outside the whole night, and we collected an entire cargo van full of toiletries, warm clothes, sleeping bags, food and blankets for Amos House.
And then, after our cardboard city was cleaned up on Sunday morning, we all went home.
I am writing this newsletter article from a heated room, and I am reveling in the warmth! My one-night experience cannot come close to that of a person who is actually homeless, but I will say that the night transformed the way I think about poverty. My experience also helped me appreciate things I previously took for granted like hygiene, food choice, and privacy.
Showing up to worship “unclean” Sunday morning after the sleepout, I felt self-conscious and apologetic. Several people commented that they didn’t recognize me. In my worn-down state, I quickly grew defensive and impatient with people laughing at my clothing and appearance. After our night in boxes, I am even more thankful that I have access to warm, clean water and amenities like soap and toothpaste. I want to remember that in the fight against poverty and homelessness, human dignity matters.
Another thing I appreciate more after participating in the sleepout is that I have choices when it comes to what I will eat and when I will eat. We had plenty of soup and snacks brought to us throughout the night, but I have to admit that I missed my home fridge a little bit. Relying on other people to feed you requires giving up control over what you put in your body and when. I remember years ago a colleague saying we shouldn’t take soda to the homeless shelter because “homeless people don’t need that unhealthy, sugary stuff.” Well, last night, I really wish we had some soda! I know I didn’t need any soda, but I was cold and tired, and something sweet just sounded good. I want to remember that having choices when it comes to food feels really good and that receiving treats, be they fresh veggies or sweets, can boost spirits in difficult times.
There are many aspects of my life I will appreciate more after our night outside, but the last one I want to mention is privacy. In our box city, we could hear the breathing, snoring, and giggling of everyone around us. My experience made me even more thankful for our home and the freedom we have shut doors and be alone if we choose. I will say that the community that formed overnight was incredibly intimate and supportive. With everyone “in it together,” deep trust seemed to emerge organically, even among students who had just met. I personally felt comforted by church members and friends who supported us with food, presence, and prayer throughout the night. I want to remember the depth of care our community is capable of sharing in challenging times.
As we enter the season of “Ordinary Time,” I pray that we continue our extraordinary welcome and service to all of God’s children.
Stay Warm,
Kat
From Claudia
This month a group of Central Church women will be spending some time on retreat thinking about what it means to be “standing on the threshold.” If you think about it, we have all stood on many different thresholds throughout the course of our lives. Sometimes we teetered there willing ourselves to cross them, and at other times we ran through them with the wind at our back. Some thresholds are easier to cross than others, aren’t they?
Standing on a threshold means to pause as one anticipates entering into a time of transition. And transitions change us. The best thresholds and the transitions that follow bring us into a time that transforms us and we are never the same afterwards. This does not mean that all thresholds are entrances to easier lives. The reality is that many transitional thresholds lead us to places we would rather not go. However, others lead us to times that are anticipated and welcomed. It is what we do with that transformational transition that makes all the difference. Thresholds—of all kinds—can be lonely places. For Christians, though, we know that we don’t walk alone! In every moment of doorstep entry—being on the verge, the brink of something new—Jesus is there with us.
Think about it: in Revelation 3:20 we read that Jesus stands at your doorstep: “Look, I’m standing at the door and knocking. If anyone listens to my voice and opens the door, I’ll come in and we’ll eat together.” You are not alone, no matter what lies behind or ahead of you on that doorstep.
If you are in the process of standing on a threshold of life, ask yourself, where is God in this transitional time in my life? Look back at the thresholds you have stood on, as well as those you have crossed over and then search out the places where God accompanied you—and know that you are still being accompanied. Remember that God is always there at the center of your transition waiting to continually transform you into the person God intends you to be. A threshold is sacred, as are you because you are made in God’s image…
Yours on the threshold,
Claudia
CHURCH SCHOOL NEWS!
In the fall, I asked the “Dream-maker” Class (6th – 8th graders) a lot of questions about themselves, their likes, dislikes, etc.
One question was to name their favorite children’s storybook, and then a recent book they’ve enjoyed. It seemed worthwhile to share this great list with both young and old in our church family, for cozy winter reading:
FAVORITE CHILDREN’S STORYBOOKS:
· Blueberry’s for Sal
· Sam and Sid
· The Cat in the Hat
· Where the Wild Things Are
· The Snowy Day
· Harold and the Purple Crayon
· Kitten’s First Full Moon
· Clifford the Big Red Dog
· Elmo and Friends
· Dinosaur Bob
· A Day at the Beach
· Good Night Moon
· The Doctor Suess Sleepbook
RECENT FAVORITES:
· Invention of Hugo Cabret
· Percy Jackson books (chosen by many)
· Harry Potter (chosen by many)
· Dan Brown books
· Hunger Games (chosen by many)
· Last Apprentice
· The Lightening Thief (chosen by a few)
Now we know what to check out if we want to know what our Junior High students are enjoying!
And, remember, we’re never too old to be read to–storybooks, chapter books, etc.! I’ll add to the list my favorite family ‘read aloud’ series, C.S.Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia, particularly book 1, 5 and 6.
Love and blessings in this season that brings us ‘inside’,
Cathy Clasper-Torch
Committee Faire
Sunday, February 13
During coffee hour following our Sunday service, come to Chapel Hall where each of our committees will have an informative display and some committee members available to answer your questions concerning their committee. Learn about the wide variety of opportunities for each of us to serve our Church and our mission!
FROM THE DEACON’S BENCH
In August 2010, Kat asked me to help teach this year’s confirmation class. Initially, I was apprehensive. I felt my knowledge of the Bible was not enough to be helpful to the four young adults who were about to embark on one of life’s most important journeys. However, after thinking of the reasons why I could not do it, I prayed and asked God for guidance. We must have FAITH in God, to take on those challenges when presented, even if we think we are not ready. Knowing that you will be given the strength and knowledge to achieve what is asked of you, I remembered Matthew 4:16 where Jesus said, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
During the past 5 months, I have learned just as much from the confirmands as I have shared with them. I am eager to see what the next 3 months have in store for each of the students as well as Kat and me. As written in Matthew 17:20, if your FAITH is the size of a mustard seed, you can move mountains.
Working with this fascinating group of young adults- Anna, Jia, Ben, and Will, along with Kat’s leadership it has been one of the most spiritual events in my life. As I reflect back and think I could have said no, God stepped in and I dropped my nets of apprehension and with just one mustard seed of FAITH, I was able to take on this small but very awesome job.
I would like to end with a passage from a poem titled “Stand in FAITH” written by Evangelist Johnnye V. Chandler.
Stand in FAITH
Even when you can’t see your way
Stand in Faith
Even when you feel like you can’t face another day
Stand in Faith
Even when the tears want to flow from your eyes
Stand in Faith
Knowing that our God will always provide
Stand in Faith
Even when you feel that all hope is gone
Stand in Faith
Knowing that He is always there for you to lean on
-God Bless, Larry Kellam
On the path toward ordination
One of the new members who is joining Central on February 6, Ruth Hainsworth, has another connection with our church. At their January meeting Central’s Board of Deacons granted her “Member in Discernment” status. This is the first formal step in one’s journey toward ordination. It signifies that the local church believes the individual discerns – or feels – a call to ordained Christian ministry, and that the church agrees to support and counsel that individual through that journey.
Ruth has felt that call and is now in her third and final year of formal studies at Harvard Divinity School, expecting to graduate this May. She joins James DeBoer and Michael Mageau, other Central “Members in Discernment”.
WHERE DOES THE MONEY GO?
Funds set aside in our church budget for repairs and maintenance are spent as needed and approved by the Plant and Properties committee and in many cases are unpredictable.
We started this season with a heating problem that cost $1,600 to correct. Most recently we spent about $2,000 to rebuild our dishwasher, rather than $12,000 to buy a new one. We await our next problem while planning for long range projects.
All is not negative; a generous donor saw a need and provided the money to replace the outside door complete with all the necessary hardware to the Makepeace Room. Many thanks from all of us for your generosity.
Any questions about repairs and/or replacements can be directed to Wes Yando or Ed Bishop.
ISLAM: EMPIRE OF FAITH
CCC Adult Sunday School
9:00 a.m. on 2/6, 2/20, 2/27
NO Class on 2/13!!!
Fireplace Room
Learn about the history of Islam in the first 1000 years after Muhammad’s death. One of the most important events after the fall of Rome was the rise of Islam. In a few centuries there were vast Islamic empires across Africa, India, the East Indies, the Middle East, and Spain. This class will explore this explosion of Islam and the consequences that the expansion of Islamic civilization has had in history. Art and architecture are combined with interviews with scholars from all over the world contemplating the significance of these events. Questions? Call Claudia at 331-1960.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Thursday, February 24
7:00-8:30 p.m. at Claudia Demick’s
As part of Claudia’s doctoral project we will be discussing chapters 5-9 of the remarkable book by Sandy Tolan called The Lemon Tree: An Arab, A Jew, and the Heart of the Middle East. “What began with a simple act of faith between two young people grew into a dialogue of four decades that represents the region’s hope for peace and self-determination. Written with grace and compassion, The Lemon Tree is a reminder of all that is at stake, and all that is still possible.”
Welcome New Members!
The following will unite with us in Membership on Sunday, February 6. Please join us in welcoming them warmly into our church family.
Peter and Ruth Hainsworth
Riverside, RI 02915
Ruth is in care with Central Church and will graduate from Harvard Divinity School in May. She is seeking ordination in the UCC. Peter is a special education teacher. They feel Central has a wonderful reputation and program opportunities.
Robert and Sally Kaloostian
Warwick, RI 02888
Robert is president of Virginia & Spanish Peanut Company. He enjoys sports, boating and gardening. Sally enjoys time with family, gardening and reading. They hope to work in community outreach and they join their daughter, Julie Passafaro, in membership.
Gina Mazza
Providence, RI 02906
Gina is at home with her 2 children, Sofia and Dominic. She and her husband, David, recently moved from Bronxville, NY. She enjoy tennis, skiing, sports, films, and traveling. Sofia attends church school and Gina likes the close knit community feel of Central. She is interested in teaching in our church school and feeding the homeless.
Tanya Solberg
Providence, RI 02906
Tanya is a registered dietitian. She enjoys cooking, traveling, & music. Our music, youth programs, and family friends who are members helped them decide on Central. She is interested in helping in the church school. Her husband, Juan Hurtado, is from Spain and they are the parents of 2 young children, Elena and Lucas.
Noon Book Group
Rebecca’s Noon Book Group next meets on Thursday, February 24 to discuss Stephen Ambrose’s Undaunted Courage. All are invited to join this lively lunch.
Sponsor a Haiti Volunteer
We will be traveling to Haiti from March 16-21. While in Haiti, we work with local clinics and schools and expand the 20-year + work of the RI Conference by reaching out to four partner orphanages. We know not everyone can go to Haiti, but your money and prayers can certainly travel with us! For a small gift of $30, you could put a roof over one of our volunteer’s heads for a night. For $200, you could support a Haitian translator or driver. Local support on the ground helps us communicate and keep safe as we navigate difficult areas! Your financial gifts will support the valuable work of volunteers and local Haitians who are continuing to work for healing and hope in Haiti! Please make checks payable to Central Congregational Church and specify “Haiti Mission” in the memo.
Here are your 2011 Haiti Volunteers!
Daehler Hayes Amanda Manjone
Karen Hopkinson Lora Spalt
Warren Jagger Suzanne Swanson
Gardner Munro Kat Townes
RETREAT INTO READING…With Special Guest,
Monday, February 21
7:00-8:30 p.m. Hamilton House Parlor
“Go on a journey from self to Self, my friend…
Such a journey transforms the earth into a mine of gold.”
The great Sufi mystic Jalal-ud-Din Rumi (1207-1273 C.E.) was born in Afghanistan and left behind an extraordinary collection of poems. This month we will read Teachings of Rumi by Andrew Harvey and discuss Rumi’s search for divine truth and vision as experienced through his poetry and prose. Join us for an evening of exploration of the wisdom of an 800-year-old Islamic mystic who still speaks to us today! Questions? Call Claudia at 331-1960.
Join us for Central’s 20’s 30’s Group!
March 11—Movie Night Out
April 8—Lazer Tag
May 13—BBQ in the Park
Email: kat@centralchurch.us to get on the 20/30s mailing list and hear more about upcoming events.
What needs fixin’
The Care of the Interior Committee would like your input on projects that need to be undertaken in the church. If you have any suggestions regarding spaces in the church that you use, please forward them to Mike Hopkins at MHOPKINS1125@yahoo.com
STEWARDSHIP 2010-2011
CARING, COMMUNITY, COMMITMENT AND CONTRIBUTION is this year’s Stewardship Theme at CENTRAL CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
(4 C’S FOR 3 C)
This year we will be arranging Small Group Get-Togethers in late February and March at members’ homes. Leaders will help us as we discuss what has been accomplished this past year as well as what the church’s hopes and dreams are for next year and how we can be good stewards to continue the mission here at CCC. At the beginning of February each member for whom we have an e-mail address will be receiving an e-mail of where and when these groups will be meeting. You can then respond to the e-mail or sign up for one of these groups at Coffee Hour after church on Sunday, February 6th or Sunday, February 13th. Or you can call Mary Hazeltine (751-0644) for details as to when and where these get-togethers will take place. Your Stewardship Committee has been hard at work planning these sessions and arranging for and preparing the Leaders for these sessions. We look forward to having 100% participation at these groups to support the 4 C’s AT CCC.
-Mary Hazeltine and Ann Scott, Co-Chairs Stewardship
ANGELLIC KNITTERS
Sunday, February 13 11:30-1:00 p.m. Chapel Hall
Come join your knitting friends in Chapel Hall at the annual Committee Fair! Central’s knitters will be there at their display demonstrating the art of knitting with theological intent! Not only are Prayer Shawls knitted with prayers for the one who will receive it, but they are also prayerfully blessed by the group before they are given away. It’s a very special ministry. Stop by, touch the shawls, feel the strength of the yarn in your fingers, and know that this is yet another of Central’s ministries which not only bind us together, but which also reach out to others outside of Central. Interested in being part of this? Call Janice Libby or Claudia.
NEW MEDITATION GROUP FORMING!
Time and Place TBD
Whether you call it meditation, contemplation, mindful deliberation, thoughtful reflection or any variety of other descriptive names, the practice of spending regular time in such a practice is good for the body and the soul. Time and place will be determined by the participants. Interested?? Call Claudia at 331-1960.
GOT MISSION?
Have you Got Mission? Be part of the numerous activities of the Mission & Action Committee.
All of the organizations that we support are struggling financially to meet the growing demands of the hungry, impoverished and homeless in our Rhode Island community. Please remember the on-going collections at Central as you are cleaning out your closets or out shopping for basic needs. Also watch in February in church to hear about creative ways to contribute to mission!
Camp Street Clothing Collection. Donate new or gently used clothing for the clothing closet at Camp Street Ministries. Place donations in the large wooden box in the hallway in Chapel Hall. Email Beth Taylor Elizabeth_taylor@brown.edu for more information.
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! Also check out the Rhode Island Community Foodbank’s Witnesses to Hunger exhibit in the Gallery as you are coming into church to view pictoral testimonials regarding hunger and homelessness in Rhode Island.
Amos House Appeal for Toiletries. Amos House has a critical need for winter and toiletry items for its residents and walk-in guests. Please consider donating: new or gently used blankets or sleeping bags, new or gently used coats (no other clothes please), toothbrushes, toothpaste (full size), Bars of soap (full size), shampoo and conditioner (full size), shaving cream, disposable razors (for men and women), and Feminine hygiene products. Please drop off your donated items at 413 Friendship Street in Providence, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. You can also bring your donations to church. See Tracy Baran or email her at thebarans@cox.net to coordinate drop-off/pick up.
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 at thebarans@cox.net 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 at sseltza@verizon.net. On the second Saturday of each month, members assist with the Mount Hope Learning Center cooking club from 10 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Contact Janet Anderson for more information at andersonjanl@cox.net. 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 at Elizabeth_taylor@brown.edu for more information.
For a new opportunity, help teach ESL at the Rochambeau Library Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 p.m.-2 p.m. Training is available. For more information, contact Victoria Richter at victoria_richter@cox.net or Kat Townes at kat@centralchurch.us.
Mark your calendars for the spring Mission Day, to be held on Saturday, May 21st from 9 a.m. until noon.
Feed a Hungry Youth Volunteer in Chicago!
This summer, youth volunteers from Central will travel to Chicago for a week-long mission trip. This year, we are responsible for providing our own food. How much do you figure it costs to feed one student for a week (21 meals)? $50? $100? $150? Don’t let a young person go hungry for the week! Donate as you are able—every little bit counts! Checks can be made payable to Central Congregational Church and left with Peg or Marilyn in the church office. Please note that your check is for the “Youth Trip” or “Youth Meals.”
Youth Group Wish List
The youth group is in the process of restoring their youth room! To help us keep the youth room clean and safe, we could really use…
2 dehumidifiers
Can you help us?
Ski Trip
NEOS and WORD Family Ski Trip to Mt. Snow, February 11-12
Join us for the NEOS (6-8th grades) and WORD (9-12th grades) family ski trip! We’ll leave Friday afternoon, spend Saturday playing, and return Saturday night. Activities include skiing, hiking, snowboarding, tubing, sledding, and more. Parents, siblings, and friends are all welcome. Lodging provided by the West Dover Congregational Church for $25/person; include showers, a cot, and a kitchen. Space is limited, so email Kat ASAP for a cot with your name on it!
Read about youth activities online!
Set your browser to
http://centralchurch.us/index.php/youth and bookmark the page. Youth activities are updated weekly on Monday mornings.
